SIXTY-TWO

GABRIEL’S POV

I drove off almost immediately, my knuckles turning white against the steering wheel, hoping I’d spot Damien’s car in the distance. But the road was clear as day, stretching out before me like an endless void.

Where the hell are you, Damien?

I opened my map app, scrolling quickly as I searched for the nearest hospital. St. Anthony’s was the closest—about five minutes away.

I increased my speed, my heart hammering eagerly in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the ticking clock. As I pulled into the parking lot of St. Anthony’s, a wave of dread washed over me.

I rushed inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic hitting so hard. I approached the receptionist, desperation clawing at my voice.

“Hi, was any lady brought in here by a man a few minutes ago?”

The receptionist looked up from her screen, her expression neutral and unyielding, “No, sir, we haven’t had any new patients for over an hour.”

“Are you sure?” My eyes widened in disbelief.

“You can check the next hospi