Disclaimer: See Part 1
Chapter Six
Penny called out to Kim as soon as she stepped into the ER.
"Dr. Donovan, Dr. Rodman left a message for you. He said to make sure you got it the second you came in. You’re to report for a meeting on the third floor, conference room B."
Kim was puzzled. "Did he say what it’s about?"
"No, just that you were come as soon as you came in."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kim opened the conference room door, wondering what this was all about. Sitting in the room at a conference table were Dr. Rodman and two other people she didn’t know. One was a middle-aged man with sagging jowls and a deeply lined face. The other was a woman in her mid 50’s sharply dressed, her hair expertly styled.
"Dr. Donovan, nice of you to join us." Dr. Rodman greeted her. Kim could tell by his tone of voice he was up to something. "Have a seat."
"This is an emergency meeting of the Hospital Board," Rodman continued, "Dr. Walker and Dr. Grant are also Board members."
"What’s this all about Dr. Rodman?" Kim asked.
"Do you remember a patient named Harold Becker you saw in the ER?"
"Yes, he attempted suicide and hurt several other teens. What’s this about Dr. Rodman?" Kim asked again beginning to get worried.
"Well… seems he’s accused you of making sexual advances to him and touching him inappropriately. These are very serious accusations Dr. Donovan and you’re suspended ‘til a full investigation is completed." Rodman stated arrogantly. "Can’t have a child molester running around our hospital now can we?" Rodman smirked at Kim.
"Dr. Rodman, that hasn’t been decided yet. That’s what this meeting is about. Where is Dr. Donovan’s Department Chairman? Why aren’t they at this meeting?" interrupted Dr. Walker.
Kim was in a haze. She was reliving a vivid flashback of the events at County Memorial. The young girl accusing her of touching her and the subsequent events. She was only dimly aware of what was taking place in the room. This can’t be happening again, she sobbed to herself.
"I contacted Dr. McKenna but it seems it wasn’t important enough for her to show up." Dr. Rodman said with mock disappointment.
Kim tried to clear the images spinning around in her mind. She heard Rodman mention Jess and her heart sank at his words. Sharon had been so scared someone would find out about their relationship she had not supported Kim during the hearings at County Memorial. She’d done it again, allowed herself to fall for an ER Chief and again she was going to be hung out to dry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jess had no idea what was going on. She’d been stuck in a trauma all morning. Finally done she approached the admit desk.
"Penny have you seen Dr. Donovan?"
"She was called to a meeting Dr. McKenna, I think there is a message for you to attend as well."
Jess looked down at the message, which read: Emergency Hospital Board meeting, third floor conference room B. Signed Dr. Rodman. Jess hurried off to the conference room wondering what this could possibly have to do with Kim.
She entered the conference room to find Dr. Rodman and two other Board members sitting at a table. Kim was sitting in a chair facing them with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. She tried to catch Kim’s eye but she refused to make eye contact. Jess was concerned by the blank look on Kim’s face.
"What the hell’s going on Richard?" Jess demanded without preamble.
"Well, well. Dr. McKenna, how nice of you to finally show up."
"I was tied up in a trauma and just got your message. What’s going on?" She demanded again.
"It seems your ER Psych Attending molested a teenager boy. This hearing is to decide on her suspension ‘til an investigation is complete. Of course we’ll have to investigate just what goes on down in your ER as well." Rodman said with a satisfied smirk. He was loving every minute of this.
Jess was seething. "That’s Bullshit and you know it!"
"Temper, temper Dr. McKenna. These are very serious accusations." Rodman’s demeanor was serious but Jess could see the gloating expression in his eyes.
Jess glanced over at Kim. She hadn’t spoken or moved during all of this. She was getting worried. Why wasn’t Kim defending herself? Deciding this had gone far enough Jess turned to the other Board members.
"What about the ER security tapes, what did they show?"
Dr. Rodman suddenly looked nervous. The two Board members turned to him.
"What security tapes Richard? Were you aware of them?" asked Dr. Walker.
Jess spoke up. "We had a rash of thefts in the ER two years ago, patient drugs being stolen, as well as equipment. We had video monitors installed in all the exam rooms and trauma bays. They are on all the time recording events. Dr. Rodman approved funds for them." Jess added innocently.
All eyes turned to Dr. Rodman. "Well yes, we should adjourn ‘til the tapes can be brought up. Meeting to be continued in half an hour." He quickly exited the room before the other Board members could question him further.
Jess walked over to Kim. "Kim." No response. "Kim, come on let’s take a break while they get the tape." Kim still hadn’t responded. Jess gently lifted her out of her chair and wrapped an arm around her escorting her out of the room. Jess led her into a nearby restroom. As soon as the door closed behind them Jess pulled Kim into a tight hug. She was unresponsive and stiff at first then went limp in Jess’s arms. Jess stroked her hair as she began to cry.
"It’s ok sweetheart. Everything is going to be ok." Jess tried to assure her.
Kim suddenly jerked out of Jess’s arms running for the toilet. She was violently ill. Jess wet some paper towels and stood behind Kim supporting her and wiping the back of her neck. When she was sure she was finished she helped her over to the sink to rinse her mouth out. Jess again wrapped Kim tightly in her arms.
"You want to talk about it?" Jess asked hesitantly.
"Oh God Jess, it was County Memorial all over again and then you didn’t show up!" Kim cried.
"I was stuck in a trauma Kim, I didn’t know about it. I came as soon as I found out."
"I thought you’d abandoned me…. Like she did." Kim said in a hurt voice.
Jess was torn between anger and hurt. She couldn’t believe Kim would doubt her like that. She forced herself to calm down remembering what Kim told her about her about Sharon and her experiences at County Memorial. Jess realized Rodman had probably tried to convince Kim she hadn’t shown up on purpose.
"I would never abandon you Kim, not at work and not in our personal life. You’re stuck with me." Jess told her firmly.
Kim was finally calming down within the safety of Jess’s arms. "I’m sorry Jess, it was overwhelming. I just flashed back to the whole horrible thing at County."
"It’s ok, it’s over now. I promise."
"No it’s not, that bastard Rodman is trying to get me suspended."
"It will be," Jess promised. "Let’s go back. The tapes should be here by now."
They made their way back to the conference room. Jess’s arm was still around Kim’s shoulders as they stepped into the room. Rodman arched his eyebrow at the display and sneered at them. Kim tried to pull away but Jess held her in place for one last reassuring squeeze before letting go.
The tapes showed exactly what Jess knew they would, Kim talking to the boy and never touching him except on the shoulder when he became distraught during his story.
Dr. Grant addressed Kim as the tape stopped. "Dr. Donovan please accept our apologies for the way you were treated here today. Dr. Walker and myself were under the impression that this had been preliminarily investigated. All charges will be dropped and the tape submitted to the police and shown to the parents." Turning to glare at Dr. Rodman she continued, "Your handling of this affair will be brought to the attention of the Board and the hospital Ethics committee Dr. Rodman." Both Doctors exited, leaving Dr. Rodman in the room with Kim and Jess.
Jess could tell Rodman was already working on ways to weasel out of what he’d done.
"You’ve gone too far this time Richard. You haven’t heard the last of this."
"Are you threatening me Dr. McKenna?" Rodman asked with a sneer.
"No Dr. Rodman. It’s a promise." Jess stated emphatically.
She stepped over to Kim wrapping her arm around her once more. "Let’s get out of here."
Kim was still obviously shaken as they made their way back to the ER. Jess kept her arm wrapped around her shoulders ignoring the looks they received. They went directly to their office. Once inside Jess pulled Kim into her arms and hugged her.
"You holding up ok? Want me to call Philip to have someone cover for you today?"
Kim had been in a daze all morning. The events in the conference room had shaken her badly. She fought to regain her equilibrium. Things had happened so quickly just as they had at County. It’d all seemed like a horrible déjà vu. But, this time she reminded herself things had turned out very differently. Jess had stood by her acknowledging her not only professionally but also personally.
"No, I’m alright. I want to stay and finish out my shift. Thank you for coming to my defense. I’m sorry I doubted you," Kim said sincerely.
"There’s nothing to thank me for. You did nothing wrong and Rodman was trying to railroad you. I was hurt you doubted me but after your experiences in Detroit I guess it’s not surprising. " Jess leaned down kissing Kim softly. "I would never deny you."
Jess’s pager beeped interrupting. "I need to get back. Are you sure you want to finish out your shift?
Kim mentally pulled herself together. "Yeah, let’s go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rumors were already flying when Kim and Jess returned to the ER. It didn’t take long before Jess had enough. She gathered her Staff at the admit desk.
"OK people listen up, this ends here and now. Here’s the story: A patient accused Dr. Donovan of touching them inappropriately." There were several gasps around the room. "The ER security tapes were reviewed, the accusations were unfounded… End of Story!"
The Staff immediately surrounded Kim offering their support and telling her how ridiculous such an accusation was. Kim felt wonderful as the Staff offered their wholehearted support. How different from County Memorial Staff’s reaction when the accusations were made. It helped heal the hurt caused by not only the accusations here but the ones from County as well. Jess stood back and watched as her Staff offered support to one of their own.
The rest of the day was fairly quiet. Jess noticed Staff from other departments approaching Kim at different times during the day. She finally overheard part of a conversation. Seems Staff from all over the hospital was offering their sympathy and support to Kim.
Jess found Kim in their office at the end of the day.
"Ready to get out of here?" Jess asked. "How about going out for some dinner?"
"Oh Jess, I’m just not up to going out. I just want to go home, relax and have a very large drink."
"Oh… OK, I understand." Jess said with a disappointed sigh.
Kim stepped over into Jess’s arms. "I wouldn’t mind some company…"
Jess smiled. "How about I pick up some takeout Chinese and meet you there after I check on Thor?"
"Sounds good." Kim murmured as she kissed Jess’s lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They were cuddled together on Kim’s couch. Jess had her back against the armrest and Kim sat between her legs using her chest as a backrest. They’d eaten the takeout Jess brought and were relaxing together. Jess silently held Kim, each woman lost in thoughts of the day’s events. Jess looked around the room. She hadn’t spent a lot of time at Kim’s place in the weeks they’d been dating. The living room held a large couch and contemporary brass and glass furniture. The entertainment unit held all the latest in stereo and video equipment. As Jess continued her perusal of the room she felt Kim begin to shake in her arms.
"Kim, what’s wrong?" Jess questioned softly.
"It just... It just all kinda hit me… what happened today. Maybe I’m doing something wrong… or I’m in the wrong profession." Kim cried softly. "I mean this has happened to me twice now, it must be something I’m doing wrong."
"No it’s not!" Jess insisted. "You take care of people who are not mentally stable. They’re going to make unfounded accusations. You’ve been unlucky in having two homophobic Chiefs of Staff but as we both know that attitude isn’t uncommon. Today should’ve never happened; the tapes should have been reviewed before you were ever called. We both know what a sexist, homophobic ass Rodman is. I promise you Kim as your boss I will not let this be swept under the rug. You are a great psychiatrist and do a wonderful job with the patients and residents."
Kim turned in Jess’s arms laying her head against her chest and began to cry harder. Jess hoping to lighten the mood continued, "Not to mention the fact you’re a beautiful, sexy woman and I’m crazy about you. We’ll get through this together."
Kim spoke from her resting place on Jess’s chest. "You know even after all that happened to me at County I never cried? I had no one there to support me. Sharon was so worried about herself she never said a word in protest at my suspension or supported me professionally. I was too ashamed to tell my family what really happened. When it happened again I just felt so helpless, then you came in and defended me and all the Staff supported me. It’s just been emotionally overwhelming." Kim told Jess through her tears.
"I understand sweetheart, just get it all out of your system. It’s over with now."
Jess encouraged.
Jess continued to stroke Kim’s hair as she cried softly. Finally the crying stopped and Jess looked down to see Kim had fallen asleep. Sliding out from behind her she went into Kim’s bedroom to turn down the bed. She’d never spent the night or been in Kim’s bedroom. They’d always stayed at Jess’s because of Thor. The room was filled with contemporary furniture; a queen size sleigh bed was covered with a thick crème color comforter. The walls were painted a pale shell white. Jess turned down the bed before returning to the living room. She tried to rouse Kim without much success. Finally giving up, Jess picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. Sitting her down on the side of the bed Kim eventually opened her eyes. Jess could see she was really out of it. She gently removed her clothes before tucking her beneath the thick covers. Gently kissing her forehead she whispered. "I’ll see you tomorrow."
Kim’s eyes opened and her arm shot out from the covers grabbing Jess’s forearm. "Please don’t go. I don’t want to be alone." Kim pleaded.
Jess only hesitated for a second "OK." She stripped off her clothes and slid into the bed beside Kim. She wrapped her in her arms spooning up behind her. Both women sighed at the comforting embrace and drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jess woke the next morning still wrapped around Kim. She enjoyed the feel of their bodies pressed close together. Kim continued to sleep soundly. Jess lay there working out the details of how she was going to make Rodman pay for what he’d done to Kim. Her decision made, she quietly drew away from Kim and slipped from the bed. Jess took a quick shower in the bathroom down the hall not wanting to awaken Kim. Dressed and ready to go she reentered the bedroom and knelt down next to the bed. Leaning over she kissed Kim gently on the lips. Her eyes fluttered open.
Jess cupped Kim’s face in her hand softly stroking her cheek. "Morning sweetheart."
"Good morning to you," Kim said leaning in for a kiss.
"I have to be at the hospital early. You going to be OK?" Jess asked.
"Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for staying. I’ll see you at work."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kim arrived for work wondering what the day would bring. She found Jess already busy in a trauma. When lunchtime rolled around she went in search of Jess. She was nowhere to be found. Jess finally showed up later in the afternoon. She approached Kim at the admit desk.
"How’re you doing? Day going ok?" She asked squeezing Kim’s hand subtly.
"It’s going well. Things have been pretty quiet. Something is going on though; every time I walk up to a group of nurses they suddenly stop talking. Know anything about that?"
Jess squirmed slightly trying to look innocent. "No, I sure don’t."
Before Kim could question Jess any further she was called away for a consult.
Jess breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want Kim to know what was going on. She was determined that Rodman wouldn’t get away with his harassment of Kim. She had contacted the Chairman of the Ethic’s committee asking for an emergency meeting. She had until Friday to gather ammunition against Rodman. She’d been all over the hospital today talking to people she knew had run-ins with the Chief of Staff trying to convince them to file formal complaints. She’d turned a blind eye to his actions for far too long. His feelings about minorities were hardly a secret. That must’ve been what the nurses were talking about. Jess had made it clear to everyone she didn’t want Kim involved. She just needed to keep her in the dark for a little while longer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The door to Jess’s office slammed against the wall and an enraged Richard Rodman stalked into the room.
"You won’t get away with this McKenna. I have friends on the Board," He snarled at her. "Drop this now!" He demanded.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about Richard. Why are you so upset?" Jess asked innocently.
"I know you’re trying to gather complaints against me. It’ll never happen. I’m Chief of Staff of this hospital and only someone incredibly stupid would think they could mess with me."
"Well I guess we’ll just see about that… won’t we? See you at the Board meeting." Jess said dismissing the man.
"What’s the matter McKenna, did I hurt your little girlfriend’s feeling," Rodman sneered.
Jess rose from her desk approaching Rodman. She was struggling to remain calm; she wanted to wipe the arrogant look off his face, preferably with her fist.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kim was getting worried. Something strange was going on. Rumors were flying around the hospital but no one would tell her what it was all about. She headed for their office hoping to catch up with Jess. She heard raised voices coming from the office. She quickly hurried to the door appraising the scene that greeted her. Jess and Rodman stood staring angrily at each other, it looked as if they’d come to blows any second. Kim rushed across the room and stepped between them. She turned her back on Jess and faced Rodman.
"Is there a problem, Dr. Rodman?" she asked quietly trying to defuse the situation. What the Hell is going on? She thought.
Jess’s hands came up to grasp Kim’s biceps attempting to move her aside. Kim refused to budge subtly pushing back against Jess trying to get her to step back. She could feel the tension and anger pouring off her.
Rodman merely snarled at her. "I mean it McKenna. Back off!" He snapped before storming out of the room.
As soon as he was gone Kim closed the office door and approached a still visibly angry Jess.
"What’s going on Jess? What did he mean, back off? About what?" Kim questioned Jess.
Jess didn’t respond. She didn’t want Kim involved with this.
"Jess…?"
Jess sighed heavily. "He’s just being his normal arrogant self Kim. Nothing for you to worry about."
Jess’s pager went off interrupting them before Kim could question her further.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jess smiled happily to herself as she headed back to the ER. The Ethic’s committee meeting had gone even better than she’d hoped. If the Hospital Board followed their recommendations, Rodman was in for a rude awakening. Jess laughed remembering the look on Rodman’s face when she’d presented the 10 additional complaints against him. He’d actually lost his temper toward the end of the meeting and had been excused by the Chairman of the meeting and told not to return until he could control himself. Jess did feel a little bad about the tactics she’d been using the last few days to distract Kim. She had made herself scarce when they were at work, then at home she’d either pled tiredness or started making love to her every time she brought up work. She knew she should tell her what was going on but she’d been hurt enough. Jess was determined to protect her from having to deal with this again. Only have to make it through the weekend, the Hospital Board meeting is Monday, Jess thought to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Kim arrived for her shift Monday morning Jess was nowhere to be found. It had been a strange weekend. Every time Kim brought up the hospital, Jess managed to change the subject or distract her. Another ER doctor was working the ER. It was late afternoon and Kim was working on charts at the admit desk. She hadn’t seen Jess all day. She was sure Jess had said she’d meet her at work. Kim felt someone brush against her back just before hearing a voice purr in her ear.
"Hi there beautiful." Kim started to lean back into the body behind her when she remembered where they were. She turned to find a grinning Jess.
"I thought you were working today?"
"I had Franklin cover for me. I had some things to take care of."
Kim raised her eyebrow in question. Jess’s little half smirk appeared on her face and her eyes were sparkling. Kim was happy to see Jess in such a good mood but couldn’t help wondering just what she’d been up to.
"Starting first thing tomorrow morning Rodman’s assistant is Acting Chief of Staff. Dr. Rodman has been suspended for 30 days without pay and will be attending sensitivity training and anger management classes."
"What?!" Kim almost shouted. "What happened? The Board didn’t do that because of last week… did they?"
"No, though they should have. It seems in addition to the complaint you filed there were 10 other complaints against Dr. Rodman for sexual harassment and unfair treatment based on sexual orientation and race. You’re not the only one he treated unfairly. Once your complaint became common knowledge, seems there were several other people who stepped forward. There was an emergency Ethics committee meeting last week and the findings were presented at the Hospital Board meeting that just concluded."
Kim was confused. "But… I never filed a complaint."
Jess looked down at her feet. "Well… I sort of filed it for you. I didn’t think you’d mind."
It all suddenly made sense, the confrontation with Rodman, her absences from the ER. "You got the other people to file complaints… didn’t you?" Kim leaned forward no longer caring they were at the admit desk. "Thank you," she whispered before kissing Jess gently on the lips.
Jess blushed. She pulled Kim into a hug then quickly stepped back. "You’re welcome," she said never answering Kim’s question. Jess looked around to see her Staff watching with interest. "Don’t you people have work to do?" She questioned sharply. Several of the Staff smiled at the two women before slowly walking away.