Page 114 of Meet Me In The Dark
I glance at the gloves. “And you’re what, cleaning up a crime scene?”
Her mouth twitches, amused. I’ve seen a similar look from executives across a boardroom when they’re deciding if they can take me.
“We usually like to spruce up the place when Celeste is—”
“Hi, Julian.” Emmy slides into view from under Madison’sarm.
I’ve met this one. She seems reasonable.
“Emmy.” My nod is curt, but my patience is already wearing thin. “Do either of you want to tell me where Celeste is?”
They exchange one of those female friend glances—a whole conversation I’m not invited to—before stepping aside.
“Why don’t you come in?” Emmy offers with a tight smile.
But inside, there’s still no Celeste.
I spin around. “Where is she?”
“Margarita?” Madison lifts a half-empty glass, ignoring the question entirely.
“It’s four in the afternoon,” I say flatly.
She shrugs and takes a slow sip.
“Before we tell you,” Emmy begins, “you should know Celeste is fine. Or she will be in a day or two.”
I drag a hand down my face.
Patience. I need to find some fucking patience.
“Ladies.” My voice drops into the tone that clears boardrooms.
Another shared glance.
“She’s in the hospital,” Emmy finally says.
Everything stops. My chest hollows out as icy panic rips through me so fast it leaves nothing but adrenaline in its wake.
The words are calm, too calm, when I ask, “What happened?”
“Maybe she should tell you that,” Madison pipes in.
“Where is she?”
Emmy pulls off her rubber gloves. “Julian, she’s not herself right now. She’s a mess, and she’s drugged up.”
My jaw tightens until it aches. Dark scenarios fire through my head, each one worse than the last.
“Where. Is. She?”
Madison studies me over the rim of her glass. “You know, she doesn’t usually want company when she’s like this.”
“Especially from men who—” Emmy starts, then cuts herself off when Madison shoots her a look.
I take a sharp breath, done with this game they’re playing. “Here’s the thing. I will find out which hospital she’s in. You can make that easier, or you can waste my time. I want eyes on her.Myeyes.”
The air holds for a beat as another silent conversation passes between them.
