“You told me, and I quote, ‘twenty years of experience getting it wrong.’” His voice is ice. “In front of the patient. Undermining my medical authority.”
The memory crashes back—Rodriguez on the table, Winters trying to rush him back, my grief-fueled rage.
I shouldn’t have said it like that. I know I shouldn’t have.
“The concern was valid,” I manage. “Rodriguez needed imaging before any timeline discussions.”
“The concern may have been valid. The delivery was not.” Winters looks at Barrett. “This is part of a larger pattern—questionable judgment, inappropriate boundaries with players, conflicts with senior medical staff. Individually, these incidents might be overlooked. Together, they paint a concerning picture.”
Barrett’s been quiet through all of this. Now he leans forward, studies the papers.
The silence stretches so long I start to panic, my heart pounding so loud I’m sure they can hear it.
Finally, he closes the folder.
“Dr. Winters, I appreciate you bringing these concerns through proper channels.” His voice is measured. “However, I need to be clear about something. Dr. Walker’s medical decisions, when examined in context, have been exemplary. Our injury rates are down. Player recovery timelines have improved. By every metric that matters, she’s been an asset.”
I can breathe again. Slightly.
“The photograph with Rodriguez, taken in isolation, isn’t grounds for disciplinary action. You’re allowed to have dinner with friends, Dr. Walker. Including players.” He pauses. “The optics aren’t ideal, but optics alone don’t constitute policy violations.”
“But the pattern—” Winters starts.
“The pattern you’re describing is based on subjective interpretation.” Barrett’s voice is firm. “Captain Varga’s sessions were medically appropriate. The Rodriguez discussion was a professional disagreement. And a dinner with a player that both parties confirm was innocent is not evidence of anything except Dr. Walker having a life outside this facility.”
I can see Winters’ jaw tighten. He’s not getting what he wanted.
“However,” Barrett adds, and my brief relief evaporates, “I need you to understand something, Dr. Walker. Dr. Winters has raised these concerns. While I don’t share his interpretation, the fact that they’ve been raised means you’re under scrutiny now. Fair or not, perception matters in this organization.”
“I understand.”
“Going forward, I need you to be extremely mindful of optics. Document every medical decision thoroughly. Treatment plans, session notes, every conversation about patient care. All of it.” He looks at me directly. “Maintain clear professional boundaries in public settings where your actions could be misconstrued.”
“I will.”
Barrett turns away from me. “Dr. Winters, thank you for bringing these concerns through proper channels. For now, I’m satisfied that Dr. Walker’s medical decisions have been appropriate. If you have specific incidents that concern you going forward, please document them and bring them to my attention.”
Winters stands, clearly unsatisfied. “Of course.” His eyes cut to me. “I’ll continue to observe.”
It’s a threat. Clear and direct.
After he leaves, Barrett levels me with a look. “You understand what just happened?”
“He’s building a case against me.”
“Yes. And I shut it down today because his evidence doesn’t hold up. But Marnie—” He leans forward. “He’s actively watching you. Looking for anything to twist into unprofessional behavior. One more incident that looks questionable, even if it’s innocent, and he’ll be back with more ammunition. And next time I might not be able to help.”
The weight of it crashes over me.
“I haven’t done anything unprofessional?—”
“I know. But optics matter more than truth in situations like this.” He taps the closed folder. “That photo looked bad. Your defense of Rodriguez—which was medically correct—came across as emotional.Winters is framing everything as evidence of compromised judgment.”
“So what do I do?”
“Document everything. Every decision, every interaction with players. Especially with Dr. Winters.” He scrubs a hand over his face. “And be careful, Marnie. Very careful. He’s looking for patterns. Don’t give him any.”
I nod, not trusting my voice.
