I have good news, moments ago I found him!!

He was hanging out on a water bottle near his cage. What a relief!
I went all out to try to find him, although none of it mattered. I poured flour on the floor near doorways to be able to track his movements, and I made 4 traps for him each baited with a FT pinky mouse (I have a bunch left over so thought this was a good use for them). Well, 5 traps if you count the gerbil cage I guess (gerbils are useless pets btw).
Well, it's still early so I guess I can go out for a beer now! Cheers! Thanks for everyone's concerns and help.