Elena’s POV

The hospital room feels different when the news hits.

It is not loud. It is not dramatic. There is no music swelling or doors slamming or people shouting. It is quiet. Too quiet. The kind of quiet that feels like something bad is sitting in the corner, waiting.

Dad is standing by the window when the officer tells us.

Victoria and Joey are gone.

Just like that.

Not in custody. Not in a cell. Not even located.

Gone.

I am propped up in the bed, still weak, still sore, still stitched ...