Does that mean you will take the case Zach asked.
Not really, no Adrian said.
Ad, please, I'm begging you as your best friend, Kennedy said.
Emotional blackmailing should also be a crime, Adrian said sighing.
He stared at the scans for a moment, lost in thought, before finally looking up at Zach.
You know, there’s another article that comes to mind—New York CPLR Section 3012-b, the requirement for a certificate of merit in medical malpractice cases. It says that before a lawyer can file a medical malpractice lawsuit, they need to consult a medical expert who will attest that there’s a reasonable basis for the claim. You can’t just go to court without having some expert support.
Zach nodded, curious about where this was going.
Adrian continued, In medicine, it’s kind of the same thing. Before taking on a high-risk surgery like this, you have to know deep down that there’s at least a chance for success—an expert opinion, if you will. You don’t step into the OR just because someone wants you to. You do it because, despite the risks, you know there’s a path, even if it’s a slim one.
He glanced at the scans again, taking a deep breath. Looking at this, the odds are terrible. There’s a good chance they won’t make it. But I’ve seen worse situations turn around. It’s like that certificate of merit—there’s just enough evidence here for me to say that there’s a reasonable basis to give these boys a fighting chance.
Zach’s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. Dylan hugged Adrian. Adrian got out of the hug only for Zach to hug him too. He sighed and hugged Zach back.
Really, Zach said he was crying.
Yes, Adrian said, his voice more resolute now. I’ll take the case. It’s risky, but I think we can make it work. We just need to treat it like we’re preparing a case in court—gather all the evidence, strategize, and execute with precision. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s enough for me to try.
Thank you and I'm sorry for hugging you, I know we are not at that stage yet Dylan said.
Welcome and what do you mean yet, you and I are never hugging. If you ever touch me I'll kick you, Okay Zach that's enough hugging, please take your brother off me, Adrian said.
Ahh let him be, it's cute Kennedy said.
Ken, Adrian said warningly.
Geez what crawled up your ass and died, Kennedy said removing Zach from Adrian.
You are team leader, chose your team members, wisely Dr Melony said.
Ken, I chose you baby, Adrian said.
I said, team, not a pair, Dr Melony said.
Ken who are we choosing as the rest of the cast, Adrian asked.
Why are you asking me, you are the one leading this operation, Kennedy said.
Help me choose members before I change my mind about this Adrian said.
No take backsies, Kennedy said.
Kennedy then took a deep breath and began naming the team. Alright, we’ll need Dr. Natalie Rivers, our best anesthesiologist. She’s a genius at monitoring complex cases like this. We’ll also need Dr. Howard Grant, one of our top pediatric surgeons. He’ll be crucial for the post-op care and anything we might miss with the younger systems.
He paused, then continued. For the nurses, I’d go with Nurse Ariana Collins. She’s handled high-stakes surgeries with me before, and she’s got the steady hands we need for delicate work. And Nurse Jordan Mitchell, the ICU lead. If anything goes wrong, Jordan’s the one you want stabilizing the patients.
Adrian nodded, satisfied. Good choices. Looks like we’ve got our team, wait who will be assisting us
Kennedy paused for a moment, thinking through the logistics. You’re right. We’ll need more hands on deck for something this complex.
For neurosurgery, I’d recommend Dr. Sean Patel, one of your most trusted residents. He’s precise, quick on his feet, and he knows how you operate, you work with him a lot. And for the cardiac side, Dr. Maya Thompson—she’s one of my best fellows. She can assist with the heart, especially if things get tricky mid-surgery.
Adrian nodded, considering. Yeah, they’ll make strong additions. Both are solid under pressure.
We should also have an extra set of hands from anesthesiology. Dr. Elena Vasquez, she’s been working closely with Dr. Rivers lately, and she’s sharp when it comes to anesthesia for complex surgeries, Kennedy said.
Adrian glanced at Kennedy. That should cover us on both fronts. We’ve got our assistants, nurses, and anesthesiology locked in.
Dr. Melony looked satisfied. Now that’s a full team. No room for error.
How long do we have before the surgery, Adrian asked.
A week, that's the longest we can keep them healthy before things go sideways Dylan said.
Can they be transported here, Adrian asked.
They are already here, Dr Melony said.
Fucker, you knew I was going to say yes, Adrian said.
If you didn't I would have got the director to convince you, now I'm going to page your team and let them know, Dr Melony said.
You aren't giving them options, Kennedy asked.
I'm ordering them to be in the OR with you, if we give them options then they might refuse, Dr Melony said.
He's right, you do you, Chief, Adrian said.
Ad that's so fucked up, you had an option and they don't, Kennedy said.
Sshhh, why are you screaming, if I'm going to be on this case I need people who are good enough to help save those babies, and they don't have to know they could refuse, if they all refuse I'm not doing the surgery, okay, Adrian said.
Okay, Kennedy said.
Okay, I'll be in the break room sleeping, wake me up when my team is in the OR, we need to practice, we only have a week, Adrian said leaving.
Why wasn't he wearing his wedding ring, Dylan asked.
He wears it on a neck lace around his neck, he says it messes with his hold on the scalpel, Kennedy said.
