Page 33 of Fractured Reunion

There were still five minutes to go before the meeting time, but when he heard deep male voices, he rose and came around to open his office door. Seeing Rob Kent brought a sense of relief.

The sooner he could get this meeting over with, the better.

“Rob. Dale. Please come in.” He opened his door so the two physicians could enter. Fullerton’s expression was earnest, as if he couldn’t imagine why he’d been called to the principal’s office.

Aaron was annoyed that Dale had put him in this position. If people would just do their jobs, the world would be a much better place.

“Thanks for agreeing to meet on short notice,” Aaron said. He handed each physician a copy of the document he’d put together last night. “We’re here to discuss Dale Fullerton’s lack of answering pages and overall dereliction of duty.”

“This is outrageous,” Dale sputtered. But his eyes widened when he read the document Aaron had provided.

“I agree, your behavior is completely outrageous,” Aaron said. “And I’m not willing to continue to jeopardize patient care by ignoring it.”

“This is definitely a pattern of unacceptable behavior,” Rob Kent said. The chief of staff turned to face Fullerton. “What do you have to say in response?”

Fullerton scowled but then sat back in his chair as if realizing he wasn’t getting out of this meeting unscathed. “I’m going through some personal issues. I promise it won’t happen again.”

Aaron wanted to point out that he’d been going through personal issues, too, but managed to refrain. He didn’t want either of these men to know about how upset he’d been since his own divorce.

He held Fullerton’s gaze. “I can buy that excuse for one weekend, not four.”

“You don’t know what I’m going through,” Fullerton snapped back.

“Maybe not, but that doesn’t change the fact that patient care has been negatively impacted by your behavior,” Rob Kent said in a calm voice. “I’m going to suspend you from duty for two weeks and order you to undergo counseling. You will not be allowed to return to work until I receive a report from your psychologist saying you’re cleared for duty. And this will be the first step in the disciplinary action process. If after you return to work there’s another incident where you neglect to answer your pages, we’ll be having another more serious conversation.”

Aaron was impressed with Kent’s firm, decisive action. Based on the dazed expression on Fullerton’s face, it was clearly a wake-up call. The message was to shape up or ship out.

He almost hoped Fullerton would leave rather than suffer the indignity of medical staff sanctions.

Fullerton shot to his feet. “Fine. Excuse me so I can make the appointment.”

As he watched Fullerton leave, Aaron sighed, hoping he wouldn’t have to deal with another situation like this again.

* * *

Maggie awoke Monday morning with an overwhelming sense of dread. This was it. The day the department of Child Protective Services would decide Joey’s fate.

Running her fingers through her hair, she debated darting back to the hotel room she hadn’t used since checking in to shower and change. Then she sighed and decided there was no point. There was no reason to dress to impress.

The chance of being approved as Joey’s foster mother was slim to none.

She bowed her head, silently praying for God to ensure that Krista Monroe be granted the honor of becoming Joey’s foster mother. At least that way she would be able to hang around for a while to help Joey transition to his new life.

Please, Lord Jesus, protect this little boy! Give him the loving family he deserves!

“Maggie? I hav’ta go to the bafroom.” Joey rubbed his eyes sleepily. She rose from the cot and hurried over.

“You remember where it is, right?” She helped him down from the bed.

“Yeah.” He looked down at his arms as if he’d forgotten he was no longer connected to tubes or wires. Then he looked up at her. “I’m hungry.”

“We’ll order breakfast after you use the bathroom,” she promised. He was on a regular diet now, and the menu boasted several breakfast choices specifically for kids. Including Mickey Mouse pancakes and Pluto waffles.

Joey was finishing in the bathroom when she heard a raised voice in the hallway. “Sir? Where are you going?”

Instantly, Maggie shot to the doorway. She wasn’t surprised to see Oliver Chism standing there, but his outward appearance was worse than ever. He was wearing the same clothes, sporting more stains, and his greasy hair stood up on end. He staggered down the hall, making a beeline for Joey’s room.

She quickly stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her. No way was he getting past her.

---