High Roller

TITLE: High Roller - A Highest Bidder sequel - Part 53
AUTHORS: Simplyshelly / John Ross ~JR~
EMAIL: simplyshelly2@earthlink.net and johnross75@yahoo.com
CATEGORY: Carter/Abby / Slash / Adult Content
RATING: NC/17 for sexual content, including memories of sexual abuse.
SPOILERS: Season 8...If there are any for season 9 they are purely coincidence as we have not read any as of yet.
WRITTEN: March - May 2002
ARCHIVE: Sure. I'd be honored but write me to tell me please.
DISCLAIMER & WARNINGS: You've seen them all plenty of times.
SUMMARY: A continuation of The Highest Bidder Series - which can be found at: http://fanfiction.net/list.php?categoryid=14
AUTHORS NOTES: We want to add that we have many more parts written in advance but do not wish to post too far ahead as we continually go back and change and update things as we think of things to add.
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Robert (Rocket) Romano pulled himself up out of the water, his muscles tired from forcing his greatest speed, which wasn't too bad, if he did say so himself. He wrapped a towel around his hips and relaxed on his lounge chair. It was so rare when he actually took a day all to himself that he was truly enjoying the peacefulness.

"Robert, honey, we have lunchervaervations, don't forget." The striking red head called down from the balcony. He glanced up.

"I remember." He called back. 'That woman,' he thought, 'was the definition of the female gender.' Too bad she didn't mean anything to him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dr. Weaver, phone!" Randi yelled for the third time. Kerry looked up from the gurney that was just wheeled in.

"Take a message!" Kerry snapped. The ER was flooded with patients, Dr. Lewis was out with the flu, Dr. Carter was on a leave of absence, she was on her twenty-third hour, and she was tired. Randi shrugged as Dr. Weaver raced down the hall following the patient.

"On my count," she announced just as Luka came in.

"What have we got, Kerry?" He asked, putting on gloves as he was being gowned.

"93 year old male, MVA, no seatbelts." Kerry stated dryly. 'There just got to be an age where people should not be allowed to drive,' she often thought.

Luka and Kerry were quickly knee deep in blood when Randi appeared at the door.

"Uh, Dr. Weaver, they don't want to leave a message. She says it's important." Randi said, getting everyone's attention.

"Who the hell is it, Randi? Can't you see I'm busy here?" Kerry said, barely looking up.

"Says her name is Dr. Sajak?" Randi informed.

The second they heard the name, both Kerry and Luka looked up at one another.

"Go, I have this." Luka urged. Sure, it had only been a few days but they never expected Dr. Sajak to contact them at the hospital unless . .

Kerry stripped off her gloves and gown and limped quickly to the phone.

"Dr. Sajak, its Dr. Weaver, is there something wrong?" Kerry listened closely. Randi also tried but Dr. Weaver turned away. "No, I see. Yes, of course, please do. Yes, that's the number. No, it's fine, totally secure. Yes, I will. Thank you." Kerry said, hanging up the phone. She returned to the trauma.

"She's sending the H & P." Kerry said quietly, knowing Abby was just two feet away, inserting a foley.

"Where?" Luka asked.

"Robert's office. He's on vacation and I believe out of the state. Should be fine. No one is up there." She assured Luka. Neither of them wanted anyone to get a hold of Carter's records, least of all Robert Romano! Luka just nodded, and suddenly alarms began sounding.

"V-fib! Crash cart! Chart to 200!" Kerry barked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Time of death, 13:42." Luka stated. Kerry looked down at the bloody mess of the man before her.

"Someone needs to call his granddaughter." She said solemnly. She began to strip off her gown and gloves when she looked up at the clock. "Oh, God." She gasped quietly.

"Kerry, are you all right?" Luka asked, hearing her gasp. Kerry looked at him.

"The H & P." She said as they both headed quickly to the elevator.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Goddamn hospital can't take a shit without me around!" Robert muttered to himself as the elevator doors opened to his office. He pulled out his keys and quickly unlocked his door. He could get the file, send it by fax, and get back to his lunch in an hour, he hoped.

Instantly, he found the file in question. Pulling out the one piece of paper that sounded to be so life determining, he walked to the fax machine.

Noticing he'd received some faxes; he sent them aside and began to punch in the number. He hit send and picked up the pile of received faxes, taking them back to his desk. Now, he just needed to wait for the phone call that would tell him, all papers had been received.

Nonchalantly glancing at the top sheet, he noticed it was a fax cover sheet, directed to Dr. Kerry Weaver or Dr. Luka Kovac. Thinking it strange that Kerry much less Kovac would use his personal fax line; he flipped to the next page. It was an authorization to release medical records and mental findings on a John C. Williams. 'Who the hell was he?" Robert wondered. Then he looked at the signature. If he wasn't mistaken, that signature looked familiar. Robert always took pride in knowing everyone's handwriting at just a glance so he stood and pulled out John's record. He found a page and compared signatures.

"You sneaky bastard." He snickered, proud to himself. "So, that's where you are, Johnny boy. Hiding out at Rock Creek Center, are we?"

Robert sat back in his high backed leather chair and continued to read.

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To: Dr. Kerry Weaver or Dr. Luka Kovac
From: Dr. Dijana Sajak, Director, Rock Creek Center

CONFIDENTIAL

Dr. Weaver or Dr. Kovac,

As John's primary physicians, here is an update on his progress. Our first night went well. He is still suffering from insomnia but I'll take care of that. I am forwarding his H&P, as well as the notes from last night. He had a very rough night last night and I just wanted to keep you informed.

Dr. Sajak.

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Turing the page, Robert found it odd for Kerry or that foreign guy to be treating someone privately and him not having known about it. He had to have a talk with his informants.

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Rock Creek Center
40 Timberline Drive
Lemont, IL 606439
USA

Patient name: John C. Williams
DOB: 6/4/70
Date of admission: 5/25/02
PATIENT NUMBER: 246587

PSYCHIATRIC INTAKE ASSESSMENT

PRINCIPAL AND SECONDARY DIAGNOSIS:
Diagnostic Formulation:

Axis I: Major depressive disorder, NOS, post-traumatic stress disorder with psychotic features.

Axis II: Back pain, rib fractures (right-sided 5th and 6th), laceration of head.

Axis III: Work stressors, insomnia, difficulty gaining and maintaining relationships, suspected sexual abuse as a child, stab wounds due to assault 02/14/2000, death of co-workers, death of grandfather, death of older brother (when 11), narcotic dependence-currently not using x 2 years, see below. Involved in new relationship/sexually active (less than 1 month).

Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning 30-35

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:
The patient is a 31-year-old male, physician, who has been diagnosed with PTSD with psychotic features, as well as, major depressive disorder.

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
The patient himself, who is considered reliable, verbal from Dr. Luka Kovac, a coworker and escort to this facility and medical records obtained from County General Hospital, Cook County, Illinois, as well as private medical record obtained from Dr. Veronica Montgomery, licensed therapist, Albany, New York, (518) 432-1132.

CONTACTS:
THE ONLY CONTACTS REGARDING INFORMATION OF THIS PATIENT'S ADMISSION ARE T GIV GIVEN TO: Dr. Luka Kovac, 2901 W. Addison St, Chicago, IL (917) 769-3255 and Dr. Kerry Weaver, 917 W. Waveland, Chicago, IL (917) 792-5391. NO other information is to be given regarding this patient to any other source other than those named above

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:
The patient is a 31-year-old male, emergency/trauma physician who is admitted to Dr. Sajak's service as a voluntary admission following psychotic-type breakthrough due to underlying untreated PTSD and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, with no specific plan or intent.

The patient has had decreased appetite, hopelessness, worthlessness, difficulty staying asleep, dcultculty falling asleep, irritable, aggressive behavior, appears anxious and slightly agitated to this examiner. The patient appears to use a number of coping mechanisms ranging from denial of symptoms to rationalization. The patient also displays an array of physical symptoms of agitation. He frequently picks at his clothing, rubs the side of his left wrist, runs his hands repeatedly through his hair, was observed on his first day banging his head against the wall when left alone, often looks at the clock, asks this examiner repeatedly, "are we about done here?" Often complains of physical need for sleep, although, the patient did sleep less than an hour in the past 24-hours.

The patient relates the following history; knife assault 02/14/2000 resulting in one 3 x 4 cm and one 2 x 5 cm lacerations in left flank region, colon laceration, hematoma lumbar plexus resulting in chronic left leg weakness and chronic low back pain, colostomy x1m, patient relayed to this examiner that his previous therapist concluded past sexual abuse however patient claimed that he never believed it to be abuse until recently (30 days or less). Patient did admit to first sexual encounter at age 11 with a 25 yr old partner (F). (Further questioning needed - patient is cooperative but claims he doesn't recall specifics), lost brother secondary to leukemia 20 yrs previous, no other major surgeries or illnesses declared, other than those noabovabove.

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Robert was shocked as he realized what he was reading but now, he needed to know how bad it was. He continued.

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**

ALCOHOL AND DRUG HISTORY:
The patient has a history of abuse/dependence to prescription narcotics and has attended rehabilitation with success in treating his dependence. The patient has been recently given Ativan, by a fellow physician, unbeknownst to the patient X 2, due to psychotic and agitated behavior, which the patient was unaware.

The patient was prescribed and compliant with Naltrexone x 3 months at which time he quit taking and was then ordered to continue for another 3 month period after he admitted to one incident of relapse where he swallowed two Vicodin tablets but successfully expelled them before they were in his system. This arrangement was necessary for continued employment.

FAMILY HISTORY:
The patient's family history is as follows; alcohol abuse by both parents.
Mother known to use Xanax for depression. Grandmother recently diagnosed with Sragerager syndrome. Grandfather deceased of MI 1 yr ago. Brother deceased secondary to leukemia. Patient underwent bone marrow and blood donor studies at age 10 secondary to older sibling's need for transplantation. Unfortunately, no match was made. The patient has one older sister, in good health, living out of the country. No other known family medical history.

ALLERGIES:
The patient is allergic to COMPAZINE, which resulted in tardive dyskinesia
Last given - 7 yr previous.

LABORATORY AND X-RAY DATA:
The patient tested negative for cannabis, opioids, etc, including alcohol. CBC, BMP and electrolytes are all within normal limits.

REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:
As per the history of present illness and physical examination, as stated, rib fractures present. The patient also complains of persistent, chronic, low back pain and left leg pain/weakness, secondary to stab wound and subsequent surgical intervention, during psychotic episodes the patient does have shortness of breath, some dizziness and light-headedness, loss of awareness of surroundings, history of falls and violent outburst causing physical injury to self only.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:
General: This is a 31-year-old white male, who appears very anxious, picks at his clothing often, looks around the room, makes very poor eye contact.
Vital signs: Temperature 36.5, pulse 108, respiratory rate 22, blood pressure 140/102, oxygen saturation 98% on room air.

HEENT:
Normocephalic, atraumatic, sutures recently removed from head lac and hand injury, both non-related, present secondary to injury, see above, pupils equal and reactive to light 2/3 bilaterally, extraocular muscles are intact bilaterally, ears normal, oropharynx clear without exudate or lesions, although, there is some bruising along the right side of the palate and at the right tonsilar area, as well as the surfacuisiuising of the epiglottal region, good dentition.
Neck: No jugular venous distention, no lymphadenopathy, no goiter.
Chest: Clear to auscultation bilaterally, with decreased breath sounds on the (right/left) due to pain secondary to fractured ribs.
Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, S1 and S2 normal, no murmur, rub or gallop.
Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, non-distended, normoactive bowel sounds, well-healed scar present secondary to colostomy performed in 02/2000 and colostomy closure 03/2000.
Genitourinary: Normal male genitalia, circumcised phallus, testes descended bilaterally.
Rectal: Hypertonicity of sphincter, rectal reflex hyperreflexive. Guiac (still needed), no history of melena, per patient. 1 cm fissure laterally at the anal canal. Recommend formal sigmoidoscopy examination, due to rectal pain and bleeding upon examination.
Extremities: Pedal pulses present bilaterally, right leg pain upon straight leg raising. Toes down going bilaterally. Recent sutures removed on R hand secondary to violent outburst, breaking glass/mirror, recent sutures removed from injury to head (helicopter crash).
Back: Positive lumbosacral pain L4-S2 region. No cervical tenderness, some thoracic tenderness at the T-2/3 region.
Neurological: Cranial nerves II through XII grossly intact, non-focal examination.

SOCIAL HISTORY:
Sexual history: Patient claims to be sexually active heterosexual involved in a relationship. Also claims to be sexually active with another both F/M couple consensually. Patient claims lost virginity at age 11 (investigate), states 25 yr old partner (F).

MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION:
General appearance and behavior: This is a well-developed, well-nourished, thin, white male, who appears anxious, restless, and makes very poor eye contact with the examiner.
Speech: Speech is of regular rate and rhythm, sparse amount, normal latency, very soft voice.
Content of thought: Positive for recent suicidal ideation, with no concrete plan or intent. No homicidal ideation. Positive for auditory hallucinations, the patient hears voices, which often tell him that he is "worthless" and "no one will ever love you" "you'll always be alone"
No visual hallucinations, no persecutory delusions. No ideas of reference.
Mood: "I'm fine."
Affect: Irritable, anxious.
Flow of thought: Logical, sequential, goal oriented.
Sensorium and intellect: The patient is able to perform serial sevens, able to name the last four presidents correctly, alert and oriented times four, good fund of knowledge.
Insight and judgment: Insight and judgment are good, acknowledges sexual abuse, PTSD and depressive symptoms.

ASSESSMENT:
This is a 31-year-old emergency/trauma physician, who is admitted to Dr. Sajak's service as a voluntary admission, there is no advanced directive. The patient has been diagnosed with PTSD, with psychotic features and major depressive disorder, with suicidal ideation.

PLAN:
1. Patient will be placed on suicide, elopement and safety precautions secondary to violent outbursts, psychotic in nature, and history of suicidal ideation, no specific plan currently, but the patient has been found with knives on his person several times in the past, and has admitted to one suicide attempt by asphyxiation/carbon monoxide poisoning (in last 12 months). The patient adamantly denies that this was a serious attempt to end his life.

2. The patient will be started on Paxil 20 mg once daily, go up by 10 mg daily until 50 mg a day is reached p.o. b.i.d. for mood stabilization and Benadryl 25-50 mg p.o. q.h.s., may repeat times one, Haldol 10 mg IM p.r.n. aggressive behavior/psychotic symptoms, Tylenol ES p.r.n. headache, Zofran 8 mg p.o. q 6h for nausea and vomiting.

3. The patient will be expected to attend individual and group therapy sessions, as well as, hypnotherapeutic sessions with Dr. Hansen.

4. The patient may go outside, preferablith ith chaperone.

*************************************************************

Robert finished reading the nursing notes and the incident report from the previous night completely mortified, the reality of the situation being clearer as he thought of this poor tortured soul.

Suddenly, there was a flurry of noise from outside his office as Kerry and Luka looked around before entering. They both stood quietly as they realized that the door was already unlocked. Opening the door, they were taken by surprised to see Dr. Robert Romano sitting behind his desk as they stepped inside.

Robert looked up at them and tossed the paperwork onto his desk.

They entered the room cautiously, hoping that he had not checked his fax machine.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Robert leaned back in his chair and waved them in.

"Do sit Kerry, Luka. I assume that you intended to break into my office for these?" He picked up the papers and waved them in the air.

Kerry sat down and watched Luka as he folded his arms across his chest.

"I hadn't realized that our young doctor was such a player. Says here, and I quote, SEXUAL HISTORY: Patient claims to be a sexually active heterosexual involved in a relationship. Am I correct in assuming that this is our own Nurse Lockhart?"

"Robert." Kerry was not going to take any crap, but she already knew that she was skating on thin ice. How he had ever allowed her to get away with her earlier actions with him was still a mystery to her.

"Dr. Romano, those files are confidential," Luka added as he remained standing and came near the desk.

"Oh yes, it says right here, addressed to Dr. Weaver or Kovac, Primary Physicians. Oh, there's more. Also claims to be sexually active with another both female and male couple consensually. You two seem to be the only one's listed on here for contacts. Am I also to assume that there is something else the two of you are hiding from me?"

"You really must be kidding, Robert, surely you don't think that I would... that... we would....oh my you really would think something of that nature, wouldn't you." Kerry shook her head not knowing what to think. It was obvious that Dr. Romano had drawn his own conclusion and trying to deny it would only made her seem even guiltier.

"Hey, wait a minute, don't get me involved in this." Luka walked forward and attempted to get the papers from Robert's grasp but Robert just glared.

"Sit down, Kovac. You are already very involved. You two are so extremely involved and I bet neither of you realize just how deep you are involved!" Robert yelled, slamming the papers onto his desk as he stood.

"Robert, please, we did this out of concern for John." Kerry began defending their actions.

"Kerry, it would be wise if you shut up and listened because I do not want to have to call the corporate lawyers down here to get you to shut up! Do you realize that not only have you jeopardized both of your medical licenses, that mine is now ALSO INVOLVED as well as this hospital? You have had a man who is totally emotionally and mentally incapable working as our Chief Resident now for months!" Robert yelled, remembering his door was still open. He stalked over and slammed it shut.

"Robert, this hospital is not involved." Kerry assured him. The door slamming caused her to jump. "And Dr. Carter's skills as a physician are as good if not better than yours and mine, and you know it."

"Dr. Weaver, I am smarter than your average rocket scientist and I can see what is going on here plain as day! Now, correct me if I am wrong, will you?" Robert walked behind his desk and sat down, trying to remain calm.

"Could this 'couple' that our young Dr. Carter is involved with possibly be the same one that bought him for a quarter of a million dollars several months back?" Robert said, shocking Kerry and confusing Kovac.

Luka's jaw dropped in total disbelieve as he glared at Kerry. 'What the hell had she gotten him mixed up in he thought.' Sitting quietly he made a mental note to ask her just that.

"I... I wouldn't know about that, Robert. John and I do not have a personal relationship outside of this hospital." Kerry tried but failed miserably.

"Liar!" Robert shouted. "And you are telling me that Dr. Carter never lived with you, in your romantic bungalow?" Robert yelled. Kerry was furious at this accusation.

Kerry stood and pointed directly into his face. "You bastard! How could you accuse me of such a thing? Yes, John rented a room from me but in my basement and that was years ago."

"And tell me, Kerry, was not the name of the person or persons shall we say who won Dr. Carter in the hospital auction named Montgomery? Pretty strange coincidence that the only other doctor listed on the assessment happens to go by a similar name? Actually, very similar, more like identical? Now, tell me how that happened?" Robert stood and faced Kerry. She backed down quickly, watching the veins bulge across his head. Luka just looked to be in shock.

"You forget, Kerry. Your ass is already in a sling with me. Don't think I've forgotten that." Robert threatened. Luka noticed Kerry's shoulders sag just a bit.

Luka sat in deep though. He had met Veronica and Brandon just last night at Abby's and thought that they cared for John. If John *was* having sex with these two, did Abby know about it? Was she in on it? He suddenly didn't know what to believe anymore.

Robert picked up the assessment. "Kovac, don't think you're off the hook either. Your ass is on the line the same as Kerry's when you became, shall I quote 'An escort to this facility'? Now, Kerry, please tell me that the Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, who won the auction and paid quite a sum of money for an evening with Dr. Carter are in no way related to Dr. Veronica Montgomery, licensed therapist, from Albany? And please tell me that she was not treating our Chief Resident after having been introduced as the piece of meat she and her husband purchased during a charity event for this hospital? Who happens to be in possession of private medical records? Oh, and I believe the state will find this particularly interesting. 'NO other information is to be given regarding this patient to any other source other than those named above.' Just what are you keeping a secret, Kerry?" He bellowed.

"Kovac, please tell me that it was not you who," Robert read, "Gave the patient Ativan, listed here to have been given by a fellow physician, unbeknownst to the patient X 2?"

"I did that." Kerry said, realizing what kind of trouble she was in and had also dragged Luka into.

Robert sat and stared at them. "You gave Ativan to a known narcotic dependent patient, with PTSD as well as a depressive disorder, who was recently on Naltrexone? My God, Kerry, what were you thinking? Did you ever think for a second that the treatment you two were giving him might have been what sent him over the cliff?" Robert laughed, unbelieving.

"Abby told me he's been having more and more flashbacks lately but has had them for close to two years." Luka said quietly.

"Who told you that? Oh, his new fuck buddy? Oh, that's right, she used to be yours, didn't she?" Robert stated. Luka stood abruptly and leaned in to Robert, just ready to take a swing. Robert laughed in his face.

"Sit down, I was just testing you." Robert smirked. "In all fairness I think that those documents should be destroyed," Robert sat quietly.

Luka and Kerry stared in shock at his words.

"If you really feel the need to read them, do so in here and then shred them. I don't want to hear that they ever left this room." Robert's voice began to crack as he felt his emotions creeping up on him.

"Kerry," He said in a weak voice. "You should have told me."

She stood, taking a deep breath. "Robert, John has been working with Veronica Montgomery who happens to be an old college friend of mine. She currently lives in New York and John met her husband while in Atlanta. She is a therapist and has been using hypnosis to find out the root of John's problems. Why he has such a desire to please, why he beats himself up so much and why that man truly believes that he fails at everything and is better off dead. Rob Ver Veronica has been able to determine that John was horribly mistreated as a child."

Robert felt the hair on his neck stand up. "What?" He turned around to look at her.

"That's right. And you know what the sad part about this is? John actually believes, still believes that it was his fault. Robert, he was eleven years old and that man believes that a 25-year-old maid was in love with him. He'd just lost his brother to Leukemia and he was left alone while his parents wallowed in their own grief. That young man just wanted someone, anyone to care about him and he found someone, all right. She took care of him for several years."

Robert seemed to have a different look in his eyes, sad yet understanding. He sat back in his chair.

"I'm sorry, Kerry, I didn't know," he said softly, his own mind flashing back many years.

"Robert, he wanted to keep this confidential. He didn't want you to see this." Kerry said seeing that Robert was still deep in thought.

"How could we have not seen this?" Robert asked, looking up at them, meeting their eyes. "How did it get this far?" He asked genuinely concerned.

"I've asked myself that so many times," Kerry replied. "He's just very good at hiding himself from others."

"Eleven years old, I didn't even know what sex was." Luka stated quietly as his heart broke for both Carter and Abby. Glancing over the papers, he was reminded of the sexual harassment seminar and Carter's confession, his cry for help. They had all laughed and made fun of him and he couldn't help but feel a bit responsible.


To be continued...........