The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 407

“Laura, I’m here to save you.”

Laura stared at the lifeless bodyguard for a second, then glanced up at the rearview mirror. Her eyes locked with the driver’s. He looked exactly like Jay.

She hesitated, “You’re not Jay, are you?”

“I’m his twin brother.”

Laura froze, speechless for a moment.

***

Outside, in the clearing in front of a red house on the edge of town.

Abbot watched Petty’s reaction and smiled, gentle and polished, like nothing dangerous lurked behind his calm. “Looks like you remember me, Petty.”

Petty shot a wary glance around. She was surrounded by Abbot’s men, outnumbered, completely boxed in.

She tried to figure out how Abbot had managed to sneak so many people—and weapons—into Cabinda. Smuggling people in was one thing, but guns? That meant someone on the inside was helping him. Owen was sitting in a holding cell, so it had to be someone else. And the fact that she’d ended up here… none of it was coincidence.

Before she could sort through her thoughts, Abbot shook his head, his voice mild. “Actually, I should call you Mrs. White. Anything else would be disrespectful.”

This same man had spent years at the border, killing without remorse and ruining lives. Now he played the perfect gentleman. The idea was almost laughable.

Petty forced herself to stay calm, holding back the anger bubbling inside. “No need to be so formal, Abbot. Franco and I aren’t married. It actually makes me happier when people just call me Petty.”

Abbot’s eyes narrowed for a second, then he arched his brow. “Really? Sounds like a lot has happened since we last met. I’d love to hear all about it, but let’s save the conversation for later.”

She forced herself to split her focus—half on Abbot’s movements, half on the gun in her back.

“The border’s not really my scene. I like Cabinda better,” Petty said, trying to keep her tone light. “If you’re so interested in my life, Abbot, maybe you should ask Franco. He probably knows more than I do.”

Right then, Abbot’s phone rang. He answered quietly. The voice on the other end was respectful. “Abbot, Laura’s been rescued.”

Abbot hung up and turned to Petty with a hint of a grin.

“I never realized you had such a talent for jokes, Petty. You’re interesting. It’s always a pleasure listening to you… but we’re running out of time.”

He raised his hand as a signal.

“Let’s go. Now.”