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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd162Xt82y
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx2NCRotZN
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFpeDUBode
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae0y15MJw6
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6evaK1XM8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ugqUCVYla
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdYI0RzTJ6
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N7kYG6md6
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8ErLDgWSV
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARfytITtiu
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3c0NZIU8A
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoRYOoPjt0
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W1KNL0dI1
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGfdYwvywS
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2XbDItQlw
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzCK2R86PS
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoPdccroGK
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSOXEnLFre
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwnM8zqKAn
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Qd0tIKSx
"You'll be surprised."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIFG013BdK
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg8Djpr0M6
"I need to talk to you about something."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsKoShdTZL
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7wKItwjAr
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz8hNu7jQ5
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vIJV2NoZG
"What is it about?" Leo asked.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c8OiYyozV
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIvftzjOJK
"It's about Angel."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AspKZ4LAg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlx3KfgGfq
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnaeqsjnVC
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYIsHwCFWc
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodlF6YX3bI
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u9YIRx4CB
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1gds1vK30
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yEjmEcI9q
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlS7PFkctl
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KwqR005D9
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYSyy84L3k
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNOWa2m9BE
"She did."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqBt1EJkBX
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbuVBp9xvy
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUQajcvm6E
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTfNkH9KGo
"She agreed to work with us."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZr43zDqG0
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOSnsTjqQC
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAqnQjiFx7
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fCWslNw5r
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvYO9E3aMm
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHAU2o3jfJ
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsttGAFhxb
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJJMVaXziJ
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLTBH8WaMu
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDnTJ2xneH
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPiWvi9ohP
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35N60xIWRB
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXngz6xe5OT
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mN8gCsE9n
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YukRhuUmi
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbFgjjBe7p
"What about her job at the editing company?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBCiuA0ZyM
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeHvUfeLTC
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhTsPp74ce
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSa86CsSgo
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsOXyXxTgk
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7G6HU6Q85
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylAALQJdXI
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHyOYLdh8A
"She doesn't know," his father replied.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgwdRG8l9b
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF0VyeY2RR
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60O9iyxz04
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJSc4gQmbt
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL18ZUS6DV
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tDyDKIJWf
"How are you going to break it to her?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXBZp72OhI
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYBVdDXOD0
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHt1AstRCM
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqyazOgzRW
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNgKweKPxX
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn675Zc4Wc0
"You heard me."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3Kr0s3bOd
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuXD2QPvER
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0UtKb51eb
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnIuLkaDJW
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQjJqQUpbx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy7obkZBlI
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8d4gsnrFi
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1sM2bcZMD
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d6jR2BbXK
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIIOlGS0cy
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JlDz4M0Ft
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRNVlo6dxg
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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kzZ132UDx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKoCa32rra
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38KAXi7aay
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOKOCpt1wI
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj2QZyIha6
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4KLgswaSV
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gsPwoiODo
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHIW6PoC2G
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyjiJdzPEg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiCwVH1cx0
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0WEYiCWQX
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvOZixKW4U
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwE2ZF0jm2
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVur57FaQS
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uB6jtJx2g
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapwRHnP6zP
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3BA8nitrT
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHhLeMImLU
"I'll see you back home?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VZTwlG8bH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChpI0s5QFB
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByVGwg0NpV
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP04s8xoKW
"Sure. See you later, then."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1Nda5TQum
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Icj13CU6
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK82uDxzWRl
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNfgpCITxn
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsMZSK0WJt
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAtfbzJl3c
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jXfBxixmB
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GSjnbQEWt
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCSWFXfu1X
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV8jDA50yr
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bw4qn3oUA
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaIh0nQgrU
"May I ask where and why?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPBOuaBVqo
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wIJmGgU3G
"Come on. I'll tell you."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1H7cnIVRb
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3volsTEYiJ
***571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHHr0EMwLC
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEMxZLT0jJ
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXs84uWABV
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOo7j83n2K
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb6SyOiIR8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yH0vbvzNh
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRIBi7GX2o
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL97dziHi6
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoxEAHc2g4
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOoel9pn9c
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhOJF5qRgx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMan3in4mIX
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx1VNaDAld
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iJLT0sSYc
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARPwTrQYzd
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVJp386ITO
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ23yRdPXH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNHqrBTo8m
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBaJfGrnn3
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYAEelTb4F
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cNs4vz1X2
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVWmfmP6qd
"Who?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgStSu8DrRJ
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94I3OLY3O2
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaodyb8rGT
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfzNrYY0wC
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN8Ne0qv7z
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXrAopTIMR
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SSzHLLD7w
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhVh8rF5tt
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9YzaWN3AR
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg4nTR5uex
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNnPJtDsJ8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsIFbG0jWa
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnpEPsmnXZ
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7Ay6WYdwC
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeTCqsOzH9
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRmAfsv1m5
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm323TkPdm
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVj7gq1Tmn
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75eh40Cnei
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMrBI9Paj3
"Ok. Just be careful out there."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzEcwyCcMq
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9PtQSGBnF
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmTXDxlETw
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYBLew1HMf
"See you later then."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjII6vx1TGx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr77sHpIsJ
"Ya, see you."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOMyxFHkdg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzQvYqpqeE
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGhabMPlcx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdlJNA3RvT
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEG79biEn8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWvQyFUmJ8
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J5eAiUoWk
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsZJ8dG2cB
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3i1gQxrsi
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98HXxSVXFD
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH056XXJcZQ
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIRgz8tAUY
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpaLHwImCU
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyFFw2UZ5h
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr9bfowLzk
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugFoRTCkgb
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdCBQYPtKi
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRUyZKv1LY
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuppqgYOWVA
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQOUxGGymw
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcofFzJ6kOB
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYnNVGFfYI
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Ne95Rg7i
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc53dBC2t0
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HhzF2kDWE
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVv00fpO7n
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFMzdp9fX0
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjI0nmYJrT
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ048kqM0Jr8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2ac8ddtBJ
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgXdQdDTIF
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEaBhG4XdH
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB2qsXMOM2
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSyoDA75LD
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRY1gUvx7Y
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1UKTMVvdF
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJYeLUgKlJ
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB7nnyC8Yz
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx94x9WHA0G
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ObKhfExX
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW63nxGG4wu
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuRYUxPWXc
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4WVVu7eIH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNJMPfhsiJ
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdAuXvcIib
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyUpUBq974
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlC5O5xHmu
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HyFx3acSX
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSBgx2ma7L
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXIMLGfgxo
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9lMwl0HQO
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC63M6GSNxS
"It's done. She's in my car right now."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc8lrbgocB
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgczUMrf88k
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBX96aerlN
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavleEB6huf
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWNhQ8OkpK
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoqkEri98a
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9ldngUefW
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX70h3GTNUr
***571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEeEmc1Oo7
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc0gSfHMgW
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPO1hzM49Y
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtXtRv0mwi
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpR8Zzt8Jc
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6ny7RcfSm
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB5Qr03VIx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSeWou2sVY
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ye2YKiIfg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZx1QGgzkv
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7U7qaUzmH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt6ibLuqku
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO32ojOFZnd
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD7vMeKZ75
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaUC1Xjilg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzFsqt4cXU
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ymjA1fx38
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI0qcn0YMX
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJnZWFMQLP
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeDh1oy9AH
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgphB5EH6lW
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVRDL6UFaW
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtChP8tg4Am
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWjuY7fA8f
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ7ggXRJo0
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4dh7bkdve
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzPMROnwJ4
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gIS4AVHeq
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYB8kgcfMB
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTTOOGuRuL
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVSGJktuMP
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFTg3itIo4
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIWOIfLQy5
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0eTUGNaXT
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6BVzvq9NF
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOT63D5CMg
"Ya, let's not."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7QhBBnV54
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0IC2JpDMF
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadVrMblMtW
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4wK3NOzUn
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg0YI46Gje
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoOsyBSswM
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78BkM7NiNI
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlQPYp760J
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLmhep9egG
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT4GGb1ktD
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5S1OmptJq
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JFLqeXEOV
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDoEtMoqtY
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1NhFxAMfI
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x9kWKUyvY
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4HFzlbOsq
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bJ82vYpKP
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8X7eBDh84
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYS4kaUoJc
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SbtY954BK
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQv1xmB1kj
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9W5fr8YqJ
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWUQSAgd8u
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ377v2ZKTqY
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoog4SDch81
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jPHMZqj9C
"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?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8jTRdtNO8
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCBSnRAhwU
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRDTD8RQ5T
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2vuZ4Vmv9
"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?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8knS5ezu9H
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ1UBQkheF
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfsnSr5pvv
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPrz0zPIVv
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d41Wr58rX
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkezoppNk51
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ5Iwp2EfE
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsSe23Q5pH
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNyDMK5So4
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmficky7pUy
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKEIMsxnNO
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P63chlMTj
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNZ5Nhs1w9
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSKo0rDMrx
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kZ9I7rrPK
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol0ly2kFOZ
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?571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDxV5RIgjW
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtassrEdcIB
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQT16EbFEY
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFXTiTP2yY
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TzxE2xwkQ
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2okpQWzAe
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPzue1XTAe
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkq3MzhUjU
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7le9GwNuwx
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlCqampuDs
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQX1JEdp1p
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRqtigYzi8
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8As4bAxle4
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5Ww5C2BpW
"I hope so."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzhEXC7lUh
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHASKqr3BL
"Come on, we better go inside."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdbmUCjtsg
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2k6XHizYP
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJgiSOoJ1i
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKqjG0TxEQ
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ydGgF5s5
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fi0umETDt
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7U7c5hIv3
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN16LAILgA
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUxSSPmG08
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsPmyfs2p3
"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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWfzpUOvov
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAyS0rqUCV
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDUiR8MXwG
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQBjdzxOqR
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiUUe7lqC0
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFAoN8QtOm
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9uDlcmpgf
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsRuF76lcK
"Not really. Why?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj61tS6icz
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJdD079kdM
"You look really tired."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNQvxCZJDj
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqLGQsKM6J
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO0wKgNLqk
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFLgx43NB9
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k3exYOabp
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFs2ayUKNa
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqROVVmbkqf
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz42sSCJFAp
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcHhEn864n
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ObY8VIX1G
"Sure, grandma."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57PQTWsEtl
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL3Tr3ELJL
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v1YE6Imyd
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTgv6PTZDk
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVAMuZn9kP
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZmBXkZsLy
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZxc6SclIc
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22BEDUKdZ2
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaFIPxFWmc
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOXMiTMSVp
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2rKt32Ngw
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLobUoZjejI
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG713hcVgos
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmnCPS4PUX
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jeYDflXHt
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6OfEHMBx
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR3y7nv0pI
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ya2TSJ9H6
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1bt0i4mnE
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWDzxWGpR4
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2jZk4K7rt
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU65YHe4PYv
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vBqJi2BzH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKtgqEo98x
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8AE8BIFr5
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDadZDbsRSU
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lowSeZR69
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYGrlMM4ET
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TYr6gfKUC
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXl9iiscsb
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbQSHZsYjH
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FjEH3IkXG
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEOCSJaLma
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak4ogxtEIY
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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7EZM64EMd
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyWxVyt6l9
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eJMH1L6w6
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8CSJX1TYH
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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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZcJvwCngt
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"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iUpkkSOm5
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"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcod7NRjtn
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dwta7tx8
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"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidpgrZ4NKs
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Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8dxpvI9Td
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm4hIv7005
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3jpdUJ4US
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***571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNmU6pALUw
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TibHironW
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbD1AHqcTK
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUfvw15ZjZ
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM1dcJMyqD
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV9r58onGe
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"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Rilyi6LX
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFpvwmasqs
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sGbrg74ao
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"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GCmAGTDHu
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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.571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvn9jTH6L0
571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs9z3l26T4
"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."571Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4t9ZluyLj
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