The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 556

Petty didn't press for details. Livia had her reasons for wanting this kept secret. Petty had accidentally stumbled into her new life, and Livia had no choice but to ask for her silence.

In all likelihood, it had something to do with Galen.

"I promise."

Before getting into the car, Livia handed Petty a sticky note. "This is my number. Call me if you ever need anything."

She cast a glance at Hans, who was watching them from a distance. With him around, Petty probably wouldn't need her help.

After watching Livia's car drive off, Petty looked up just as Hans pulled their vehicle over.

He wasn't usually the gossiping type, especially not about people he barely knew, so he didn't ask why Livia was there. Instead, he mused, "I feel like I've seen that guy with her somewhere before."

"He's also from Cabinda," Petty explained. "You might actually have run into him."

Ding.

Her phone chimed.

Unlocking the screen, Petty saw a video Jay had just sent.

This time, it wasn't security footage; it looked like it was shot on a phone.

The video was filmed in the gardens of Misty Vale. The sunlight was bright and the space was wide open, perfect for a toddler to play outside.

General had a frisbee in his mouth. The dog bolted forward, tossing the disc into the air. Manley, who was walking quite steadily now, looked up to track its flight. The moment the frisbee landed, his little legs carried him over in a brisk toddle to pick it up.

He stared down at the toy in his hands, hesitating for some unknown reason, before suddenly raising his arms.

Just as he was about to mimic the dog and put the frisbee in his mouth, a tall, imposing figure strode into the frame from a blind spot. The man snatched the frisbee with one hand and pointed at General with the other. "Looks like I can't let you two spend too much time together. Look at what you're teaching him."

Hearing this, General barked twice in response.

She didn't have much of an ear for music and couldn't tell what made it special, but as she listened, a quiet calm settled over her heart.

"Hans."

Hans glanced over from the steering wheel. "Yeah?"

"What's up? Are you hungry? There are some snacks on your right to tide you over. I'm taking you to Little Italy right now to get a hearty meat pie."

"No."

Petty traced her fingers over her phone screen. The video was paused halfway through, lingering on Manley's little back.

"I should be all better by winter, right? That's around Manley's birthday."

"I want to go home."