65. LUKE
Chapter 65
LUKE
I see the second text from Dele. It was sent twenty minutes ago, saying she'd be home in another twenty minutes. I don’t like that she went back because of Dr. Beiz, but I’ll wait a few minutes before checking on her. Kevin calls my attention to some documents I need to sign. By the time we’re done, it’s well over forty minutes. Dele should be home by now. I call her number, but she doesn’t answer. I check her GPS, and her car is still at the hospital. She would have sent me a text if she was going to stay longer.
My gut is telling me something’s wrong. Bruce calls me paranoid for always keeping an eye on Dele. Before I call him, I better check first.
I call Jax.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Jax. Is Dele still in the ER?”
“No, she left a while ago.”
“She sent me a text saying Dr. Beiz said she forgot something, and she was going to clarify it and then head home.”
“I didn’t see her come back here, and I don’t see Dr. Beiz either.”
“Okay, thanks.”
I call Osei. Maybe he’s heard from her and she just forgot to update me. Dele prefers to go home when she’s tired.
“Hello?”
“Is Dele with you?”
“No, I talked to her before she clocked out, asking her to join me, but she said she was tired and was heading home.”
“She’s not home, and she’s not answering her phone. Can you try calling her and let me know?”
“Okay,” he replies.
I hang up with him and call my dad’s nurse.
“Hello?”
“Hi. Is my wife there?”
“No, Dele didn’t come here today.”
“Okay, thanks.”
I call Paula next.
“Hello, Mr. Blythe.”
“Is Dele home?” I ask, without wasting time.
“No, I just left your place about five minutes ago, and she wasn’t there.”
“Okay, thanks.” I hang up and call Osei again. He answers right away.
“Any luck?”
“No, her phone keeps going to voicemail, and Jax said she left earlier.”
“Something is wrong, Osei,” I tell him, confirming what I’ve been feeling.
“I’ll drive to the hospital to check myself.”
“Don’t go there yet. I’ll call you back.”
Fuck it, I’m calling Bruce. I don’t care how many names he calls me. I need to know Dele’s okay. The feeling I’m having isn’t good.
“Hello?”
“Bruce, something is wrong. Dele isn’t answering her phone. I know you think I’m paranoid, but I’ve called everyone and no one’s heard from her. Can you activate her tracker?”
“Alright, hold on.” I wait patiently as he clicks through his system.
“You’re right, something’s wrong. Her watch is moving on I-294 south. Her phone is moving around inside the hospital. Her bag is in her car at the hospital parking lot, and the last tracker shows she’s in a building in Bucktown. Someone’s trying to throw us off.”
“I know for a fact she’s not at the hospital because if she were, her bag and phone would be close together. They’re not. Can you tell which one of the two—her watch or necklace—is with her?”
“Someone is wearing the watch, and both devices are showing a heart rate. I can’t tell which one is hers.”
“Fuck! I’m coming over,” I say, hanging up before he can protest.
I text Martin as I head downstairs to have the car ready. When I arrive at Bruce’s office, we find him and his men gearing up.
“I’m coming with you,” I say as I walk in. He turns to object.
“You trained me, and I won’t slow you down. I’m coming.”
“Fine,” he says, and someone starts passing me all the gear. I change into it quickly.
“A group already took the chopper and they’re tailing the car that’s on the highway with law enforcement. We’re heading to the Bucktown building. Law enforcement will meet us there.”
He signals to the guys, and we all head out. The drive is fast, and I stay quiet, trying not to think the worst. I check my phone again, but there’s still no change. Osei calls, and I update him on everything. I can hear the worry in his voice.
“Can I let mom know?”
“Yes, but tell her not to call me right now. I need to think.”
“I’ll go over and tell her in person. She’ll probably call Simon.”
“That’s fine. Just make sure they don’t call me.”
“Got it.”