x

The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tsej4FV4S
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He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QuhRlji0f
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tC5v9EWwx
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The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplyT7ADhcm
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Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmupALX9Zal
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYjhWtDkIq
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The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIcpQ64dHv
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The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpqaS1q0tA
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Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSsSNXbK5X
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"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqitX2kDsk
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Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqRcMRiLt6
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The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwjfZUsTqp
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Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf6Do2p9TF
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"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qHgZLS4j8
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdCBcwBiGq
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The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qfMslGzCS
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"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrOau9IqJu
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"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhiQjG6V91
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGJP2fWc9V
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Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGigut7WXd7
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"Should I?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa3cR6i2jE
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Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK8IUtwpxc
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"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhy0mKSJVF
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"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OUnuX5upL
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdewPZjh3fZ
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"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0NIxMeLx7
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The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6diHHFP322
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjEzwZGFhI
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Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8P3eXCjGl
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ56dXzhMe
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"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5piL6dpvRb
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"Is she?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dO2si3Kv9
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Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcZYEo96y0
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SyfrGhza7
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"Do you think it's because of her father?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdEwn94NDo
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"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ142s5qp9dh
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"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk49lz5cBFn
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The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qyNe1YV0A
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Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn78YwEbAk
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrwqc3KCLL
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"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEsEYzZuaE
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"Maybe they did."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9s7Qe8oPd
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"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEuHhZwbUz
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"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhqdclmHCT
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"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeONoFaLnp
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdINOTVzDv
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ7hxUHCUk
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"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0iS5LcMgQ
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The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbc0zbXigM
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"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNCZmFpu90
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"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBpXpzUwCq
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The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAS8IHZgaH
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Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6pBwer7cL
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTUQKfr1KK
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"Yes."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhez8Xq8Vk
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"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8nlUEHmwe
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkMvXQ5saF
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"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAiiAPaDvi
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"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6igLVddzSG
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The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoJXsR6ck8
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"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3PNRjGu6a
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"Is that why you called?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEiDVSxl6Y
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"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKtXzNNyw8
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"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR7TIsYfY1
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"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nD3gDbWqh
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"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw44CIbcl7
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"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36xaJDDpvB
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"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHBY3VYvMt
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"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuluT5Z99Vg
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"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8qRiwLSdG
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"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEruXtQR72M
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"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWubBrpOAw
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"Soon. Very soon."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkTiz8zvIz
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"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKLXQMK9ky
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"It's what Emelda would've wanted."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW7dYpOiD5
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"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAXzcV0kn7
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Izw5p9d9O
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The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ujx6VMm7V
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kM9o1XP9i
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YFSni7dnv
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm8V9wTQOl
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6Ojf7J3FY
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY148NvvcA
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfko67ar9m
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The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEz9WGf19D
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF92PX5mmVX
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As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4P9oMTgfQ
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The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvgGI9RX0U
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***466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxD8Tso5tY
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvh0hh0b0A
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Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGchmnjcz4
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4bZZxz5JI
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Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hlDu9iuu4
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqEMwU7JX6
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She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTdHrVzr2x
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLPWYSEb8j
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The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRYGQVjive
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"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2knVSV0QUJ
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"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WOjFXuiUr
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql7lnnXLct
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRcaZZ2Ah1
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FMSJfbrh1
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Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49zMfLFbUZ
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Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWhjNZ2wJ5
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoOjc9QWWG
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DQmGacUMN
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Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I0j8OlEyu
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"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA69xlLYyRm
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The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhDJnm3OTj
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DbeEc4Rl4
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"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSjiiDUTmM
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The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCZCBH8Xrb
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They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqKb4UlPqq
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwkiq0mFqe
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBvkICHgvh
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtTqP5vLBU
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"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr8MqeAYp9
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Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJtlQpFNY6
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2RLeovhAs
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"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDcmjXoTUc
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORpTluCfpM
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxKeNALIPY
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Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO15gC4DabV
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibDx6lBd6d
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYE2j4kCLs
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Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCxvp0aHOq
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGk8lSF1aT
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Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0xDaTbPzT
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB98QgwwBOC
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChaNLAFJDy
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She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZw4ucJABn
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEjTTVtDsm
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3F8pGKtFp
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Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfUDU6wrKC
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Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsFcK8dJKO
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"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRjSyypBgF
466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDSeVWBcHd
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Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOAVWxNvXX
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xOPBhwi9x
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Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLlfiw4YPh
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Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG1a2AZeTm
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Fvfj4J16
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUblWScBP58
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Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSxI51Wwqj
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbexFNIl7K
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ6s2in3Jj
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"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3296NAmh2
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXSec04it9
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"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOfh4Goa3r
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xlh05StGO
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Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO2kpkBgvR
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Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn1co5XcNe
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsuHfgiAZA
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVNQURCAQj
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“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO77aVQAE8Y
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“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDW0cs0M1g
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Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufVgLrpEOd
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIh5SI1rvr
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Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHI4dFIwRu
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Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5UxFgPaQz
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtiuxIkvTu
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“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiFaN7AFiq
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNulkFC551
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4dc2h1ZSJ
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They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB77OJohvNb
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4ojiu0ThJ
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMxH0UTLj5
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4fVRkAcXe
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPa4HUA6pu
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He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzOt37f0Do
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtaLjyOCDN
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“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra6XxFUnYX
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Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJHVB5JQ1l
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Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVcb0RJip1
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVQWAxOEzz
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp50cSWFW9g
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQbTn94nv5
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Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMkiXwUEWo
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZYkGV2s3Q
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He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDop0BaHhQ
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjrAVVTNIH
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKM8eG61QP
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“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7ID7r8Myb
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Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCSmVgzni
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“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup7VE1oXn0
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HHV7Wwwqr
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mCNDZ7C7S
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“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33WpDP40nD
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Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v3iaKSTiE
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Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cxiSt15tV
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Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv61ypZx9c
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ukOYFhbhI
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PimZmi7gm
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTr19pB8Bh
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghaDT4oEZM
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Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bCepKTgtd
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“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKcRgoy1NS
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“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa7cP1sglO
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNl1hNxYHb
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“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m4ADAmBQt
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV4sFPYZ6U
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“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAAT18KYX5
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She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hk6KOwhfv
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“What is it?” he asked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptuvaa6irX
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAbJp3aOFR
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Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqGOUBlG9m
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlcKL8Qiu9
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAYyLj96nX
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Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gsTdqqC8S
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She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YX7eotxiT
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She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBYA56JlMg
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKwRJwHQuC
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“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDNLwLNQc7
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“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7WkIAubHf
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“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiz8sk2qYI
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“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi04EYuMdi
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTe1EJ4C20
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“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlRbgkVAsA
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With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKjNpOs45f
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“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8McLtFEPtd
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“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPoynvNo74
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Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEbeNIxD21
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFubkgWTydv
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgT6OJhD5o
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“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvxDdzdqI2
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBszrCTw40
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Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJVg478gJn
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8jSM1kpoB
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZqWoH0SPn
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“There’s no phone service.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfTT1tgqy3
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“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVTx4g9pVu
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaKgIL2R5k
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCKPFvxa2F
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74wmoSJCRJ
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHwv8wjZBh
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“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXc2zPHF6s
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQFzrVawf4
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpHMSGzqTK
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwxV0tLCHk
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Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw5J9VMDxm
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She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnfjeefUW0
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She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNDGpjxR5X
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Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDvlDk3ty8
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Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte4XvSKqdW
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She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSf1jYLki7
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Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.466Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkQFqQxVmW
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The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.8964 copyright protection462ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKF4HX5Q1z 維尼

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