A Rush of Blood to the Head

Absence

"I don't doubt Doctor Carter's abilities, Mark," Anspaugh said, pacing behind his desk. "I am more than impressed with him. What I'm not impressed with is learning about one of my surgeons working on a patient with a low heart rate and being right on the cusp of collapsing."

"I take full responsibility for that. I should have been more attentive," Peter responded. Knowing that this wasn't good for his career either, his blood and all its warmth left his head and settled in his feet. "If anyone should lose their job, it's me."

"No-one is losing their job, Peter. If that were the case, you'd all have to consider looking at other medical facilities. We're not here for that today. We're here to discuss what our next move will be. Whether he started the first incision or ran suction, he still worked on that patient in poor condition, and that is unacceptable. Why wasn't he in intensive care to begin with?"

"He was," Mark replied. "Doctor Weaver here decided to let him leave AMA."

Kerry shot him a glower. "Apart from being wobbly on his feet–"

"That's not what Lydia said..."

"He seemed well enough to work. I misjudged."

"I'm not hearing any suggestions," Anspaugh snipped and held his arms out. "I'm open for them. Mark, what about you? Anything?"

"I don't think a sabbatical is wise. The whole reason he came in here early today was so he could have a distraction. Given everything that's happened to him lately, I don't believe that being alone, at home, wherever that is, is a good idea."

"You're worried he might try something?"

"I am," he said with a nod. "I don't see any reason why he can't continue working. He isn't a danger to anyone else — you've seen him, you know how he is with patients — but to himself? It's possible."

"Kerry, do you agree?"

At first, she didn't respond, knowing that Mark would be disappointed in her answer, but then she realised that it was best if she had her say. So, with a deep breath, she said, "Halfway. I don't think he should work until he's better, mentally and physically."

"I see," Anspaugh looked to Peter next. "Benton?"

"I'm with Doctor Greene on this. Carter may have been out of it in that surgery room, but he was still alert and lucid. Just... slow."

Kerry shook her head. "No. I don't feel comfortable letting him do anything without supervision."

"I'll do it," Mark raised his hand halfway. "He works well with me, anyway," Mark slid Kerry a slightly firm glower. "Benton will do what he's always done, I'll look after him when he covers the ER. Sound good?"

Kerry conceded defeat. "Fine. But if we lose a patient because of a stupid mistake, it's on both of you."

"Fair enough. But it's not happening."

Anspaugh positioned himself on the edge of his desk. Arms folded, he gave Mark a stern, yet hopeful gaze. "Let's hope not."

**************

Mark walked in just after a nurse left. Worried that something happened, he rushed inside. "Carter? Jeez, you look miserable."

"Oh, thanks," John's voice was a tad hoarse. "You just missed a great performance from my digestive system. FYI, lime Jell-O isn't good coming up either."

His stomach turned. It was a good thing he hadn't eaten yet. "Sorry I didn't catch it..."

"That's okay. Wait twelve hours, you might get to see an encore."