Rhénee had not counted how many cupcakes she had eaten and she could tell that it wasn't helping her or her tummy. She felt like releasing all her anger out, but the only way to do so was to take in as many cupcakes down her throat as possible.
"Hey, aren't you going to leave some for us?" Greta asked.
"And why should I?" Rhénee asked after taking in who knows what number of cupcake in her mouth. "You guys are way too slow."
"Stop eating like that, Rhénee," said Miss Marie, "you're going to burst."
"Look, I told you all I know about that weird stranger over the phone, let me eat the cupcakes in peace."
Miss Griselda scowled and stood up from her seat. She approached the coffee table and took the plate of cupcakes away from Rhénee's greedy hands.
"Hey! But I'm still hungry," called out Rhénee.
"If you don't stop now, you'll become a glutton," said Miss Griselda. "No more cupcakes for you, young lady."
Miss Griselda gave each and everyone a cupcake, except Rhénee. She took the remaining cupcakes to the kitchen and quickly came back to the living room to take her seat.
"Now that that's over, can we look at the current situation we're in now?" Kevin asked.
"Well," began Rhénee, "we're all in danger. I told you about the stranger's warning and the picture of the house in the woods. If you help me any further, you might get hurt."
"But you can't do this all alone, Rhénee," said Malcom. "The way I see it, this all seems like a game to him."
"Of course it is. For him to give me the necklace and the photo of the house...., it's like he wants me to know the mystery of my late grandmother's death."
"Do you think your grandmother was murdered?" Greta asked.
"To be honest," Rhénee raised an eyebrow, "I was never told the truth about her death."
Rhénee turned to face Miss Griselda who had a weird expression on her face.
"Miss Griselda, you might know how grandma died. My mother told me she died of a heart attack."
"A heart attack?" Greta looked surprised. "I was told she had been admitted to the hospital and had died due to low blood pressure."
"I was told the same thing," said Malcom.
"To say the least, everyone in town was told the same," said Kevin.
"But that's weird," said Rhénee, "if it was due to low blood pressure, then why did my mother lie? I mean, it's just low blood pressure."
"It's strange," said Kevin. "Did your dad tell you the same thing?"
"Well....," Rhénee paused at the mention of her father. Surprisingly, he still hadn't called her. That was so unlike him.
"Well, he did say the same thing," said Rhénee, quickly snapping out of her thoughts.
"Do you know what the weird thing is?" Greta asked. "I never heard anything about the late Emelda not feeling too well that she would be admitted into hospital for a day or two before her death. It just happened so suddenly."
"Maybe it was just her time," said Kevin.
"Or maybe she was murdered?" Rhénee suggested. "Just think about it. Why do you think this stranger is playing this type of game? There is something he wants me to know about her death."
"I agree," said Miss Griselda, her voice a bit shaky. "I find it strange."
"Weren't you here when grandma died, Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked.
"No, I wasn't," replied Miss Griselda, her eyes turning red. "Two weeks before she died, your grandmother, may her soul rest in peace, told me to go on leave, for a vacation or something. It was kind of strange that I had to go away for a while. This place felt more like home."
"Did you ask her why?"
"I did, but all she told me was that I deserved it because I had worked hard and all. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, she gave Kevin and Mr Cowell the time off work too."
"That's true," said Kevin, "as Miss Griselda put it, it was a bit odd."
"So, grandma was all alone?" Rhénee felt her own voice breaking.
"Yes, she was," replied Miss Griselda, a tear streamed down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.
There was silence for a while as everyone seemed to be in their own thoughts. Rhénee couldn't help but imagine her late grandmother being all alone in her last days. But why the sudden change of attitude? Was she also in danger and didn't want anyone getting hurt like Rhénee wanted for the people around her?
"But she seemed pretty weird in her last days," said Miss Griselda.
"How weird?" Rhénee asked.
"Well, she was acting a bit agitated. Whenever she came home, she would always look outside the window as if to check if anyone was following her or something. She rarely slept at night. Most of the time I would find her in the study."
"She must have been threatened," said Malcom, "and that explains everything."
"What explains everything?" Rhénee asked, looking at Malcom.
Malcom looked down for a moment before looking at Rhénee straight in the eye. "Before your grandmother died, she called Greta, Kevin and I here. We met in her study and she asked us for a favour."
"And what was that?" Rhénee asked.
"To protect you from what's coming. She wasn't quiet clear from whom or from what, but she did say someone was planning to harm you."
"And she did mention to look out for our mother for some reason," said Greta.
"Do you think your mother and the stranger are working hand in hand?" Rhénee asked.
"We can't assume that just yet, can we?" Kevin suggested.
"You're right," said Malcom, "for the time being, we just have to assume that mum is just another enemy of yours."
"So, wait a minute, my grandma told you three to protect me from what's coming," said Rhénee, "so you have been watching over me this whole time?"
"Well, kind of," answered Kevin. "Your grandmother knew that sooner or later you would come to Madison."
"And so, Greta and I had come over to Beverly Hills after your grandmother died," said Malcom, "just to make sure that the people after you didn't harm you in any way."
"Oh, and how did you guys know the exact day I was moving out of Beverly Hills?" Rhénee asked.
"Your late grandmother told us about you and your father," said Greta. "That the two of you had your quarrels. And so when your dad had left for the business trip, we knew you would move out and come here."
"And so, Malcom was at the gas station and you, Greta, at the café, all to check up on me?"
"Of course, they were," said Miss Griselda, "after your grandmother died, Malcom told me about protecting you and I think it's a good thing.."
"But I'm putting you all in danger. I would like to thank all of you for keeping me safe all this while, but the last thing I want is five more funerals."
"Don't talk like that, dear," said Miss Marie, "we're all here to help you out no matter what."
Rhénee stood and walked towards the window. Her mind else where, thinking of what lied ahead of her. It was going to be dangerous and whatever the stranger over the phone had planned for her, it wasn't going to be pretty.
***742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgnIuv509U
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WKC0jJg5c
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxJyopGBuG
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILc43ckita
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93Z7QYVSRO
Eugene opened the door and allowed Miguel into his office. Miguel quickly rushed in to take a seat in front of the office desk and Eugene could sense that something wasn't quite right with his friend.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPtMhZuV8o
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIdkQJT42m
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4TY1xyP6r
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0KqREI9p2
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8CililCBu
"Miguel, are you alright?" Eugene asked, as he closed the door.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1bUeR5j1U
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozhFed4tVL
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepShuKYZDv
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUMsxCxE5k
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O9yuO39DM
"It's nothing, really," said Miguel, looking a bit shaky, "I'm just worried about my grandma."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs9b4qXm3N
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80tfVZicU3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbxEt2wXk0
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEPH5fgtoX
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsraVxMGHEy
"Didn't you say you were dropping her off somewhere? Where did you take her?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9vGv8TCGh
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZwTEoGVOC
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeUlyDSChC
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFOHbBDN0p
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDBZpOUS37
"I took her to see Rhénee."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXPjX3iLtI
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJrPdSX0ZI
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrpeZpBCz5
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR11AGcb5XM
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21oCfJdDYd
"Rhénee? But what for?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0NsE6BFUH
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPC83Rb7Za
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl76GrPY7QP
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpH4yvSoE8
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4kwyn7HxT
"I don't know, that's what's making me curious. My grandma kept muttering in the car about Emelda. She wasn't quite clear about what she was saying though. I feel like she is going crazy again."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm2j2IT8Fn
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k5o3pAwiG
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rmiYnJYgt
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSsarS7V0T
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCecZyzNiss
"Don't worry, if your grandma just went to see Rhénee, I bet it's just to talk about the late Emelda."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqJab1dTef
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9p7VabiWy
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJmghmWyYv
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDMe7aFmMQ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM5o1Xdqme
"Well, I hope so. Sometimes she scares me."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI7tShe0Pc
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp2D9yTbzV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iH2igKvy9
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1YgNUohju
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1D7dFjIct
"You're getting all worked up for nothing," Eugene placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You just relax. Should I make you a cup of coffee?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO78bkcoYv
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwnjckS06s
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzA0MUKiDD
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzyZHRrkDf
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqd4cQSNUI
"That will be great, thanks."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmpJj9XqlA
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o48e17Fcz
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFrKqRmAAl
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qfkh7dMHE
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC70B5T3Qn7
Eugene went over to the window where there was a small table with a coffee maker, a jar of sugar, two mugs and some spoons and a tin of coffee. He got to work with making the coffee.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtsdtNGbvn
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uQOAxdDWi
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LRynErH2H
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hixpRk1SV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6FBVjoOn1
"Oh, Eugene, I wanted to ask you something, if that's okay," said Miguel.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgxUQb9bDc
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rm2otVNWb
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaMgcPy7c4
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VCdV7WUdY
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQB9ybAwOk
"Ya, ask away," said Eugene as he turned on the coffee maker.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyEOxCqlxQ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3HyngjHzL
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmlq1ZR3Wf
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LAFOKZMv3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcXjHT0Swn
"Do you remember when we were kids and we would sometimes go out and play in the woods?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphJ8K28Pr5
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG2MWNDXic
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kUzzWRVId
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8z3QW3jyN
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t4fzxbCi1
"Ya, I still do. Those were good times. Why do you ask?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLGirqugK7
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWxquekuyf
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK4MHxoDUZ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpQz6lH7vd
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNO2m8HBiD
"I just remembered some years ago when we were playing in the woods with some girl."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOCPzPg2yF
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6Y4uwOovV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrngQ71Nq4
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUycKeRPTHf
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQnAcGoDYI
Eugene turned to face Miguel as he noticed the sudden tone in his friend's voice. After pouring the coffee into the mugs then putting in some sugar cubes and stirring the coffee, he walked over to Miguel and gave him a mug.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4B95Hc32Z
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA8BDbyLmY
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkDToo9f28
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrdv3Rqnno
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXBtD7dsj1
"Why are you telling me all this?" Eugene asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBAWdyEf43
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg2FbH4WIa
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYj0zZ2IZ8
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ69KrEHTao
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQekh4Jtc5
"I just wanted to know if you remember the girl," said Miguel as he took a sip of his coffee.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4qxU7YbSH
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAP0JHVDjc
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Uybf52q3z
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jj830BEfh
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpbxdLf3Yx
"And why should I? Does she hold any importance to me?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHlpGktXlt
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhDLyAz2U4
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbHE4tZN3Q
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLFEkyp11S
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxnUtxGwVH
"Well, all I wanted was an answer, not more questions." Miguel's tone in his voice was changing.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YShGGRdf1
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyL6DtOWma
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4GqsebrC8
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXMd5oIL1B
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePmkVI3HW0
"Seriously, dude, you're creeping me out." Eugene walked over to his desk and put his mug on the table and stared at Miguel.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OlaKYbpGR
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9y0E7Z8Pl
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGN8VbidGb
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV4pmftq5B
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLk8CiZEFk
"Okay, all I want is for you to remember the girl I am talking about."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0somXEIf1H
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkzTxt9OwV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqst99d89Mp
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T7awyayTj
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZZUPLIMr7
"I seriously don't remember any girl we used to play with in the woods during our childhood."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesLKWBZ8hS
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h0Pc2Kiyh
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNJtjDxDNM
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5BUYK6ccd
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS91Jzssdh
"Really? You don't?" Miguel looked surprised.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpn7XREj03
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7BEP7qcj3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z0xidGjBW
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgPnFWuhPV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzenTj1tWX
"No, was she one of our classmates?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz8osNz462
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xNRIygPZw
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfVP7QiIQr
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs1dWHLQsy
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLuTQV3Hnd
"Not even close." Miguel took another sip of his coffee.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs84kT8PIs
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle8LLD3hiz
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lMFjXx9Mx
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaXpLz9bqa
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFl7bMWp4J
"Then who is it for you to ask me if I even remembered her?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrc5pHWo32
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJx3cjMuwX
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIn3PL0TLF
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFEMGfgazI
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScV5NQnsJO
"Nothing. Was just messing with you."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtNk60AoMe
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHTA4t3Sg6
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloAkPyw73A
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RTTUMiLbW
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6ZyZ2MuuA
Eugene pushed Miguel by placing his hand on his shoulder. Miguel almost spelt his coffee as he playfully tried to avoid another push from Eugene. Miguel laughed out loud.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOtWx0uL6p
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp5OxGbBB9
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWqbkEMXoG
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8lZBfyZaQ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5itQyBjvj
"I'm sorry," Miguel continued laughing. "I didn't mean to."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRjK96Nkqg
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ciE0m0MAP
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6GpMjPUBK
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T2jElkLvr
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3EIdKYO31
"You scared me half to death, man!" Eugene was so upset. "I thought you were going to start talking creepy stuff about her."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXu372bJcJ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3zXH5YaAD
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFSMst99t5
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cCMcmcfWb
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne4h6z9Bez
"I know, right? Sorry for messing with you. You should have seen the look on your face."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGi8ycOP86
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAXSLNPAXB
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieu8G5mRwh
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oxFEVXCDn
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd1q7UZ0Fa
"So not cool. Don't you ever do that again."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUYJt3pBT3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yw2j851Fv
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i9t0LHnqm
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZZEgobq5h
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE6agHgzvw
"I won't promise you, but I'll try."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytBZ1xWRqp
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkhPlsNGqh
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkp3Lnz5Uw
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfdFHXgpge
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlhoyGZJlD
Eugene shook his head as he got his mug and took his coffee. Somehow, he couldn't take his mind off what Miguel had said. Miguel had looked and sounded so serious when he had asked if Eugene remembered the girl they used to play with when they were kids. There was something fishy going on and Miguel seemed to know something.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ856HwXylEZ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfykXY8OLe
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMxIUwmGQi
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIzbA4ZBM7
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR5cSe1NPN
***742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUWboQ0vMJ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoTGpOdlDr
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOk8vPdDGv
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7TGu4rtV5
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeFKkrw2my
"Where do you think you're going?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJNwBfyTCK
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvwJ9yywBS
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywhoRzjbii
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByigkTONIO
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeP0LycZX4
Rhénee stopped half-way across the hall heading towards the door when she heard Miss Griselda behind her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksZA8NDJwK
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE9TTHLv0k
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVI7LU59rA
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp1tFb5NwF
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tZLjHzlLa
"I've some things to sort out," Rhénee replied not looking at Miss Griselda.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHH20hYkqE
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtR29IDNQi
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRhFIx88Ys
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBJsiLRuCe
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU51URdgiaI
"If you're going to try to sort out this mess alone, you're going to end up getting killed."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6tfViOYm0
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G2M26fmI6
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY5owMOtj2
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLpg9Gsk6H
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2YFh9D0ce
"And what do you suggest I should do!" Rhénee exclaimed, this time, she turned around to look at Miss Griselda. "I can't sit here and do nothing while that man over the phone ruins my life."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2Ovpe8mwc
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilgtSiD6X2
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyKDxQBL1q
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrVyxCwo53
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrAco291uC
Miss Griselda walked up to Rhénee and she could tell the anxiety and tension eating up the young lady inside. She held Rhénee's hand and gently led her back to the living room where everybody else was.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxKGtcZM5C
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDACX48gjND
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3I3vPOV0C
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TSZUtOBaR
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBVuxjX637
"Rhénee, we all want to put an end to this," said Miss Griselda, "but you can't do it without us and we can't do it without you. I would never forgive myself if something terrible happens to you and you know it."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvPfqmDLLM
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRShcJjQTZ
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8xMQfOUWP
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUQtfyelnl
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nI4cQwUNe
Rhénee sighed in defeat and gave Miss Griselda a hug.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwu8pIyBui
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UgSosGCJ1
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRuz1sBnNe
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGvnFUHRUX
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYqnaGv4uu
"I'm sorry," said Rhénee. "I don't want you getting worried or getting hurt either."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE8aRYdv4X
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMjyLx7cI4
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXErPAmZ8m
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wGmFiddM6
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk89M5XkGM
"It's fine, sweetheart. We will pull through. I know we will."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4bXf4eqXP
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq9VQsM4km
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOlTqg5bj3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTlQf7D3i3
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN7U4ZG06s
The two stopped hugging each other and Rhénee turned to address the others.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQcBqOXoVj
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEV9ashmQy
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1TjRpxY8b
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthBsOiE2ud
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaDDCkTRs5
"Sorry for that," said Rhénee. "I just couldn't help myself."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueDB4BaFeV
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITXaSGi0h1
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPACO3ZSs1q
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwsXJSoc3R
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAOfXgpE0a
"Anyone in your situation would've done the same," said Miss Marie. "We don't blame you at all."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWAaY9zKwu
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVxPkyTUyH
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3eJJeb98q
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxULhdgnppY
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD7M1knaPu
"Okay, then, if we're going to work together, we have to figure out what we should do, and fast."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAhXodgeGk
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBUuE2piht
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrplxFdOP6
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Jm765yNo
742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcoU0VKbY2
"I agree," said Kevin. "We've to know what this man is playing at."
"So, any suggestions?" Greta asked.
"The house in the forest," Rhénee and Malcom answered simultaneously.
"The house in the forest? Why?" Miss Griselda asked.
"Maybe we might find something in there," answered Malcom. "There's something in that house that the man wants us to know about."
"It sounds dangerous to me," said Greta. "The fact that the house is located in the forest is enough to get me creeped out."
"I don't think it's a good idea," said Miss Marie. "Who knows what dangers we might find if you go there."
"But that's the only lead we have," said Kevin. "So far, we have nothing and if we try to follow up with Mrs Derrand, we're as good as dead."
"Kevin is right, though," said Greta. "I hate to say it, but we should go to that house."
"I'm worried," said Miss Marie. "Don't you think all this might be a trap?"
For a moment, there was silence in the room as everyone contemplated about what Miss Marie said. No one had even thought about the house being set up as a trap for Rhénee.
"What makes you think that it might?" Rhénee asked.
"It just popped into my mind," Miss Marie answered. "We don't know what this man wants. He might be doing all of this to harm you."
Rhénee raised an eyebrow at Miss Marie. From the time Miss Marie came here, Rhénee had a feeling that she might know who the man was. But now, everything seemed so confusing. How could the house be a trap if the man wanted Rhénee to know how her late grandmother had died? Rhénee had to keep asking Miss Marie if she wanted any information. She might find out things that could be useful.
"I think we go, nonetheless," said Malcom. "Rhénee won't go alone. If anything happens, we will be around to help."
"And what if you get trapped too?" Miss Marie asked. "Have you thought about that?"
"Don't worry, nothing will go wrong. If all of this is a trap, we'll be ready."
"So, when do we go there?" Rhénee asked.
"How about tomorrow?" Malcom suggested.
"Sounds good to me."
"Wait, tomorrow, like in the evening?" Greta asked.
"Nah, that will be too dangerous," said Malcom. "And considering that you get creeped out at night, Greta, going during the day will be perfect."
"I would rather you consider all this before you jump in," said Miss Marie.
"Is it me or is there something you're not telling us?" Rhénee asked.
"I'm just looking out for your well being." Miss Marie sounded stern.
Rhénee folded her arms as she continued to stare at Miss Marie. "I don't want to sound rude, but there is something you aren't telling us, Miss Marie. Am I wrong?"
This time all eyes were on Miss Marie, but the old lady didn't seem to mind. She continued to sit there and stare at Rhénee whose look also became stern.
"It may look like I know something, but the truth is, I don't," Miss Marie answered. "All that I'm doing right now is trying to protect you, Rhénee. Your late grandmother and I were such good friends and I am willing to look out for what she truly cared about in this world. And that's you."
Rhénee didn't say anything as she continued to look at Miss Marie. Was she telling the truth? It was completely hard to tell at this point.
"Then why don't you want us to go to that house?" Kevin asked.
"I'm just following what Emelda told me to do before she died," said Miss Marie.
"My grandma? What did she say?" Rhénee asked.
Miss Marie first sighed before she could say anything. "Your grandmother had told me a lot of things. There are some things she never wanted anyone to know, especially the house in the forest. And she warned me that no one should go there."
"What's in there that she doesn't want us to know?"
"I wish I knew, dear. She never told me. Your late grandmother was as mysterious as ever."
"But it looks like we have no choice," said Malcom. "If we don't do something now, who knows what that man would do to Rhénee."
"Malcolm's right," said Greta. "It's pretty obvious that man wants Rhénee to go there and figure out what really happened to the late Emelda."
"All am saying is that you should all think before you leap," said Miss Marie. "I'm just doing what I think is right."
Miss Marie slowly stood up from the couch and she slowly walked out of the living room, heading towards the door. Rhénee went after her and soon, the others followed as well. Miss Marie was just about to reach out for the door knob when Rhénee called out to her:
"Miss Marie, wait! You can't leave now."
"I know I'm not supposed to," said Miss Marie as she slowly turned to look at Rhénee. "But that's all I could tell you, Rhénee. This is my only way of helping you. To try and convince you not to go to that house."
"But I don't have a choice, Miss..."
"It's all up to you now," Miss Marie interrupted. "You're a grown woman now and I can't make decisions that you feel might compromise your life."
Miss Marie turned to the door, took hold of the door knob and twisted it. The door flew open and Miss Marie walked right through. When she stepped out, she stopped and with her back still facing the others, she said:
"Once you find out what is in the house, don't end up hating your late grandmother. Don't let whatever you find taint the image you've always had of her."
After she spoke, Miss Marie continued on her way towards the gate. Rhénee and the others looked on until Miss Marie was beyond the gate and nowhere in sight.
ns18.217.150.104da2
