Page 119 of Our Broken Pieces
“Twelve-twenty-one. Why?”
“She’s not answering the door.”
A cold knot of panic forms in my stomach. “I’m going to call the front desk and have them give you a key. I’m coming over now.”
“Maybe she’s just sleeping.”
“Maybe, but this doesn’t feel right. I need to see her with my own eyes.”
“Okay, we’ll head down to the lobby. Text me once you’ve spoken to someone.”
“I will. See you soon.”
At this point, I don’t care what I’m wearing and superstitions can fuck off. I yank on some jeans and a hoodie and leave the house.
I step off the elevator on the twelfth floor, my heart pounding in my chest, and rush to Gigi’s room. Melonie answers the door before I can knock.
“Is she here?” My voice cracks with panic.
A pained look crosses Melonie’s face. “No, Marcus. She’s not.”
Audrey steps toward me, trying to stay calm. “Take a breath. We’ll figure this out.”
I push past them both, heading straight into the room, searching for anything that might explain where Gigi is. “Whereisshe?”
The women follow me, their presence barely registering as I frantically scan the room. If it weren’t for her luggage and all her makeup, it looks untouched. “Marcus,” Melonie says softly, “maybe we should call the police.”
I pull out my phone, hands trembling. “They won’t do anything. She hasn’t been gone long enough for them to care.” I find Rory’s contact and dial.
“Marcus?” he answers.
“Gigi’s missing. She didn’t answer a text last night, and now she’s not at the hotel. Bed hasn’t even been slept in.”
“And you’re thinking—”
“How could I not?” I snap, pacing toward the windows.
“Did she mention meeting anyone?” Rory asks, his voice low and cautious.
“No. She was supposed to be getting ready for the wedding, here at the hotel.”
“I’m calling in some favors. Don’t do anything reckless, Marcus.”
The line goes dead, and I drop my hand, phone hanging limp by my side. Audrey’s voice cuts through the silence. “Who was that?”
“Rory. He’s an old college friend who’s a detective out in Rochester. He’s going to make some calls.”
Melonie’s face pales. “What aren’t you telling us, Marcus?” Her eyes are red-rimmed, fear creeping into her voice.
I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the truth. “The woman who claims to be Gigi’s mother? She’s not.”
Audrey’s head snaps toward me, confusion clouding her face. “What the hell do you mean?”
“I had Rory look into her,” I explain, my voice strained. “The phone number, the picture you took of her with Gigi… Her name’s Grace Murphy.”
Melonie’s brow furrows. “Why would someone pretend to be Gigi’s mother?”
“That’s what we were trying to figure out,” I say, frustration mounting. “Rory gave me all the info last night, but I didn’t get the chance to tell Gigi.”
