Chapter 7: Family outing

Clara’s pov.

 

 

The day of the plan finally arrived, and I felt a feeling of anxiety, fear, and determination.

Ready to face what happened, but at the same time I was so anxious about endangering myself and my family, especially Ella.

 

I dressed Ella up in a short purple chiffon dress her daddy got for her before the incident.

 

I also wore a beautiful pink dress with light makeup that suited the dress perfectly.

 

 

Ella, who was unaware of the situation and danger ahead, was so happy about the so-called “family outing,“ she kept jumping with excitement around the house since she heard about it.

 

 

As we drove through the city streets, I felt eyes on us like we were being watched. The weight of Vanessa’s gaze was like she was watching us closely.

 

We finally got to the location, and as soon as we got there, Ethan’s phone rang.

 

“It’s Michael calling.” He said as he looked at me and saw the curiosity on my face.

 

He picked up the call, “Hello Michael, where is your team?”

 

“Ok, please keep a close watch on us,” Ethan said as he hung up.

 

I wasn’t hearing the response on the other end of the call, so I tried to stay calm till he ended the call.

 

 

“What did he say?” I asked with my gaze fixed on his face.

 

“He said he and his team are close by and they can see us,” Ethan said in a calm tone.

 

I felt relieved at his response and tried to act natural so Vanessa wouldn’t notice anything if she was watching us.

 

 

Michael and his team were in position, their presence hidden but reassuring. We moved through the planned route and stopped at various points to create the illusion of a leisurely day out. 

 

As we reached the final location—a busy park

I saw someone looking at us from a corner. 

 

"Geez, who did I just see or am hallucinating!!” I thought to myself quietly as grief ran through my body.

 

“I took a quick look again, and it was her.”

 

She was put on black clothes and a cap as a form of disguise.

I think our eyes met, but I’m not sure she was looking my way.

 

I signal to Ethan quickly to look at her without her noticing she has been seen by me.

 

He looked at the spot I told him carefully.

 

“I can’t see anyone that looks like her there; did you probably mistook her for someone else?” He said disappointedly with the pale look.

 

“No, I’m sure of what I saw, and it was her,” I replied swiftly and took a look too.

 

She was gone.

 

“I think I should contact Michael to keep a close watch.” He said as he brought out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and trousers.

 

 

“Hello Mike, please keep a close watch. Clara said she saw her around this spot a minute ago; she is putting on black clothes and a cap as a disguise.”

 

After talking to Michael for a while, Ethan hung up.

 

“Be rest assured we are safe, Michael and his team are watching.” He said calmly with a relaxed look on his face.

 

“Let’s go get ice cream; the weather seems hot.” He said as he held Ella’s hand.

 

We walked slowly away from the spot where we stood, but not too far from Michael’s watch.

 

As we waited for our turn in the long queue, I had a bad feeling of being watched, so I wasn’t comfortable and kept looking around carefully so as not to ruin the plan.

 

I saw a figure in the distance, watching us intently.

 

It was her—Vanessa 

 

 

Vanessa focused her gaze on mine as she smirked while looking at me.

 

Her intention was obvious as she started to approach us. I signalled to Michael, feeling as though a trap was going to be set; my heart was beating so fast.

 

Michael's team moved quickly as Vanessa got closer, trapping her before she could say anything or do anything.

 

 

Vanessa was arrested after a brief struggle while attempting to flee, her screams booming throughout the park. The crowd was unconcerned about the scene happening around us.

 

As Vanessa was taken away, Ethan held me firmly and did not take his eyes off of me. 

 

He said, "It's over," sounding both relieved and shocked. "We did a good job."

 

But even as Vanessa was taken into custody, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the end.

 

We would need time to heal from the terrible scars she caused. 

 

I hugged Ella close as we made our way back to the safe home that evening, appreciating the brief minutes of tranquilly we were able to enjoy. 

 

Ethan and I sat in the peaceful darkness, the past several weeks finally beginning to feel lighter. 

 

Although we had overcome our worries, the trouble ahead was still unknown to us.

 

 

"We'll solve it one day at a time, dear." "We can overcome anything together." With a determined look, Ethan said, Upon meeting his gaze.

 

 

****

 

Our household felt a cautious sense of comfort now that Vanessa was behind bars. The days began to resemble a typical routine again.

 

Ethan and I stayed vigilant, but at the same time we let ourselves breathe and stayed calm, hoping that the worst was over.

 

Ella blooms peacefully, blissfully unaware of the situation. We spent our days exploring the woods around the safehouse, playing games, and enjoying the basic pleasures of family life. Michael always checks up on us, providing reassuring updates on Vanessa's whereabouts.

 

But, as the days went by, a disturbing sense crept into my mind. It was calm after the storm, and part of me questioned whether it was too calming.

 

One evening, as we finished eating dinner, Michael arrived with a serious expression on his face.

 

“I have some news,” he said, in a low voice.

 

Ethan and I exchanged a glance. “What is it?” ”Hope it’s good news.” Ethan asked, his tone tense.

 

"There was a break-in at the facility where Vanessa is being held." She did not escape, but someone was trying to reach her. We're not sure who or why, but it's cause for concern."

 

My heart sank. “Do you think it could be someone working with Vanessa?”

 

 

“It’s possible.” Michael shook his head in approval, but we don’t have solid evidence yet. We need to be very vigilant and extremely careful. I have increased the security around the safe house, so don’t panic.

 

The news disrupted our newfound peace.

That night, as I lay on my bed trying to get some sleep, my mind raced with possibilities. Who could it be? Who would want to break Vanessa out of prison?

Is there another player in this dangerous game we don’t know yet?

 

I was pondering all this before I later dozed off.

 

The next day, I tried to put my worries aside.

 

We planned on having a small picnic in a shady spot not far from the safe house to cool off our minds before going back home.

 

And I was determined not to let fear ruin it. We packed a basket with sandwiches, fruit, muffins, and cookies and headed out to enjoy the afternoon.

 

 

As we sat on the blanket, Ella's laugh filled the air, and I felt a sense of calmness. But that peacefulness was broken when my phone rang with an incoming call. The number was unknown. 

 

I hesitated, then responded. "Hello?"

 

A distorted voice sounded through the line. "You thought you could hide, Clara. However, we have information on your current location. Vanessa has powerful friends, and they want her out. Enjoy your picnic, for it might be your last.

 

The line suddenly disconnected. My hands trembling as I stared at the phone, the words echoing in my head. 

 

Ethan saw my pale face. "Clara, what is it?"

 

I couldn’t speak for some seconds until I was snapped out of my imagination by Ethan, who held my arm.

 

 

I told him what the caller said.

 

“We need to get back to the house. Now.” He said it instantly.

 

 

We packed the things we brought with us quickly, trying not to make Ella notice.

 

“Mummy, why are we going back home so early? We just got here not too long ago,” she asked as she put her arms around my neck.

 

I stood up and lifted her while Ethan packed the rest of the things.

 

"Sorry, sweetheart, Daddy has urgent work to do at home, and he can’t leave us here all alone; we will continue at home,” I answered calmly.

 

My mind raced as we walked back home.

If Vanessa had strong allies who could locate us here, our haven would no longer be safe. 

 

Back inside the house, Michael was immediately on high alert. I delivered the message to him, and he immediately started coordinating with his team. 

 

"We'll move you to another location," he said to us. "A place even more secure. But we need to act quickly."

 

 

The intensity of his speech pushed us to take action. We packed only the necessities and prepared to leave at a moment's notice. As we prepared to go, I had a sense of fear. 

 

We were being tracked down, and there showed up to be no conclusion in sight. 

 

 

A loud noise interrupted our plans to go outside. The front door burst open, and armed men stormed.

 

 

Michael and his squad moved to stop them, but we were outnumbered. "Get down!" Michael shouted, pulling out his weapon.