Chapter 266

Despite continuing to look through every message and connection on Victor’s phone, she hadn’t seen an update in over a week.

What did that mean?

On a nearby balcony, a dog barked. A couple jogged by, obviously on vacation and enjoying the Mexican sun. Someone behind her opened their window. A car horn blared in the distance. The world was waking up. Laila wished she could just tune all of it, along with her reality, out. But she needed to make some decisions, then take her next steps.

She didn’t dare return to Louisiana. She would endanger her family, and she would be too tempted to see Trees. But she couldn’t stay here much longer. In fact, fleeing Mexico altogether would be wise. If she didn’t, someone would eventually find her. It was a matter of time.

Laila pulled the ball cap lower, adjusted her overlarge sunglasses, and headed back to her rental. Her stomach turned. No surprise. She’d barely eaten in days, but the thought of food held no appeal. Maybe s