CHAPTER 69 – CASPIAN
There’s no hesitation in my sister’s demeanor when she steps behind the podium and surveys the audience. Her voice is crisp and steady as she begins.
“ Good morning. I’m Dr. Penelope Stone, a neurosurgeon here at Wycliffe Memorial Hospital.”
The hospital lawyer standing behind her already looks displeased. I can only imagine what the board said about her decision.
“Last week, I made a serious error in judgment in the aftermath of a patient’s death.”
A morbid ripple moves through the room as reporters lean forward.
“I falsely accused a resident of disobeying my orders. That accusation was unethical, unprofessional, and in direct violation of the oath I took when I became a physician.”
The cameras go wild.
Her eyes find mine in the back of the room. I nod. She lifts her chin.
“Let me be very clear,” she continues. “The resident was not at fault. As the attending surgeon, all responsibility rests with me and me alone.”
She scans the crowd.
“To protect the privacy of everyone involved, no names will be released.”
Her gaze drifts back to me, just for a second.
“I apologize for the pain and distress I have caused. I will be taking a temporary leave of absence while my actions undergo internal review. Effective immediately.”
Hands shoot into the air. Voices call out questions. The cameras keep flashing.
Dr. Penelope Stone does not waver.
“I have one more thing to say.”
The lawyer turns sharply toward her. Penelope doesn’t look at her.
She draws a breath.
“A portion of my personal funds will be dedicated to expanding restorative justice programs across the state.”
My throat tightens. The message is unmistakable. She isn’t just supporting a cause. She’s supporting me.
“This is not an attempt to repair my reputation,” she adds evenly. “But it is an attempt to repair the harm I caused.”
She pauses, scanning the room one last time, until her eyes return to mine.
I hold her gaze.
“I accept all outcomes of the investigation.”