“I’m glad to see that you're awake. More alert. How are you feeling?”
“I've been better, but I'd like to get out of here."
“The doctor will be in right behind me, but the police are asking to talk with both of you briefly, too."
I watch as the nurse checks Clay over, and I listen carefully to any instructions.
The next couple of hours are a blur, and I can see that Clay is exhausted. We at least learned that they have a suspect in custody. That’s a huge relief, but there’s a long road ahead.
We are finally out of the hospital and getting into my friend Chris’s truck.
I called him for a lift home because Clay's truck was wrecked. I'll have to break that news to him later.
“Fuck!” Clay yells.
“What?” I look him up and down, trying to figure out what's wrong. “What is it?”
“Jo... where's Jo?” Clay almost sounds frantic.
“I don't know. Love, I'm sorry, I couldn't think after seeing you unconscious on the ground.”
“Dammit. We were supposed to pick her up yesterday. And I don’t even have a phone right now. Can you call her?”
“No.” I wince. “I'm sorry, but the battery died a little bit ago. I used the hospital phone to call Chris.”
“Fuck. Hey Chris, can we swing by an apartment really quick?”
“Sure thing. Just tell me the address.”
“She had to have gone back there. We need to try to see her and explain.”
“Okay, but I'll get out and see if she's there first. I don't need you falling or hurting yourself more.” I state firmly. He isn’t lifting a finger for anything when we get home.
It only takes a few minutes to get there.
“I'll come get you if she's home.”
“Okay.”
I head to the main entrance and press the buzzer for her apartment. I'm expecting her to answer because Clay is right, this is where she would be.
Silence.
I try a few more times, but there's no answer. Shit.
Back at the truck, Clay is trying to get out.
“Hey, love. Stay in. She's not here.”
“What? She has to be. She doesn’t have anywhere to go.”
“Sorry, but she's not answering. What windows belong to her apartment?" Trying to find another way to show him.
“There on the other side.”
“Okay. Let's drive around and see if any lights are on.”
“Okay.”