He snatched his keys and newspaper from the counter. “Well, when you finish screwing Malik and come to your senses, you know where to find me.”
Natasha jumped at the sound of her front door slamming. Well, that went well.
Chapter Four
“Layla, I appreciate you coming in so early this morning,” Natasha said, and placed a cup of black coffee in front of her friend. “I’m sure I don’t have to mention again how sensitive in nature this information is.”
“Of course not. I’m hoping you and risk management can prove my suspicions are wrong.” Layla added sugar and cream to the steaming liquid. “Dr. Halsey is such a nice guy. Even when I first became concerned, I couldn’t imagine him being involved in anything like this.”
“I know,” Natasha mumbled. She skimmed the files before her, trying to see if there were any patterns. It had been two days since Layla had brought her concern to Natasha, and she had spent much of the weekend thinking about Dr. Halsey. “I hope we don’t find anything, but if something shady is going on in my hospital, I want to know.”
They worked in comfortable silence, reviewing the last few of Dr. Halsey’s deliveries. Natasha didn’t see anything out of order, but she also wasn’t sure what exactly she was looking for.
“Okay, so there were three women who died within twenty-four hours of giving birth and this one,” Natasha set the file between her and Layla, “had to have an emergency C-section.”
“Yeah, she was nineteen years old, eight months pregnant and had a stroke. When she was brought in, she was complaining of a headache. They gave her something for the headache and shortly after, she complained of numbness in her left arm.”
Natasha read the report. The medication given to her wasn’t listed, which was a red flag. She then looked for any pre-existing issues. “Her blood pressure was normal, no history of headaches, and no problems during her pregnancy.” Natasha laid the file down and sat back in her seat. Each woman’s death was listed as pregnancy related complications. “Out of the blue, she comes to the hospital complaining of a headache,” Natasha said, trying to get her mind to catch something that she might have been missing by speaking aloud. “Then when they give her something for the pain, she experiences numbness.”
“And she has a stroke,” Layla said, tapping her pencil on top of the pile of files. “They delivered the baby by emergency C-section.”
“God, that poor family. I can’t even imagine what her parents must have thought. Your pregnant child comes in for a routine visit, ends up having a stroke shortly before giving them a grandchild, and then dies.”
Layla scanned the file. “Well, actually, Tasha,” she skimmed the page, her finger sliding across the paper as she read, “this woman didn’t have any family. The baby was picked up by social services.”
Natasha’s heart lurched at the thought of another child ending up in foster care. That poor baby.
She sat up straighter and grabbed two files that she’d read earlier. If her memory was correct, there were some similarities. Quickly skimming the first one, she found what she was looking for.
“All of these women were single with no extended family and their babies went into foster care.”
Layla shrugged. “That might not be that uncommon. I’m sure if we went through more files, we’d probably see that with other doctors as well.”
Natasha shook her head. “No. Dr. Halsey has had five deaths in two months, with a pattern. Something is going on and I intend to find out what it is.”
Layla stood, running her hand down the ponytail dangling at the back of her head. “I have to tell you … this whole situation is scaring me. I haven’t actually witnessed Dr. Halsey doing anything illegal. What if I’m wrong? I don’t want to be responsible for him losing his license, or worse, sending an innocent man to jail.” The anxiousness in her tone was evident by the concern in her eyes.
“Technically, he hasn’t been accused of wrong-doing. However, if there are suspicions regarding any one of us doing something that will jeopardize our patients, it’s all of our responsibility to bring concerns of this nature to light.” Natasha watched Layla pace near the seat she’d vacated, sensing that she was holding back information. “Layla, is there something else you haven’t told me?”
She stopped and released a long breath, her shoulders sagging. “Remember when I mentioned that I thought a baby was missing? Well, although one of the state’s social workers signed for him, nobody seems to remember the baby leaving the hospital. So while I was here Saturday, I checked to see if that social worker had signed for any other babies.”
“And had they?” Natasha sat on the edge of her seat, afraid of what she might hear next.
“Yes, twice this month, but no one knows who the person is or if they are male or female. The signature is illegible.”
Natasha scribbled on her note pad, reminding herself to look into the matter, just in case there was a connection.
“Um, I don’t know if this is anything, but there’s a labor and delivery nurse that has been acting a little strange.”
Natasha glanced up from her notes and her brows drew together. “Strange how?”
“About a month ago, some of my nurses had been complaining about one of the labor and delivery nurses. Her name is Tessa and she’s been with the hospital for a little more than a year.”
“What type of complaints?”
“That she’s been late, missing shifts, and disappearing for long periods of time, to name a few.” Layla returned to her seat and removed her ponytail holder, fluffing out her auburn hair. “I’ve noticed things about her, too. Coming to work looking as if she hasn’t slept in weeks, missing some of her shifts, or getting the days mixed up. Anyway, I talked with her during her annual review and asked if something was going on at home. Was she burnt out? Did she need to cut her hours? I asked everything I could think of that would explain her behavior.”
“And what was her response?”
“She has two small kids, a husband who works two jobs, and they only have one car. The juggling of schedules, kids, and the one car, I believe is taking its toll. Anyway, for the past few weeks I’ve been observing this nurse. I have monitored her during some deliveries as well as when she’s been in the nursery. The thing that has stuck out more than anything is her behavior around Dr. Halsey.”
This really got Natasha’s attention.
“She’s jumpy, very nervous around him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that she’s incapable of doing the work. She’s a very competent nurse and does fine with the other doctors. Dr. Halsey has even gotten to the point of requesting her assistance for certain deliveries.”
Natasha could understand him requesting a specific nurse to work with if their schedules aligned and they worked well together. She felt the same way during her career as a surgeon.
“A few days ago, I walked by the nursery and saw the nurse and Dr. Halsey standing over a baby, arguing. The moment I stepped into the room, they stopped. Dr. Halsey nodded a greeting to me, and then he asked Tessa if she could take things from there. When she nodded yes, he left. Tessa was really upset.”
“What do you mean?”
“She wasn’t crying, but there were tears in her eyes and she was visibly shaking. I helped her to a chair and asked what was wrong, but she said ‘nothing’. So then I went and checked on the baby, thinking that maybe the baby had issues, but he was in perfect health.”
“Hmm, I can see why you’re suspicious.” Natasha drummed her fingers against the tabletop. “It might be nothing, but right now, I’m going to look into anything that involves Dr. Halsey.”
A knock at the door halted their conversation. Natasha closed the files before leaving the table. Her assistant wasn’t expected until eleven due to a meeting at her daughter’s school, so Natasha wasn’t sure who would be at the door.
“Hi,” she said, surprised to see Ray. Now that her eyes were clearer and she didn’t have a migraine, she realized he was more
handsome than she first thought. Nut-brown, blemish free skin except for the faded scar down his right cheek, confident dark-brown eyes, and a smile that Natasha knew got him plenty of dates. She didn’t realize how young he looked the other day, but now, if she ventured a guess, she’d say he was probably in his mid to late twenties.
She moved back and opened the door wider for him.
“Sorry to bother you.” He stepped across the threshold, his back ramrod straight, confidence in his gait. “It looks like you recovered well.” His gaze traveled the length of her. He flashed a smile that lit up his whole face and Natasha couldn’t help but smile back.
“I did, and thank you so much for your help Friday night. I probably would have ended up face down in the middle of the hallway had it not been for your quick reflexes.”
His smile deepened. “No problem at all. I’m glad I was there to help.” He briefly glanced down at his shoes—the shiniest Natasha had ever seen on someone in their twenties. “I was wondering if you were free for lun …” He trailed off when Natasha turned to her right where she’d left Layla sitting at the round table in the corner of the office. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in a meeting,” he stammered, clearly surprised to see Layla.
Natasha was stumped by the invite, and though she was flattered, she didn’t think it was a good idea to go out with Ray. The hospital gossip would run rampant like an out of control freight train.
“Hey Ray,” Layla said with a wicked grin. “I can leave if you two need some privacy.”
Natasha ignored Layla. “Regarding lunch, unfortunately I have other plans,” she lied, not wanting to hurt his feelings.
“No problem.” Ray backed out of the office quicker than he had walked in. “Maybe some other time. I’ll let you get back to your meeting. Take care.”
“Okay. Well, thanks for the invite.”
“Bye Ray,” Layla said in a sing-song voice.
Natasha closed the door. She didn’t have to look at Layla to know that she was still grinning. She could feel the rays of her smile bouncing off the walls.
“Well, I see someone’s been holding out on me,” Layla said when Natasha reclaimed her seat. “First he rescues you from hitting the floor, and now lunch.”
“Don’t go jumping to conclusions. There is nothing between us. Actually, this is the second time I’ve ever seen him. The first was the other night, and you can’t really count almost passing out as seeing him.”
“So I guess you made an impression. I noticed him just now checking you out.”
“He seems like a nice guy. Young, but nice.”
Natasha didn’t tell her friend that he’d made an impression, too. However, she had a strict rule: no dating anyone she worked with. Besides that, he was too young. At thirty-five, there was no way she was going out with a twenty-something year old.
“Speaking of impressions,” Layla’s words cut into Natasha’s thoughts, “can I just say that Malik is way hotter than you described. When he came to the information desk and asked for you, I practically tripped over my tongue trying to get my words together.”
“So that’s why you personally escorted him toward my office. I’m surprised you remembered his name. I haven’t mentioned him in months, and when I did, it was one time.”
“I can’t ever remember you talking about a man, any man, the way you talked about Malik Lewis. And now that I’ve put a face with your story, I must say, I can’t believe you haven’t seen him since your trip out west.” Layla narrowed her eyes. “Or have you seen him and you’re just holding out on me?”
Natasha laughed and shook her head. “No. Friday night was the first time since my trip.” Layla knew that she’d gone to L.A. for a few days, but she didn’t know the reason.
“Okay, sooooo …”
Natasha shrugged. “Okay, sooo what?”
“Are you and Malik seeing each other? He seemed a little intense. No, actually, he was downright possessive when he showed up here. And I promise you, I thought he was going to pummel poor Ray.”
“Ha! Poor Ray looks like he can take care of himself.” Natasha grabbed her travel mug from her desk and brought it over to the table. Her herbal tea was now almost cold, but it wouldn’t be the first time she’d drank lukewarm tea. “The guy doesn’t have an ounce of fat anywhere. Have you seen his arms?”
Layla twisted her mouth and bit down on her bottom lip. “Yeah, but he doesn’t look as dangerous, or fearless, as Malik. Your man might’ve been dressed like he just left a boardroom, but there is definitely some thug in him.”
“He’s not my man,” Natasha corrected, though weakly. Since their time in California, she had entertained the thought of hooking up with him again. She discreetly shook her head. No. She and Malik lived in two very different worlds. Her life was centered around saving lives, and as a former SEAL, Malik probably took more lives than she saved.
“Yeah, you say he’s not your man,” Layla grabbed her purse and her lunch bag from on top of the table, “but I saw you two together. There was more heat bouncing between you guys than steam from a radiator. I would be willing to bet that before the month’s end, you two will be a couple.” She looped the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “Well, my shift starts in twenty. Let me know if you have any more questions.” She nodded toward the files. “Hopefully you and risk management will get to the bottom of things and soon.”
“Layla, remember—” Natasha started, but stopped when her cell phone rang. She lifted a finger for Layla to hold up a minute. “Natasha Lockham.”
“Hey Tasha, this is Malik. Is this a bad time?”
“Uh, Malik.” His deep, confident voice sent a sweet shiver through her body. She felt like a school-girl who just caught the attention of the varsity football captain. She didn’t miss the huge grin on Layla’s face. “Well, I’m just finishing up a meeting, can I call you back?”
“Actually, I was just calling to see if you were free for dinner tomorrow night. Say, around sevenish?”
Her first thought was to scream yes, but then common sense settled in. She was definitely attracted to him in a way that she’d never been attracted to any man, but he was asking her on a date. That was different than admiring him from a distance. He was a retired SEAL and special ops. She wasn’t afraid of Malik, but Alandra’s world had been turned inside out because of Quinn’s past life in the military. Natasha didn’t want to end up like her sister by associating with someone like Malik. Then again, there was something so intriguing about him that Natasha couldn’t deny.
“Tasha?” his voice intruded on her thoughts.
“Uh, yeah, yeah, I’m here. About tomorrow night … I’m not sure us hooking up is a good idea.” There, I said it.
Silence filled the space before he spoke. “What if I told you it wasn’t a date?”
“Uh …” The question caught her off guard and she felt like such a dork. “Then if it’s not a date, what would you call it?”
“A fact-finding mission,” he said, a tinge of humor in his voice.
She couldn’t help laughing. “Well … as long as it’s not date, then I guess it would be okay.”
“Good. I’ll be at your place at seven.”
“I’ll see you then.” Natasha disconnected the call, and kept a death grip on her cell phone as she held it to her chest.
“Like I said, I’ll give it a month.”
Layla’s voice snapped Natasha back to the present. She blew off her comment and put her cell back into her bag.
“As I was saying, it’s imperative that what we discussed earlier stays in this room.” She leveled her friend with a firm look. “Dr. Halsey is a well-respected doctor and I don’t want this information to get out, especially not without us knowing all of the facts.”
“Don’t worry. As far as I’m concerned, nothing that we discussed this morning will leave this room.” She wiggled her eyebrows and laughed as she left the office.
Natasha smiled and dropped down in her seat,
wondering what she would wear to this fact-finding mission.
Malik shoved his cell phone back into the holster clipped on his waist and laid back against the headrest of his truck. Thoughts of Natasha had occupied space in his mind all weekend and he knew he had to do something about it. Calling her was a spur of the moment decision as he sat outside Wiz’s house.
Malik sucked in a breath and released it slowly, not realizing how anxious he felt in doing the simple task of calling her. Definitely another first. He didn’t have a problem asking women out, but his feelings for Natasha were confusing. On one hand, he wanted to get to know her, see if their chemistry from months ago was a fluke. On the other hand, the thought of getting too close to her freaked him out. She didn’t seem like the type of woman that would settle for an affair, and he wasn’t the type of man who wanted forever.
Malik finally exited his truck and glanced around the quiet street before walking up to Wiz’s door.
“What’s up, man?” Wiz asked when he opened the door, looking at his watch. “Kinda early for a visit, isn’t it?”
Wiz had been out of town over the weekend, otherwise Malik would have showed up the moment he left Natasha’s house. Not only to vent, but to also to tell him about the visit from Rosalyn. He needed Wiz’s expertise in looking into her claims.
“Who’s at the door, babe?”
Malik heard Olivia from somewhere in the back of the house. He wouldn’t have stopped by had he known she was in town. Last he heard, she was doing an art show in New York. As a world-renowned artist of oil and acrylic paintings, she had recently started doing photography.
“It’s Malik,” Wiz called over his shoulder.
Seconds later, Olivia came around the corner, drying her hands on a dishtowel. “Hey Malik.”
“What’s up, Ollie?”
She swatted his arm before kissing him on the cheek. “What did I tell you about calling me that? You know I don’t do nicknames.” She stepped back. “We just finished breakfast, but I can whip something up for you if you’re hungry.”
Truth or Consequences Page 5