The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BFxNr6rr1
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViZO6w3o9O
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTIayR4jPJ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybBZEtYzej
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJnyqyaUnC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8uy6DAA6h
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrbA9uTsNb
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkEhznwkTN
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7vsTBAoSA
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuSkfIlDkU
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1xGmrUsxT
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tD8uphlQK
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9K2TDILbY
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZq18EY5ba
"What kind of trouble?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo0x49IB5w
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4bonOG6bv
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EsiAqRhfC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMFVTqQY3O
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfc8vfPLJd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9aZ85PXMz
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozl4Uol7yS
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuRzdedmlS
"That's good. She needs to rest."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf6KYGAGki
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoND7vZ1YM
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ0KMiGCTC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRtsYCJaTG
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsrHqvo39i
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoZugRYe1R
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD44QgAbMQu
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT29LDwFDbo
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7uqaCyUqA
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5IvbaZhL9
"Ya, sure."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVwpWZhbiD
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSIPYFF0av
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNynTTUGth
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6ZdwoFVh8
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzHlZJ4nRA
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XrIKBhmXL
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaF9A9dJDE
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4eQJS8jan
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsE0LnVmWc
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVoxY8F7bP
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd7YH4aVod
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lEqxvedDx
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO2uvvH8Ir
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzaStJI9Z6
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4rKidcX0b
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5J27jpS78
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAVqhpAKO8
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3nYIFV5PX
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSAhBiy1cx
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C5S9LtZY3
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkcM19yA4L
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbicpBb4eEi
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvKCSbSSob
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CmfuodEIe
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBiHazeCf5
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgnt7hc2ws
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnujeBvpZwL
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfvQE65W61
"What did you say?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM2ZxB3ewe
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ih23pjbq
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzRrVKJKn6
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDa2lz8ewy
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShlGlhQwbk
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OKKeiTEDt
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEaP7q9kdd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QKDUHiKJc
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIai0OrBOTb
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2VKBdqofU
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHGG3cHgn9
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy218n23Kf
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbem2TaDFyG
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGipIQlVK0
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCh4exEbbZ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT8oNeGEPR
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GE813VQXL
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVYkrVZbnc
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvtLdA1tMe
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP374GjzGK
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0amN7Yf5mJ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxEjaqs9sL
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bviDCY3b4
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GuUvbc7Ot
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP28v1hLrld
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQchJpWjzG
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nitLHNQz3
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cscmUzXAs
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQmdYTrZ7n
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeuKFkk041
***614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3wi4A87eg
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcyAQ80Klj
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMn0mYFnC2
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr3LmemHkD
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDCqMlk4oc
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDygWEdq0q
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgTG656XvY
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyE8GwgV4Z
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LuXbGYlKH
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl3gJqLOBO
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhuzV97hbq
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIvY9Yv0gL
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBFUTdWpSm
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqeDo4NMih
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl82PYC7eF
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzmpW7OuyB
She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrDgAMAXRO
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk6SzwnHCl
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLilNnzfQcD
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cUobjWkYD
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6NqJHTCgw
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPoVdZqk0n
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE3OiI9Zas
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrexpI4gt0
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIyUlG7E4E
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4KPBop6El
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIad6TXsf4
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8VRBbD44q
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCNiwE9zrU
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsquq52IRiB
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2XjRoA1jN
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl920OZEbpk
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzkw0evhKF
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0FxzFjeqE
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAGHWrzY7I
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lWmPzG39Z
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KbVrGxFpv
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiwJdZx9TS
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7DictvPMx
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczNT8BSI1O
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T2l5VqpHw
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUhB2lbUi6
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn6QmDLs11
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox922ulCCj
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxcosiXex9
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jwn7D8IKN
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSi7krQ8ny
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyRqo390wj
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29xRuBWUxm
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7TbnWjpq7
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vt3C9MdyW
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntktxESruA
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3u0isvKxc
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaKy89uWqE
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NrMFUXKJ3
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEpeSmlr3Q
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBptggs7vvW
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIjZwsWTV9
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijwkR7wQuz
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUFj12qH0r
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHStGh7RHeO
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjoBVp4HSp
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkAZRpSoVB
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu47ehTS8wz
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwZpf0Mewn
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkDXaKNmnZ
"Do you think she's killed before?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBgxOBW6wV
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h1EZTu7Dz
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWvXV6W108
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD4VwhM36q
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML0mVNItz6
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfjtDRCJ8X
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FryKofAZp
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JLgSdWjiK
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhlKhqiioP
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBWtOAhUpB
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDo5OTHJLi
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlSfGEytT6
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjgBiCLOmv
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2DEG7dv2G
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hn5PtmV1t
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOImz5KzLW
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0orvEZFwM
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6lFzlojuF
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvImRsJLf9
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjNlUHdXoa
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fs1mHlrHs
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F5CJPn6Wf
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKtht09Z5K
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwL0tjQfzb
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvByS1apeo
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlpBBNr61Q
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjd2nTA5nZ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98pP593LOg
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmGX2OPMxd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4qHkJFXK6
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0onGDAAavz
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaDN8ai4BA
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ5ciTQFrx
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDbXrqRsvb
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19tlqPISC3
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvHDEPvQrU
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wSt4WZbrw
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISsFSXuAWt
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg6oolHrOV
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qkEEXcsF8
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs33iw0iBd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29gX4cWSFD
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELC0hGVNmF
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlYItOp1iJ
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPakt9jNmL
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4QSlvYOfW
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21yyeYzz4g
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMsSF7ZHBg
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBGFscQouJ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh2Z7RkrzQ
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCnO3Vb1e2
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGXuGHNgvw
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO39iJ5EF6
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns31jcTvlq
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCnYDjNmwR
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZynWJAp1Gk
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHYCQBOfmz
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlieSyUW82
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrrpYjtlSp
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReXMqyC2QA
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemk7pCsPNa
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO7Yl8XxVa
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsqiY5S0za
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKXKvGgnTi
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoiL7Gu63Q
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI9R8kDS0G
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAhrm8AmFl
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxOzgetdb5
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiLJVS14BX
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMEEOuXj0s
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL3eovkjoX
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez0HtkquRP
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIcW0ccR93
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdaQpqYjhA
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYQiM01NWQ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleL77pCwQ9
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsMwsUrHiR
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tMjQPQj23
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGHA3DGijM
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUR7IUfZkP
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVQz63Qiwo
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSImhbBt9ZM
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dXGFTMDai
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglBA6P2QTZ
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7di5ErIWW
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt5JZdoMGM
"We will," said Kevin.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJUwZvvm3J
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamTvSPrDbC
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq5mYIP1rP
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ399DvLk9tu
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TlSoz5cq7
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITFvG6ldkU
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTPwFmAb3b
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Byam9vctj
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBFLP7xHVz
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGRMrILJb5
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlQM4wxHOS
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRg4ForGLo
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KYCANXWRC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pTyCElWik
"Rhénee, wait!"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLCB9WUjRu
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszLJ3vOq3k
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEDs24BkzV
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGKFP93GsE
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBldK5d4Rq
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vwo4iQU1F
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKJ5z5EyXS
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JYNKZg6LE
"I'm tired."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEsJ11H6h
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiKrNk4mbr
"Really? I don't think that's it."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdgPeMHKhz
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLmDIiqSkb
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOivLnY4ts
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlyAfEzjc3
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYHSGiqkMi
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXcb9hBTEO
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrIAJp3Xfk
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEPGiZLFK6
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k9JlGlCCe
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH4lI0F0Un
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsNSIp2Qgj
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLG3gNx6fz
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cGX4w0CWE
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxZs40RdmS
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9reegqNTB
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD8UlwLS0S
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRphNdEtoay
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiIBVKmA7D
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnu79eMBZh
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG20gUrIRt
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR8qqpiCkI
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI32Manabd
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIQ3SexEmF
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZoGFVsIRZ
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUI4ECynda
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0voDchwGQ
"Good. Let's go."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0u5pCjf1z
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPvPLxJKZL
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gOB0mp3Gs
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGnczp5FEq
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7x4aFyGQq
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVttz1uSAB
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nhyJn9MZL
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSqBAdugsD
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaRNfeNXoy
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygUEompBPD
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7qozQcMf6
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqDWBUrW6Y
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc51m5JqoYU
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9wb5nqZtO
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSspDKx6bh
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6BicZatoA
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG2R8sQX9q
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOYYS9y4CW
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukNItGOmhL
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BQbpeKgLL
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8x1J4kHZ9
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGdA0Ib6p2
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HP9dwPx6F
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5xZqcrKbf
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uSYXTJmxY
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQRK9IgRmV
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6wUL6Ql7N
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzfkeecX9Y
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dj7swvWOo
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmn8SbVwL9
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dc2fhvBUt
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVqxd7NRhZ
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w3vSCRQGM
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5RLj6uNte
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9GqIR2DHy
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzqOBH4dlB
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkJEsru7Hd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70r8oroy2
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx9KX2Sog4
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UuvypYMhu
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTO0wX8ADS
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKP8ZVkNbK
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYZp0TPjIX
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGN8NOCt4w
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAiX9CgLWn
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVV4XbCcjf
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLij77FRBxW
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHxy21juxx
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspbT2IhFYj
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHajkhue7y
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b77Atwx2Z
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Kwn30rBL
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJsdVt8R38
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALGiMfL4sU
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCEDRfTw0q
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6dA1a1S0A
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQIMASxAX9
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hwkz9zsqq
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe5GZoueEw
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WF87OhK8U
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7xpNKpvNJ
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriEKja7VHP
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrOMNEAYWW
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWQlhJHYEB
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRSwqwTBOo
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nFLviQJwO
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8uc4EHJ98
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP80TUk5bo
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ567JzvhNIC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn6RtvhSY1
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tS5u3GWFd
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazLYuIpe9D
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKY7XZwrxG
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDle12sQBpd
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqDTHPYdip
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRNpdr5H5B
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAT74ie2KK
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N5rloEmnh
***614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLy94ceo0W
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m9bJPzCeh
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVcyiTgZ1W
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg59DFno9k
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgdxOKD1PC
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgBgtoCk9L
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj29LKuE9Ky
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhVztAK6oF
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfaWkglcJb
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9E70bvJR6
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JGJIvrPvX
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuNTjmEmT0
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHx9ll75P7
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbaYlAasR7
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6uuoIbfPN
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2oSgdgD74
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4I89IJaPE
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgMeZFm62y
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicPmzNtUsv
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDRmXnt5MV
"Really?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbriZI1UNR
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJtJ0xrB5J
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHxdQvyzDv
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstCHdV9IOv
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgiFYcuhRx
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYRcytgbGB
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXSbSeUxU2
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYjvuTrUrs
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXtp7f7U8h
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnzwaPzTL4
He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS52A33yyD
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IBMVoDWgv
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS1QT8RJRu
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeMbBRBMDi
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VVjLY8fNL
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3MC6cnb15
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYzp5pWGB8
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawsJLSMLl5
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWICy3vsIvR
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E7YQO32Cp
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp205dTEJDC
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlguGfVaSJH
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3gxE4Cy0J
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"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK541H2sMeB
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOSHvhP29T
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2LZ5gLVHR
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByZdkJF245
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mu0OCda7a
614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT30J08vVf
Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkUoqToNeb
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNAO474fDE
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYr6D6rIcJ
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL3t9xWiks
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImlFpalbTB
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR1uP7XCxK
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLf8DC4Uek
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSH6lvulih
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKPy1DqvD3
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJJoHlqNAj
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGmGv4MJDR
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS9Qd03m9I
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZjhCvFWtW
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Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnTyiM0NEH
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbNdSbVEd9
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7734P4Wga
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHHzIrpUtA
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"Oh..., nothing really."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3SxTUT4JD
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC62HEdyZa
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq35ADzYSN
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwhANyMeT1
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQBUJnlTC7
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55dHsXrxmD
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfoHUuHkDz
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA4HEUY3g1
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0jZcUcXO3
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkAFCBvjx9
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44cK3fDOUh
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNzU8dkLv4
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1gQVc54Ji
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BoEwX1pL5
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylkLJ7Bshy
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSycRm1o62B
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J1zMNLk70
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREQVhJm1Sp
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y6j2u8l6g
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.614Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOETKb8zQNH
