Author’s Text

Continuing on in the line of Mark’s story line, coupled with new problems for Doug. And don’t worry, I have no abandoned Trent Jacobs or Colin Andrews. They will both be back very soon in the story line.

The characters in this story are not real and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.

Robin

"ER"
"High Tensions"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, daytime. Show Scott Ross slowly approach Doug with an anxious look on his face. Doug is getting ready for work in his bedroom and is sitting on the edge of the bed pulling his shoes on.

Scott:
Dad? Can I talk to you for a minute?

Doug (nods):
Sure, Son...I’m just getting ready for work.

Scott:
I was wondering if it would be OK if I went to a party Friday night?

Doug (carefully):
What kind of party?

Scott:
Just a bunch of friends from school.

Doug:
Who’s having this party?

Scott:
Jeremy Collins.

Doug:
Do I know Jeremy?

Scott (shakes his head):
You’ve never met him, no.

Doug:
Well, do I know his parents?

Scott:
I don’t think so...no.

Doug:
Well, are either of his parents going to be there?
(Scott hesitates to answer, Doug smiles)
Yeah, that’s about what I thought. Sorry, Pal. I have to say no.

Scott (protesting):
Ah, come on, Dad! It’ll be OK! All the other kids are going!

Doug:
Well, I’m not the father of ‘all the other kids’. I’m your father. And I’m telling YOU no.

Scott:
But, that’s not fair! Don’t you trust me?

Doug:
I trust you just fine but I’m not about to let you go to an unchaparoned party at the house of some kid I’ve never met before. I’m sorry. That’s just how it is.

Scott (scoffs):
Ah, Dad, you’re so old fashioned.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, I’ll take that as a compliment!

Scott (starts for the door, turns back):
You’re sure that’s your final word?

Doug (nods):
I’m sure.

Scott:
You won’t change your mind?

Doug (shakes his head):
Nope!

Scott:
What if I get Jeremy’s parents to call you?

Doug:
Unless you want to get grounded, I suggest you drop the subject.

Scott frowns and trudges on out the door. Doug chuckles and shakes his head.

Cut to the hospital. Show Mark Greene lying flat on a table and being prepped for a catheter to be inserted into his shoulder. He stares at the ceiling but looks away as the catheter goes in slowly. Peter Benton is doing the procedure. He grins down at Mark once it is over.

Peter:
There you go, Dr. Greene. You’re all set. Good luck.

Mark (nods):
Yeah, thanks, Peter.

Mark sighs and leans his head back in bed to rest...and wait. Show Nina Pomerantz-Greene come into the room with him. She goes over to the bed where he is resting and smiles at him and she touches his face gently.

Nina:
How are you doing?

Mark (smiles, puts his hand on hers):
I’m OK. How are you doing?

Nina (nods):
I’m OK.

Mark:
What did the doctor say?

Nina:
We’re 9 weeks along and we’re doing fine.
(she sits on the bed with him)
I really want this baby, Mark.

Mark (nods):
So do I. I know the biopsy says the cancer was caught very early. And I know they only took one testicle. But, I’m still scared.

Nina:
I know. I am, too. But we’ll get through this.

Mark:
I know.
(motions to his shoulder)
Got my ‘friend’ this morning.

Nina:
I know...are you OK with it?

Mark:
I don’t have a lot of choices right now, Nina. I tell you one thing, though...I’m going to start being a lot more understanding to some of my patients. It’s a lot different when you’re on the other end.

Nina (laughs):
I guess you could ask Doug about that, huh?

Mark (smiles):
Yeah, I guess that’s one of the things that calmed him down so much.
(pause)
The new guy starts today...I hope he gets along OK with him.

Nina:
He’ll be fine. Doug is very professional. He can tough out anything until you get back.

Mark nods and squeezes her hand as the Opening Act Fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at County Hospital. Show Doug and Carol Ross working together in the new Pedes wing. Carol is behind the desk writing on a file, Doug is in front of the desk going over the previous days’ files.

Carol (softly):
What were you and Scott arguing about this morning?

Doug (doesn’t look up):
He wants to go to a party at some kid’s house I don’t know and the parents aren’t going to be there.

Carol:
I hope you said ‘no’.

Doug (nods):
Damn right I said ‘no’.
(looks up at her, grins)
He wasn’t happy...to say the least.

Carol (chuckles):
I heard.

Doug:
He’ll get happy...in the meantime I guess I’m the troll that lives under the bridge.

Carol (smiles):
Well, not to me.
(reaches over and kisses his cheek)

Cut to show David Morganstern coming into the Pedes wing with Garrett Holmes. David smiles a coy smile as he catches the husband and wife team in their tender moment and he clears his throat carefully. Doug and Carol break apart at give him an embarrassed grin

David:
And this is our Pediatric wing and a couple of members of its staff...you know Dr. Ross...and this is his wife, Carol. Carol is a Physicians Assistant here in Pedes now...

Holmes (nods):
Very good.

Doug (reaches to shake hands):
Good to have you aboard, Garrett.

Holmes (sarcastic smile):
I’m sure you don’t mean that, Doug, but thanks.

David:
Doug is the Chief of Pediatrics here now.

Holmes (amused):
You don’t say? An administrator that doesn’t wear a tie? I’d like us to talk later, Doug...I’m making it a point to talk to all of the heads of departments this morning. Can you make time?

Doug (nods):
Of course.

Holmes:
Fine, then...I’ll expect you in my office in an hour.

Doug doesn’t say anything, just gives Holmes a careful look as he turns to leave with David. Doug stays leaning on the desk with Carol, watching them go. Carol watches them go with a flabbergasted look on her face.

Carol:
WHAT was THAT?

Doug (sarcastic smile):
That, my love, was Garrett Holmes.

Carol:
Doesn’t seem to like you much, does he?

Doug (shakes his head with a smile):
Never has....probably never will!

Carol:
What did you do to him?

Doug (chuckles):
You mean besides make his life a living hell when I was a Resident?
(Carol rolls her eyes, Doug chuckles again)
Nothing...nothing at all.

Carol (shakes her head at him):
Have you been up to see Mark this morning?

Doug:
Not yet...but I’m going...think you can hold things down around here for a while?

Carol (smiles):
If I can hold you down, I can handle anything.

Doug (shakes his head as he starts to leave):
You’re quick.
(touches her cheek)
Later, Babe.

Carol:
Tell Mark I said hello.

Doug (nods):
I’ll do that.

Cut to show Doug coming into Mark’s room at the hospital. Mark is resting on the bed with his head back on the pillow and his eyes closed but he is not asleep. Doug stops beside his bed and Mark opens his eyes.

Doug (smiles):
I’m sorry...did I wake you?

Mark (shakes his head):
No...I was awake.

Doug:
How are you feeling?

Mark:
I’m OK for a guy with two holes in this shoulder.
(opens his shirt for Doug to see the catheter)

Doug:
Hey! I had one just like that!

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I know. Now I know what you were going through.

Doug:
About the time it gets so it won’t bother you, they’ll take it out!
(chuckles)

Mark (nods):
Story of my life.

Doug:
So, you going in for chemo today?

Mark (nods slowly):
Yeah.

Doug:
Then, I wish you good luck and I’ll check on you later, OK? Are you going home after?

Mark (sighs):
Provided I am able to leave, yes.

Doug (nods):
OK...I’ll check back with you later, OK? I have to go talk to Garrett Holmes this morning...he’s meeting individually with all the Department Heads.

Mark:
Well, just try and hang on to your temper.

Doug (shakes his head):
Come on, Mark. You know that’s not up to me.

Doug chuckles as he starts away. He waves to Mark from the doorway and Mark just shakes his head with a smile as he watches Doug go.

Cut to the Pedes wing. Show Carol working with a small child on an exam table. The child is crying and bleeding from the forehead. Carol is trying to get a good look amid wincing against the loud crying.

Carol:
How did this happen?

| Mother:
Her brother hit her in the head with a plastic baseball bat. She was standing too close when he was swinging.

Carol (nods):
OK.
(looks in the child’s eyes)
No signs of concussion....she might have a little headache later on, though.

Mother (nods):
OK...

Carol:
Just watch that she doesn’t get nauseous or dizzy. If anything like that occurs, just bring he back in or consult your regular pediatrician.

Cut to Garrett Holmes’ office. He is taking over Mark Greene’s office and he is behind the desk going over things on the desk in front of him when there is a knock at the door.

Holmes:
Come in!
(Doug opens the door and steps into the room)
Ah, Dr. Ross. Come in, please.
(directs Doug to a chair)
Sit down, please.
(Doug slides into a chair)
I see here by your records you have been in administration less than a year and there have already been several board reviews about you. (shuts file, folds his hands, and smiles)
Why would I expect anything less?

Doug (annoyed):
Can we get to the point? I really have a busy schedule...

Holmes:
You’re an administrator and a department head...I want you to wear a tie when you’re on duty.

Doug (grins):
You know, you should have been here about 5-6 years ago. I used to wear a tie. All the time. Every day. And a lab coat...just like that one you’re wearing now. But, I found out that taking care of patients made things like that get in the way so I stopped. And I don’t intend to start again.

Holmes (agitated):
I am your boss! And I’m TELLING you to wear a tie when you’re on duty!

Doug (gives it right back):
First of all, YOU are not my boss! Mark Greene is my boss...

Holmes:
I am acting in Mark Greene’s place...

Doug (shakes his head):
Wrong! Mark Greene can still override anything you say! And don’t think I won’t ask him! Also, there’s no dress code in this hospital! If I was expected to wear a tie, I would have been told so when I took this job! The only thing YOU are here for is to sign papers and keep an eye on things! You’re not my boss.

Holmes (disgruntled):
I would think you’d WANT to take pride in your position.

Doug (scoffs):
Whether or not I wear a tie has nothing to do with my position. Have you ever worked in Pediatrics?

Holmes (shakes his head):
Can’t say that I have, no.

Doug:
Well, I’ll tell you what...you wear a tie and work in Pediatrics for a day and let some terrified toddler half strangle you with it and see how long you keep it after that.

Holmes (nods):
All right....maybe you have a point. But, just you know, I’m going to be watching you...VERY carefully!

Doug (stands up to leave):
Likewise, Garrett.
(gets to the door and turns back)
You know, Garrett, I’ve changed a lot since I was a Resident. I guess I was kind of hoping you had too.
(opens door and walks out)

Cut to show Doug coming down the hall one way and meets up with Nina pushing Mark in a wheelchair coming the other way. Doug smiles when he sees Mark and Nina stops briefly.

Doug (brightly):
Going home, Buddy?

Mark (nods):
How’d it go with Holmes.

Doug (grins):
He wants me to wear a tie on duty.

Mark (scoffs):
What for? I don’t wear a tie on duty!

Doug (nods):
Exactly. I told him he wasn’t my boss...that when you told me to wear a tie, I’d wear one. Until then, forget it.
(clasps Mark’s hand in his)
You take it easy, Buddy. And if you need anything, just give me a call, OK?

Mark (nods):
OK. Try to stay out of trouble, OK?

Doug:
Hey, don’t you worry about me...I can take care of myself...
(chuckles)
You just get yourself well and hurry back, OK?

Mark (nods, clasps Doug’s hand):
I’ll do my best.

Nina (smiles):
We’ll see you later, Doug.

Doug:
Call me if you need me...
(watches as they start down the hall)
Anytime.

Doug watched Nina wheel Mark away with a worried look on his face as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens in the Pedes wing. Show Doug coming in to find Carol shaking her hand in pain.

Doug (goes over to her, takes her hand):
What happened?

Carol (agitated):
The Rambrenner Brat BIT me!

Doug (tries not to laugh):
Let’s take a look...
(turns her hand to see the bite mark)
Better let me take care of that...

Carol (sarcastically):
I think I can handle it, Doctor!

Doug (coy smile):
It’ll be more fun if I do it.

Carol (grins):
You might have a point there...OK.

Doug takes her over to a table and takes out something to clean the bite with. Carol watches as he cleans the wound and then wraps it gently with a bandage. When he’s finished, he pulls her hand up to him and kisses it sweetly.

Carol (teasing look):
It hurts someplace else.

Doug (grins):
Oh yeah? Where?

Carol (taps her finger to her lips):
Right here.

Doug chuckles and pulls her close to him to kiss her sweetly. She closes her eyes and makes a happy noise as she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back.

Carol:
I’ve missed you.

Doug:
I haven’t been anywhere...

Carol:
I just miss us. I miss us the way we used to be.

Doug:
We’ll get back to that...I promise!
(leans in, kisses her sweetly)
I’m willing to start right now!

Carol (laughs, playfully beats him away)
Behave yourself!

Doug (grins):
You don’t want me to!

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Well, no, I don’t, but I think you should conduct yourself in a professional way here at work, at least!

Doug (shrugs):
Who’s going to know...nobody’s here but us!
(They are interrupted by Jerry in the doorway)

Jerry:
Hey, Dr. Ross! I need a doctor out here!

Doug (frowns)
And Jerry!
> (nods to him):
On my way...
(smiles at Carol)
Hold that thought...I’m off in about five hours!

Doug ambles out into the hall behind Jerry. He’s not walking with a cane now, but still moving very gingerly.

Doug (moving to a woman moaning on a stretcher):
What have we got?

Jerry:
Chronic complainer...she’s here all the time...says she can’t breathe very well...her chest is real tight.

Doug (nods):
OK. Page Dr. Weaver down here, OK?

Jerry (nods):
Sure.

Doug goes in and leans over the patient with a soft smile and a comforting voice.

Doug:
Hi...I’m Dr. Ross...I’m going to see what I can do for you...

Woman (grabs him by the arm):
Dr. Ross! You have to help me! I can’t breathe...

Doug (nods):
OK...we’re going to take care of that...
(reaches and puts and oxygen mask over her face)
How’s that? Is that better?
(woman nods at him)
OK, we’re going to run some tests and see what we can find out, OK?

Woman:
Am I having a heart attack?

Doug (smiles):
I don’t think so, but if you are, we’ll take care of it, OK? Don’t worry...
(turns to nurse)
Let’s get an EKG and an EEG...I need a CBC and CPC...keep the oxygen on her to keep her calm and comfortable..
(cut to show Kerry coming quickly into the room)

Kerry:
What have you got, Doug?

Doug:
Not sure yet...I’ve ordered some tests...

Kerry (looks at patient):
Hello, Mrs. Watkins...
(goes towards the patient)
Feeling poorly today, are we?

Doug (amused):
You know the patient?

Kerry (nods):
This is Mrs. Watkins...
(moves away from the patient to confer privately with Doug)
she comes in here at least twice a month complaining of various illnesses...none of them are ligit. What’s her complaint today?

Doug:
Says she’s having trouble breathing...

Kerry:
Just let her stay on oxygen for a while...I’ll give her an injection later of a antihistamine and she’ll be fine. I’ll cancel your tests. We won’t need them.

Doug:
I think I might feel better if we went ahead and ran them...and if I pulled the patient history file...

Kerry (shakes her head):
No need for that, Doug...I’ll take care of her.

Doug (nods):
Whatever you say...she’s all yours...I’m going back to Pedes.

Kerry (grins):
Thanks for filling in, Doug.

Doug (heads for the door):
No problem.

Doug goes back down the hall to Pedes and goes back to where Carol is working. He leans on the desk and smiles at her.

Doug:
Now...where were we?

Carol (guessing):
Wishing we could go home?
(Doug chuckles)

Doug:
Good answer!
(motions to her hand)
How’s your bite?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
It’s OK. I can’t believe I let that happen.

Doug (chuckles):
Gotta pull that hand out of the line of fire quick!

Carol (nods, sarcastically):
No kidding! Do they teach you that in med school?

Doug (laughs):
No, you usually learn that as an Intern!
(Carol laughs)

Carol:
You’ll have to teach me the tricks sometime.
(pause)
Did you see Mark?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I passed him in the hall on my way down here. Nina was wheeling him out to take him home.
(shakes his head)
He looks bad.

Carol (nods):
I know...he’s pale...but he should start showing some signs of improvement now that he’s on chemo...

Doug (lowers his head):
I wonder how he’s going to react to the chemo...

Carol:
I don’t know. Different patients react in different ways. We’ll just have to wit and see.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I just hope I can keep MY spirits up enough to keep his up, you know?

Carol (smiles):
You’ll do fine.

Doug (nods, sighs):
I hope so. I never had to do this for anybody before.

Carol (nods):
I know...but you can do it. Mark’s always been there for you...

Doug (ticks his head):
It’s easier that way, you know? I can do it that way. It’s easy for me to be sick and let him take care of me. It’s not so easy this way.

Before Doug can say or do anything else, his thoughts are interrupted by a shout of help from the hallway from Kerry.

Kerry:
I need some HELP down here!

Doug and Carol rushes as fast as they can down the hall to the exam room with Mrs. Watkins. Kerry is working feverishly over her, pumping her in a manual CPR when Doug comes in.

Doug:
What happened?

Kerry (frantically):
She crashed...

Doug (reaches behind him and grabs a crash cart, pulling it to them):
Did you give her anything?

Kerry (still pumping):
Just an antihistamine to help her breathe....

Doug (charges up the paddles):
How long have you been working on her?

Kerry (glances at clock on the wall):
Less than two minutes...

Doug (nods):
Let’s try this...

Kerry (steps aside, nods):
OK.

Carol:
Charging 200!

Doug (lays the paddles to the patient’s chest):
Clear!
(he releases the charge and patient lurches upward but the monitor doesn’t change. Doug leans over the patient in frustration, lifting her eyelids to peer into her eyes)
Come on...come ON! Let’s hit it again....

Carol (nods):
Charging 300...

Doug (lays the paddles against the patient’s chest again)
Clear!

Doug releases the charge again and the patient lurches upward but the monitor still does not change. Now he is really frustrated. He pitches the paddles aside and pounds the chest furiously with his hand trying desperately to start the heart beating again but the monitor stays flat. Kerry looks at clock and shakes her head.

Kerry (painful expression):
It’s been seven minutes, Doug...

Doug (relaxes his arms, stares down at the patient sadly):
Damn.

He and Kerry stand at the table looking frustrated and pained with Carol standing behind Doug looking down as the camera pulls back to pan out and Fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at County Hospital in the Pedes wing. Show Carol working at the desk and Doug working close beside her on the computer. Pan from the door to show Garrett Holmes come storming into the pedes wing, looking around with a serious look on his face. He spots Doug working behind the desk and charges up to the desk and points a stern warning finger at Doug.

Holmes:
I want to see you in my office NOW!

With that, Holmes turns and walks swiftly out of the pedes wing, leaving Doug and Carol to exchange curious glances at each other.

Carol:
What did you do now?

Doug (shrugs as he gets to his feet):
Who knows? Probably breathed wrong...
(starts for the door)
I’ll be back...

Carol (nods):
I’ll be here.

Doug heads slowly for the elevator to take him to Mark’s office where he will meet with Holmes. While he’s waiting, Kerry Weaver comes up to him sadly.

Kerry:
I wanted to thank you for you help with Mrs. Watkins.

Doug (nods):
No problem.

Kerry:
No, really, Doug, I appreciate you stepping in and helping out. I know we have our differences and you think I should stay on my side of the fence, and I think you should stay on yours, but it’s nice to know that when I need a back-up, you’re there.

Doug (shrugs):
You’d do the same for me, wouldn’t you? We’re a team, Kerry. We may not like each other much, or approve of what each other stands for, but the bottom line is that we’re both dedicated doctors with the same soul purpose in mind.

Kerry (shakes her head in disbelief):
When did you grow up, Doug? I’ve never heard you talk like that.

Doug (grins, shrugs):
When no one was looking.

The elevator door opens and Doug steps in, turning to give Kerry a short wave as he punches the button to the floor he needs to go to. The door closes them off and Kerry just shakes her head with a smile as she heads on back down the hall to the ER. She stops briefly in the door to the pedes wing and waves in at Carol.

Kerry:
How’s it going in here, Carol?

Carol (looks up from the desk, smiles, nods):
Just fine.

Kerry (comes slowly into the room):
It’s good to have you back.

Carol (nods):
It’s good to be back.

Kerry:
Did you get all moved into that new house yet?

Carol:
Not quite yet, but, we’re not sleeping with bedsheets over the windows now!
(laughs)
We’ll be having a house warming party soon so we can show it off. We’re really proud of it.

Kerry (nods):
I’ll be looking forward to it.
(waves as she starts back out of the room)

Cut to show Doug entering Mark’s office. Holmes is sitting behind the desk with a not too happy look on his face.

Doug (innocently):
You wanted to see me, Garrett?

Holmes (motions to a chair):
Sit down, Doug.
(Doug slides into a chair and gives him a curious look)
How long have you been a doctor in this hospital?

Doug:
You mean this time? Or all together?

Holmes:
All together.

Doug (thinking):
Well, I guess I’d have a combined total of about seven or eight years.

Holmes:
And do you enjoy being a doctor at this hospital?

Doug (nods):
Of course. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

Holmes:
You were working in the ER this morning, weren’t you? On a Marsha Watkins?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I was.

Holmes:
Then, you are just the man I want to talk to. The patient expired, did she not?

Doug (nods again):
Yes, she did.

Holmes:
And what would you contribute as the cause of death?

Doug (shrugs):
Heart attack, I guess...

Holmes:
You guess? You don’t KNOW?

Doug:
I don’t do the autopsies...I wait for them to tell me.

Holmes:
All right, Doug, let’s cut to the chase. When a patient comes into the ER and they are a chronic repeat patient, what’s the first thing a doctor should do?
(Doug gives him a coy look)
Pull the patient history file, right?

Doug (nods):
Right.

Holmes:
And, had you done that with this patient you would have seen it clearly noted on his file that she is allergic to antihistamines, wouldn’t you?
(Doug continues to give him a blank stare)
And if you had noted that, you wouldn’t have ordered the injection that most likely killed her, now would you?

Doug (shakes his head):
I didn’t order that injection.

Holmes:
Then who did?

Doug (shrugs):
I suppose you’d have to ask Dr. Weaver about that.

Holmes (surprised):
Dr. Weaver? You would try to pass the blame of a death you caused to a doctor as contentious as Dr. Weaver?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, I would never do that. I’m telling you to ask her because I turned the patient over to her. All I did was put an oxygen mask on the patient. Kerry said she was familiar with her and she would take care of it.

Holmes:
Your name was still on the board.

Doug (shrugs):
We don’t always have time to change the names on the board...

Holmes:
I don’t believe you...I think you’re just trying to cover your own story...just like you, Ross...you’ll never change. I’m placing you on suspension until the board can review this incident...

Doug (shocked):
Suspension!? On what grounds?

Holmes:
Negligence! Negligence that caused the death of a patient!

Doug (growing angry now):
You can’t put me on suspension...you’re not my boss! You have no purpose here except to OK papers...

Holmes:
My purpose here is to keep things in order! And you are OUT of order! Now, just go home, Doug! And someone will call you later...

Doug (stands up, points his finger in Holmes’ face):
No way, Garrett! When I was a resident, you could push me around and I was afraid of you then because I needed your recommendation to get away from you! But, I’m not afraid of you anymore! I know my place in this hospital...that’s a hell of lot more than you can say! You’re not getting away with this...
(starts for the door and turns back)
I’ll see you in hell before I’ll see this suspension stand!

Holmes (as Doug goes angrily out the door):
I’ve already turned the paper over to David Morganstern, Doug...there’s nothing you can do about this!

Doug (comes back to the door):
We’ll see about that!
(slams the door shut)

Cut to show David Morganstern sitting at his desk going over papers and files, signing things as he goes. Audio sounds an angry knock at his door and he looks up, happy to be interrupted.

David:
Come in!
(Doug rips open the door and comes angrily into the office)
Something wrong, Doug?

Doug (pacing in front of David’s desk):
Something wrong? I’ll say there’s something wrong! You brought a man in here with a grudge for me and let him take over! That’s what wrong!

David:
Doug, if you’re upset over the suspension, I was the one that suggested it.

Doug:
You? SUGGESTED it? Without even consulting me first? Why would you do that, David?

David:
It’s all here in black and white, Doug. And you know that in a case like this, we have to remove the doctor from operations until the case is reviewed?

Doug:
Oh? Is that so? I don’t seem to recall Mark Greene being suspended over the death of a patient...or Kerry Weaver...or any other doctor on this staff! Just me! Why is that, David?

David:
Doug, negligence is a very serious charge....to have a doctor charged with that still working would make people uneasy...

Doug:
Then you better be for getting to the doctor who is guilty of this charge, because I’m telling flat out, it’s not me!

David:
Your name was on the board, Doug...and also on the ER admission forms!

Doug:
And I turned the patient over to Kerry Weaver! But I don’t see anybody questioning her about it! Just me! Well, thanks a lot for your vote of support, David! I really appreciate how you stood behind me on this...

David:
Doug, just go home...let us review this...and we’ll be back in touch with you.

Doug:
If I walk out that door, David, I’m not coming back! And I’ll take my money and my supporters with me...

David (shakes his head):
Don’t threaten me, Doug. I don’t care as much about your money as I do the care of the patients in this hospital...and if you have neglected one of them, then, we need to review it!

Doug:
I do not EVER neglect patients. You should know that by now. All right. I’ll go. But, I’m not coming back until that man is out of here! When Mark Greene comes back, I’ll come back...and not before.

David (as Doug starts angrily away):
Doug...

Doug (from the doorway):
I mean it, David. I won’t work with that man another minute!
(goes out and slams the door)

Cut to show Doug going into the pedes wings and gathering up his things to leave. Carol looks on with a confused look on her face.

Carol:
What are you doing? It’s not time to leave yet...

Doug:
It is for me! I’ve been suspended!

Carol (shocked):
Suspended? By whom? For what?

Doug:
By our fabulous acting Chief of Staff for negligence!

Carol (still surprised):
Negligence? In what?

Doug:
In the death of Marsha Watkins....

Carol:
That woman down in the ER? But, it wasn’t even your patient...

Doug (nods):
Yeah...you go tell that to David Morganstern...
(leans over the counter and kisses her quickly)
I’ll see you at home, OK? We’ll talk about it...

Carol (nods):
OK...be careful going home...
(as Doug gets to the doorway)
Don’t let you temper run away with you!

Show Doug going through the ER with a dark cloud over his head. He passes the front desk where Kerry is working with several other staff members and she laughs as he goes by.

Kerry:
Where are you going in such a huff?

Doug (tuns back to her sarcastically):
I’ve been suspended.

Kerry (shocked):
Suspended? For what?

Doug:
For the death of YOUR patient.

Doug goes on out the door without looking back again. Focus on Kerry’s expression, confused and shocked and Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Kerry Weaver storming angrily into Mark’s office where Garrett Holmes is still working. She slams the door behind her and she is carrying a chart in her hands.

Holmes (looks up):
Can I help you with something, Kerry?

Kerry (throws the chart on his desk):
When a patient dies, I thought you were supposed to look at who signed the DOT on the chart.

Holmes (picks up the chart):
What’s this all about, Kerry?

Kerry:
You suspended Doug Ross for something he didn’t do...I was the one that ordered the antihistamine! I was the one that didn’t pull the patient history...Doug called for it but I canceled it. I was so familiar with the patient, I thought I knew everything I needed to know.

Holmes (smiles at her):
Well, we won’t worry about that, Kerry. I won’t tell anybody if you don’t. Doug can take the fall for this...no one will be surprised.

Kerry (absolutely appalled):
Oh no! I don’t do things that way! I make a mistake, I owe up to them! Doug Ross is a lot of things, but one thing he would NEVER do is neglect a patient or their needs! And I’m not the kind of doctor that lets a fellow doctor take a fall for something I did! Sorry, Garrett...I had to realize Doug has changed...you’re going to have to realize it too!
(snatches the chart from his desk and storms back out the door)

Cut to show Kerry storming into David Morganstern’s office without knocking. David looks up just as she flings the chart onto his desk and folds her arms as she stands in front of his desk.

Kerry:
Open that file and tell me whose signature is on that chart!
(David opens the chart and sighs as he looks at the signature)
I think somebody owes somebody in this hospital an apology.

David:
I was only going by Dr. Holmes’ observations...

Kerry (scoffs):
Dr. Holmes! Let me tell you a thing or two about Dr. Holmes...he’s had it in for Doug Ross every since the first day he laid eyes on him! He rode him so close as a resident that Doug came close to giving up medicine because of him. He came in here, saw Doug on staff, and just picked up where he left off! Do you know what he told me up in his office just now?
(David shakes his head and gives her a curious look)
I don’t tell anybody if you don’t...it’ll be our little secret! He WANTS Doug to take the fall for this! Is that the kind of man you WANT in charge of this staff? A man who holds grudges? And seizes the opportunity to cash in on them by ruining another doctor’s career?

David (halfway trying to defend his position):
He was available...

Kerry (cuts him off):
Available? Hell, David, he probably volunteered! Did you uphold Doug’s suspension?

David (squirms):
Well, going on Dr. Holmes’ report...

Kerry (nods sarcastically):
Without even consulting the chart? That’s really not like you, David...

David:
I would have gone to the chart before the board review...

Kerry:
And when would that be? A week? Two weeks? In the meantime, Doug sits at home and his reputation gets trashed in this hospital?
(shakes her head)
I’m really surprised at you, David.

David:
Surprised at me? What about you? Sticking up for Doug Ross is not exactly in character for you, either!

Kerry:
No matter what I think about Doug Ross personally I will back up all the way as one hell of a doctor who gives his patients the utmost care and consideration. Doug might be guilty of a lot of things before his career is over, but negligence will never be one of them. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let him take the fall for something he didn’t do!

David (nods):
I’ll go over to his house tonight and talk to him...

Kerry (nods):
Good. Now...am I suspended?

David (shakes his head):
No, and neither is Doug. I’ll ask him to come back tomorrow, although I don’t think he will. He told me when he left he wouldn’t come back until Mark does...

Kerry (nods):
Well, that goes double for me. I’m not working with Garrett Holmes anymore either.

David (defensively):
He’s only been here ONE day...

Kerry:
And look at all the havoc he’s caused! You want to give him time to make everybody on this staff walk out of here?

David (shakes his head):
All right! All right! I’ll try and get someone else to come in and take over...

Kerry:
Why go outside this hospital? Why doesn’t Donald do your job and you take over as acting Chief until Mark gets back? I would have thought that would have been the logical solution in the first place. (starts for the door)

David (as she opens the door to leave, chuckles):
Somebody should put you in charge, Kerry...you have the easiest answers.

Cut to show Kerry coming through the ER hallway and she sees Carol coming out of the Pedes wing with her stuff gathered to go home.

Kerry:
Carol, was Doug all right when he left here?

Carol (shakes her head):
He was pretty upset. That’s why I’m leaving now. I don’t like the idea of him home alone when he’s like this.

Kerry:
Well, please tell him I talked to David and things are going to be all right, OK?

Carol (surprised):
You talked to David?

Kerry (nods):
And Garrett. I’m not about to let Doug take a fall for something he didn’t do.

Carol:
That’s really great of you, Kerry...thanks. I’ll tell him.

Kerry (nods):
He’d have done the same for me, I’m sure. Good night, Carol.

Carol:
‘Night, Kerry. Thanks.

Cut to the Ross home, interior, master bedroom. The room is partially in order with all the furniture in place but still has unpacked boxes against the walls. Pan across the room to show Doug sitting up against the headboard of his bed relaxing. He is hooked to his dialysis machine. Show Carol come into the room and come quietly over to the bed to sit beside him. She touches his hair and runs her hand down onto his face.

Carol (smiles weakly):
Tatchie said you were coming to your room and you didn’t want any phones, dogs, or children to bother you tonight.
(Doug chuckles and reaches for her hand)
Are you OK? You feel a little warm?

Doug (scoffs):
Probably just stress....it’s been a bad day.

Carol:
I know. Kerry said to tell you she went to Garrett and to David...you’re off the hook.

Doug (shakes his head):
Doesn’t change things. I ‘m not going back as long as Holmes is in charge.

Carol (sighs):
Why don’t you just get some rest and we’ll worry about it later, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.
(kisses her hand)

Carol:
I’ll go fix you some soup so you can take your meds, OK?
(kisses his forehead)

Doug (nods):
OK...thanks.

Carol leaves the room and Doug leans his head back, closing his eyes to try and relax again.

Cut to show Carol going to the intercom box as it blinks a yellow alert to her in the kitchen. She goes over to the box and punches a button.

Carol (into intercom):
Yes?

David Morganstern’s voice (on speaker):
Carol, it’s David.

Carol (pushes button):
Come on through, David.
(Carol dries her hands on a towel and leaves it on the counter. She puts a bowl of tomato soup and some crackers on a tray with a glass of ice water and smiles at Tatiana sitting at the table watching her)
Would you like to take this in to Papa for me?

Tatiana (frowns):
He said he didn’t want to see any children tonight.

Carol (smiles):
Well, he didn’t mean that...not really. He’ll be really happy to see you. Can you carry it that far?
(Tatiana nods excitedly)
OK...take it and go on...
(as she starts away with it)
Careful now.

Tatiana (concentrating hard):
I will.

Carol watches her go, carefully balancing the tray as she goes, and Carol goes through the house to the front door. She opens the door just as David is poised to ring the bell. He gives her a nervous laugh and puts his hands in his pockets.

v David (nervously):
Hi, Carol. I was wondering if I could talk to Doug?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, David, I’m sorry. You can’t. Not right now. He’s not feeling very well and he’s in bed already. I really don’t want him bothered with hospital business tonight.

David (nods):
I understand. Could you give him a message then?
(Carol gives David a curious look)
Tell him Garrett Holmes was relieved of his administration duties tonight and I will be taking over as Chief of Staff until Mark is able to return to work and I’d really appreciate it if he would just come back to work tomorrow whenever his shift starts.

Carol (smiles):
I’ll be sure and tell him...but I suspect he’s going to have plenty to say about this before it’s all over.

David (laughs):
Oh, I’m counting on it! It wouldn’t be Doug if he didn’t!
(starts away)
Thanks, Carol...good night.

Carol:
Good night, David. Thank you for coming all the way out here just to tell me that.

David (laughs as he starts down the walk):
I didn’t have much choice! I didn’t know the new phone number!

Carol (waves to him and laughs):
I’ll alter that first thing in the morning.

Carol closes the door as David’s headlights start back down the driveway. She goes back through the house to the master bedroom. Tatiana is sitting on the bed with Doug and she is sharing his crackers with him.

Carol (comes into the room):
Hey, what’s going on in here?

Doug (grins):
I told her she could eat crackers in my bed anytime...she’s taking me up on it!

Carol (smiles at Tatiana):
Could you excuse us, honey?

Tatiana (scoffs):
OK.

Doug (as she starts off the bed and across the room):
Thank you, Punkin.

Carol (once Tatiana is gone):
David Morganstern was at the door. He said Garrett Holmes has been relieved of his duties and he’ll be taking over until Mark comes back...he’d like you to come back to work tomorrow.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, that didn’t take long, did it?

Carol:
Don’t gloat...
(chuckles)
It’s unbecoming of you.

Doug:
It’s something I never get to do!
(reaches for her and holds her close to him)
Come here, Woman.
(kisses her sweetly)

Carol (feels his face again):
I really don’t like that fever...are you sure you feel OK?

Doug (nods):
I’m fine...it’s just been a long bad day and I let the stress get the best of me. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be fine.

Carol (cuddles up next to him):
Well, I guess that cancels my plans, doesn’t it?

Doug (kisses her head):
I promise I’ll make it up to you.

Carol (matter of factly):
I’m counting on it...

Doug chuckles and holds her close to him, cuddling her and kissing her tenderly as act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, night time. Show Carol quietly setting up a roll-a-way bed close beside the master bed on Doug’s side. While she is working, Doug opens his eyes and sees her and he sits up curiously.

Doug:
What’s going on?

Carol:
Nina called...Mark isn’t feeling very well and he wants to be where you are...seems he would feel better in the company of a medical doctor. And since you can’t go to him, I told her to bring him to you.

Doug:
Is he OK?

Carol (shakes her head):
I don’t know...Nina just said he really wasn’t feeling very well right now.

Doug (nods):
OK...this is fine.

Carol:
I’m going on out front and wait for them, OK?
(feels his face)
How are you doing?

Doug (nods):
I’m OK.

Carol (frowns):
No, you’re not. You’re still warm and you’ve groaned and tossed around all night. You’re having a rough drain?

Doug (shrugs):
Little bit of pressure...that happens sometimes.

Carol (nods):
Uh huh...going to be like the blind leading the blind with you and Mark tonight.
(smiles at him)
I’ll be back.

Carol goes into the living room and curls up on the sofa to wait for Nina and Mark to arrive.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol opening the door to find Nina literally holding Mark up on the other side. She swings the door open wide to let them and helps Nina steady Mark as they come through the door.

Nina:
Thanks, Carol...I guess he forgot that Doug hooks up to that machine at night.

Carol:
It’s no problem. I’ve already got a bed made up for him. I can make one for you as well...

Nina (shakes her head):
No, I have to get back...I had a neighbor come and stay with the girls. I’ll just have to rest assured he’s in good hands tonight and I’ll be out here first thing in the morning.

Carol:
Listen, Nina, if you and Mark and the girls want to stay out here for a while, we’ve got plenty of room and it wouldn’t be a problem...

Mark (weakly):
I don’t want to be a bother...

Carol (scolding):
How could you be a bother, Mark? All the times you’ve taken care of Doug? It’s not a problem for us at all.

Nina (smiles):
We’ll talk about it tomorrow, OK? Thanks, Carol.

Carol (nods, takes Mark’s arm around her shoulder):
I’ve got him...you go on, OK? I’ll call you...

Nina (painfully watches her start away with Mark):
OK...Mark? I love you.
(Mark waves his hand over his shoulder at her but doesn’t turn to look at her)

Nina sadly turns and leaves, pulling the door behind her.

Cut back to Mark and Carol heading for the bedroom. Mark is wobbly and Carol is trying hard to steady him as they go.

Mark:
I didn’t want to die in front of my wife...

Carol:
You’re not going to die, Mark...

Mark:
I’m not so sure about that...

Carol:
I am...

She gets him to the door and opens it, pulling him into the room with her. Doug gets out of bed to meet her as they get to the roll-a-way bed and he helps her ease him down into it. He leans over Mark with a concerned look on his face.

Mark:
I thought you were hooked up to the beastmaster over there...

Doug (grins):
I am...but I’ve got six feet of tubing away from it.
(pulls cover over Mark)
You’re gonna be OK, Buddy...

Mark (insistently):
I’m gonna puke!

Carol (puts a bag with a plastic garbage bag lining beside his bed):
I gotcha covered, Mark. It’s OK.

Mark (looks at Carol):
Could I have a drink, please?

Carol (nods):
Sure...I’ll get you a 7UP. It might help your stomach.

As soon as Carol is gone, Mark reaches up and grabs Doug by the arm with a desperate look on his face.

Mark:
I don’t wanna die, Doug...don’t let me die!

Doug (takes his hand and clasps it tightly in his own):
You’re not gonna die, Buddy...you’re gonna be just fine.

Mark:
I’m so sick...I’ve never been this sick in my whole life, Doug! I’m scared!

Doug (nods, never releases his hold on Mark’s hand):
I know, Buddy. I know. It’s the effect of the chemo. But, you’re gonna be OK...I promise!

Mark:
I didn’t want Nina to see me like this. I don’t want my wife cleaning up my puke.

Doug:
She’s your wife, Mark...she won’t mind. You’re just gonna have to give in, Buddy, and let people take care of you for a while. I had to learn that, too. And you’re the guy that told me the same thing.

Mark:
That was different...that was you.

Doug (smiles):
And now it’s you. And it’s my term to give you the wisdom you gave me. I just hope I remember all the words...

Mark (shy look):
Can I ask you for a favor?

Doug (smiles):
Anything...you just name it.

Mark:
Stay here with me?

Doug (nods):
I’m right over here beside you, Buddy. You can reach your hand out and touch me if you need me. Is that close enough?
(Mark nods)

Carol comes back and she and Doug support Mark’s head to help him take a drink from the glass and Carol puts it where he can reach it later if he wants it. She and Doug get into bed and she turns out the light. Focus on Doug looking over at Mark with a concerned and worried look on his face as the Closing Act fades into the Closing Credits of the show.

August 29. 1998