Punishments

The oppressive summer heat hangs thick in the air as a blonde woman rushes through the bustling terminal of the international airport.

It's Layla, Her designer sunglasses perch precariously on her nose, and her new luggage trails behind her as she scans the crowd, searching for any sign of her flight deployment.

Layla's mind races, her heart pounding in her chest.

She had immediately booked a flight to Barcelona after she had taken the money from the director, wanting to take a few days there to regroup before she thought of her next plan of action.

But as she weaves through the throngs of travelers, a creeping sense of dread settles in the pit of her stomach.

_What if he finds me?_

Her eyes dart around nervously, searching for any sign of pursuit. Beads of sweat glisten on her brow - she knows that time is of the essence.