Natti watched Nurse Fray lead Mr. and Mrs. Winfall out of the waiting room. Before the doctor could take a step, she marched forward. “Why did you lie to them?”
Doctor Chang turned to her. “Excuse me?”
“Natti.” Seth tried to take her hand. She pulled away.
“Why did you lie to them?” Natti spat again. “Wanda wasn’t drinking; she was drugged! You know it!”
“I only report what the lab tells me, Miss.” The doctor shrugged.
Natti felt the heaviness take its toll on her heart. “Did you even do a tox test?”
“Are you saying I’m not doing my job?”
“I just think you’re trying to protect—”
“Natti, stop!” Seth cried.
Natti was about to whirl on him, about to accuse Q for drugging her friend, when she stopped talking. Though Doctor Chang’s change in diagnosis triggered her suspicions, she honestly didn’t know. And the only proof of whoever did drug the water was gone. There was nothing to support her claim.
“I know the symptoms of alcohol poisoning!” Her voice was beginning to rise. “Wanda’s signs aren’t a match! He’s hiding something!”
Doctor Chang sighed, resting a hand on Natti’s shoulder as if he was the caring, concerned person she knew he wasn’t. “I understand you’re upset and tired, but let me do what I do best—”
“And what is that? Covering up others’ mistakes!” Seth grabbed hold of her and started to drag her toward him. Natti struggled. “Let go! I just want to know the truth!”
“Seth.” Doctor Chang’s breathing became uneven while sweat dripped from his brow. “I suggest you make that girl see reason before she causes a ruckus.”
“Make me see reason! What the hell—?”
Yanking Natti back, Seth blocked Doctor Chang from her view; his footsteps echoed as he left the room. Natti focused on Seth, her temper ready to sink its teeth into someone. Yet when Seth stroked her neck, the same calming sensation from earlier caused her mind to drift. Her anger and frustration slipped and melted into a soothing bliss. She shook her head, confused what was happening to her. Every ounce of rage had just simply vanished.
It had to be like he said; it had to be his touch. What other way could he easily wipe away her rage? Her heart pounded in fear, and a slight headache began to form. She looked up at Seth, not sure what he was doing.
“Remember what we talked about, Natti,” he whispered into her ear. “Let me handle this.”
“But he’s—”
“Shh . . . There is nothing you can do.” He slipped his hands into hers and pulled her closer, letting his touch ease her nerves. “I will take care of it. I promise.”
Natti wondered how Seth could make such a promise. Did he know it was Q? Was it possible Seth was involved? Natti shook the thought from her head, realizing her imagination was getting the best of her. She never mentioned anything about Q and Ky to Seth, and with how he had been helping her, comforting her, it was likely he was never part of it.
“Natti?” Her father’s voice carried through the room.
Seth raised his head and gazed over her shoulder. Natti turned to see Alexander approaching them. Relieved, she pulled away from Seth embrace, rushed forward, and wrapped her arms around him.
“Dad!” Suddenly all her rampaging emotions returned to her. Everything bombarding her at once. Tears filled her eyes and words tumbled from her lips. “Dad, I can’t believe someone drugged Wanda. It was a date rape drug. I recognized the signs and—”
“Hey.” Her father cut her off stroking her hair. “Everything okay, luv. You already told me all this on the phone. It’s not your fault. And you did exactly what you should have done. Now tell me, what’s her status?”
“The doctor says she’ll be fine, but—”
“Who’s this?” Alexander’s attention was abruptly drawn away.
Natti whirled around to look at Seth. His jaw was tight and his eyes were filled with concern and fear while they examined her face. She wasn’t exactly in the best state to make introductions between Seth and her father. But here they were, feet from each other, waiting for her to speak. She wiped her eyes and tried to collect herself.
“Dad, this is Seth O’Keefe.” She sniffed. “Seth, this is my father.”
Her father held out his hand. “O’Keefe.”
Seth took it with caution, casting a quick glance in Natti’s direction. “Good to meet you, sir.”
Natti’s father nodded in reply. “I hear you’re the one who helped my daughter when she collapsed at school.”
Seth lowered his gaze to the floor, and his voice became soft. “Yes, sir. I was.”
“Well, it seems you have helped her once again.” Her father dropped his hand and wrapped her arm around Natti’s shoulders. “Thank you for taking care of her and Wanda.”
“Anytime, sir.” Seth let a smile slip while his eyes locked onto Alexander. “Um . . . I know you probably want to get Natti home, but would you mind if I said good night first?”