Rhénee had not counted how many cupcakes she had eaten and she could tell that it wasn't helping her or her tummy. She felt like releasing all her anger out, but the only way to do so was to take in as many cupcakes down her throat as possible.
"Hey, aren't you going to leave some for us?" Greta asked.
"And why should I?" Rhénee asked after taking in who knows what number of cupcake in her mouth. "You guys are way too slow."
"Stop eating like that, Rhénee," said Miss Marie, "you're going to burst."
"Look, I told you all I know about that weird stranger over the phone, let me eat the cupcakes in peace."
Miss Griselda scowled and stood up from her seat. She approached the coffee table and took the plate of cupcakes away from Rhénee's greedy hands.
"Hey! But I'm still hungry," called out Rhénee.
"If you don't stop now, you'll become a glutton," said Miss Griselda. "No more cupcakes for you, young lady."
Miss Griselda gave each and everyone a cupcake, except Rhénee. She took the remaining cupcakes to the kitchen and quickly came back to the living room to take her seat.
"Now that that's over, can we look at the current situation we're in now?" Kevin asked.
"Well," began Rhénee, "we're all in danger. I told you about the stranger's warning and the picture of the house in the woods. If you help me any further, you might get hurt."
"But you can't do this all alone, Rhénee," said Malcom. "The way I see it, this all seems like a game to him."
"Of course it is. For him to give me the necklace and the photo of the house...., it's like he wants me to know the mystery of my late grandmother's death."
"Do you think your grandmother was murdered?" Greta asked.
"To be honest," Rhénee raised an eyebrow, "I was never told the truth about her death."
Rhénee turned to face Miss Griselda who had a weird expression on her face.
"Miss Griselda, you might know how grandma died. My mother told me she died of a heart attack."
"A heart attack?" Greta looked surprised. "I was told she had been admitted to the hospital and had died due to low blood pressure."
"I was told the same thing," said Malcom.
"To say the least, everyone in town was told the same," said Kevin.
"But that's weird," said Rhénee, "if it was due to low blood pressure, then why did my mother lie? I mean, it's just low blood pressure."
"It's strange," said Kevin. "Did your dad tell you the same thing?"
"Well....," Rhénee paused at the mention of her father. Surprisingly, he still hadn't called her. That was so unlike him.
"Well, he did say the same thing," said Rhénee, quickly snapping out of her thoughts.
"Do you know what the weird thing is?" Greta asked. "I never heard anything about the late Emelda not feeling too well that she would be admitted into hospital for a day or two before her death. It just happened so suddenly."
"Maybe it was just her time," said Kevin.
"Or maybe she was murdered?" Rhénee suggested. "Just think about it. Why do you think this stranger is playing this type of game? There is something he wants me to know about her death."
"I agree," said Miss Griselda, her voice a bit shaky. "I find it strange."
"Weren't you here when grandma died, Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked.
"No, I wasn't," replied Miss Griselda, her eyes turning red. "Two weeks before she died, your grandmother, may her soul rest in peace, told me to go on leave, for a vacation or something. It was kind of strange that I had to go away for a while. This place felt more like home."
"Did you ask her why?"
"I did, but all she told me was that I deserved it because I had worked hard and all. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, she gave Kevin and Mr Cowell the time off work too."
"That's true," said Kevin, "as Miss Griselda put it, it was a bit odd."
"So, grandma was all alone?" Rhénee felt her own voice breaking.
"Yes, she was," replied Miss Griselda, a tear streamed down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.
There was silence for a while as everyone seemed to be in their own thoughts. Rhénee couldn't help but imagine her late grandmother being all alone in her last days. But why the sudden change of attitude? Was she also in danger and didn't want anyone getting hurt like Rhénee wanted for the people around her?
"But she seemed pretty weird in her last days," said Miss Griselda.
"How weird?" Rhénee asked.
"Well, she was acting a bit agitated. Whenever she came home, she would always look outside the window as if to check if anyone was following her or something. She rarely slept at night. Most of the time I would find her in the study."
"She must have been threatened," said Malcom, "and that explains everything."
"What explains everything?" Rhénee asked, looking at Malcom.
Malcom looked down for a moment before looking at Rhénee straight in the eye. "Before your grandmother died, she called Greta, Kevin and I here. We met in her study and she asked us for a favour."
"And what was that?" Rhénee asked.
"To protect you from what's coming. She wasn't quiet clear from whom or from what, but she did say someone was planning to harm you."
"And she did mention to look out for our mother for some reason," said Greta.
"Do you think your mother and the stranger are working hand in hand?" Rhénee asked.
"We can't assume that just yet, can we?" Kevin suggested.
"You're right," said Malcom, "for the time being, we just have to assume that mum is just another enemy of yours."
"So, wait a minute, my grandma told you three to protect me from what's coming," said Rhénee, "so you have been watching over me this whole time?"
"Well, kind of," answered Kevin. "Your grandmother knew that sooner or later you would come to Madison."
"And so, Greta and I had come over to Beverly Hills after your grandmother died," said Malcom, "just to make sure that the people after you didn't harm you in any way."
"Oh, and how did you guys know the exact day I was moving out of Beverly Hills?" Rhénee asked.
"Your late grandmother told us about you and your father," said Greta. "That the two of you had your quarrels. And so when your dad had left for the business trip, we knew you would move out and come here."
"And so, Malcom was at the gas station and you, Greta, at the café, all to check up on me?"
"Of course, they were," said Miss Griselda, "after your grandmother died, Malcom told me about protecting you and I think it's a good thing.."
"But I'm putting you all in danger. I would like to thank all of you for keeping me safe all this while, but the last thing I want is five more funerals."
"Don't talk like that, dear," said Miss Marie, "we're all here to help you out no matter what."
Rhénee stood and walked towards the window. Her mind else where, thinking of what lied ahead of her. It was going to be dangerous and whatever the stranger over the phone had planned for her, it wasn't going to be pretty.
***481Please respect copyright.PENANALotKgE4fiB
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMMLqDeOpSA
481Please respect copyright.PENANAIhJtDrKw4m
481Please respect copyright.PENANAk8gRZWXEMe
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMgCqogn8hV
Eugene opened the door and allowed Miguel into his office. Miguel quickly rushed in to take a seat in front of the office desk and Eugene could sense that something wasn't quite right with his friend.481Please respect copyright.PENANARmU3rpRHxE
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWc4IrpDJIJ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAIaGg7Lxc00
481Please respect copyright.PENANAPHSaIr8Klv
481Please respect copyright.PENANATBPwdVHC4N
"Miguel, are you alright?" Eugene asked, as he closed the door.481Please respect copyright.PENANAP0ZdF29f8O
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnJIEgZwGsw
481Please respect copyright.PENANArdWxjmyk1j
481Please respect copyright.PENANAlEYzv8k6kA
481Please respect copyright.PENANA9OTSANYVzi
"It's nothing, really," said Miguel, looking a bit shaky, "I'm just worried about my grandma."481Please respect copyright.PENANAZx6iGLuzIi
481Please respect copyright.PENANApNfgBN2KGw
481Please respect copyright.PENANA1WEqHn2YOk
481Please respect copyright.PENANAJYgMMYrO1P
481Please respect copyright.PENANApXzVHhllYr
"Didn't you say you were dropping her off somewhere? Where did you take her?"481Please respect copyright.PENANApV5OEYt03D
481Please respect copyright.PENANAeJkXwJHSRM
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8m3v93HfVm
481Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7BSqR7Jhn
481Please respect copyright.PENANAM6Dv1X4Vgs
"I took her to see Rhénee."481Please respect copyright.PENANAStntt9eSKR
481Please respect copyright.PENANAe55AUqpeVP
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMdgNlWDHUn
481Please respect copyright.PENANAPwVocS5WgV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAo7aP436aXU
"Rhénee? But what for?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAVrwwtyLf77
481Please respect copyright.PENANAGNZ6qZZlI2
481Please respect copyright.PENANAJmvOmQxkfL
481Please respect copyright.PENANAjo69dtR1oh
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMTqT6aWPMx
"I don't know, that's what's making me curious. My grandma kept muttering in the car about Emelda. She wasn't quite clear about what she was saying though. I feel like she is going crazy again."481Please respect copyright.PENANAdY0NnH1Om9
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2LL46zPEg
481Please respect copyright.PENANAjqVLb0rmss
481Please respect copyright.PENANAHVcG6KeYem
481Please respect copyright.PENANAH2ZFxPZmaG
"Don't worry, if your grandma just went to see Rhénee, I bet it's just to talk about the late Emelda."481Please respect copyright.PENANAcoxKjZmjIP
481Please respect copyright.PENANAUhGvYtCequ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAXv76WWh4oi
481Please respect copyright.PENANAn8nJgKmIq5
481Please respect copyright.PENANAeDqfspgEVA
"Well, I hope so. Sometimes she scares me."481Please respect copyright.PENANA3JO0fTPWnh
481Please respect copyright.PENANAScgKHRZoUQ
481Please respect copyright.PENANA5daX9eQHLV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnEUpjkMsKP
481Please respect copyright.PENANAdSyNRkI2bm
"You're getting all worked up for nothing," Eugene placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You just relax. Should I make you a cup of coffee?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAy7m6dwVg3Q
481Please respect copyright.PENANAp4evSEuxGH
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnUkTlJLOdU
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQazZuuy4u3
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMxIWKlu3jD
"That will be great, thanks."481Please respect copyright.PENANAviMPl1c3dX
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWOkN73EDJy
481Please respect copyright.PENANAsPcNafFyfn
481Please respect copyright.PENANAZbSQ50jbeW
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZcNlvzDtE
Eugene went over to the window where there was a small table with a coffee maker, a jar of sugar, two mugs and some spoons and a tin of coffee. He got to work with making the coffee.481Please respect copyright.PENANA12KmmH3vJV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAr1Mkf8qYEO
481Please respect copyright.PENANAZD9dW31kqF
481Please respect copyright.PENANAfNAQC23XPZ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQbfxBjTpt3
"Oh, Eugene, I wanted to ask you something, if that's okay," said Miguel.481Please respect copyright.PENANAf3j1ObN56k
481Please respect copyright.PENANADQ3WbFl3tr
481Please respect copyright.PENANANG4z3OhcCi
481Please respect copyright.PENANAllhLDWgbQW
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8XzMSwRewX
"Ya, ask away," said Eugene as he turned on the coffee maker.481Please respect copyright.PENANAuSjRSnpLEV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQJBAU1Z2hL
481Please respect copyright.PENANA90aKOdlzPu
481Please respect copyright.PENANABXlEDR1Gwp
481Please respect copyright.PENANANybjjcVZ5N
"Do you remember when we were kids and we would sometimes go out and play in the woods?"481Please respect copyright.PENANA4abuVjMQBw
481Please respect copyright.PENANApArLje53EQ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAdcg0J4HzJV
481Please respect copyright.PENANA82KztZrRno
481Please respect copyright.PENANALFwrWtQi0x
"Ya, I still do. Those were good times. Why do you ask?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAuDUur49O1M
481Please respect copyright.PENANAZuMutKUy5b
481Please respect copyright.PENANA1Qt9nkXtjH
481Please respect copyright.PENANAahZdeW04OF
481Please respect copyright.PENANAzaDtC9lyEO
"I just remembered some years ago when we were playing in the woods with some girl."481Please respect copyright.PENANAV9J4S3yiCB
481Please respect copyright.PENANAtn58hZ1gsz
481Please respect copyright.PENANA49RojqsrCV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAFWOSJH0YR5
481Please respect copyright.PENANADT0d6eFRBw
Eugene turned to face Miguel as he noticed the sudden tone in his friend's voice. After pouring the coffee into the mugs then putting in some sugar cubes and stirring the coffee, he walked over to Miguel and gave him a mug.481Please respect copyright.PENANAs6lGLS7Zn7
481Please respect copyright.PENANAK8luMJv1N0
481Please respect copyright.PENANALK3PikxrcU
481Please respect copyright.PENANAmHLFJAsB6V
481Please respect copyright.PENANAxPfs51kKOx
"Why are you telling me all this?" Eugene asked.481Please respect copyright.PENANAzyizu6Vap2
481Please respect copyright.PENANAV9jWT254LX
481Please respect copyright.PENANA0qP0GfHWft
481Please respect copyright.PENANAIf8i4gJ9cK
481Please respect copyright.PENANAIHU7DgVHUg
"I just wanted to know if you remember the girl," said Miguel as he took a sip of his coffee.481Please respect copyright.PENANA83PfknSulD
481Please respect copyright.PENANAq3UQ1Nw034
481Please respect copyright.PENANAwhtMhmzqHX
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQYmwk0kwsP
481Please respect copyright.PENANAcEpmyEIVDN
"And why should I? Does she hold any importance to me?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAya1bbprMnl
481Please respect copyright.PENANAmSbuD46Nkd
481Please respect copyright.PENANA5wyhXIv37O
481Please respect copyright.PENANA1lymEHJLI2
481Please respect copyright.PENANAmKpbPpyU9E
"Well, all I wanted was an answer, not more questions." Miguel's tone in his voice was changing.481Please respect copyright.PENANARY7kOvUvuL
481Please respect copyright.PENANAm5pkntKN2J
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWgo0EPViZO
481Please respect copyright.PENANAtBfB0gWK0z
481Please respect copyright.PENANArpCxD3Gy1K
"Seriously, dude, you're creeping me out." Eugene walked over to his desk and put his mug on the table and stared at Miguel.481Please respect copyright.PENANAc00v7vI5gb
481Please respect copyright.PENANArHGjGsH9In
481Please respect copyright.PENANATZoo2AmtJZ
481Please respect copyright.PENANADI3OPYS5VC
481Please respect copyright.PENANA1Xm6GTHikg
"Okay, all I want is for you to remember the girl I am talking about."481Please respect copyright.PENANAytuttZze7y
481Please respect copyright.PENANAoHrzKP2gaW
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnCWqjfp9Hj
481Please respect copyright.PENANAR5KvVWkrgy
481Please respect copyright.PENANATgDYoqwPB2
"I seriously don't remember any girl we used to play with in the woods during our childhood."481Please respect copyright.PENANAIiFXdlcuBh
481Please respect copyright.PENANAKGXNs0HXxo
481Please respect copyright.PENANAg7dpTD93cX
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWTTiJIFWwE
481Please respect copyright.PENANAbfDx9NHdJp
"Really? You don't?" Miguel looked surprised.481Please respect copyright.PENANAnvk2hR5XPS
481Please respect copyright.PENANALQZbpmeeX0
481Please respect copyright.PENANAdLMgYP5SFe
481Please respect copyright.PENANAzHIWLswHAS
481Please respect copyright.PENANAhHbHtsYB0y
"No, was she one of our classmates?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAt7XYYlH5qy
481Please respect copyright.PENANAAb3dJOHyUh
481Please respect copyright.PENANAfIeP4yaEKV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAa90tdnNN9p
481Please respect copyright.PENANAeO9pN0Yicc
"Not even close." Miguel took another sip of his coffee.481Please respect copyright.PENANAIBISqiUidr
481Please respect copyright.PENANAggLEOnDRXp
481Please respect copyright.PENANAyx6HxkRmUe
481Please respect copyright.PENANAMJqGOZr3Ay
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOerBn04kUh
"Then who is it for you to ask me if I even remembered her?"481Please respect copyright.PENANARmdGPEgewQ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAe9fpexxc5X
481Please respect copyright.PENANANKtew65peT
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOjRTdnNgOl
481Please respect copyright.PENANAAx3XKFF5Xa
"Nothing. Was just messing with you."481Please respect copyright.PENANAY7HICSVVXo
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOA8JEs9NbC
481Please respect copyright.PENANAeVD9Tz7ylj
481Please respect copyright.PENANAxzJAg72a80
481Please respect copyright.PENANA0b5wGKyFC2
Eugene pushed Miguel by placing his hand on his shoulder. Miguel almost spelt his coffee as he playfully tried to avoid another push from Eugene. Miguel laughed out loud.481Please respect copyright.PENANA4AY3js3HEg
481Please respect copyright.PENANAjw0aPYEko6
481Please respect copyright.PENANA4VzWKLbuBf
481Please respect copyright.PENANAbY9nxd4vop
481Please respect copyright.PENANA3Tt8HsvP45
"I'm sorry," Miguel continued laughing. "I didn't mean to."481Please respect copyright.PENANAqBV8ObcI92
481Please respect copyright.PENANALmKz1VpREn
481Please respect copyright.PENANAs3oSzPw7uT
481Please respect copyright.PENANANKjWt6jGGL
481Please respect copyright.PENANAqyUfSR8u7j
"You scared me half to death, man!" Eugene was so upset. "I thought you were going to start talking creepy stuff about her."481Please respect copyright.PENANAK5LAZgmJAH
481Please respect copyright.PENANAx2nAVg374a
481Please respect copyright.PENANAwQE5TwvDxl
481Please respect copyright.PENANA2g437R50TQ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAw90JSmonQj
"I know, right? Sorry for messing with you. You should have seen the look on your face."481Please respect copyright.PENANAapUizdqpIS
481Please respect copyright.PENANAvVMBlO0JnF
481Please respect copyright.PENANA2UAifaeYO7
481Please respect copyright.PENANA63LNrPJjsz
481Please respect copyright.PENANA4x3oheYdrc
"So not cool. Don't you ever do that again."481Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1qaH3KIJT
481Please respect copyright.PENANAvmcDdV6PiT
481Please respect copyright.PENANADOblvo3nmV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAGF6WKTW2Do
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWL11O9hhpL
"I won't promise you, but I'll try."481Please respect copyright.PENANA5oIWEvMSYV
481Please respect copyright.PENANA1dXNiSL7Gx
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnuHyZthqpD
481Please respect copyright.PENANAsrhp5gP8s1
481Please respect copyright.PENANAuLAgyBUi8A
Eugene shook his head as he got his mug and took his coffee. Somehow, he couldn't take his mind off what Miguel had said. Miguel had looked and sounded so serious when he had asked if Eugene remembered the girl they used to play with when they were kids. There was something fishy going on and Miguel seemed to know something.481Please respect copyright.PENANABFNrwkzRUp
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8YACO9zzuk
481Please respect copyright.PENANA5uPEW8HI19
481Please respect copyright.PENANAN9Mgh94ZgP
481Please respect copyright.PENANATHLxZ6V6bt
***481Please respect copyright.PENANA6lnXQLDG4A
481Please respect copyright.PENANAg0uRPwxELz
481Please respect copyright.PENANAZCTokGWz8c
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWLjjjl2Jgf
481Please respect copyright.PENANAVRpuAhViJ8
"Where do you think you're going?"481Please respect copyright.PENANAWiAx6vHADO
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8g9P1pCdQ1
481Please respect copyright.PENANATbFfzf4LHo
481Please respect copyright.PENANA5LNkn57CDN
481Please respect copyright.PENANAVZtqXW99s6
Rhénee stopped half-way across the hall heading towards the door when she heard Miss Griselda behind her.481Please respect copyright.PENANATJM61dn7Qu
481Please respect copyright.PENANAtzUFYS2A2c
481Please respect copyright.PENANABZbuYAz3y5
481Please respect copyright.PENANAVcfKWIHZPS
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOvanXcOJ0j
"I've some things to sort out," Rhénee replied not looking at Miss Griselda.481Please respect copyright.PENANAoWT5OejGPd
481Please respect copyright.PENANAjuHmDERaMl
481Please respect copyright.PENANAKlvX4toeGM
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWV96tUl7W3
481Please respect copyright.PENANAxsRUsacIvt
"If you're going to try to sort out this mess alone, you're going to end up getting killed."481Please respect copyright.PENANAEixIYlVM3a
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOL9qekMFJZ
481Please respect copyright.PENANAJJ8CTOX3aV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAndamhB2E5m
481Please respect copyright.PENANAOlzFiGZzN5
"And what do you suggest I should do!" Rhénee exclaimed, this time, she turned around to look at Miss Griselda. "I can't sit here and do nothing while that man over the phone ruins my life."481Please respect copyright.PENANAFY5OUKXw0u
481Please respect copyright.PENANAjniE5kMHlR
481Please respect copyright.PENANAK63onDmCHf
481Please respect copyright.PENANAkhUHItFv3u
481Please respect copyright.PENANAvOj0gJuQQn
Miss Griselda walked up to Rhénee and she could tell the anxiety and tension eating up the young lady inside. She held Rhénee's hand and gently led her back to the living room where everybody else was.481Please respect copyright.PENANAJWsjoSFQBb
481Please respect copyright.PENANAeo15Qt2WVq
481Please respect copyright.PENANAAY9aHa4kvV
481Please respect copyright.PENANAJKcAmUqAxq
481Please respect copyright.PENANA8KgK5FQkO4
"Rhénee, we all want to put an end to this," said Miss Griselda, "but you can't do it without us and we can't do it without you. I would never forgive myself if something terrible happens to you and you know it."481Please respect copyright.PENANASZeHWfhNP8
481Please respect copyright.PENANAa922s0wxTn
481Please respect copyright.PENANA3W1pEHjo39
481Please respect copyright.PENANAsgXVzOkgRK
481Please respect copyright.PENANAB33g2oH4BP
Rhénee sighed in defeat and gave Miss Griselda a hug.481Please respect copyright.PENANAc6uX1kXfre
481Please respect copyright.PENANAAIWS6TqJ0R
481Please respect copyright.PENANApQm9SkAphA
481Please respect copyright.PENANAF4XOsutqHu
481Please respect copyright.PENANAnsus8Ux0bq
"I'm sorry," said Rhénee. "I don't want you getting worried or getting hurt either."481Please respect copyright.PENANAeP796QieNt
481Please respect copyright.PENANAvfJG5cdXf8
481Please respect copyright.PENANAzLJ8rx2CTD
481Please respect copyright.PENANAV4TFj1mgJI
481Please respect copyright.PENANA4mNc7j4bBc
"It's fine, sweetheart. We will pull through. I know we will."481Please respect copyright.PENANAc9xpE7IECX
481Please respect copyright.PENANACCHyVgvZuU
481Please respect copyright.PENANA6luvAmiY8k
481Please respect copyright.PENANAikvl9q2cCK
481Please respect copyright.PENANAREOX3JeMSj
The two stopped hugging each other and Rhénee turned to address the others.481Please respect copyright.PENANAMuGYMpnVlm
481Please respect copyright.PENANAUpbEUK5Wop
481Please respect copyright.PENANApwtiI6zMT5
481Please respect copyright.PENANAxAT0ZZ0ohM
481Please respect copyright.PENANAiiv5x6IyHR
"Sorry for that," said Rhénee. "I just couldn't help myself."481Please respect copyright.PENANAejW3Ggl9Z9
481Please respect copyright.PENANAUevO4z8rpL
481Please respect copyright.PENANAVk7ArRe0RU
481Please respect copyright.PENANA6kxQcHAwpK
481Please respect copyright.PENANAWqkhVqCHkQ
"Anyone in your situation would've done the same," said Miss Marie. "We don't blame you at all."481Please respect copyright.PENANAqH9JOiEM6p
481Please respect copyright.PENANAYJ7K0ywece
481Please respect copyright.PENANANZTkrJNmc5
481Please respect copyright.PENANAsHLA9wHrKP
481Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9ZMtqApAz
"Okay, then, if we're going to work together, we have to figure out what we should do, and fast."481Please respect copyright.PENANARM1aZrBA4c
481Please respect copyright.PENANA2v69GobPwt
481Please respect copyright.PENANAUOBhgvmipo
481Please respect copyright.PENANAu57vehBSIw
481Please respect copyright.PENANAgeMKEjjea9
"I agree," said Kevin. "We've to know what this man is playing at."
"So, any suggestions?" Greta asked.
"The house in the forest," Rhénee and Malcom answered simultaneously.
"The house in the forest? Why?" Miss Griselda asked.
"Maybe we might find something in there," answered Malcom. "There's something in that house that the man wants us to know about."
"It sounds dangerous to me," said Greta. "The fact that the house is located in the forest is enough to get me creeped out."
"I don't think it's a good idea," said Miss Marie. "Who knows what dangers we might find if you go there."
"But that's the only lead we have," said Kevin. "So far, we have nothing and if we try to follow up with Mrs Derrand, we're as good as dead."
"Kevin is right, though," said Greta. "I hate to say it, but we should go to that house."
"I'm worried," said Miss Marie. "Don't you think all this might be a trap?"
For a moment, there was silence in the room as everyone contemplated about what Miss Marie said. No one had even thought about the house being set up as a trap for Rhénee.
"What makes you think that it might?" Rhénee asked.
"It just popped into my mind," Miss Marie answered. "We don't know what this man wants. He might be doing all of this to harm you."
Rhénee raised an eyebrow at Miss Marie. From the time Miss Marie came here, Rhénee had a feeling that she might know who the man was. But now, everything seemed so confusing. How could the house be a trap if the man wanted Rhénee to know how her late grandmother had died? Rhénee had to keep asking Miss Marie if she wanted any information. She might find out things that could be useful.
"I think we go, nonetheless," said Malcom. "Rhénee won't go alone. If anything happens, we will be around to help."
"And what if you get trapped too?" Miss Marie asked. "Have you thought about that?"
"Don't worry, nothing will go wrong. If all of this is a trap, we'll be ready."
"So, when do we go there?" Rhénee asked.
"How about tomorrow?" Malcom suggested.
"Sounds good to me."
"Wait, tomorrow, like in the evening?" Greta asked.
"Nah, that will be too dangerous," said Malcom. "And considering that you get creeped out at night, Greta, going during the day will be perfect."
"I would rather you consider all this before you jump in," said Miss Marie.
"Is it me or is there something you're not telling us?" Rhénee asked.
"I'm just looking out for your well being." Miss Marie sounded stern.
Rhénee folded her arms as she continued to stare at Miss Marie. "I don't want to sound rude, but there is something you aren't telling us, Miss Marie. Am I wrong?"
This time all eyes were on Miss Marie, but the old lady didn't seem to mind. She continued to sit there and stare at Rhénee whose look also became stern.
"It may look like I know something, but the truth is, I don't," Miss Marie answered. "All that I'm doing right now is trying to protect you, Rhénee. Your late grandmother and I were such good friends and I am willing to look out for what she truly cared about in this world. And that's you."
Rhénee didn't say anything as she continued to look at Miss Marie. Was she telling the truth? It was completely hard to tell at this point.
"Then why don't you want us to go to that house?" Kevin asked.
"I'm just following what Emelda told me to do before she died," said Miss Marie.
"My grandma? What did she say?" Rhénee asked.
Miss Marie first sighed before she could say anything. "Your grandmother had told me a lot of things. There are some things she never wanted anyone to know, especially the house in the forest. And she warned me that no one should go there."
"What's in there that she doesn't want us to know?"
"I wish I knew, dear. She never told me. Your late grandmother was as mysterious as ever."
"But it looks like we have no choice," said Malcom. "If we don't do something now, who knows what that man would do to Rhénee."
"Malcolm's right," said Greta. "It's pretty obvious that man wants Rhénee to go there and figure out what really happened to the late Emelda."
"All am saying is that you should all think before you leap," said Miss Marie. "I'm just doing what I think is right."
Miss Marie slowly stood up from the couch and she slowly walked out of the living room, heading towards the door. Rhénee went after her and soon, the others followed as well. Miss Marie was just about to reach out for the door knob when Rhénee called out to her:
"Miss Marie, wait! You can't leave now."
"I know I'm not supposed to," said Miss Marie as she slowly turned to look at Rhénee. "But that's all I could tell you, Rhénee. This is my only way of helping you. To try and convince you not to go to that house."
"But I don't have a choice, Miss..."
"It's all up to you now," Miss Marie interrupted. "You're a grown woman now and I can't make decisions that you feel might compromise your life."
Miss Marie turned to the door, took hold of the door knob and twisted it. The door flew open and Miss Marie walked right through. When she stepped out, she stopped and with her back still facing the others, she said:
"Once you find out what is in the house, don't end up hating your late grandmother. Don't let whatever you find taint the image you've always had of her."
After she spoke, Miss Marie continued on her way towards the gate. Rhénee and the others looked on until Miss Marie was beyond the gate and nowhere in sight.
ns 172.69.58.147da2