Chapter Thirty Four: Avoiding Distress

Akila got into her car and latched the seatbelt in place. She started the car and reversed it. She swerved it sharply to the side and pulled away from the safe house. She was driving along the path leading to the main road ahead when Niklaus's call came in. She connected her phone to the car's Bluetooth and answered the call, plugging in her earphone. "Yes, Niklaus." "Have you arrived the safe house with Layla and Derek?" "Yes. Layla is there. I'm on my way back at the moment." "Were you followed?" "No. Nobody followed me." "Are you sure? That location must remain hidden from outsider's knowledge." "Don't you trust me? I confirmed there was nobody on my trail. In fact, I took another route to the safe house: a longer route and less traveled path. If there had been any car following us, I would have known then." Niklaus sighed heavily. "Okay. I trust you. Just be careful on your way back." "And you too." "He's caught on about our involvement with Layla despite my attempts t