The news about the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9iZToi8B7
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqTDlSlQUW
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0XfY24hnj
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HC1WiPUxk
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJKfdAEBdA
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaNocThFXn
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP4tq6fbAu
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KsEiJCcSI
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaWWGKyywy
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgr4ck16Ns
There was more to it 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Uq28vQbv
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQvG0tL35z
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiDfBcsmOz
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVHLVcwP5B
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F46hWbm0S
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHsJ0lKrmB
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2b0Wx6PcP
except from a few individuals. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzEpwKNH5I
And apparently, one of 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYDixw8f7u
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZNyQCd8Rt
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ0AScoKM3
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKmF2DblUc
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd7h9WRQ3r
really going on, all hell would break loose.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qZbz5JjUa
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFwiIMuMIe
Rhénee dropped the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwbqKH1I0O
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEF9YfhBoV
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuohG7vNiB4
ear, she took a sip of coffee.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKDnyAmnel
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo2xwOCe8y
"Ya, its crazy here," 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJguxcgdm7
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0itz3yWCg
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYg8Bb6XzJ
broken in."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1KOu84bwQ
"If only they knew."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuTVrIKWSZ
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE88Vl9oce
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOLID0w406
"She did. I had to make 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOufsqI9vcj
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqUWxmhru6
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp0dQh6aJx
"I doubt if she believed that."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj5Y0awfnt
"Haha, looks like you 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi76afWm0x
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsdRntPny8
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdiJ7rXZsd
"True. But we did. I 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7jy9lOTAp
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIygFR9O3gT
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1HKDuP65u
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQojqHNFDN
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmflSXEcU9
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RwO6WBOvl
"Okay, bye."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UL26bB0ls
"Bye."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBiZChQbZG
Rhénee cuts the call and801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtLEQaWR0T
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNpe974CoY
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsX4hVXgbr
wink last night.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q5Ea0oQw3
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFDa8b2gTY
"I wasn't going to 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUyoXozVxY
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUo1F1WkxY
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GMIW7Qy5D
"You don't have to 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuQReNTpsP
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUGDnARq4b
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgap6ll0hZI
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvUvy6bfnZ
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQICTQjsZKt
"Why Malcom?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7Jwy9EIQb
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzlJaQGS4B
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteCJCFA2uT
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDxa6HO2m7
"Alright, you go ahead."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hhfFIFu2M
Miss Griselda gave 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3leFLQSv13
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGumDcmeFO1
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExlDZi49ak
did when they talked about Malcom. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04oVThgZfs
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qrq3kIUmA
The sound of her phone 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA502LyiCE
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pMk9Q6CBn
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg8motqZPd
mother.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfXiT6b6d8
"Hello?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JHPGhsc9h
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHFmyz1gX
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfpm8lgCtz
That voice. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0szRwUNRO4
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAtPdmtVDH
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P9WgrIqQb
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3OTctEry9
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLWGXGb6UL
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqBIYOB9sN
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpvE2Mw7gz
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbk4RCBP3L
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnofzzJizd
"You don't know me, 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDjrIjgIBE
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVgeGrjbXI
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcGkgrlZ1T
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz3rAgpDc7
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWm9hiUW2L
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRgaQODCdr
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pr8CTAszI
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdg6KhJPCj
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4MFGts3It
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzpaWCthlq
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFCl1vPOYt
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMX0FHNget
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfrT6MYzPh
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tQl07rXf6
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgoRBi89OW
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdnNfk0wkO
"Oh, and by the way, 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0U5IMLtGg
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9lchMNV54
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGUX7to5YX
this time around."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9AJ1MnyWm
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmywSJ21iPT
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfrQM6xEYE
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P5PIc8W82
Rhénee sat down on the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz2KE4AMdI
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf5pgk7Ay7
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eFUF8PVW9
the others, who know what might happen. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDOPHPoU9T
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWMC5vOuUI
***801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU0hCJK7pG
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1dnyO3AdW
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvvQo2CSMI
"But she isn't hurt right?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKugoCBNxKa
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJFaua2JE8
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUkkRQQWdN
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoClyMoDDMF
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NHckKO7Up
"Nah.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fR6pU7VzT
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiRj6oU8jg
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vuE3DJ7Vx
"Thats801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhachasj6B
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XnVXsoItb
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKMQej4BVA
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzvvTLAZKh
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWNA0QmbiR
"Alright."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfgoOHWVTG
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnCxoeOQlt
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuDtepRXzZ
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zZ5TH9HX1
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkcGve1KMu
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnYcbFgdfD
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kyhbWK3MM
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjZzAhav5H
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLExHw2Tpiy
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kkdeZPI5Q
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRcNeu088u
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sLssa9ioR
"Does it bother you?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqWml2nufr
"Um... not really. But.... um."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9cyHgu5A4
Eugene801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEi6tvyK7Q
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG1swORI4S
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2GtIx7TT1
"Mum, are you okay?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSwNATKBqK
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvDnDpGQgq
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FwMCd6Smt
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawCRuqM03R
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMa4YKpYdw
Mrs801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoOp7iJ3w7
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tOrgZlKzo
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu4nbfhbJG
had talked about Rhénee?801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBA9L7cY0w
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdytouaIATM
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrDqxP8OhB
***801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFobe90vy1
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSdrCli3eH
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4jlvOKHc2
"You better rest though. You still look tired."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFHa0wgeum
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0m8XX9Vlw
"No, I'll do it."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA9V5bYYEL
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l0nn6EFWY
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4yLcBJ81M
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbHCI3cM34
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMgBnft1I2
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs8seox903
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliAokw6oAE
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oCQAKNbjX
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9hnhngwmU
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNPWtZUqZG
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF1rhUgibT
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghfZGnW6b9
"Thank801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1yBRVqbYF
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL2F38UcL1
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRFqyTy94O
"Well, yes. I still think I would."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9ICzdkStT
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp0nxbti64
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIL9JgiQ6u
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouOWTJGvO8
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqu2a0DGPB
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvR9HJPTtR
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qXMfrOogb
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEvs8wr9Vw
"Coffee will be lovely."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheXUVlBWy6
Miss801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMI2vFnNkR
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g2ZOEVYL8
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzrznMJWho
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMggV2IF9Q
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZJMH8UK7E
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKvxxbi0Zf
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE1q8v3nUS
"What mysterious person?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNJ0VnAqdE
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWPz4jkf5O
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4TRjXdSbS
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBzyxLQ701
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA5SujYNsz
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6hJidXKDW
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PV9l0vaJZ
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXJ2Ju4fP3
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsnXYNiv69
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIyC2z9LDx
The801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN2uSRvoME
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8UuGfu34t
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJXzzTi7LU
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVN4xpjvlL
of this.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgFITXREYM
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKjFFSNMjj
"I...801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A9J41bo96
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzJhmt8aRm
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2V4J8bfRf
frustration. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMsaSLy8u
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUhJpZnV2E
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyzaLcrtGq
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q7hV5clt7
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcMoxmVCEp
cups on the tray and wondered. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDweY9vKNin
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyHrqS7g7S
801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGIu7mRniW
As801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjPh8uaBGB
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSuhjpSVid
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2pxHBduLG
reminder kept ringing in her head.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDvqKwVeV2
"And tell your friends not to get involved."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCYj3CPVll
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxcaLxwgja
"I801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIsOGjOMCB
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlaDH4E5IS
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I9Z3029Nn
talking about, Rhénee?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8RzKjz2uG
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28h4g3XHug
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82BKyzafHY
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQejR0nede0
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibkqLBJSXY
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqXTtb7JHK
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhITismmPYd
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lFlyuluvI
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuPGE8MxRv
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJGr0OROY1
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvEoI0LnMm
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZxD119ZYJ
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHEj915cJ5
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOpBr8Szyy
***801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yvbce1E9D
Sweat801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtkRGvLzL7
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4DgN4W8Ul
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZyMCL6gTw
the person waiting never likes to wait.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qFFn7ZR20
He801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXfC1jmzJ7
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt75SIFPKRC
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImVvNxuSrl
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rGvPjObXo
second.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNky8KUxAz
He801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLjY7SccZ5
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ7lLBCwUP
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe7he0p0Bp
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aLNbUpaeC
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69XId9erzK
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l68mefchg
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAXmwcMpeX
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceAUYPOzpw
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZkQZgW8NX
"You're late, again."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwKSaAkj8u
His801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBCcPOoSOG
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDys82CiYup
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQKg3ABr5K
lion door knob. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabbuf84j3u
He801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVG6FrMans
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcESHUUhLA2
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKxJMUroKm
"What801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vA78rIGmC
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDYabl6a2J
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlVs9PmdI1
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgJw89rlzw
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCAIiqNMjD
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0E8cJB1BQ
A801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynhuS34HUw
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PcqgiQGju
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkqs969jSZ
as they had their backs towards the window.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s3FS8PK3o
"You know we need him," said the tall man.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl88Caj7Hs
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUl4cr1GeH
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFkOvQZjQo
The801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB8nXPp5xP
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssM4O3XYim
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjSasKeEUs
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z9U13D8rV
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFvD1kb94t
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQbZ8x4Pa
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE7hJRGYq3
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYXD2jiuJR
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1wiKPclJc
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK158itlAhG
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ2CrPbOSx
"What if she reveals the truth?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLflSR2XaZ
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDd7Lyq37Z
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0bEEG1Gna
For a moment, silence hung over them.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3fgEhMhZD
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT95S58ziDf
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NDsyZ9nnw
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirJl0WsbQQ
"I801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStBOwrgcfY
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyJH2Wlpwo
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5XOuU6RgL
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pkUaN9ExD
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rjy6UKgpD
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQijOoVDBqN
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzTaiYxMSI
***801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlObcOkmWgU
The801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReKehfbvIM
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjS2FZnMM2
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx0Ib90XfN
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh8P5qQMUk
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAYhYVHS5j
they met, they seemed sky blue.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZftRBd5fs8
And801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg4gbRM9ZT
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLGVRFWbbM
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdDqUUG9Jg
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85k4OGe69i
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYazSoFQxT
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHKmJHfhui
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ko33SBT4W
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdHSiRoYS4
coffee table in the middle.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9WlsLux4y
When801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvru4rWK7R
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV6IcMwPNF
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslsiMBoiiG
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sGonpHB7k
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90xT2Dw6ka
"Are you sure?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxvO9oj1nE
"Yes, I'm positive."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKXKvl84TL
Miss801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFzI0FlBzO
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzmqco1Daw
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzjRlRLUF5
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurMvSGVwWm
from their cups.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8FloETErG
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi2FiEtOJB
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQLTHgy9a1
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgsGP21rEu
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWlfUDf5U6
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7IlRIc7IE
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpY3vnGuRY
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ACrtR2u0h
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s0FDrbHGR
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgo6BgtITH
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2ICWNKC7V
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUVCZU2O6H
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiFT5ITiZQ
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4VMdPNItB
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj66NSiLCQ
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqK1PuWLIB
"Oh,801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP02QycjtXy
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoWt3ubVt9
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfICuTKTV6I
who he is."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuEZ8ff0lv
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk0YF0Ek4t
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn3jlbHVXy
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrREFwgRSzY
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vPcD47ugt
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4tBJxM8gJ
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxatnBdIYG
Rhénee801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8klwW3zlV
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXHUE84JDd
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NOnpQFrUR
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy9CqrFTSj
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WaSfhQZED
"Fine,801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe7JfFNTIe
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAosBkS1Ua
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOX3UCAkrB
or die if you stay by me."801Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPrxOhwVwW
