When Egos collide pt 14- Desparate times
Book: Open Heart (book 3 rewrite)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine
Summary: well, the boards are happening and the trial is getting nearer. I am not at all sorry for leaving you on that boards cliff hanger. So this chapter will have the rest of boards, the party and final pre trial happenings.
Warnings: language
Disclaimer: all characters, plot points, dialogue (actual and paraphrased) belong to pixelberry. MC is Casey Valentine
——-
The written part of the boards examination went on, Casey was still anxious after the maitotoxin question however the grounding techniques worked to help her through to break time. When time was called Casey quickly made her way to where her belongings were stored and called Ethan. Casey breathes a sigh of relief as Ethan picks up.
“How are boards going?” Asks Ethan, slightly concerned as he knew they would have only just been let out of the first part.
“I was going ok then a question about Maitotoxins appeared and I mini spiralled. I thought I was over that incident to the point where I was no longer having anxiety attacks but it appears no.”
“Breathe sweetheart.” Casey takes a deep breath in and out and when it is complete Ethan continues. “Yes I know you have not had an anxiety attack related to that incident for awhile now but you have been very anxious lately so that could have also triggered your reaction. I wish I was able to come and see you but sadly I can not as I have a meeting in 15mins but my thoughts will be with you. You have this and I will see you tonight.”
“Thanks Ethan, I just needed to hear your voice. Good luck with your meeting. I love you”
“I love you too Casey.”
Casey ends the call and she is greeted by her friends who are concerned. Casey states she is a little better now and they go to have lunch. Everyone was surprised at the maitotoxin question and everyone had varying degrees of reaction too it. The gang have lunch and they are joined by Bryce and Raf. The break and her brief chat with Ethan is what Casey needs to get her mind back on the game to the practical part of the exam.
Meanwhile Landry watches and listens in on his former friends. He had heard about the attack and he was still pissed that he was not on the team of doctors that found a cure, although given how things worked out he low key wishes that a cure was not found.
Meanwhile Ethan calls Tobias. Tobias was shocked to see Ethan’s name flash across his screen. Ethan tells Tobias about the question on the exam and asked if it was possible if he could meet Casey and her friends at the end of the session as he would be unable to make it. Tobias stated that he would be able too. Ethan was appreciative. The meeting that Ethan had with his lawyer was long but also productive. They did not want to be too confident that they would win but with all the information that they had from Caroline’s lawyer, they were cautious in their optimism.
Meanwhile the divorce papers made their way back to Caroline signed off by Leland. A small part of Caroline was sad that the marriage was over but at the same time, she was looking forward to being in charge of the hospital, with a focus on working with the FDA and also expanding access to medical support for those most in need. She had spoken to Naveen at length about what he wished he could do as chief, only to have plans thwarted initially by budget cuts and Leland’s agenda. Caroline hoped to be able to keep Naveen on as director of the free clinic and diagnostics and have another director to manage the other parts of the hospital. Caroline knew Naveen was not getting younger and would not stay in the role forever and she got the distinct impression that he wanted Ethan to take over despite him hating administration so she felt splitting the role and the hospital will be the best way to accomplish this. While sorting out how this would look she receives an email from the study compliance arm of the FDA. They were appreciative for the information that has been forwarded to them by Caroline as well as Dr Ramsey and Carrick. They have forwarded information to the enforcement arm and there will be many charges laid against Leland. Despite Dr Ramsey’s tampering in of ensuring that his patient was not in the control group he would avoid prosecution under whistle blower protections. They would be coming to arrest Leland on the day of the hearing for the malpractice suit. Caroline emailed them back to advise of the fact that Leland would be in court that day. She wanted to tell both Ethan and Tobias but decided against it, they would know soon enough.
Tobias’s shift ended and he made his way to the examination centre. There was still some time left in the exam so he waited patiently. While he waited he heard a familiar voice, it was Terrance. It sounded like he was on the phone and he listened in and recorded. Terrance seemed excited how plans were still going to happen and that despite his license being lost he was more than happy to have a role despite the lack of license. There was more talk about revolutionising medical research. When terrance was out of ear shot he ended the recording and sent it to Caroline and Ethan so it could be forwarded to their respective legal teams.
The doors to the room opened and Casey and her friends made their way out. Tobias called out in greeting. Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see him. Everyone was somewhat confident about how they went, even Casey after her reaction to a particular question.
“That is why I am here, I heard that a question about that appeared and Ethan felt bad about being unable to meet you all here himself.” Everyone was appreciative of the thought and Tobias treated the whole gang to coffee. Meanwhile Landry looked on, angrily. He never overly got close to Dr Carrrick but took heart when he was at Solomon Kenmore but he took heart in the fact that he did not get along with Dr Ramsey but now it appeared they got along. Terrance then came up. “Ignore them. They will be left behind when Leland’s plans are up and running and I am looking forward to having you work with me.” Landry was pleased and they left.
Finally it was the chief’s party for those who completed their board exams. Ethan and Tobias were in deep conversation. Ethan stated that he played that recording to his lawyer and she was mortified that someone who was disqualified from the medical profession was going to be employed in such a role. Ethan also expressed appreciation at being able to meet Casey and her friends at the testing centre. Ethan kept looking towards Casey. She was doing the rounds of the party. He was anxious to see her but he did feel out of place being here given all the legal issues currently. Casey had a good chat with Ines, Baz and all her friends. Casey made her way to the bar to get a drink for herself and Ethan. While she was waiting she overheard Dr Garrett chatting with Dr Tanaka. They were talking about the Annika Groves incident and were speculating about what really happened. Garrett even stated that Naveen had been out of control that year. Both men spotted Casey and ceased their conversation. Casey got two drinks, one for her and one for Ethan and made her way to him and Tobias. Tobias was happy to see that Casey appeared to be less anxious than what she was earlier.
“I am still anxious but boards are now done, one less thing to worry about.” Tobias took his leave and left Ethan and Casey to themselves.
“To finishing boards” said Ethan, raising his glass in a toast. Casey clinked it and said the same. They both took a sip.
“How are you really? I have not heard you that anxious in a very long time.”
“It was a shock seeing that question, more of a shock was my reaction, luckily the grounding techniques worked and I was able to get through it. I do not think about the attack too much but for quiet some time now I have been able to walk past that room and not freak out or see ghosts of what happened so your hypothesis of all the other stressors causing that reaction seems plausible.”
Ethan nods and squeezes her hand before lacing his fingers with hers. Casey smiles. “Thank you for being there for me, even when you physically could not, it meant a lot.”
“You mean everything to me Casey.” Says Ethan and then he kisses her on the top of her head.
Eventually they head home to Ethan’s apartment. Despite Casey been adamant that she is alright, Ethan could tell something was bothering her.
They get ready for bed and Casey cuddles up to Ethan.
“What is up? I know you said you were fine, but you seem bothered?”
Casey runs her hand along Ethan’s cheek and jaw.
“As much as the question made me spiral, it was the memory of nearly losing you, thinking that the last time I got to touch you was through a hazmat suit. Wondering if when you said you cared about me, was meant to be I love you...”
Ethan placed her hand above her heart and his above hers.
“I was so close to saying those words yes but I did not want you think that I was saying them because of the situation. If there was no cure and we lost you I no doubt would have been kicking myself for not saying those words.”
“Even though you did not say them then, I think I knew that you did. I wanted to say them too but did not for similar reasons to you. I love you Ethan.” Casey then kisses Ethan gently on the lips.
“I love you too Casey.”
They fall asleep in a similar position to how they slept that night but no hazmat suit in the way and safe in the knowledge that there is indeed a tomorrow and their whole future ahead of them and Ethan could not wait until her residency was over to ask her a very important question.
It was the next day and Caroline had finally had a chance to chat to Dr Carrick about what he had overheard the day before. Tobias stated he did not know he was on the phone too but suspected it was Leland given the subject matter. Caroline stated that she had been in contact with the FDA about the research agenda that had been undertaken by her husband and what he was ultimately planning. Caroline stated that she would forward this recording onto them also. Caroline was also concerned about the mental toll all of this was having on him, having being playing double agent all this time. Tobias was appreciative for the concern and was happy that things appeared to be coming to an end. He stated that an unexpected outcome was the renewed friendship between himself and Ethan. Caroline then told Tobias about her future plans for the hospital and the team as a whole. Tobias was very excited about what Caroline had planned. Especially if it meant closer workings with the FDA.
Later that day Naveen met with Caroline. He had mixed emotions about this meeting. They had discussed what he had hoped to accomplish as chief and Caroline seemed to have thoughts on how he could make his dreams a reality, however after much consideration he felt now was the right time go retire. He told Caroline of his intent to retire when the current residents finished in July. Thus giving her one months notice. Caroline was sad to see Naveen retire. She knew that it must have been a hard decision. Naveen stated that he had come out of retirement already anyway to resume as chief when the hospital was brought out by Leland. The main reason was nothing to do with the Annika Groves case for which Caroline was relieved. Naveen also stated that he wanted Ethan to take over from him as chief, even though he knows he will hate it. Caroline then stated that she was going to split the chief role. Diagnostics and the free clinic will be one part and the other roles taken over by another chief. Caroline stated she had been thinking about how to make the role more appealing not only to Naveen but also Dr Ramsey. Naveen was touched that as he was about to step down his dreams for the team and clinic would be a reality.
“If you are not going to run the revamped department Naveen, can I name the clinic after you? It was your hope and dream that such a clinic existed.” Naveen felt a tear in his eye, and he stated that he would be honoured.
The reality that his marriage was over was still hitting Leland and he was annoyed that he had lost the hospital. It was a small dent in his plans however he was still excited. Mr Mendoza was on board to take a role within the organisation and he had doctors who were ready to join also. He just needed to be sure that Dr Ramsey and Dr Valentine would be out of the equation. He sent the following email to Tobias.
“To Dr Carrick,
Thank you for your continued support of my vision long term. Circumstances are going to expedite some parts of my final plan but I look forward to your continued support.
Regards Leland.
When the email was sent, Leland sent him a further $300,000 which Tobias promptly sent to his secondary account. Tobias could not believe how desperate Leland was getting. No amount of money would make him sell out Ethan, whether they were friends or not. Tobias was nervous about the trial but he was also looking forward to not lying to Leland anymore.
Tagging: @genevievemd @jamespotterthefirst @messrprongs @schnitzelbutterfingers @liaromancewriter @adiehardfan @chaoticchopshopheart @binny1985 @lem-20 @irisofpurple @bex-la-get @jerzwriter @izzyourresidentlawyer @starryeyedrookie
Apologies if your tag does not work, I have been having no end of issues so in future I will pin the post on top of my page as well. Thank you all for your continued support during this endeavour.When I started I had a small part planned as I originally was going to pick and choose parts of the trainwreck that was book 3 if it worked but it has turned into more of a rewrite than an AU. I wlcome bub number 2 tomorrow so the gap between installments will be bigger but in saying that, I am happy I got this far
Pt15 will focus on the trial
Pt16 fall out from the trial
Pt17 will be end of residency celebrations and a look to the future
