Page 14 of Bad Blood

“That case was dismissed. We’re not liable for any infractions it may have caused. It has nothing to do with what we’re here for today, and if you can’t be neutral on this lawsuit, we’ll request a replacement,” Luca says.

“Are you saying Dr. Fields shouldn’t be held liable for her actions?”

“I’m saying you need to watch what you’re trying to do here. That case was closed, and Dr. Fields was cleared of all involvement.”

I appreciate what Luca’s trying to do. But the details of how Kline took care of Collins’ case and why I was cleared of all charges got tucked away with the rest of the information I’m not privy to. I took the offer to keep my career unblemished in exchange for my unquestionable trust. And now I’m regretting it.

It’s not my fault if Robert was on the receiving end of a bad deal. I just hate that he feels like he can take it out on me. If I could take it all back, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t change the protocol I chose or the leaps it made in treatment for ES. But I would change that Collins lost his life, and that I let Kline cover it so he could forever hold it over me, even though I don’t think it would make a difference.

Robert takes a moment before he offers me a facetious sneer. “Fine. We’ll do this your way. According to the allegations, Dr. Fields’ collaboration with Dr. Matthews in certain cases is under scrutiny. There’s the claim of shared responsibility in the alleged malpractice,” he explains, his eyes reflecting delight at my predicament, “and her signature.”

The sound of movement comes from the opposite side of the table as the remaining staff members adjust in their seats.

It’s rare that I’m struck into silence. Disbelief and frustration surge through me. I fold my hands on the table as I stifle the shiver running down my spine. The trust I placed in Kline and the shared responsibility in patient care is now cast under a harsh spotlight. And I can’t come up with a plausible reason why I signed the charts.

“I wasn’t aware of the problem until last night,” I say, no longer faking politeness.

Luca nods, urging me to continue.

Robert aligns his papers, pulls one from a manila envelope, and slides it toward me. “Markus Nelson. Forty-two. Stage IV Leukemia.”

I stare at the sheet in front of me, not taking it. Familiar with every word. I didn’t only freshen up on the details of this case last night, but every case I’ve worked with Kline in the past six months.

Robert watches me, waiting for me to respond.

I don’t.

“Rosie Stansbury. Six. Ewing Sarcoma.” He pauses, glances up from beneath his glasses, and smiles. He slides her file in front of me and leans back in his chair as he laces his hands behind his head.

“She’s not part of the lawsuit.” Everything happens for a reason, but what the fuck?

“Correct. But I have some questions.”

Luca fidgets in his seat, crosses one leg over the other, uncrosses it, and leans forward with his elbows on the table. “We’re here to discuss the two cases in the recent lawsuit. Why are you bringing up a patient who has nothing to do with it?” He reaches forward to grab Rosie’s chart and flips through the pages. “Dr. Matthews didn’t work on her case.”

“However, there’s the signature in question. Why would you sign on a document without being privy to the contents, Dr. Fields?” Robert taps the end of his pen on the folder, his eyes assessing my every move.

“I sign many documents every day.” I don’t have a plausible excuse. “I don’t take the time to look at everything I’m signing. I leave that to my nurse.” The words are incriminating but true. I’m going to have to keep an eye out and change the way I handle charts from here on out.

Lauren coughs from the far end of the table, averting her gaze. It’s not her fault, just part of our routine.

“You’re telling me any document set before you could have your signature, yet you shouldn’t be held liable for what you sign?”

“You’re twisting what I said.”

He leans forward, setting his elbows on the table. “Seems like you have an answer for everything.”

“I trust the documents my nurse has me sign are the ones I’ve worked on. We have files everywhere, in case you didn’t notice. I don’t see what this has to do with anything.”

“We’ll be doing an internal investigation before taking any action.” Luca stands and gives Robert a wordless look of disapproval. “We’re done here.”

Robert follows Luca’s movements, shuffling his papers before situating them in his briefcase. “We’re under the obligation of the law to investigate suspicious claims now that the two cases are in question.”

And there are more.

I place a hand on the files I pulled from the records room this morning—the patients they’re not bringing to the table—but I don’t want to use my ammo until it’s necessary. It might not be today. Or tomorrow. But I’m ready to give them what I found, and I’m sure there are others.

I stand from my seat, tucking the chair under the table. “I have patients to see.” I reach a hand toward Robert. “Thank you for your time.”

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