Chapter 4
After receiving several complaints, Michael finally suggested transferring Lindsey to handle paperwork instead.
Lindsey shook her head, and despite her voice trembling, she firmly said, "Dr. Jones, I know I've been clumsy and caused a lot of trouble for everyone, but I truly want to become a capable medical assistant. It's my dream."
Later, she posted an update online. "Another day of causing a little chaos at work. I often feel awkward pretending to be an adult, but Dr. Jones has been patient and encouraging. He says it's rare to protect someone's innocence, so I'll keep doing my best!"
That day, the cardiology department admitted Charles Lockman, a patient of considerable stature. Despite his advanced age, his condition was stable. He was admitted for routine care and checkups.
Michael assigned Lindsey to follow along under the guise of gaining clinical experience.
In the afternoon, the ward was suddenly filled with the piercing alarm of a heart monitor and Lindsey's panicked scream.
"Mr. Lockman Senior! Mr. Lockman Senior, what's happening?"
I had been in the neighboring room with Mom and rushed over immediately. Charles' face had turned blue. His breathing had gone, and his heartbeat had ceased.
Lindsey collapsed beside him. Her face went completely pale as she screamed in terror.
I immediately stepped in, performing CPR as I yelled, "How did this happen? Wasn't Mr. Lockman Senior supposed to be stable?"
Tears streamed down Lindsey's face, but she couldn't manage a single word.
It was the duty nurse who reported, "Lindsey said Dr. Jones asked her to deliver an intravenous cardioprotective agent to Mr. Lockman Senior, and then…"
My gaze snapped to the empty vial. It wasn't a cardioprotective agent. It was a high-concentration potassium chloride injection meant for another patient with hypokalemia.
By giving Charles potassium chloride through an IV push, Lindsey had effectively injected poison directly into him.
I nearly shouted, "Who told her to give this drug? This vial was in another patient's medication basket!"
Lindsey weakly replied, "Dr. Jones said Mr. Lockman Senior needed potassium. Isn't this potassium?"
I completely lost my temper. "He needed potassium, but that doesn't give you the right to give a high-concentration IV push! Do you think human life is a joke?"
Despite all efforts, the resuscitation failed.
Charles' son, Jeremy Lockman—a powerful real estate tycoon—sped to the hospital as soon as he learned what had happened.
The news of his father's sudden death left him devastated. He grabbed Michael, who had arrived as quickly as he could.
"Dr. Jones!" Jeremy roared. "My father came in for a routine checkup. How could he just die like this?! I want answers!"
His bloodshot eyes bore into Michael.
Michael quickly shielded Lindsey in his arms. His eyes locked on mine as he said, "Dr. Monroe issued the wrong order and failed to verify the medication, which led to this serious incident. We will deal with it seriously and make sure you and your family receive a full explanation."
Lindsey seemed to find an anchor, sobbing as she nodded and pointed at me. "It was Dr. Monroe who told me to get the medication. She said it was this one. It's all my fault for being too stupid and trusting her. It's all my fault…"
Jeremy's eyes burned with hatred as he glared at me. "How dare you call yourself a medical expert? My father is dead because of you! I swear I'll make sure you rot in prison!"
Without another word, Jeremy called the police. Soon, several patrol cars arrived at the hospital entrance.
As officers prepared to take me away for investigation, I looked at Lindsey and Michael with a sorrowful, almost pitying expression.