The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 540

Now that reality had set in, Galen was at a loss for words.

He was furious that Franco had kept him in the dark about something so massive, yet he also hated seeing a man like him fall from grace.

On balance, the anger won out.

So he turned to one of the officers. "Officer, any chance you can keep him locked up for a few extra days?"

The officer blinked, clearly not expecting a joke from someone of Galen's status. "Mr. Carter, we operate strictly by the law," he replied, entirely deadpan.

"Take care of Manley. I'll be back in a few days." Franco shot Galen a warning glare.

Galen clicked his tongue. "Alright, alright. My bad. No more jokes. I'll take care of the kid, don't worry."

He didn't need Franco to tell him to look after Abacus.

But his serious demeanor lasted exactly one second before he couldn't resist another jab. "Counting the time Owen framed you earlier this year, this makes you a repeat customer down at the station."

Franco ignored him completely.

"Mr. White, let's go," the officer prompted.

Franco gave a curt nod.

Galen watched Franco's retreating back as he walked out with the police.

Resolute, without a single backward glance.

That kind of resolve didn't come on a whim. It felt as though he had mapped this out from the very moment he decided to cover for Laura.

Galen suddenly understood something vital. This wasn't just about Franco's selfish desires; it was a testament to the core of who he was.

This wasn't just an apology to Petty, or to Hans who had taken a blade for her. This was Franco holding himself accountable.

He had broken the law, and turning himself in was the only honorable course.

It was no wonder Petty had loved him so desperately back then, praying late into the night for his eyesight to be restored. A man like Franco was undeniably made of sterner stuff.

Earlier that morning, before heading to the office, Franco had held Abacus and murmured some words the toddler couldn't possibly understand. The boy had simply planted a sloppy kiss on his father's cheek, then waddled over to the sofa to guzzle his bottle.

Galen went utterly silent.

Now he understood why Jackson was wearing the apron.

"Mr. Carter," Jackson greeted warmly.

Galen gave a tight nod. "Franco's been taken in."

He affectionately ruffled Abacus's hair. "Manley is officially a bachelor baby."

Abacus looked down, furiously shoveling more noodles onto his spoon, and then thrust the goopy mess right up to Galen’s mouth.

Staring at the mushy slop inches from his face, Galen swallowed his revulsion, gently catching the tiny wrist and redirecting the spoon. "You save that for yourself, buddy."

He turned to Jackson. "I'm thinking of taking Abacus to The Carter Family estate for a few days. Jay mentioned you haven't been feeling well. Take some time off, get some rest."

"There's no need," Jackson hurriedly stood up, smoothing down his apron with nervous hands. "The little master is a very good boy. He isn't any trouble at all. I can take care of him."

Galen noticed the older man’s eyes were slightly red. He clearly couldn't bear to part with the boy. Jackson lowered his voice, "He's just like the missus was when she was little. Very easy to look after."