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I run back into the house and grab my phone. Still nothing from Jules, which makes my heart sink further into my stomach. I dial Max’s number and listen as the line rings. Once, twice, three times.
And…nothing.
I leave a message when his voicemail message picks up. My voice is shaking, and I’m trying not to have a panic attack here in my kitchen. I stab at the keyboard and send a text just in case he can’t take a call but has his phone close.
A few minutes pass and nothing. Again.
“Dammit!” I slam a fist on the table and take a deep breath before I dial Steven’s number. We didn’t exactly leave things warm and fuzzy at lunch the other day, and I have no idea if he’ll even take my call, but I know he’s on call and he can get me the information I need.
I hold my breath with each beep and finally his curt voice comes on the line. “Hey, Sloane. How are you?”
“Steven! Thank God you answered.” The loud thumping sound in my chest almost drowns out his voice, but by some miracle, I got through to him. “Jules is missing. An officer came to my house this morning asking questions about the last time I’d seen her. It was at the benefit, Steven. And according to the officer, she’d been spotted with someone who fits the description of a patient I’d treated. I only have a first name, though, and I can’t for the life of me remember the last name.” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I know I’m the last person you want to hear from right now, but we need to help Jules. Who knows how long it’ll be before the cops get the name from the hospital? If we can just—"
“Sloane, slow down,” Steven says, his voice softening a bit. “I’m sorry to hear about Jules, and of course, I’ll help.”
“Okay,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face. I collapse into a chair, my shoulders quaking. “Thank God I got in touch with you. I know it violates all kinds of laws, but if we wait, something really bad could happen to her.” I sniffle. “Something bad may have already happened.”
“Her safety is what’s important. Now, do you remember any details? Things I can check out on the system?”
“Um, he was in the emergency room sometime last week. It was a…a…” I squeeze my eyes shut and snap my fingers. “A rotator cuff injury! His first name is Gianni. Let me know what you can find, and I’ll call the officer back right away.”
“Okay. Just try to relax. I’ll take care of it.”
“Steven, I’m really sorry about…everything, but thank you so much for helping me. For helping Jules.”
He clears his throat. “It’s fine. I’m glad you called. Just sit tight and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
Click.
I stare at my phone. The text I sent Max is only showing as delivered, not read. I send another one, just in case he does see it and gets back to me before Steven does.
I cover my face with my hands, my fingers clammy and trembling uncontrollably.
Oh, God, what if we’re all too late?
