Page 52 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

“No, they said it would be tomorrow at the earliest. I tried to get her discharged early because she was so pissed off. I even offered to pay for a nurse to look after her, but they said no.”

“Well, this invoice states it’s the final invoice for all services and care, and the end date is today.”

“That can’t be right. Can you ring the hospital and check? If there is a problem, ring me back. I hope they’re not discharging her now. I haven’t gotten everything ready for her yet.”

“I don’t like this one bit, Zed. Tell North what’s happened and get him and Kara down to the hospital now. Something is off, and it doesn’t feel right.”

I turn to find North putting his jacket on, worry all over his face.

“Tell Kara I’ll be back soon, and I’ll ring her as soon as I get there.”

How the fuck does he do that? He knows shits going down before anyone tells him. And why is there always so much drama with this family?

I open the door, and the two women both look at me. Kara looks sad, and Margarite, well, she looks scared.

Kara gives me a slight smile, the sort of smile you give someone for sympathy. “Good luck,” she says as she taps me on the back and leaves the room.

“Hey, Kara, something’s up with East. Give North a call or he’ll call you.”

“Oh, right, okay. I’ll ring him now,” she says as she leaves the room.

I turn to face Margarite.

“Are you going to tell me what the hell has been going on?”

“It’s not what you think. I honestly never meant to hurt you or East. She is such a lovely girl. I was so sorry when I heard what had happened. I didn’t think that the herbal enhancer would have that effect. I even asked when I bought it if it was dangerous. I just wanted you to feel a little freer. You’re so uptight and well… scary.”

“What business is that of yours? You have no right to interfere in my life or Drake’s.”

“That’s not strictly true.” She dips her head, and her hands start to shake.

Oh, here we go. Fucking waterworks. Well, I’ve news for you, old lady: they don’t work on me.

“What are you talking about? Of course, it’s true. You do not have any significance in either of our lives. You’re Drake’s manager. Or were. I think you might just be unemployed now.”

“You’re wrong. You don’t understand,” she snivels.

“No, I don’t, and you are going to explain—” I growl as my phone rings.

I pull it out of my pocket, and North’s name is flashing.

“Hey, is she okay?” I scowl at Margarite who is trying to listen in.

“Ah, fuck, man, I thought you might say she was there. She’s gone! She discharged herself about two hours ago and has literally disappeared. Please tell me she didn’t have her passport.”

“Yes, of course she did. She needed it for the insurance. What do you mean by gone? She can’t have gone far.”

“We are talking about East, you fucking idiot. She could be anywhere. I’m coming back. Get that security team of yours in; we are going to have to track her.” He huffs and hangs up.

“This is going to have to wait,” I bark at Margarite. “And don’t fucking think you are going anywhere. I want answers, but right now, I need to find East. I hope you realise this is all your stupid fucking fault.”

“Why is this my fault? I didn’t have her stalked by her best friend.”

“How the hell did you know that?”

“I know more than you think. And, if you give me some time, I can probably tell you where she is.”

“We don’t need your help. You have done enough. Keep your fucking nose out.”

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