The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 158

Outside the ER lobby, Petty said something to Harris. He made a quick call, then walked back inside with her to find her colleagues.

Not long after, a guy who looked like a bodyguard showed up, carrying takeout boxes from Sens et Saveurs, heading straight for the emergency room. That restaurant was owned by the Byron family, and their Asian fusion food was exactly what Petty liked.

Suddenly, Laura’s nanny came running over, practically out of breath. “Franco, Laura’s awake.”

Franco’s expression stayed cold and unreadable. “Find a doctor,” he said.

***

Later that night, Petty finally made it home. She took a shower, got ready for bed, but just couldn’t sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, her mind wouldn’t stop spinning. She rolled over, grabbed her phone from the nightstand, and opened up her chat with Malcom.

Petty: Malcom, how’s your aim?

What happened today at the nursing home had shaken her. She kept thinking about Everell, the country she’d be heading to soon. It wasn’t exactly safe out there, and if she knew how to handle a gun, it might make all the difference.

Among everyone she knew, Franco was the best shot. He came from this really strict military family on his mother’s side. She’d heard he could hit any target by the time he was thirteen. Like her, Franco had skipped grades, finished college by eighteen, and then enlisted. He went through brutal training, served two years, and came back to run the family business. On top of that, he’d been a national MMA champ.

Still, there was no way she’d ever ask Franco for help. Or Aaron. If Hans found out, he’d definitely get suspicious.

She finished typing her message and just tossed her phone onto her chest. Barely a second later, her phone buzzed.

Malcom had already replied.

Malcom: I’m alright.

Petty lit up inside and sat up in bed. If Malcom said he was “alright,” he was probably amazing. He was always so low-key, never bragging.

She typed again: Compared to Aaron?

Maybe that was it.

Petty: I know Hans is paying you already, but if you teach me to shoot, I’ll give you extra. I’ll match whatever Hans pays.

After that, Malcom didn’t reply at all.

The next evening, Petty spotted Malcom at the gym. She headed over, crouched down so she’d be at his level, and tried to keep her voice low and casual. “Malcom, why didn’t you text me back last night?”

Malcom was tying his hiking boots, and even though she knew he’d heard her, he just ignored her.

The whole thing felt weird. Malcom could go through tough situations without a hint of frustration, but with the small stuff, he could get distant for no reason.

He didn’t say a single word to her for the rest of their training. Watching him leave after, Petty felt completely lost. Even on the way home, after showering and getting changed, she just couldn’t figure him out.