Page 126 of Until Joy

My blood turned to ice. “The blonde woman. Can you describe her?”

“About average height, maybe five-foot-five. Sweet smile. She seemed a little distracted, like she was in a hurry or worried about something.”

“Joy,” Seth said grimly.

“And the other woman?” July pressed.

“Pleasant enough. Said she was a friend of yours and wanted to make sure you got the flowers. She seemed very concerned about your welfare.”

July and I exchanged glances. “Glenda,” we said simultaneously.

“But that doesn't make sense,” Randy said. “Why didn’t they take the flowers to his room themselves?” he asked the nurse.

“They were heading to the elevators.”

“Let me call Glenda.” July pulled out her phone, then stopped. “Shit. I don't have her number. It’ll be in my records back at the clinic, but that’ll take time to check.”

“Kayan will have it,” I said. “She has everyone's number.”

July dialed Kayan. “Hey, I need Glenda's phone number… What? Because Joy's missing and we think Glenda might know where she is… Just give me the damn number, Kayan.”

She scribbled something on a napkin, then hung up and immediately dialed again.

“Glenda? It's July… Yes, we got your flowers, thank you… Actually, that's why I'm calling. We can't find Joy. The nurse said you and Joy were heading to the elevators together when she last saw you together…”

July's expression grew more puzzled as she listened.

“Are you sure you don't know where she went?… Okay, if you hear from her, please call me immediately… No, there’s no need for you to come back to the hospital.”

She hung up and looked at all of us with confusion written across her face.

“She says she delivered the flowers with Joy, then left immediately. Claims she has no idea where Joy went after that.” July shook her head. “But she seemed genuinely surprised and concerned that Joy was missing. Even offered to come back and help look.”

The door opened and Z walked in with Kayan close behind.

“What's this about Joy being missing?” Kayan demanded. “I was just texting with her this morning.”

“When?” I asked sharply.

“Around nine, maybe? She was complaining about the hospital coffee.”

“That was hours ago,” Seth pointed out.

A different nurse appeared in the doorway, looking annoyed. “Excuse me, but there are too many people in this room. Hospital policy limits visitors to three at a time.”

“Get out,” I snarled.

The nurse's eyes widened.

“Graham.” July's voice carried a warning.

“I don't give a shit about hospital policy. Joy is missing.”

Before the nurse could respond, the door burst open again as Nico and Jax rushed in, both looking grim.

“We found her on the security footage,” Nico announced breathlessly.

“Where is she?” I demanded, struggling to sit up despite the pain in my ribs.