Rabbit Notes from Overtime

Chapter 3: A Name in the Box

I didn't accuse Dana of writing the note.

I turned the page around and checked the back for a signature. There was none.

"Did Dr. Hsu send this to you?"

"He reviewed the result verbally."

"Then I need him to put that in the system."

"He's in a client meeting."

"I can call him."

"He won't pick up. The shelter is waiting."

I picked up my phone, called the clinic, and told the receptionist we were on our way. She asked how long it would take. I said twenty minutes if the road stayed clear. Then I called June and asked her to meet me at the front entrance with Mabel's carrier.

Dana stayed by the table. "Mara, you are not the only person who cares what happens to those rabbits."

"I didn't say you didn't."

"You're acting like I would risk their care to save a few dollars."

"I'm acting like I can't approve a result without a review."

She pressed her lips together. "A delay means extra tests. Extra tests mean the shelter loses money it doesn't have."

"And if we send the wrong result?"

"Then we correct it if necessary."

"That isn't an answer."

For a second, her face went blank. Then she slid the unsigned page across the table. "Use this as confirmation. I'll put the formal note in the system tomorrow."

I glanced at the screen. The approval box contained my name and the time, but the signature field was empty. Once I clicked "approve," the system would put my electronic signature on the report. The system would record the timestamp and the result, not the conversation in this room.

I thought about Mabel's warm body under my hand that morning. I thought about the three isolation rooms at Cedar Hollow and the cost of keeping them open. Then I thought about the two records that contradicted each other.

I closed the report without approving it.

"I'm leaving for the clinic," I said. "Put the report on hold."

Dana's expression sharpened. "You're leaving this with me?"

"I'm leaving the report in its current status."

"The shelter expects it tonight."

"Then tell them it's delayed for verification."

"You understand that will be in the client notes?"

"Yes."

"And that it will be clear who blocked release?"

I gathered my things. "Yes."

I drove with both hands tight on the wheel. The traffic between Northstar and the clinic was light, but every red light felt personal. June stood outside my apartment building with Mabel's carrier when I arrived. She had lined it with the towel Mabel liked and tucked a small dish of greens in one corner.

Mabel was still warm. She put her nose against the carrier door when I opened it.

The veterinarian, Dr. Vale, took her temperature again and examined her abdomen. She asked how long Mabel had been eating less. I told her about the morning, the untouched hay, and the banana. I didn't mention Northstar until she asked why I looked like I had been holding my breath.

"Work," I said.

"Can work wait?"

"I'm trying to make it."

Dr. Vale gave me a careful look. "Then try to make it after this visit."

She gave Mabel fluids and medication to bring the fever down. She told me to monitor her eating and droppings and to bring her back if she stopped responding or her breathing changed. She didn't promise me anything. She gave me a printed care sheet and showed me how to administer the medication.

I sat on the floor at home with Mabel beside me while I read it twice.

At 8:17, Dana emailed me. The Cedar Hollow report had been sent under Dr. Hsu's approval. My name was listed as quality reviewer.

I opened the attachment. The final document showed a negative result for CH-14 and a completed review under my name. It also included a note that the repeat had been validated.

I called Dana.

"You sent the report?"

"We couldn't leave the shelter without an answer."

"Who approved it?"

"Dr. Hsu."

"Then why does it show me as reviewer?"

"You were the assigned quality reviewer."

"I didn't approve it."

"The report had to be released."

"That's not what I asked."

A pause. "I'll fix the reviewer field tomorrow."

"You told them I approved a result I held."

"I used the assignment already in the system. The report had director approval."

"Then it should show his review, not mine."

"I'll make sure it's corrected."

I ended the call. Mabel nudged my ankle. I opened the care sheet again and checked the next medication time.

Then I saved the email and the report outside the lab system, in the personal folder I used for work records I needed to discuss with compliance.