After settling into her accommodation, Leilani stood by the window and dialed Callahan’s number.
The call was answered quickly. The man's low voice came through the receiver, carrying a hint of imperceptible concern. "Is everything done?"
Leilani tapped her fingers lightly on the windowsill, her tone calm. "Not yet. I might need to stay in Garrison City for another week."
There was a two-second silence on the other end.
"A week?" Callahan’s voice dropped. "I thought you said it was a day trip?"
Leilani rubbed her temples. Staying in Garrison City for a week was a spur-of-the-moment decision. However, since the situation involved Paulina, there were many things Leilani couldn't explain to Callahan. "The situation has changed. I have to help treat someone for poisoning, so I need to stay here for a week."
Callahan’s breath seemed to hitch for a moment. When he spoke again, his tone carried an undeniable dominance. "Send me your address. I'm coming over to stay with you."
Leilani laughed helplessly. "There's no need. I can handle it myself. The patient is a friend of my mentor, and I have people looking out for me here. Nothing will happen."
Callahan’s voice grew colder. "Leilani, I won't stop you from working, but at least let me come and be with you. How can I be at ease knowing you're out there alone?"
"You can rest easy," Leilani said lightly. "Are you worried about my skills? I can take down ten men without a problem."
A soft sigh came from the other end. Callahan seemed resigned, but his tone remained serious. "I am not negotiating with you."
"Callahan Langley." Leilani suddenly said his full name, her voice carrying a helpless smile. "I know you're worried about me, but can you please trust me?"
Silence stretched over the line for a moment. Then, the man's deep voice came through slowly, enunciating every word with irrefutable force. "Leilani."
"Abel?" Callahan keenly latched onto the unfamiliar name, his voice instantly turning frosty. "Who is that?"
Leilani briefly explained Abel’s identity. After listening, Callahan sounded displeased. "A thug? And he can guarantee your safety?"
Leilani sighed. "He's not a thug."
Callahan scoffed, clearly unsatisfied with the explanation, but he didn't insist on sending his men anymore. Finally, he said in a deep voice, "Remember what you promised me."
Leilani smiled softly. "I know."
After hanging up, she looked out at the night sky, the corners of her lips unconsciously curving upward. The feeling of someone worrying about her... didn't seem too bad.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Prison-Made Queen