"There's nothing supicious in a doctor treating her patient as she sees fit," Vivian concurred. "But when the patient dies... An investigation in this case is more of a formality. I don't care what happened to Marco Medina. There are at least ten different stories floating around on the internet as we speak. My interest is in making sure the Center emerges from this unscathed. And I guarantee Washington feels the same." If they had to sacrifice her in the process... that was another issue.
"That may be, however. Should there be any disreprencies in the official report and the private audit, they would not tarnish their image with a retraction. This is their most successful adjustment center, why would they call attention to perceived flaws." Teja grinned, she had them in a checkmate. "You are here out of protocol, but I will do everything in my power to ensure your time here is not a pointless exercise.
What is done has past, what we should focus on is limiting situations and screening patients under our care. Medina should never have been admitted to our facility when an asylum would have been better suited for him."
"With all due respect, Doctor, this could lead us into a chicken and egg situation." Vivian replied with a shake of the head. "Medina was a product of the Center. But that's entirely irrelevant. You're doing good work here."
She stood, file in her right hand. "As long as you keep doing what you're doing and you get me the access you mentioned, I'll be out of your hair before you go on leave."
"That will be no problem. I am sure working together will be the most beneficial for the both of us." Teja said, standing as well. "I hope you will make the Center a safer place for everyone." I do not wish to have another patient showing up on my doorstep.
Shaking hands seemed appropriate, so Vivian held out a hand. "So do I. On both counts." Safety was only a small part of her job, but it was the official job description. The job title. And for now, it was all anyone needed to know about her.
Teja took the woman's hand and shook it. The capital's guard dog. As long as she weeded out the ineffective employees and stayed out of Teja's way, this arrangement was turning more like a gift than something punitive. She would find reasons to keep Vivian long after the the missive was done, she was certain of it. "I should leave you familiarize yourself with everything without having me hovering around."
"I'll have a look around on my own, yes," Vivian nodded, seeing no reason to deny herself the opportunity. She released her hand and made her way to the door, all about ready to close it behind her when she remembered it - that vague glimmer of civility she'd learned once. "Oh, Doctor. Congratulations."
"Oh, thank you." Teja said with a pause, forgetting about the news she had let slip.
It was about as natural as talking shoes and Oprah, but in their world babies didn't feature high on the list of priorities. Vivian flashed a tight smile and made her way out into the deeper recesses of the Center.