The news about the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiksi39kFq7
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJv47NoYTO
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsr5XnIPXs
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoQEpvheUX
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRanYqiZjml
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheT6I4uRZ0
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqzbFNTKu9
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYko7mAYB7
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzDNM02YIi
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3Z82VGU5r
There was more to it 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIzCEYpq7t
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYc6ayOaM6
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLy7Cw9YcZ
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAMvzF0bLa
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYh9Z8gZjl
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJiC63VKxs
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxlGJPkFfV
except from a few individuals. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAdVFcngFN
And apparently, one of 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NPzZvcjut
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEbsjSVrR4
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeDdontJ0B
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGY8Nl2Zw5
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY6XKzj2RU
really going on, all hell would break loose.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU17GIQtjn1
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQeXYyXCHs
Rhénee dropped the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7gA5uVOBh
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8b2eONRIe
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSwpKvwnAx
ear, she took a sip of coffee.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3tbtC8fji
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEBi4ValXK
"Ya, its crazy here," 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehDmdZiG1n
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMpvIheUQJ
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOOTlnhOKf
broken in."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5OH3luZkY
"If only they knew."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPzBv4m4Ho
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBzZPLUlVa
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeeFzCymjv
"She did. I had to make 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMj4D6Oczj
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrevLr7URsY
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k9QKwvDyD
"I doubt if she believed that."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2dKycsxr4
"Haha, looks like you 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuIoHdweYs
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW1hEHvQsM
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18jdfKRVWx
"True. But we did. I 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEBBh3bq2B
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieE578WZwo
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTI4EHv6AW
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0EB20eWkv
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwNXeMru3S
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggRxETTt3b
"Okay, bye."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6eaiacPao
"Bye."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBRODYTwUq
Rhénee cuts the call and751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjXMNixgt8
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhB2a3VwEC
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NgVjUHpDx
wink last night.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzs1GPgCMT
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcoML2a6H3
"I wasn't going to 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNthYSnrD23
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfUB5mZ9Xu
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdC3mTVhj9
"You don't have to 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevGLwFX9dI
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE3bGbjUbR
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq0NCKAUNd
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiEhccckCt
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVDVcNDJp3
"Why Malcom?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbhKp3pHUe
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRjHTYPjT1
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1B8qQPJH2
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3PpqQXNkl
"Alright, you go ahead."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUMa5EO427
Miss Griselda gave 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGx9y79FLl
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc0WNwGzNy
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YPUwyy2Zx
did when they talked about Malcom. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHjgBhM1w8
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgiuPYRRc6
The sound of her phone 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYTnwsJBsm
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJyHlNaWBP
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl000NWj2v
mother.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhgRWKjjs1
"Hello?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN7Xy2w1It
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRSviZgR3t
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8IQhzeHD9
That voice. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJRy9JTXoN
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyHH9mRqJ8
"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?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCaywpc4nd
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GeOtB3kmc
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTDoq7Pqx5
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTrhvHIKVU
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ANOhUEs9I
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yl9bdTuyV
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXkbkGZJe2
"You don't know me, 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufsznIkAAV
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFDHnQT4sD
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzbvMIZyUa
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPuKN3qKYh
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4uGOj8yL9
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdo2REzUoR
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA3w0Bl5fZ
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1cxik2h8z
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfDwaUzmqb
"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?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm872KLRyiN
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj3jHSRo2n
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmDfjPbH38
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjY4TUVoOb
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlZ7voAmxe
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYi2KqUnHE
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQbLVXKUkt
"Oh, and by the way, 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDRpC7nxBh
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHRscdlqgB
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEvCG68ypo
this time around."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCzoyR5no0
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqduqx6YTL
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSrKNr7jsY
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjiHnXR4Yg
Rhénee sat down on the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MQQKGSYR6
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI4UvQnLDd
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkUhuH2dhY
the others, who know what might happen. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAncNkAAS0
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn9LT9T3sY
***751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bfa16wd8w
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t1sy0w7rr
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYENoemtdTn
"But she isn't hurt right?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKaQqSpoIg
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY2uUkY2kV
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswRH950yYT
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV0T3zN4jX
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSiyYk5npT
"Nah.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSg1mr3L6Q
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlRtOo9Tpn
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHapwzb4zE
"Thats751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW3MZ4mERQ
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToNEOtx70h
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r7FROLReH
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrlgZOS9Pu
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLRqPrN0lo
"Alright."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rvmnSCos8
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. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FHK9wpp1B
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B8bBidzPK
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6LWhNOQ5M
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HjG2ixxoq
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyGWlSJSIm
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBMQAyVXvb
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P5NZcHzm1
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV8ZgUPKOJ
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyb8WyGdhw
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTqZQkoyyL
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96RDluLGch
"Does it bother you?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPIAf0h9hA
"Um... not really. But.... um."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLZZOiIAlv
Eugene751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2NIiMejSS
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPfktVV8Rf
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphTh8Fx2bt
"Mum, are you okay?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5CyLW3KfW
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNi0jiojrf
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgGoDo5AMR
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFldsnD8k5J
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeujbkVOKG
Mrs751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPuQqqBQpJ
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAMKMjvufz
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF9MpmDAwb
had talked about Rhénee?751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLXmb5aKQS
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYiCzvNwU
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu1m5wWBZQ
***751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13wEk7jypt
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKMjhwHjUe
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOGes8VjNy
"You better rest though. You still look tired."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4ph7ptZwL
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKMQtdC1MV
"No, I'll do it."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTDc7iXYvo
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHlfcoOkz3
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPgnxd7Mrn
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYY1y10jrF
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iamJLyOPM
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK4JprkDUI
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0RjKSXIWN
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU88wylROjS
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPG0Gd4KHB
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcxPDVuVHe
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2uIRObRhW
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw9T1hBhDT
"Thank751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4A1sNKw6G
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzThng5K1n
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDurua2s6J
"Well, yes. I still think I would."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJAKoVJwxr
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll2fYgmxrQ
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XbQgc1E7Z
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUllTJkfmZi
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK9boLz4Zt
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwDcjF7xLw
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZCOSDQjdf
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9PO3OdyZC
"Coffee will be lovely."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAG3uZSAW5
Miss751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKId2ieJ8To
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAsfF6Z40o
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxzw69W5KS
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCMnW9K6bA
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxf8RImOPA
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOMomjvuPK
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5A5VPadqk
"What mysterious person?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkceoLs06b
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9M9Vkm3rK
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVD7tboPeL
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSHj4xCnIw
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGRg43DXhd
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp05u8DHjt
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MaZEzScxW
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB29G6PqCT
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhnCOvJQFY
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT8m6g91BK
The751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHa4B8WHpm
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyBfnhULta
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZfCHCZr1b
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKCFB4WHB5
of this.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnmIdO2hiS
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkerByd2JOp
"I...751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMg98ywyEL
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpst6koILe
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQtCQn4Gpz
frustration. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiVh4QS7i5
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqf8SawXcs
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpLeQFyv2t
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBEEEz12gb
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOua1rhkBf
cups on the tray and wondered. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR24emz9ew
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60CwB7uVqZ
751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerFhZKw8HR
As751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKRySceyzQ
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhK3mIZBW2
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OwrLFNm5G
reminder kept ringing in her head.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIQgohzSic
"And tell your friends not to get involved."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfI1JiEUZd
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12qPpA050J
"I751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDrXXY2acQ
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFimJea7d9K
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPepazdwjxN
talking about, Rhénee?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqEdFCPe9w
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2ikMnee4R
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSmizsX4UG
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ6iixPAHc
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeyj1uh7BE
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yir1xFDqO
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz1TgdkOIC
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEZlzX77KK
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwLioY8MsP
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqZmNQ51WP
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFQ1w8iSAu
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRyBgIfkHT
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU0MhGWW4A
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnSTtNbYS9
***751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UlZjkgeAh
Sweat751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxMH2Xk3ul
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgdhxHnPmq
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4iyTEYI11
the person waiting never likes to wait.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgZe14BZyo
He751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLTegcOX5x
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMWBTcuwNh
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTmnrhF4R3
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNeLfxOE2p
second.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kJM2OxLy8
He751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaxfqsQjPU
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKFkhx9F59
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdKfjBfWlF
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7grPdOzY3T
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXLNdnf0TY
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeKXR8UtGK
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPBSalDiHM
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZRRnCTR2w
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc29zPKjcq
"You're late, again."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPqMs3r8XW
His751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE0kfGDUPX
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ9wpDdaNa
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaDu42yqCz
lion door knob. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxPRROUMq3
He751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mAp501DxI
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBRU0tUPFI
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ852ieDUu2C
"What751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkhQ9Muu7V
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsgSr0JogJ
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfVEkuP4ox
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLq2GDh3i2
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq1UpdJ3Am
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Tx4OQZzF
A751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IEydNBrjK
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9T9cdQkEL
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EBZfR9wXW
as they had their backs towards the window.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6tHd0R7tS
"You know we need him," said the tall man.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K6sUcfAJ6
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U33sHc6hA
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4MwP8LgPD
The751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3wCPBD0fZ
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWoedXI3IL
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV5uwhxmAs
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGPx65OPWR
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbuiYC8Vu3
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtBEaGKML3
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHvPWXdgTJ
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusKi2qor6T
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWorv1dfNB
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3oQPfCHJx
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyiFZdkVzz
"What if she reveals the truth?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuxdw5ngBZ
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf76atSxcQ
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk7ktFYuPw
For a moment, silence hung over them.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvALlgYi3I
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQffzVbpPkI
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I6QD7mcgM
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUFgxu1fFF
"I751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDMX2oNXEO
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbTWByCKEI
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYbcgrFCWR
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsS6wigu8P
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF4pjLYrGl
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24G43uhBBH
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZv9lzOfa9
***751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7mz9N6ocv
The751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTJPm3ke4G
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruKp0W7N0R
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1qGJmRcaK
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdgHO3n7cU
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh2i6lgosW
they met, they seemed sky blue.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bsyei6okX
And751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN5oAJOdUX
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcegvD4sl3G
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWpYryCAj0
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsFuToLYc0
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqczv0eofDs
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRzS89B8LN
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMvJmn8EYG
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVrFHP815j
coffee table in the middle.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4vtk7109F
When751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfJIlC8gCc
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9eElu2LNk
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIRjzgJ1If
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyV1FI4aMj
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4LAoNTNrL
"Are you sure?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM8y0vQ4oU
"Yes, I'm positive."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRiqQ9RGsO
Miss751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqVS7VtOl
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgl1ioDP45
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcISVn2KvEF
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoolW84WJb
from their cups.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeJ6N2xh0S
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ocrt1gITz
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvaezf01BA
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1M1xgaxWj
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTgQcSlXNE
"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.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEz9nyDPSS
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8IW1KJQiG
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUTPf61lAP
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJBjKDXZRW
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTzDija0l8
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT3tckX7cV
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiEB3DLHKv
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXSrLCJZfl
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzJXS9EMyU
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZsJhoMldn
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPhEnghz9S
"Oh,751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOZAOSbozG
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzbN8VYLax
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBkPGWzlVm
who he is."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oFPupHAG9
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqW8labUox
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpLozNpwVj
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG2ghI7ncF
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SAYUpWetN
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5TNjzb2Sa
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATILsqYtnC
Rhénee751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm749h47yX
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9spZ4hZW1
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRLF2oZh5Q
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh5FCPaCM9
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriHnEnksmU
"Fine,751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslI3w0Ss0f
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIubDFkaew
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GWqeViw3X
or die if you stay by me."751Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbqmiybZxZ
