The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRjZO96pI8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3HFIUBtTa
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgarJsezq8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuTtJQQu37
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQfs10JEam
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhyGFMxVsI
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWiA997Nh1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqztsFBNqRq
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MDR2Uopzg
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zX3i3HzjS
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrKpblcbxM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7UOnF8wtS
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTWiwPpcXv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5x9AOnbvz
"What kind of trouble?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA2gItwphP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ptmyJpM7u
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoy5obhh11
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL2oSG1sa6
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCNrkinJvA
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVF4oc83GZ
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7KWr8nFFU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPIIaHODVD
"That's good. She needs to rest."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1XGJZZujU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XMfg4CYVy
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyZ2t04UFh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lN14L7Lod
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ400A9R3M
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YBvVdUjNl
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH4UX8EXom
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXSA8y6UWZ
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcQsMVFBeL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WmrObAjiA
"Ya, sure."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOzaZnwRtt
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aiOrXWOka
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2kte6cOAQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1361AKmXMe
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMzcgqP2nS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfpw400Ktw
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHScFRubgVF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtNYcvfpjd
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnr3TYzBx4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uDeFDjacX
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabld59jVWA
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrckkqpLHWx
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwItdfwumas
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbQWeJEMMn
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIabmj7Et11
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVBp33YrVD
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aCj9snpoV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl4FvLvoMY
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX2CwGK2OI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQoThfkCML
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf30mMXAyk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT78qcU123
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2S26IqmJV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkh29Ccgh6
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gm5rE058G
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfwS1g6s33
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFwFgbOvJc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHelpkFkgdk
"What did you say?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09bSEfyTkp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMudLyyNZck
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKk1Mw4LRi
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb1IvrU7th
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchcF3Gx0DQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexh5TABJDU
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhjwOsGuHD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1tzptoqfB
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOMmkMETXq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwhX1q6eJ7
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyrywFmwPx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c3DXnIIb7
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J3vD1fWmZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BnENS9MQ1
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeww8fAmti
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ6MdZUTjA
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaAWowRuGZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3rmutKCJS
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7MORxxI5j
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrVabQXXR6
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5L8e5tSBb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz9d5BR7qu
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡignQFEL0yj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFUT8e6kf0
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeKWCbXnHD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qINtvEcoq
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr9SPYdJMT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjIpCXwcB5
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGovbAWeg5q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXWLI0zEnH
***589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLbQSYMyS5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzHWZCVoxy
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUI63qTNT9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJpjWRAPsh
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJe9xB1dHF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoWSMIXEYJ
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtkXtemi5V
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8215JNUIW
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2agqTysVOd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgTSbcGyY2
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUWYN1fiDX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkgQ6C1MEq
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ643igo8z7A
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDnam4kujM
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQTquV53QC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukLyD62Kqy
She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNF0oLsM7a
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn23wNKDeUt
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdEinzZTfB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX93rnug9PH
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZksB5ACof
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bRCSDSel1
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrus4pG8yG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3x15Skw2X
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUWz4bnU0l
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmwWWR4Svc
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxkYIIMRyW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBbJ4OYS3a
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUUMi3ENKy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC6wWG8Jpf
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABKBNIKwHb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyxWgGwkt2
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4ncfS7VSu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbBwtci1EM
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HlQHLz12M
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZKDBLpSx3
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnrvVYhqak
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ypyuFe4kS
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgwqxeg9oM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQwjeE72xc
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlDG0XXfZF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z0Fjvy2DU
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaJZb5nnSM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gOpoiwFgB
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCcOGY0iCo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcH3mY82lp
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa7tXIpovo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7TKduuL74
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrNb8eh5DL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UIj5TChfa
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXORK69NDx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe76nIqqR6F
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UrEAawweb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte6JXpENvp
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtK6nHL7Ov
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi71ri4w7AP
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFnwddY9Kj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gCFQCarSh
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCrcgni65V
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJtgDHI7eZ
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LWWB2ulen
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bMM3FkErZ
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXDGS2xSqx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5dFV8XPCW
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pMUZjTiA5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuoSi8TX6X
"Do you think she's killed before?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPGgoffXMU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsCujKZLXe
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82GuEP1N9Z
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbykMX2g4nt
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbHX0F2G2q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dr5R4cRad
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCATkBmnEN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFJDvRRX7p
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5tZsQmHQd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4A0aWCXFO
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5jR5vZuSD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9cB5beBVt
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cdw2qwpNa
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9ViRmoKPL
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOUn8WhouX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPPhn5Oa1w
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsMe38GAs7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlUJ1LZxDB
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQJAxAlxWI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNH9EFAwww
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTjIMbcqgK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ773VDeQiGB
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxbyqezjG8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UzIUSaXkt
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRjxXnQg75
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5yP11Loxc
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgsQV1PI6Y
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgYfPoqHLA
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyOQSYkqUP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQCzEBJae7
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHXfjlUVVE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbTlTgcwKA
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNBV5DR27l
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKM0o3S1D
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiqHCjVq7L
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CVAQZEpQO
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5fbukyDcd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2xBWwTU9i
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIQ6AKBaQ7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoh3h6cZi8
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpFAThCnxO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pN3iMDxME
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvvUAYTQdi
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZb0kZvYPg
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq5YEPxQq3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan05ncAVb5
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaqXpEy2cw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFgCqfy9nm
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lQMCLQ9BT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchRUJ8MjVb
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lrzuzzd3v
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU03nLh5NE
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmZqdG637k
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE5EhTRXvH
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UDEeJzcff
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKNh1Wibpo
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60bQ3vNlsG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYFpqtLKSD
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzejSrju2v
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GzlxX0xlA
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLROSIILwZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepwZ1QgbCD
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfbUoy3iNk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6PsiN2g9t
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBg4iYJe6C
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNfqTBpfWl
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5VTpA9PjU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDvGVp29jg
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1DJ7Fxrk6
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH93CeZRQQQ
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ChIFCBXd7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi4L8L34Ig
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xvsrAHYxQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7seqYS0et
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjxsN2aJYd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcRBFy4YVl
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0SsgbKvkR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3WM3JouTw
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOgvVSWBLZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBw16kqqQw
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EZCvdttQz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wmb6Vxbqy
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuIpRJNEYM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfRvO6SYx7
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2oHEzCy4I
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9YgnVf6kS
"We will," said Kevin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMvfZcmQwE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQHkkkDHZr
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKIbIZ0OjW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOyay7JZ6M
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVpowGNckh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Na833CH0c
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKuzkO7RQ0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdn7zIx87q
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZiCXa4xck
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaiJfN3Wky
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaUfiQK3ed
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBncvE9WKq5
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52TZOjLbal
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTjkUF7fRA
"Rhénee, wait!"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSl9LXD3r8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZw2CSkoVK
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSodqoL3E8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrqPqboqfC
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOPpi8GSgl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mZcb0Px5U
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Zu4Fw3Bf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqiP3yoMr9
"I'm tired."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZwaM7uM3b
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytqsiN4riP
"Really? I don't think that's it."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dh2jz6ZyC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz5IWMn0io
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukdOwLnyST
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekR5whGX93
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgL1PcF1Jj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc4VSXjgEi
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZJ2P6WFuv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKOK3OZRfM
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMDcX3ASXQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbZGgIcpSc
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkkBoPQ7Bi
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscQAguLzJt
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArQmwBClgI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj6o0h08p2
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kpQ2VUu0H
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pd2VGPdEq
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxgEljdybh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbWKDgYOVO
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXjHcMba4V
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt5Flpvp8s
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9AjfuUfqI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRxtYNJzv6
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamSA9rwRhG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpxvFUrm5G
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bmNH3TFWR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtRpL28PTp
"Good. Let's go."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwITKmqPBkS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BCjBjVTi8
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3f5qqUpt1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMNIYp0QMc
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS94EIFjWIx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0X9o8J1TZ
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FihjYYtte
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeaawoDH5O
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNFnDLEAcX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYgHMAe6F8
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugcY4A93go
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wouM7PlKY
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaJZRxp0vy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJTeQFTTC8
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KWW25xclv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJJKf87UVR
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LEpBPcR5u
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RE3e0MIJu
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RsjsQSbIC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JDoxjZy2n
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08goxBNmQr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dDCYVpV50
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc3vOQluRW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblfsOxVazQ
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjFAT3pGMY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfxZMSljde
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEAxHNuYu5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGMwvZ1cPP
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0fDsYfLHY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CS9UTRUJb
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPYwYdfwOc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItOyedlk8i
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwZV3dEjkF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHuzcX53Qx
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CaEVKQyTo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczviIZapJR
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBxDIgbMC5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmr0wa9kno
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D1igraa5e
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChps6jfhGv
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jA6ZSwe3p
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jH3otjz8m
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJoKe6eeEc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cNMu6UaVB
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86gugahcTr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oRtp8kkOf
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOcZ4u5l9Q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81pJmfXYQ0
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOL6RkxhhE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsHshcL94k
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48rIgBusJu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lYTJTtIgO
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7XWKvZ0cc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99dKRguEKx
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ0rySv0Q4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVne6BHp5ri
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs4SJWLxOz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiwRV4UNnm
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7MggpB6HR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt011Vs1aw
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUn8QpDBaB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lvou6Iz6K
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA12qjDONqT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8O6I1mUUb
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8HTuLKTgl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAbPTFX4Wo
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0YpbQ2rOU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcZNOIZ56F
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpPyndrcDR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd4LwSoQc7
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkcsBW8heP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkUlW6OUAA
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68hJWDVVJ8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpB6Xbz2G0
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd5yvHgbZn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvvz7kHBot
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmFBPJ8RpZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdEnfAoIg3
***589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpEZflVCNk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BGPhTuVmG
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBeLtw4p9C
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa5OT24AU5
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkMuJ85t0J
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeju3ilTbP
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KkiXOUEg0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYOBqvjKL4
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOv6NdAYqI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18zak70u2N
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bna0vCc8g
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMT58wbStQ
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht8EOaK2fX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8T4ulUqah
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ480yhvg2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC8wlmrM1z
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fu0ddescQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDEqdHrs72
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1DnaEiuLn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNErUxqHPGY
"Really?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfaToIr9gj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtpILyUJeq
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbQxqLeJ0q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWSTv1av2p
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYAKpNEjl4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyqDVZlP4E
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoIbdLDRrk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU4M27wnsW
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssFbR3lBXn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUxwkWrXIv
He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFXXmPW2aq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0metQeOkM
Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRb6xeyMHK
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa039tlXJi
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qD4YbgTpA
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQd8u285NF
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwPW0f75Gt
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jK1gsXDsd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT2osh0N7w
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VsuDxX4F7
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnc4BkleUM
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFsaZuir47
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vBaapyhRD
"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKw1XUtA4e
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNINDw6Fgpx
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqcJWZifkz
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr7FstGaaG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAfyXzqbbX
"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yLNbjPkZQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt29YR5j50Z
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ600GBC5nJQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCVtMjVrJo
"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oWEowCoB4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEPJhyDPY1
Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzWCfXUM4o
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr3FYWyOV7
Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlEeAc60hW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtolssrCNdW
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyKrkFY0MI
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuvD8AfYX9
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM5TEzdkBz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrieLOUJzTx
"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwRFTHfm4F
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFS4EzqFlm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cnQWHgOdG
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD73I72qXDH
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3D6SL2HVQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8spITpFN7b
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNRiUdCCkX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHEhLLh5Cc
Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpVLqx9sCG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kLZEssnXB
Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImk4JTSsaJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhDshSPHmc
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59hNkgv4WE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAUjWFCZjl
"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXoq6E5CyI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFrHNCWWNi
Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2Kt4xCCH4
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde9ss0fWA9
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlG5pwMJEk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJfy51WBcF
Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43F1obPjnW
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"Oh..., nothing really."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g1ELu5Isi
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn6lAOjx5k
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1hhrMj7PO
"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn1AgedUeT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YQJReCVD0
"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk0g8q1WIK
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIlkWiDrUY
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5ZBrsZxEQ
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtngLQn2UK0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5ehf5loGT
Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNRRK087t5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2oo7xbxen
"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadsixxzDvB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEBibAKJaz
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCugOA9g61M
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lw0n26Bao
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbppDzZvTI
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8No7lsdEOJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDAL40G7k7
Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl9wXibqGv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC6XKtFNdc
"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFGVMheMqk
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGomT0Ykhhv
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUuti9GFnH
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTC7UVVgLK
"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbybkvN2Qa
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf7xos8zeL
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1vBk6mHml
