The sun began to set farther to the west as the last of its rays hit the windows of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings. The sky gave out a soft yet strong glow of orange.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7eMS4Nv9C
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2LjcQv0jZ
At this time, a lot of New Yorkers were knocking off from work and heading home. Some headed for the metro station or used whichever means of transport. Others stopped somewhere to run a late errand. Many people, students and working class; school children and those young enough to be held by the hand, were also heading for home.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzFqCvfDys
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15cvojQVfg
Leo stared out of the window of his office, staring at the sun set. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the door open behind him.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzoc6WEl3s
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J6i2cgJo9
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RtY7YS7VB
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkoPpaDZWJ
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlpeaeUxwH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvoFSVlEGM
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEXWxC50OH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqdzMyHEmV
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiQe9arDUZ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxeSN7MWEP
"I'm surprised that you haven't left the office yet," said Mr. McDonell as he sat down on the chair in front of Leo's desk.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yWtNIubjY
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTyzEvhek6
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I2p2QXrDW
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWDoj64JbC
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu35px1ZSIa
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kjg38gxUw
"You'll be surprised."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CdhAO0yGF
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT5gVGKagD
"I need to talk to you about something."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEltZlyraoV
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSD6ufDEJ5
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT37OLjKF7
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpASkJd0Ov
"What is it about?" Leo asked.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBfOE51bae
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHahkxMucg
"It's about Angel."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKDmp4iKV6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKq1XWHHrW
"Great! Just great!" Leo said in his thoughts. He had had enough of Angel already. First it was Eric and his paranoia that Angel might end up falling for her boss (that's if she hasn't already), and now, his father wanted to talk about her about who knows what. He felt like looking back at the window to continue looking at the sun, but he didn't want to seem rude.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzs5N5eelI
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahhkJQvByY
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8t03ytebc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImecguwWAi
Before Mr. McDonell could speak, he noticed something wrong with his son after he mentioned Angel. Leo could do all he can to hide his expression, but his father somehow saw right through him.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4BVilTBuN
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxL0KE5eTr
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKggMXnb6a
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvfse2pqbR
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTBi5gBN4d
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmvHbQ9yGu
"She did."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc2QsXPw8u
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYuTiUK29b
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J3EwrMOGQ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvqAJz3w71
"She agreed to work with us."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfETnR2WxpK
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND9iu7WUmB
Leo almost held the edge of his desk as he felt the floor beneath him begin to spin, but he tried his best not to. His father was already giving him a look and he didn't want to seem weird.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdSlC4MqLK
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgPThAu506
He knew this was coming and he didn't know how to handle it. Right now, all he wanted was to be left alone and do God knows what.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbxZACmHeO
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpH4mMfZE5
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibMiOFEsdH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTBG4IOIvn
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeR3juDg2s
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHfVVuSnga
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLd5SV7j4g
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKptwt4EMte
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusupfP2TOC
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdhYFoVat3
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzX9iUyaOe
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwmORwwqDt
"What about her job at the editing company?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgxRteeTQG
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCM5g3wGzw
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6muPGi5Hz
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoVNF4QuGn
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8wN49Fxqz
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUnM2gjNpQ
Mr. McDonell leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. Leo knew his mother was the only trump card he had to prevent Angel from ever stepping foot in the company. If he can't have a say in this, she most definitely will.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DPiOvsagM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP7L9YaobJ
"She doesn't know," his father replied.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAlrntAujM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGIZpUoJma
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6okWPrLPa
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdRH7j5XEI
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCovrD0rv8
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQVagM7ecC
"How are you going to break it to her?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61UHAERGM2
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4TBRmjfv2
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt9kVT7oeK
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFaiKVSqfD
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIbCMp5SmT
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGTlmalrPK
"You heard me."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx8B25F54h
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMePlJHogco
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6098ZJ1Jx
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvCBIqj6Bz
"He doesn't have to know right now. And if I do tell him, he will get excited and blurt it out as soon as he's home."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SS4VQPqda
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdzIkVHR4B
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfx66CDTHf
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnkRKFGV4S
"He's almost like my son, of course I know. And I know he likes Angel, so I would like that you deliver the news."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV9rxN8Oay
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyaP8mv3U2
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm9aH4goSF
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV26hY431AO
Mr. McDonell shrugged his shoulder with a smile. "It's not that hard to miss," he said, "especially with how he used to take care of her when she had that accident."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcPuuMzSpY
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1tdZxDjWq
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDQk63Wxa6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaFl22AQFD
Carly! Oh, goodness! Leo forgot it was her first day at college and so far, he hadn't called to check up on her. He felt pathetic and he had no one else to blame but Angel. If Eric hadn't come talking about her in the first place, he wouldn't have been brooding about her all day. And now, his father just made it even worse telling him to announce to everyone back home that Angel would be working for them. Angel continued to ruin his life even if she wasn't physically present.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFVFIs8Pmu
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZs8n8HMh0
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ByEi3KtU
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHj0YSjWCT
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GkTNoYecl
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXSyNFhG16
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q2FFGBeCM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkVz07i3Jj
Leo hadn't noticed his open palm upon his head and he felt like an idiot. He did that because he was mad at himself for not thinking about Carly when he had to.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjTRy5KwQP
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bUbNEaooa
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI8KxzDr7l
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38KXFE6KWZ
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRYeymtn6f
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ78WKBjwk1
"I'll see you back home?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP77cQuQCJH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTFUv0An9J
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhpjQc6bNh
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJpz0PJs5e
"Sure. See you later, then."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OeluXYupz
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKErBsv47B
Mr. McDonell gently nodded and made his way out of the office. As soon as he closed the door, Leo quickly stood up from his seat and got his jacket that was hanging at the back of his chair. He took his phone, the car keys, the keys to the office and left.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo34nGQqIDy
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx8BxZJMCl
The hall was quiet and the working cubicles in the work area were almost empty except for two employees still at their desks. Leo passed the cubicles and went down the hall to Eric's office. Before he could even reach the door, it opened and out came Eric.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrANYnIDhaq
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOUgc9r292
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBaYczp2ZY
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h599xuTZ0
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPMPxlQlrh
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WdVGhUNYM
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡace1QPqTpV
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKZeHPu9h5
"May I ask where and why?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7RdfS7BY3
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCmELDCA9Y
"Come on. I'll tell you."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebbMs3NGxX
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5rkEKdM5v
***671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEHkz9Axc6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY5UpueyCs
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUILuaG3ECA
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekKiHbuhTY
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CBi8NLbIy
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD3P3e57uF
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWX8AqXEEc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbIsfSaJYq
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYrVYMsNA
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5UjvVURZp
Harriet smiled back and quickly walked away so as to catch up with some of her friends who had gone ahead of her. Carly's first day had gone pretty well. Not only did she meet Robin, she also made new friends, Harriet being one of them. Her day couldn't get any better than this. But sadly, it was finally over and it was time to head back.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOX6SZ7POt
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAuG7qtEqf
She still stood in the hall outside the lecture room. A few people who had stayed behind soon walked out. She checked for her phone in her backpack and removed it to see if she had any messages.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbc7uXglMb
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9uzuYScZH
There was only one message from Angel that was sent to her almost thirty minutes ago asking her how her day went and if she needed to be picked up. Carly decided to call her sister as she walked down the hall.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqK3hBAZ8e
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnKVTCT2Ci
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb3CCvHdJ2
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vCUsyb4NO
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplZJMCZcAW
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNjGx0eloD
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUztibHS9q5
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKg7gAu8DK
"Who?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsRcNMiYNM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJMuSlgJfD
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9Hvtjtqwa
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhPRkXe49c
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgjOYtPDpX
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSmnvYbbHE
"Oh, yes, I do." Angel answered quickly, knowing very well how it made them both uncomfortable. Just talking about it brought back very bad memories.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUChy9bIYTq
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAqRUaO0IP
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UW4g9oEGG
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt3vHO4gsm
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOGt7jbWJT
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2wWbfI2hU
Carly turned round the corner that led to a open corridor. She saw a few students talking on the open green lawn, the sun slowly setting.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmPiSAeTgw
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uArfaqT0n
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeGC10L1iG
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6mMtAR9Ge
"Well, that shows how much of a good friend he is and I'm glad. I thought you needed a ride after your classes. I could easily ask one of the drivers here to pick you up."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdEVmgL7tl
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOq3kWQ3Hz
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVyvUPKA5W
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndmWV7S2mF
"Ok. Just be careful out there."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDdUhh3vQL
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYroTBBFm7t
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74Ze6fcdMv
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADI0DKsc03
"See you later then."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuw52bX810
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dDkvpwfPH
"Ya, see you."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrGZvSS7TF
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qTs4TNkVk
Carly found herself at the college's parking lot. The place was almost empty. The last of the cars leaving the premises probably belonged to a student as it was an orange Lamborghini. Only a black old BMW and a white Cadillac remained in the parking lot.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcyh3zwxsd
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaljTM3NNp
Carly walked out of the main gate and across the street was the boarding campus for the students. Carly went down the street and went on straight till she reached the traffic lights. The traffic light turned red for the cars to stop and Carly gladly walked down the zebra crossing after the green pedestrian light turned on. She was the only pedestrian and when she reached the other side of the street, she continued straight on, heading for the bus stop in front of her.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoguctWLqnF
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XqU2z4K50
When she got there, she found no one waiting for the bus. She shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the little bench. It looked like she was going to sit there alone till the bus arrived.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vdEZOdZXe
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjHS7yJtQ9
She brought her backpack in front of her and placed it on her lap. She took out her phone and still no message from Leo. She figured that he must have had a busy day and probably forgot to call or text her. She decided to send him a text, considering that he must be driving back home from work.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ac6vNah5V
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv76l1YBmou
Carly was oblivious that a black sedan that had been parked a block away had been following her from the time she left the college gates. She continued to look through her phone that she didn't hear the car slowly approach the bus stop. The cars driving by on the road, drowned the noise of the sedan's engine. Besides, the man behind the wheel made sure not to draw much attention by not turning on the car's headlights.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEfYiD8J1n
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ8pfrwue1
Carly grew bored going through social media with still no reply from Leo. She wanted to be pissed but couldn't. She had had a long day. But with no sign of the bus coming, it just set her peace of mind to a whole other level.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zfvJXAoNI
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgLl8YySdM
She put her phone back in her backpack and strapped it round her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the black sedan right next to the bus stop, a few feet away from her. She looked into the car through the windshield and the blaring light of a phone shone through the glass. She caught sight of the man looking down on his phone. Looked like he stopped to be on the phone, she thought. She sighed and wished Leo could do the same and reply to her text.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY2x4bypTd
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeakDUGwr8B
She turned her head, looking down the street and across. A few people walked by here and there, two couples had walked past her. She started to tap her foot impatiently on the concrete. The bus was a no show and she now felt like an idiot for not letting Angel send her a car. Maybe she could give her a call again and tell her to do so. But just before she could, a sound came from the car. She looked, surprised that there was a car there, and saw that the car door had opened. The man stepped out, closing the door behind him.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsd0nL8vRj
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNfmHwxJNe
"You don't happen to have a cigarette lighter, do you, miss?" the man asked with a pack of cigarettes in his hands as he approached Carly. Carly realised how tall and well built the man was. He wore a black jumper with a hood over his head, but she was able to see his face.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bMLO1BKFG
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nlNgzlPye
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKVmJgS489
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xJIZfhIYl
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg328TKadd
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoKibIY20q
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjwc59lv5C
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYJ0uvMKjm
"Too bad," said the man as he placed the pack in his pockets. "I would have enjoyed smoking a cigar and talking to a pretty lady like yourself."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpRLmVNIP3
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQdwS9Eh9q
Carly felt her cheeks blush, but she tried to hide it with a chuckle. She knew where this was going. She had met a lot like him back at the club. They were the ones who tried to attract your attention by small talk.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtWHcKAiUj
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjpLPBwu0S
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmft7ybdB9
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamGZ2YjvoT
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwulAiwseG
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXPsFz5EK6
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCqRxWHbBI
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXQMgGgpMj
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTlJFJFK35
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgATGMFMwFZ
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf4cItZmKy
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUJg1qYNg5
Carly read the man's dark eyes and she knew she had to get up and run. But just before she could even stand, the man took hold of the back of her head and the next thing she knew, a piece of cloth that he withdrew from his pocket covered her nose and mouth.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9ySya2f1s
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC985aJs6l
The smell on the cloth was intoxicating. She tried to fight, clawing at the man's face and arms, but he was too strong for her. It took almost a minute and a half of struggling when her vision started to blur. She was soon losing her strength faster than she anticipated. She soon fell unconscious.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiq64cbtik
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvyr16FLqG
The man removed the cloth filled with chloroform from her face and held her steadily. He lifted her off the bench and carried her to his car. He laid her down on the sidewalk so as to open the passenger side door. He looked around to make sure there was no one around watching him. To his luck, there was none.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetoG3EoMQn
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RCTPP7018
He lifted Carly into the car and laid her on the passenger seat in a sleeping position. He closed the door and went back to the bench to get her backpack. He turned back to his car, got inside, closed the door and threw her backpack to the passenger's seat.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB5gBLKZwL
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwReUcbO65y
His job had been much easier than he had thought. He couldn't help but smile when he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Walters.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HbGdVngPk
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6editJNRX
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRNg4vhpXi
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJstWRaXaT
"It's done. She's in my car right now."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbfCn6y0NO
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAMt7tk9iT
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoTAlICO7O
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TQhrwCipv
The man cut the call. Seconds later, his phone beeped. He read the message and knew exactly where to go. He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He looked at Carly lying unconscious in the backseat.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh8RgkA0rv
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFitq5P4BUc
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKLq9FlooX
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjIQIKcIgQ
***671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1L7TbAmhH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kVXT0rGz6
Leo climbed into the driver's seat with a brown paper bag in his hands. Kevin who sat on the passenger seat was looking through his phone.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZUyvJjwKc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiGvRTQYWy
"Can you stop looking at that darn thing?" Leo asked as he closed the car door and placed the bag at the back. "I left you looking at the phone and you're still on it."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKjygc7m0T
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSU6fRgQqV
"You were only in the store for like a minute," said Eric. "And it's also thanks to me that you managed to make a last minute call to Nate to get you a present for Carly."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZUaN3lER4
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zcB0wWMQT
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVzH2GHJwk
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWtL4OKkNm
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr2Q2FyJmw
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MEqiioqGR
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8k5TGdksO
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO2GcjnjUz
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRc36uoyJO
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziiWNTTCQ2
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswzaYQiyLK
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7yzgyOA8C
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX0fSfUwjN
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWemHyosq0F
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Eric. "You have a message on your phone. I didn't want to read it because-you know-I might be invading your privacy."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1uRSVPl92
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHsOIzA5KH
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SLrW8kGpa
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqUvpbm7Pm
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZwEzsW5OA
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jpzDaq6VS
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBt7dw0hMV
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDReDFOCat
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7FaJ9vlgV
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtCd7RCy0B
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd67Bx3r9oQ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeIi52Bpo0
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqr98eR4lZ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksuzJRKp97
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3ILCCKjTM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0r7Nd4pgq
"Ya, let's not."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2ZmcZg7Cl
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmmjdfMr3n
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLrNxZHsit
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYV520W5ub
"Gladly," said Eric as he almost jumped in his seat even with the seatbelt on. He took hold of Leo's phone on the dashboard and he didn't struggle with the phone's password because he already knew it.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4djAXn72S1
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULzl3P63lf
"All she write was hi and asked how your day went," said Eric, his eyes on the lit screen. "Huh..., I was expecting her to write how upset she is that you hadn't communicated with her all day."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95lps3Ifu8
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVjifIDSzj
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv10pwKZ6W3
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjovDdxxagM
"Oh, please! You weren't meeting with any clients and you weren't even busy. You were just sulking in your office over Angel coming to work at the company."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAKArWkDVx
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHWmbhEJv4
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," Leo said through his gritted teeth, holding the steering wheel tightly. He prayed that he could keep himself under control and not cause an accident.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQt3TNZ0aH
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6X0ymqrXi
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOhUKEq5uv
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN94Upk8Dv
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbziLj786q
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9lVsGszA9
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZCwfDf9p9
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNKc5dVMeU
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87NvpILgKC
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ioZI86GWv
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lUmcjc0On
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufU5KlirAu
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49dcRGjfZ4
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDi1hvizGN
"That you can't tell her that you have been thinking about Angel the whole day instead of focusing on work? Or maybe during your free time, you should have been thinking of her instead?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Iq4n9qB8g
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAwO3ek7Nq
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLpxGwBO0s
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby1dDAkyXU
"But you can't deny it. I still think you should get help. You always think Angel is out to make your life miserable. That might end up being an obsession, you know?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcNJHKhmOr
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMruOzUwq8
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s69wrVXzA
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqWiQSEgNf
"I know, but that was only because I like Angel and I was telling you as a friend. You took it to a whole new level all on your own."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPy8IfKvIp
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBfWfkBtWp
Leo shook his head. If only Eric knew that what he had feared is about to come true. He would know in a hour or so.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SW7SBR2Bn
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcHve3GG17
"Anyway, you're already in trouble with Carly over not communicating with her. She might sound sweet and sincere on text, but who knows when you get to meet her tonight."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4po48eSAZ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5okRCvc7DZ
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYTu5OCD3R
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbQFECkwT4
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN6yzetse6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qtlwetmbi
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57ztOj2wXq
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZxkGmAhqC
They soon reached home and Leo couldn't wait to see Carly and apologise. But then the thought of seeing Angel made his heartbeat even more. Why was he nervous all of the sudden?671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7gy6qA26O
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAthqTwvFtz
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLILjjP0b7J
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAT6jPcTyD
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumrOwA4tA2
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhhxsOlTxg
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dirJWwiKU
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTs9rN2ifD
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RB6QC9OTi
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ok4cHsqaU
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASHVCBC07M
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreXAuVQlPD
"Mmmm...., not to worry, she will love it. Besides, I don't think she's mad. I bet she's tired to even be mad."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKbD0ykeBm
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuw8EUQcou
"I hope so."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbth6PgGfnc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlMVE07kU2
"Come on, we better go inside."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnVjOulf09
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SJZxviWyN
Eric got out of the car first. Leo waited for a few seconds until he got the paper gift bag at the back, removed the key out of the ignition and got out of the car.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4Wln8ohxJ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzBs3qX8lY
Leo walked up the stone path to the front door. The outdoor lights on the lawn had been turned on. He looked ahead at the open door in front of him. Eric had just entered the foyer, removing his jacket.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQch53zrlm
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvyvvcvw9p
Leo joined his cousin, closing the door behind him. Eric carried his jacket with him to the living room. Leo heard him give out a cheerful greeting and he knew that his grandmother was there.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiiOyrqr3F
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMD7dxtq4A
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S4DaivPWO
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDhK6Mt9ze
"I'm here, grandma," said Leo as he came into the living room and found his grandmother on the wheelchair seating close to a chair where Oliver sat.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAESVXWVoa
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYFCeAvem
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKmCwWK23P
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0km4CoHBs6
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ZNARjVIc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcig1KXCEF
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmnd16Xmv6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1SYfvYjKx
"Not really. Why?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmMjzh09AU
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNldbgaI8h
"You look really tired."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGYaXbuXzV
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ffOcr9S3j
Leo gave Oliver a smile and cleared his throat. Eric, on the other hand, joined his young brother on the couch and chuckled to himself. Leo knew Eric was only making fun of him.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr5vu3cmgR
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7CnIZFUez
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sexph6nSs
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoyix44lIR
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDjnx0TQQz
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3BCwtm5n1
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBe91ceMOu
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSd3RaUufc
"Sure, grandma."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTL2FE8UcA
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG70mQ7Ne1W
Leo felt relieved that his grandmother didn't ask further about the gift bag. Just as he turned around to head for the stairs, standing by the doorway leading into the living room, was Angel.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG5MUPpmMP
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPHShQ0mIE
His heart stopped beating for a moment as he looked at her. He was out of breath too. His head started to feel a little fuzzy as he tried to say something, but somehow he couldn't. Angel's appearance had somehow left him dazed that he couldn't move or even speak.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD95cHHI4P
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMlsZekJft
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1xqsnZ6VF
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbWn2iO1Pp
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ex96GBOH6
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgUksEqEbi
Leo felt tiny beads of sweat appear on his forehead and he prayed that Angel didn't notice. It would be embarrassing. Why did he feel like he had just run a marathon? His heart still pumped like crazy.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHOoYgJLnQ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHtvlAO8yE
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvSUnFDsDu
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCgmI0HFJi
Angel looked at Eric behind Leo who stood up from his seat to look at her in her white summer dress. Angel smiled and slightly blushed. Leo who kept staring at her also couldn't help but blush himself. When he realised it, he quickly looked down at his feet, feeling angry with himself.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxm9xCeZEb
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBwDZx9qqj
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcoeOE0uUM
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo0aSy7eu5
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHCbE01SOJ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77hMfxeP5Z
Angel shook her head. Her eyes were now filled with worry and Leo knew how that felt as he looked into them. He quickly looked away.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb1BYTs29t
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByWbAWDbIo
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi2yvnAnKv
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvA7jQz3nV
"That's what I told her, Eric," said Amanda. "But she has every right to be worried and now I am too. She should have been home by now."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFQ5iDzWqR
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MVxFr7r3a
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1kYvlZgbv
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVCgGBPrmO
"That was close to 6 PM," Angel answered. "She was done with her classes then. I offered to send a car, but she assured me that she would take the bus."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF8Sn1mqBz
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEEz6hnIf4
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwNaIkn02f
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIND0iVvxJ9
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouw9dReE0h
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp1YBjUb8z
Leo hoped that Carly would pick up. But from where he stood, he could hear the ringing tune from Angel's phone which she placed on her ear. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration when Carly didn't pick up.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj2ee4KYeC
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZIWHyQ4ux
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8DBMZo6Tu
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwiH6IHto8
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu78jlPQmw
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"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiMRoZN4gh
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaMy23FGYl
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjAAp39x9U
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIdVKwukr5
"I'll try not to." Angel tried to put up a smile but failed terribly. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI2hHmmytK
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTD8hXANHg
Angel turned around and left the living room. Leo looked on at her as she walked down the hall. He almost got lost in thought until he shook his head.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADmnr6Dv9m
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeErJKikOK
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKlIgPm4VI
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdk1ZyQEB4
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt9vbJAvD7
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODCimvXRAw
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxRyIeBAiL
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7goK2t1O7k
Leo couldn't help but worry about Carly's whereabouts. Now he felt even more guilty for not calling her when he had the chance. He would have been the one to pick her up. As he headed up the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if Carly was okay.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sbh5bRA9f
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***671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblAAsAZTSJ
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajabEfbiVD
Carly groaned as she felt her head spin. She tried to open her heavy eyes but everything in front of her was a blur. She tried to come around but everytime, she felt like she was slipping back into oblivion.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnALi3LA2en
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaQPu5eN5o
She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSQzng67rG
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Gentle taps on her cheek made her nerves wake up a little bit. Her sight slowly started to clear up a bit. She made out a person in front of her, but she still couldn't see properly.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOdhbW6BDG
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She heard a voice, but it sounded all muffled up in her ears. She started to black out, but again, she felt a gentle tap on her cheek.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIsiLUlz0g
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn4cznUnpW
This time she was wide awake and she looked at her surrounding. She was in a room with grey walls and with a fluorescent tube above her. She wondered how she got here. The last place she remembered was the bus stop.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9CBNubh7W
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnItR37aS7j
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zQJ2FgYTc
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lezH8OXpE
Carly looked straight in front of her and there was a man squatting on the floor, looking at her with a smile on his face.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXvbQOAWB4
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVl6Bcin8K
Carly felt like she knew who the man was, but she couldn't remember. And then at that moment, everything dawned on her. This man had drugged and brought her here. Carly started to panic but then she realised she couldn't move. She looked down at her hands. She was strapped onto a wooden chair with rope and so were her legs. She tried to scream for help, but that was then that she realised that she had a cloth in her mouth. All she made were muffled loud noises.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiMPNfQgIx
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KFr4pvUpk
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmQXHovhtD
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Carly started to panic even more, trying her best to break free. The man stood up and walked away. Carly heard the door open and close behind her. More people came into the room. She stopped struggling and waited as the man who had tied her up and another man came to stand in front of her.671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y6xA6m4AX
671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzjfXsY2Hd
"Carly Barclay," said the tall African American man as he got close and squatted in front of her. "I finally get to meet you at last."671Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYeRvxX9JL
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