The Maple Murders

Chapter 5 - Hidden beneath it all

Tuesday, January 10th, 12:00 PM.
Emma's heart pounded as she sat in the director's office. The chair was comfortable enough, yet her anxiety and anticipation made the leather armrests feel slippery and cold under her sweaty palms. The previous summons had been nothing more than a small discussion, but Emma knew this one was different. While Anderson was widely known for his kindness and sympathy, only a few were aware of his sharp and unforgiving side. A side that was rare to encounter, yet one Emma may soon meet.

"Emma..." Anderson sighed. "I'm sure you're already aware why I've called you here today, but in case you don't, I would like to discuss the events from last night, regarding your patient Justin Miller."

Just the mere mention of that name made Emma feel a massive wave of guilt, weighing down every aspect of her mind and body. It was as if a boulder of guilt had been placed on her, making it difficult to even think straight.

"Twenty-eight-year-old man, suspected cyanide poisoning." Anderson read aloud one of the documents opposite him. "The autopsy revealed that he died from an air embolism. I've already called Ash in, and she's explained the entire situation."

Anderson locked his eyes with Emma, his expression was one she'd never seen before. "I understand that you've been feeling on edge recently, and making mistakes is a part of learning. But your mistakes are costing lives, Emma."

'My mistakes are costing lives...? Just what on earth did Ash tell him?!'

"Here at this hospital, we save lives, not take them." Anderson's words were laced with anger and his manner changed from a calm discussion to a stern scolding. "Small avoidable mistakes are just not acceptable and cannot be tolerated."

The audible frustration was clear in Anderson's tone, as well as the fact that he was taking his anger out on Emma, rather than calmly discussing the issue as he had described it initially.

The weight of shame rested heavy on Emma's shoulders. She was not accustomed to being in trouble. Despite her best efforts to maintain eye contact with Anderson in a professional manner, she wanted nothing more than to curl up into a ball and disappear.

"As a result of your mistakes, for the safety of our patients, we've decided to temporarily remove your right to give intravenous procedures to patients."

Anderson continued to explain the new boundaries put in place, but Emma could barely listen. The news of her suspension only added to her already overwhelming emotions. She felt guilty for her 'mistake', but the thought of being punished was more than just humiliating – it was devastating, sending her over the edge. Unable to hold back her sobs, she buried her face into her hands and tears flowed down her face.

For a moment, the idea of telling Anderson the truth about Ash crossed Emma's mind. She needed something, just something to put the blame on, otherwise the huge boulder of regret, embarrassment and shame would crush her bones into millions of pieces. But she couldn't bring herself to tell him. The truth, in this instance, would sound too much like a fiction. Anderson would never have believed her. Besides, surely this was better than being murdered by her so-called 'partner,' right?

"I-I'm so sorry..." Emma sobbed as she looked up at Anderson, desperately hoping he would accept her apology for making such a major mistake. However, when Anderson only sat there silently and awkwardly, she felt even more mortified. After what seemed like an eternity, Anderson finally passed Emma a tissue and sent her home to rest.

As she made her way down one of the many busy corridors, Emma kept head down, tucked into her coat as she tried to hide her red, swollen eyes from being noticed. She was overwhelmed by her situation. Her mind was clouded with guilt, regret, tears and anger, so much so that a headache started to form. 'But why?'