Page 94 of Mistaken Intention

“I don’t think you do.” I don’t see how he can. “Either way, I couldn’t stay. I’m sorry. I know this is gonna be difficult for you, and it’s not very professional of me, but I’m sure if you contact Doctor Sweeney, he’ll be able to suggest another nurse who can look after Drew.”

“You think he’ll be happy with another nurse?”

“In the long run, once he knows the truth, I think he might be.”

“You’re not making any sense, Josie.”

“I know, but I can’t explain it. I’m sorry. Just look after him for me…” A tear hits my cheek and I let out a sob, hanging up the call so he won’t hear my heart breaking.

***

Drew

The smile is on my lips before my eyes are even open, the memory of last night, and of yesterday, too fresh for anything other than smiles and lasting happiness.

It’s not just about memories, though. Not anymore. It’s about a future I’ve sometimes doubted I could have… and it’s lying right beside me.

I turn over. “Good morn—”

The bed is empty, and I sit up, looking around the room. The sun, peeping between the edges of the drapes, gives me enough light to see the top Josie was wearing yesterday evening is still lying over the end of the bed, where it landed after I eventually pulled it off of her. I lean over the edge and see her shorts on the floor beside my own.

She must be here somewhere.

“Josie?” I climb out of bed and wander to the door, pulling it open. The house feels eerily hushed. I can’t hear her downstairs, and I step across the hall.

Josie’s door is ajar and I push it open and go inside.

“Are you in here?” There’s no reply. The room is empty.

With a rising sense of panic, I go back out into the hall and run down the stairs, checking the living room and kitchen, and even looking out onto the terrace.

She’s nowhere to be seen.

“Josie?” My shout is met with silence and I stand for a moment, pushing my fingers back through my hair. Where can she be?

Surely, if Hunter had asked to see her, like he did the other day, she’d have woken me and told me… wouldn’t she? And why on earth would he have asked to see her so early in the morning? What could have been so important he’d have had to drag her out of bed? It’s not even seven yet

Unless he didn’t ask to see her at all…

I run back up the stairs, stopping at the top, and slowly turn to my left, going into her room again. My feet lead me over to her closet and, with a shaking hand, I pull it open.

“No!” My voice echoes around the empty room.

There’s nothing here.

She’s gone.

My legs feel weak and the room spins, but I grab the closet door, holding on, as I take a few deep breaths.

This can’t be happening.

Why would she leave?

After everything we said and did yesterday, why would she leave?

I don’t know. I can’t think, and standing here won’t help. The answers aren’t in the back of her closet, or anywhere else in this house. They’re wherever Josie is.

I need to find her. Now.

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