The word landed in the corridor like a stone dropped in water.
Every head turned after hearing Joel's loud voice.
The nurse behind the reception desk had both hands raised slightly, her eyes moving between Joel and the door and back to Joel. Two patients in the waiting area had stopped whatever they were doing. A junior doctor coming out of a side room froze with his hand still on the doorknob.
Cedric walked toward Joel from the corridor.
"Lower your voice," he said.
"Where is he?" Joel said again with the same volume.
"Joel—"
"You know where he is. You're his doctor. You treated him. Where is—"
"He is not with me," Cedric said.
He said it loudly enough for the room to hear. He could already hear the patients and others talking about the news. He didn't want to give them the impression that Noel is in his house, even if he truly is.
Joel stopped.
He looked at Cedric.
