The news about the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRVVkk7CG0
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSYXYgDu6S
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzk6OMWkbe
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOK7yppCfU
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTadCPpXWRt
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv8Qt8fmxi
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF1KNse0M4
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOHyCAa8oI
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw66gAFikxJ
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnPitrPE55
There was more to it 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58SnE0Tr16
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqwLwHQaVT
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv1KuQD3oW
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey1O1ecAyQ
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tfMuUWNRv
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIupgSJtHw9
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOv0VhoaqI
except from a few individuals. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXi6f7A3xk
And apparently, one of 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFqa2j0Rhp
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOUgiGH7po
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinn5TjOvUb
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZge5Kb2r0H
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcM1kSx8OI
really going on, all hell would break loose.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR99chFvWh
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0A67iQDNn
Rhénee dropped the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBh4zgoffc
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlmIPTQlhw
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAayHB4vE6
ear, she took a sip of coffee.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9zgkJQ09O
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzFSaQOo7r
"Ya, its crazy here," 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvMApkZgIS
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgznlQ5VTQ
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzLIMsEohy
broken in."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjpJh6FT8H
"If only they knew."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCISpwjIfH
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCvuK0a2qb
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMVqICfpDK
"She did. I had to make 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaJYDKvImt
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VKIUcxEi3
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm7alT0LFT
"I doubt if she believed that."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdepCq8fflx
"Haha, looks like you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwKP9W8YvR
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvw1NHdP3G
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtPrTjUFVp
"True. But we did. I 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9HtDkcMSZ
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBUzdX9Zp1
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuGf15M3Hi
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJRpWzTsWj
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbA4ekMveU
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqEoPwbyMI
"Okay, bye."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGIpczGf0H
"Bye."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKNz78p0Xs
Rhénee cuts the call and778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWLNyis4JV
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Uyl9D5aa
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4CNwulsBH
wink last night.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXiqDi9nZK
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzLrlFRSPe
"I wasn't going to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaYcEluIO2
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcpIxlKcS9
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7s4jwlxSE
"You don't have to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU2KGqRTFT
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5V8mPjwnG
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFPynkflDI
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWDyhI2LC8
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM863SVqVM2
"Why Malcom?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8sJm2o8P0
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aoYQI2IGm
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4OBUG6pMy
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeftQvVAobP
"Alright, you go ahead."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7trKSwJio
Miss Griselda gave 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgn6Owwi5F
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNVLsu1h5h
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgwKNpULSA
did when they talked about Malcom. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5V1jPPw5W
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsMCftag6z
The sound of her phone 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVXQ0JoNl0
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoqaO7v4Mj
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8aNIusesp
mother.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7DN2vIBoz
"Hello?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyZy5VMDTV
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Zeh35UR4
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk8jiY2Lu0
That voice. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2PBMMan1D
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIytIFclyQd
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCRaRHoBJx
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHYDLlm6Ik
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbSCNS4lul
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY9bbQDknW
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqP9kjKxJb
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYO6hZ5CMU
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSNjSOZaGb
"You don't know me, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SUIBl0KaT
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYkbrz7T85
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvCIkkZHl7
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRn94fs66n
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OQEbY1j12
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoRNp4jejH
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HgCxAwjGB
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6IVug5lBo
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHyUdQslJD
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FOqzdVwwh
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUQXzJwJkr
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN0C42n1rf
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4DFAdVAu0
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyrnI1gf3r
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNt5Fi1Nm
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJBRBXKw2s
"Oh, and by the way, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU32FziEJti
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReEdC0MAkb
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQiUzjJ3Bz
this time around."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBvhUicwCr
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPLAdP7Dem
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt6BbEnE5R
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkdVOsajsT
Rhénee sat down on the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5rvSaeWGB
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tjmE2D6Ft
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhYeYPjlSb
the others, who know what might happen. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnxKh84tP0
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomXNNjw9ui
***778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs9Ci4J2yP
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bDrcZDYUq
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqVUpwPq0t
"But she isn't hurt right?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfEFicBeuY
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXacpldBSJ5
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLORTC9oT63
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJlYkUfiKV
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR6EdZh4BN
"Nah.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wSkRsD6NZ
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf56ydxgm7
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWJ1G7p5O1
"Thats778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiR3bzzAGK
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdI9MnRWae
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lVsWSWayl
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJyKIgvKzR
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWRD1LLdsU
"Alright."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJOawZr8oy
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5akpvsFlNZ
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLHw8gF1yo
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WhfHedexV
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnsZfVDPHK
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bymz6Ztqn
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzx0MtckIT
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdSwqMSBN6
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HsNkGjT9V
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLzZsikpL2
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOiTvxk3uZ
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNU6CVSpDx
"Does it bother you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyozFH4piwA
"Um... not really. But.... um."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1zcCkZuIt
Eugene778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNBHURthV9
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ400KzbOSzD
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7evrQkjVYg
"Mum, are you okay?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwpfJnBiK5
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn7m3dmtMm
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBirryfC9S
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKMVeKPiDU
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fuIxrQrr6
Mrs778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiFeUHPARH
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnG0zhrZYA
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2u8faXzbk
had talked about Rhénee?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj3GgO4qMm
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMocfwXyx5J
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6L5Yo19pu
***778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwkOKOqKg4
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2sZgpx4j9
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq001ztg52f
"You better rest though. You still look tired."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNtKEkauZb
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih7gpVXHBM
"No, I'll do it."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JK3ihW7OY
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wcmehhi5k
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkSx2jCurW
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijuFRpgefd
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEkhERbCJk
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcARUMi5Ti
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxe6QEym4k
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjDa2oQ3pg
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggmt5JQwsn
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXsrf4wjww
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QLXeREOsU
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdkKBH5EoO
"Thank778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7WpRTxnFO
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1G4QvpclA
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpv6sonuQI
"Well, yes. I still think I would."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXV9vsKxPa
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOztrFOAFWC
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYVgaMa6jo
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzVV6Pi6Wn
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms1KG3pNxI
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr1rYPC4qQ
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tRLQ02jef
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55pkkQP2kE
"Coffee will be lovely."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRQMQAT5WK
Miss778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ypeqBq8vW
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU8MYcCVmk
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUa03uJwUi
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7pE6iCZEl
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU0MRuafz9
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkylfTJFJiJ
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWHd8b7E1d
"What mysterious person?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzfJfijhUq
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnFpwgq2Ey
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8se5ujVado
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyehVsDn3Ry
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHOsMdmPDx
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9ZnD5cf94
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jr6tBPKa5
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F5nBfD8Zh
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q1h0nfJSG
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEOsbGeZcz
The778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOBVZwkdQ8
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDNemNsMmK
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbU1ptvuMM
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2d1irys7y
of this.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oA1J7pt8l
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnjH8srAn6
"I...778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEsCA0vML9
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ks9qLMBJs
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XazTG8ALk
frustration. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX3gEty4Xm
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ErWpj5rd
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZMujVWFWc
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShEinsTFBn
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCy7Ddp09M
cups on the tray and wondered. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi3ZIiKeH6
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINyjsG6GVo
778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Xlqu0G0C
As778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ZC2Qm2Sq
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeMut7NBb6
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUP3jB2kb8
reminder kept ringing in her head.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkKUbgMgWI
"And tell your friends not to get involved."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCsrCPKUri
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL5USr8tto
"I778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYhFylWfzC
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFg22ejSyZ
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx1xnNj0Bf
talking about, Rhénee?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvZFuveQ8b
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSvaOKhUNj
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl90gbeg0V
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIx5397xng
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ULl730Da
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr1hXkbzVy
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMMxumEc1y
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLgFJwMG9j
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2YP5RPKyV
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFzqcHSOBv
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgeSo6P0RU
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2POGa83oF
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N0wijx5F5
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVi7O1KM2M
***778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ8EjlOENL
Sweat778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4cpRWLNsx
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8b8l9hejz
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHtoWIq9t
the person waiting never likes to wait.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHDQtka1BB
He778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK57NZq2szx
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28JKanIS80
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmkwyAKj2f
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtgtGv9wp7
second.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoiFAzJ5yC
He778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldGv384rJ3
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LtennyJMB
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdm8ucY7Nn
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvREZptiHA
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZkLK82ltK
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfIw6WzX9C
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2pvv1Y8jI
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqAKiHAcRX
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc74gGyoClI
"You're late, again."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdQx5FOtgr
His778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRdNIyPmBJ
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhBXq2Lvmx
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDrwfoLiFI
lion door knob. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV2QISbCRU
He778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABjeEPAfsk
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO0iJ0eDyq
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijq1GN2RIK
"What778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfqb8zYGbF
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb75kCNzYq
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqynVyx12V
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV9O4UrGNB
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n3xzdAFfS
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMNX6V7EID
A778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRylKJlxzT
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaGPiEjRtJ
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9UcTzmC8x
as they had their backs towards the window.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz9Jfyg61h
"You know we need him," said the tall man.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw7tdgQdYD
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzCwFy9Gri
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3By1p2Qnmc
The778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5OUhylPJf
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiax2yKsRHM
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEKNitNymU
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovuY8zII03
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0TLQ8yPZV
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPWeW51vah
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqqeCWov9t
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVrwjxTC8s
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIugvSpkolw
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99CTqdzd8A
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhWdPJHsgH
"What if she reveals the truth?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueBkDbehBN
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rQC7yENRw
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFzwGCUq5A
For a moment, silence hung over them.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jOfzRfcrt
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmysjXqRv4
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgrYkf5XYT
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy32EH97hE
"I778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7Cf9vMPPp
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tJ7iPfNpA
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL2CCXpCI0
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxjkZGgvmI
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHhcwOCnXf
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kbHrAyeTB
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa7jnfH9vN
***778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n2cKTxi0I
The778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfK3rBtx9r
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeIb1Oo66e
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHwTy0GWcZ
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiZRi3PEh6
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkLDSWuntm
they met, they seemed sky blue.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIpW5ygEEs
And778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ0X2VcThF
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqa7Y01jH4
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UoZsSObu3
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgYz8fGsoY
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ24oa1k771
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIxKBG5OCl
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeWQPJfF1e
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzff80W6lxn
coffee table in the middle.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoeNy9ngdb
When778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiHswZUsai
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3irVj7rJS
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY9vxTIDRS
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkwaNm2oys
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf80rXe4EF
"Are you sure?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4nabMvAgo
"Yes, I'm positive."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS5kqA8LDS
Miss778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYESNsITm1
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOeNrYLaam
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfYSnlquY0
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1znUxMqic9
from their cups.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxWwE4LJGv
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLn90hMxjE
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwK9pT7b9K
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJbrAfhM6e
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgJ1ubnV1s
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQT0C5Fhl9
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc5Izolaro
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCz8g567QK
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vGap4o9Es
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVh03H4aHA
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNZaX0JNbj
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2nuNP9mHP
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nOftWvFc3
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEeh313WC2
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ0lxzB7pX
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wM9QT1VMl
"Oh,778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvdXDFgkLJ
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscRCD5FJPN
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhQgdN55lm
who he is."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8M3Ys6Xid
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZzOGtzFC6
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPyAerOrIc
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rdPc3G27O
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyG8Vo6HF9
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZL9LGXXmZ
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn83gwN3NV
Rhénee778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ790UIlixTS
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNo1nBXF0e
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhxuWtKgd6
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPUdSbDWLn
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI4Jiu1Ljn
"Fine,778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxpS6RFl5U
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoHeYFejKI
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzFFdOTHcG
or die if you stay by me."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQH295WbwR
