Page 18 of Shielding Rosie

“So then no one did anything to me?” I ask, and her whole face softens.

“No, sweetheart. The headache is a combination of what you were dosed with and from when you hit your head.” She pushes my hair back. “You’ve got a little bump here.”

“Thanks,” I say and then glance around the empty room. “Now what?”

“Well, we flushed the drugs out of your system, but the doctor will want one last look at you before we release you. There are also two police officers in the waiting room that want to talk to you.”

“What were the drugs?”

“Fentanyl,” she says, and my heart sinks.

What the hell? I didn’t think to question taking a drink from another girl. Lori glances over her shoulder before leaning down close.

“You don’t have to speak to those officers without a lawyer.” Yeah right, like I could afford one.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Listen, honey, the Porters have pull in this town and can spin this any way they like.”

“But—” I can’t begin to wrap my mind around that. I’m the victim here.

“They could say you took the drugs yourself and that you came on to Nathan.” My heart starts to race, and the monitor beeps faster as I understand what she’s telling me.

“I don’t know what to do,” I admit because I feel lost.

“Your lawyer already called and is on her way, but she’s in the city, so I’d wait for her to get here before you talk to anyone.”

“My lawyer?”

“Is she awake?” A cop steps into the room.

“You do not barge into one of my patients’ rooms,” Nurse Lori snaps and points at the door. “Out!” I notice another officer behind the first, and he steps back.

“We have questions that need to be answered.”

“I don’t want to answer your questions,” I say, and the officer actually stands up straighter, not liking my response. He probably didn’t see that coming. “I have a lawyer.” Or so I’m told.

“I suggest you go before I call security.” Lori stands her ground, and eventually the officer relents before leaving the room.

“Thank you,” I whisper, and she pats my hand.

“Don’t thank me, honey. I’m here to take care of you.” At least someone is.

“Where’s my mom?”

“You should maybe talk to your lawyer about that too.” Lori’s words are cryptic. What the hell is going on? “If you need me, just push the little red button right here. I have to go check on a few more patients, but I’ll be back.”

I thank her again before she leaves me all alone in the room. As soon as she’s gone, my thoughts go to Tate. I have no idea what happened, only that someone drugged me. I know without a doubt it wasn’t Tate. I also can’t fathom Nathan doing it. I didn’t see him until I went upstairs, and he seemed surprised to see me. I wonder if he thought I was going to tell his wife about him and my mom.

That’s one thing I remember crystal clear. His wife didn’t seem to care that he was taking me to a room. Nathan spends a lot of nights at my house with my mom, so I supposed she wouldn’t.

I’m the new girl in school, so is everyone going to think I took drugs and tried to throw myself at Jack’s father?

Jack.

This has to be something he’s a part of. Who else would do this? Was it payback, or did he really have plans to get me alone and do something to me? I swipe away at the tears running down my face. Everything was going so well, and it should have been a sign.

There’s a knock at the door, but before I can say anything, it’s already opening. My heart leaps, hoping it’s Tate, but it’s not. Instead, a tall woman with red hair enters. She’s in jeans but still has heels and a blazer on. Her hair is pulled up, and there isn’t a spot of makeup on her face.

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