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“Suppose the problem you’ve experienced is not what we think, but is a brain tumour, or a cyst that needs to be removed from your head? You have to have this scan, Penny. Surely you understand?”
She supposed he was right, and nodded her head, feeling miserable.
Within minutes she was rolling back inside the hated tube but this time David’s voice was there encouraging her all the way.
“Daddy?”
“Yeah, baby?
“Will you sing to me, like the other night?” she pleaded.
She tried to hear a muffled conversation between David and the radiographer but she guessed he’d covered the microphone with his hand or something.
David gave an embarrassed cough, then his gravelly voice came through on her headphones as he sang, “Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.”
She immediately calmed. After he’d sung to her, David chatted quietly and soothingly about an idea he’d had for a new range of littles furniture. He continued to talk until the radiographer announced they were done. Finally her ordeal was over. She was free.
The nurse released her and helped her from the machine. She handed her a piece of paper. “This is a form for the phlebotomy department, Mrs. Forrester. Please go there now and they will take a blood sample, after which you are free to go. The results of the tests and the scan will be sent directly to your doctor.”
Penny took the script. “Thank you,” she said and stalked from the room. Once out in the corridor she hurried forward, heading as fast as she could toward the exit.
“Penny, slow up!” David called from behind.
Her arm was grabbed and she was pulled to a halt.
“The phlebotomy department is the other way!” he said shortly.
“I know that, but Clare has already taken blood. I want to go home!” She shook his hand off and began to march away. Again he caught up with her and pulled her to a stop.
“Don’t be silly, you don’t know what they are determining by this test. Come along, it won’t take long. I have a treat for you, if you are very brave, I plan to take you to the Build-A-Bear factory shop on the way home.”
“Ooo, yes please, Daddy. You lead the way,” she agreed.
He turned and walked back the way they’d come. As soon as his back was turned she dashed away in the opposite direction, once again heading for the exit, but this time she ran. He caught her as she flew into the wide hospital reception area.
“What the devil’s got into you?” he asked, sounding cross.
“I don’t like needles. If I need another blood test, Clare can do it,” she explained.
“Uh-uh, you are getting that test today.” He yanked her around to stand directly in front of him. Penny noticed several people glaring at them as they caused a block in the flow of people; they had to part to go around them.
“So make me!” she taunted.
“Now, you listen to me, little girl. If you don’t stop with this attitude I will take you some place private and blister your butt, got it?”
His words excited and titillated her at the same time. “Yeah, prove it!” She stuck out her tongue, goading him.
“Right!” He took hold of her by the wrist and towed her back the way they’d come. She noticed a cleaner backing out of a cupboard pulling a bucket on wheels and clutching a mop. David pulled her to a halt. She attempted to break free but he held on fast.
Once the cleaner moved out of sight, David opened the cupboard door and yanked her inside. The light was still on. The interior was bigger than she’d expected, obviously a janitor’s room. The shelf-lined walls held packs of paper towels, toilet rolls, and various cleaning fluids. A kitchenette lay at the far end, equipped with kettle and a toaster.
“Why are you behaving in such a silly way over a simple blood test?” he asked.
“I don’t like them and I won’t have one!” she cried stubbornly.
“Penny, you are asking for a bottom warming!”
“Oh, yeah? I dare you!” she shrilled, overexcited by his darkly handsome looks and dominating demeanour.
