The news about the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX9fx0lg5u
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8jiH0Feuf
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRoGTyV8xm
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3n7IFDcGH
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGmg31ySNl
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BgHBPhbvH
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIr5sEbsNT
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeVSpIJqc2
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5wCALL6oY
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqJ1tAKT7U
There was more to it 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmXQFWkzg6
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JMDfqWFSl
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyQBdYT5FJ
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgmXMIicuu
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKHjS2dxaH
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEZbZgZ3NH
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP5Lx4kQrP
except from a few individuals. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB48ScE9OZ
And apparently, one of 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetFGqc4vyR
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULdBcRNjWP
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvJdYhAIzY
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1atNNwQOC
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo59Mc9cca
really going on, all hell would break loose.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9U1uOFHAC
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMlXU55wba
Rhénee dropped the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv2uUZqygw
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Ex60waLx
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN7r4SNrjZ
ear, she took a sip of coffee.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4LaoVC2oL
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsWygkB43H
"Ya, its crazy here," 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93q78Hb25M
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GQ527xT7i
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mYxKpWlxi
broken in."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rWeoNYVFd
"If only they knew."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZparTKxGL
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyy0ftdN0i
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9wcOy20MS
"She did. I had to make 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb46osU1g6
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dg6YWSF4W
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxve2LrVluP
"I doubt if she believed that."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGNsGvrjKk
"Haha, looks like you 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw03iZ4fKT
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ePXxlQUb
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GGiFacmye
"True. But we did. I 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2lmI1Bv5a
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin6ISxUUk9
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxPDohgFl6
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6vdJsYerD
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRVvsF1UcW
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcfDz9hBIo
"Okay, bye."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2haJVhDtC
"Bye."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WWq64hWjx
Rhénee cuts the call and777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE5S4UJ8uo
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZd5S1BjFw
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRXQHyMBjx
wink last night.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg4qIdH1o2
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgRIgK5F1u
"I wasn't going to 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlRZHbfU1p
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91mcfiSJjb
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtozJsA3X8Q
"You don't have to 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Qqz5ml5g
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2SrU1paTB
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3JPXWCZ2t
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalN1BwF2n4
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72qiws45Ab
"Why Malcom?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD68L3Pknq
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQRDN4Nmyt
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8P7d1gcaU
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AEsaihRmh
"Alright, you go ahead."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOAGotLxqi
Miss Griselda gave 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu0H7MJL58
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihTpONUPHz
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGegPKDzq5v
did when they talked about Malcom. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEab4CVVu8
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3th7SvWYB6
The sound of her phone 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F4275IlvI
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjswi4oBh4S
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52r9hP7b9W
mother.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwg7bFKVmt
"Hello?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt4XP71OGJ
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDYQdBB9Iv
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DlHrcF3iq
That voice. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtOSfv0Uk6
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D2IcYxTXK
"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?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWh1iz2zPC
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfiJzi2xqA
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQFTOiP8WN
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW2Yre0wJl
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XHlmqSAmD
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39PM8U706L
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiHZeBeewW
"You don't know me, 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzwoRrtSRw
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbACRwtCLJ
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QM92JMPRF
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhrHlZVPQg
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh26QlUN8gW
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12lBd7GVao
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT9g29hup2
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctldj5i1eg
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M2M8axMCG
"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?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW68263AOx
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEcIo0pfDI
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaSiYYyIgw
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hyd1KFgwQ
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9Av66LsgQ
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgEfCToqVH
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzwRnBGNYG
"Oh, and by the way, 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJBaRIzS5T
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThBiVy6lEW
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdVIngc09a
this time around."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfdc8GOtrg
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgzwxCEPXm
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZHoMHkX5Q
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgij3XSbP4m
Rhénee sat down on the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt24BE7pnv
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLyUJQQwOz
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgvI0rphuE
the others, who know what might happen. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tEVV0bILz
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZtp0hpyNH
***777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1MdBbuBeX
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIm1eSCv7e
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDevbPeJEig
"But she isn't hurt right?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTDpELqrAl
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrldSSVO3wQ
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq2vYeAkat
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5BdHSlbWm
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kUbl9sDht
"Nah.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE5ozUjN4o
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyIYkUuxsO
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvwyCnAXyJ
"Thats777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqy7MZa4YT
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbJlKI0M7j
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWIgP7LOgi
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUSg98tH9o
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTmiz9U7zy
"Alright."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmNOWBev7h
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. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmecMXFVnW
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIpgdVDLbG
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCILzNDGdm6
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl4lka3Zgl
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjtzokbpNz
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTylgRHIjJL
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONQ8XoL3cm
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDUj81Kid7
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTIjea9ibo
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ksiSMBB09
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUUuRGdjfv
"Does it bother you?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt9lftzw7I
"Um... not really. But.... um."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdRueOapN1
Eugene777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXN6NAdHUt
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlensTF6hRP
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZlf8TFXA0
"Mum, are you okay?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LbpZmGCZH
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpvSGgWYFh
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1RdY6agzZ
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc3SmOJhdC
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUycQHM52bt
Mrs777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8LPxq7BjO
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUSWmLtcJ3
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOTARzLyev
had talked about Rhénee?777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvgpT02me3
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ0vtlZxAO
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKs9GK2ZOq
***777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau3PiIQ4Ux
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkfUQM8Ke4
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobYHXrMZVb
"You better rest though. You still look tired."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekjDCEDRYQ
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq27AbCwYt
"No, I'll do it."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnpcjhL7vR
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6CWPeMHvt
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKtZywNRDk
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n5CzWmHEk
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKLEdqo63l
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYAaEFAqOq
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1sFH1iDaJ
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y0oxFdZAu
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkvUr22lKu
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yI4C7q05m
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR4r4EWXPH
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uHsckiuvh
"Thank777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDx3SOJtBa
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vbliCgC1n
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNh6NHs4Sk
"Well, yes. I still think I would."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZzFXOs70i
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiscjzmp16A
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz79Ap9avRa
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FXJXOpqpE
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLkKbCLiJb
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM3bEpEwcG
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7tfodlJy1
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzQAHXSMyZ
"Coffee will be lovely."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzUq1wlISc
Miss777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxVlCBxY5C
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMnOVLKmlR
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcXOZWwN0s
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSRKof75OG
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffyOc2DF08
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou4tScDeIr
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKXX8v0WBB
"What mysterious person?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9kMiY5rHm
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcM2UzFxqb
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHKUD9TIEn
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkey6qXq1N
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sMRKCgCOv
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6abpxpb467
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgnkkGPqIP
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCilptbWhKJ
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhW2HrqGkr
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKIrjMvYX
The777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4sWM1auGH
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5Lm5BXnOL
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfz0nHSeqA
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27r167Ae26
of this.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRG3k3HKui
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSW5EdjUBi
"I...777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiCqjqz5Vy
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqVQWiC1SF
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzFckdUpR4
frustration. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTL2Nt0ijo
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNH65fLXde
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJkEwB6w4N
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutDJIQ0WFf
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAGQqdhXrX
cups on the tray and wondered. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53uKnEFyzw
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rt9M5KBNV
777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAi4s20enh
As777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyngSLXkHYC
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMqm3MXfrc
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzj0IPX8kY
reminder kept ringing in her head.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dHHUHLpua
"And tell your friends not to get involved."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvBUeW40vx
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzmXA58rAa
"I777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRJ7jrPHif
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptX9nS5xOT
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAqswTiGth
talking about, Rhénee?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqGAjBRCAb
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDjLinxMF6
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpm0K84bb3
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKg7R2YOYT
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI915STsOHF
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ83LIypUbp
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVAwTXJbTQ
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwtUNXmi6W
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cFGp9iawP
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rUUNcrQLW
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeTbubAzQX
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq66zRnPQw
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON4rO8gQNF
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmTjHsUJSU
***777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvCTeYXXBG
Sweat777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6pvlOH7Q4
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zopjoOBtB
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGjZWJKcii
the person waiting never likes to wait.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwalBrrsvV
He777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2bXrxCBpd
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMTd2PpsNf
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLX3atgkmZ
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmzq8G1TZu
second.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhBTX9FpoJ
He777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdq4It7RlA
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRHH4cSsdF
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgOp7nEBGT
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMoBV1fTLV
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbMlipTv5Y
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdnWYRAcVz
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ633XepD8Rd
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfOaSkqK5t
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJS0Bzgh4f
"You're late, again."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBYlXw8DRx
His777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlIMJ4EdG1
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyWS4oEyQM
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YiheDdIZO
lion door knob. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByw9nwVTSm
He777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMGge2TWm0
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrz1YxMODS
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNxAvMf7i5
"What777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuZ0iQZpwk
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB8YmXc0ih
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYNNk2CNmC
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSEKcWUtTX
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAurQVwJcfz
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEUsxCcQTm
A777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOWTkTuzPF
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelcYnh7E6U
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8zqS0oCFY
as they had their backs towards the window.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEXyg74f2t
"You know we need him," said the tall man.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwtsyfMeiM
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhPsTYPsVx
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoo3jUoFzE
The777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2o0zXEkRv
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZEqr81deM
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7kdodwUG6
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8LtW2f9Ny
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7msVPhvSzg
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWCcH9HQUW
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44aHFn30Gv
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gzTS1Hh7v
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3XzEXXemz
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Qd4Sc9X3
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKul6lsEwnh
"What if she reveals the truth?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsywHMuTiYb
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB8AZjWNuY
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdNDN2ZNW2
For a moment, silence hung over them.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDzMPFmPYq
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTqYj1FGny
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0db5O0wCNZ
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOALmt89LyP
"I777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6ePANlS1w
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pSMGpQP4X
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQL1C9gs8o
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ5HeTALp7
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhONV4hAHa8
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAozv8Pui9e
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzogugkaLS
***777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKVfMHpFWt
The777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW9KZuIFOu
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tIrBUkBRn
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSAk9H0TWD
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2kh1AacUh
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RkkAlfApO
they met, they seemed sky blue.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3PhWdZHco
And777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOsFkfxMkb
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj38rAgmyX
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMTTXdMnvb
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8PAkAMmgC
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilUEB1hdPt
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu3GJ3ihub
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfuCFq6VTR
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwFwdJlG71
coffee table in the middle.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimRQxVTqef
When777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLcZA3BGUn
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy07Q8lTNG
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsACuIWvEvr
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFu5oNcbxo
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxW5uzAF1h
"Are you sure?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi52eRy26HP
"Yes, I'm positive."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkw6QY7tN7
Miss777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cfYN0gw9o
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSetJC2QTP8
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYPQE6zUpp
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPqDlBFziQ
from their cups.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFAyUOieIk
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAOg2aItk3
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ngcQ4l5yw
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg9dCVgnyz
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3m8gOSufd
"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.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYR0y5TQiW
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhg3dkLvOF
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uUQlamZc2
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxa5psz3iq
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQWBt3qESI
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEFcGHo706
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09hjWzFGEL
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF19WVnLUU
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfqoYj1V4L
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvJpNF5LFD
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBVRRkAv9I
"Oh,777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBJu7KC4av
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BQA7xWjjN
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICwq9dDF6G
who he is."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYoarrSm7V
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuSzzS8R2J
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtknYB2OWk
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxNqjf1h0m
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrjlPL4p8B
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFJ0TC7O89
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXGptxVIa0
Rhénee777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBxSMtkWYj
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoIyxzGDMQ
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2RDrDEvDp
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Heq31NGR
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Rz888brf
"Fine,777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnocAj12gt
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOQrKiE0Wg
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZfKY5YdFA
or die if you stay by me."777Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUNgXl9x1k
