The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8OMU8zi3Z
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFCZXcCa8P
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9DyMDGCvY
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwplALzbqw
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJMYjLOyza
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKM7f1ZGsc
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsUj8sv79g
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDazgO45O3
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGT4EUIwT8
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft3poWAHIt
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyOpKyMMfW
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XAgSuljni
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRob7J0ausK
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZgNnXj8hr
"What kind of trouble?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLIzwAhLIH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LATapC5Ey
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSupbRUpYU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKroE67DdM3
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcTWH4GF84
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIPyTcoShH
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5xDvzAzhf
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFqO8psrHW
"That's good. She needs to rest."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa7RRYalyb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyrPNmT1gx
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbTV4LZBwG
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Ehu9rimn
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUbzP8owg2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8d1MvQVkE
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvjCEKxw2I
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrfLiYR7dO
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzLWTAywn0
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LhsNsha5u
"Ya, sure."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBGydzEOLC
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfjpXVlZ2Y
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMxYPpVnyw
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglTEdILGak
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDsnSRKYQz
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5sdGjf3y2
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJor5K6deLt
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp64UUl3hBx
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHibyOpfnLW
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JesoeW58V
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BhdbVn7qk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPW784C1BT
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtl77cl8fP
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1UiaugowP
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJijGXqXCt2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64yxoog2bQ
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp08MTzHoJw
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYEHiWThEP
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIovp4PNeR
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOolx7hqDQ
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIZ8OELs1D
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7F4MhZIm0
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtfBdj8wEA
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHgkR8BWeA
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJH930v6w2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWcLbrqSkV
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBslvQWAasj
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3GJqaUpvE
"What did you say?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULlP7ZycYP
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMgXFbab9m
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZHuxTltOf
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mzzu7lIo4
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhYfLtwBrm
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMX3l4R1cM
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmb1pfqsaW
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag40GKg5Vp
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fXXhycYkQ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopVORVXkHA
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EtYytN1SS
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkahjdSDU5
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqRKa7HhHR
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLfkRWkCkz
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmRxwX87jx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEz4PALLjW
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNsEyzPLks
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mGVj30OiO
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoHqaFUjgE
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39i1wZHAFV
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJvpGALFrH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOmoH88UvH
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHvveovWIM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG2gtKYwlF
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi7SJjFPrr
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMZhZfbwXq
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep1VBOUYm2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEVN7blHQH
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5e37Ynd69
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuUzDasXdK
***712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ILq48gEV
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMe4GiTK9L
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziR4bKCVkS
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCFA6l8G1P
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuqaWcpu5
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzsfBUFQls
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet4AnJXl11
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXlkY3OMFf
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIDJpcpoXk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxZPq5e8aF
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb9c74ZMJE
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksv2o1N1ZK
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPa3mrSVeL
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3uLrSH6CW
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKYsfLtPKW
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyooApMDtZ
She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FEB5oHaKT
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLA05Zzsfj
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEyT7H3A7t
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu8Z6a5mBT
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwUvzhl1Px
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbuoQoLwNp
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6st2ck5j7
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37wGvT9ust
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgBdbkannF
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz1lxQRPYJ
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUldtBiEa1
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq72YKwBL14
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzikX1CLqx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj7sHYkvHW
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp0MFoOygH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrZm6Iq23p
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xr0AEBY6n
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dMYTPIO37
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMyDF400bS
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ibmSzX7Pe
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV80Pjs8RNk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa358aFiqzN
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTxJrv7XEO
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyvP6yR8Ea
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrhc1u8e3I
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9oOBra8Q9
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhnCq5JYW0
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3raogWuXAm
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kHiAE908t
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDLtXZPcf8
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyiLyTcKDt
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9nrHt9mpT
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZIFFggAvN
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfojOKSGlJF
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCYsnlehrC
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSz4GFJdzI
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXEmXiQvzH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZUnDIKD14
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHKoXRX1KF
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoizPxTtrkU
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJnU4eFwv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBNiGQFVOa
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdtTOnEbQ2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbeceJJcGR
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1VT4u7O09
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdocLqaUggS
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcgML9O8rk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpXO9RZxJ0
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTZe6qTjEx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdzkjgnJnn
"Do you think she's killed before?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tAslK89ID
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GUEbaQ8Yf
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kcsl9tpa3
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpGipy8VvK
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIJMHgm1Ts
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk36rwGTBIT
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyRowswDn6
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMa1cdQysx
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjVnStMDSo
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7mAsROIxU
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkvmzUKPQk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGN9DQ05gI
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRuwVllu8a
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMgHe2k1Sa
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yAVPlKogl
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs7a08XyYi
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52qORWxBtI
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhsUyrqR94
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeYVxuHfso
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsfTTc7A7u
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEqy8UmDdI
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfjqIATWcU
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjIoalRfyA
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjldWMCfWM
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvftGnY3ws
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKobO7UWTe
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyeprEfY85
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DkXQf1SxM
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM5uwfinjH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKn4R3fFvW
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncrzcuSJV
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NMXKeJvK5
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWuMrmCFBH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxlEz15EBR
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PZPwbccS5
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3kHBFCkt6
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDwVAJklTy
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6TEc60AvR
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvCWOJ3rcC
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49YRvKaq7t
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBszeveHd5M
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ssq2jRJZa
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRQTvOrjQd
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCzu1hd7Tt
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFu3ZVdpW2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gibf6OQTF
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMIpZ7wBfg
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu8OlUCmo9
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRFoLtY3Qe
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYwu6KCNu8
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxz6AQK85A
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreSL8dS6OB
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEAy4DsVyM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwzDndft3M
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRcLmwcxVb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT7ngDfU4Q
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIBc6bjO87
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡberYbT6lB7
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloJeHdtU6u
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkspKp40SK
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM27Y4zAs2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpxdepJzNm
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxzYyv0Z2O
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLObvIWmmSc
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2CHq4kK8x
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehdmzBE1tu
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rkG38Hiqw
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbzxTp8Y7g
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP4FR9Ktfn
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNbHTqu82A
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DALP6deen
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkTHI97t4H
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvtOC3YzYZ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME24OLpqD6
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuflEF55BQ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcj9bt1WuE
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtGtUoE5x1
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXXkr11UjF
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlE78R6MQx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4L1ZY4uWN
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiit3AYlPX
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfyYTDfyGs
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDkFIueCPk
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLdXSqwX2Z
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P4afS535k
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fCoTm0FtX
"We will," said Kevin.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cD6N1Ae7s
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m2Qt3NkOK
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijQgCA6W16
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99tL2k16Bn
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa26XF2NMBF
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7emeuhxupC
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuCPMk23WV
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIynDZzT2H
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUh0Y9c4d0
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV82M1tqas
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw4VMwwEIY
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddcvTDLHxa
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I6dPkPCnp
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBlX6rOkvd
"Rhénee, wait!"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVydmX5TjOM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqxqQdzV2C
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTTElH6kAh
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qFH1dMU4L
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe25BGe2Hb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BZ1OivF3E
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLSdZjnsbp
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xqVVJnmVm
"I'm tired."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKBMzmVLl1
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVloYfMb2M
"Really? I don't think that's it."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8qSBXC3fU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpcQpkKV4C
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGYRohpATp
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAMb0HZa7Q
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV78ZpOUln
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAiSMZxvma
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfJE2rp9f5
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBedMZDeVn
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFanKr24QD
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HwP9jmyMI
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWbnIfxUPU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIUcEb4zG9
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI9eCBMrVi
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8u1DdzzWh
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYGFmogFGI
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI50qpJ8EIq
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt72BykWbPb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTx2CZ6hUd
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhDSdfNkQ9
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ut0G5cQ39
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelcAOk0jM5
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM42UOQe6L
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ78gI21Xb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt7hf0S5AE
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEwuGVQDbv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjaEftb1UT
"Good. Let's go."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3IAniikpM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTFMNrx6J8
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA50RM6MIq7
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ242vJGeUPo
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZzibiJhlR
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9mbjECQyO
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERqkoKD97f
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsBv5954rP
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWBHc7T2bI
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvZj6MfClR
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb6LSRhfRl
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOvHxDzQMh
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM7FJnQceP
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTsQRk0x1n
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrlLSO7X8M
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE0IaHCoPP
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhmzWiICiV
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYBwiHKPqU
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGvaUAgYp8
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkvW2sOPLu
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR6F4vZ789
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFgnCTwAmh
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbiqlHmz0o
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOp6eqjtIm
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fnnlgB1qa
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfs7fQgmkF
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxUlN2Qtz9
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgRDL52emS
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hFJQeaQPD
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6AcUlDznh
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GplfuQo5w
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6stCOdJHuI
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqm7ey8Ouh
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCJszTdadh
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2kLryrKq0
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cyTZh11s9
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCYPMfe2gm
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAps1K8WlK
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFRHT8e5sq
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sXiBEljH2
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ55AyaQc9
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FIuX1vQ7S
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPYwKBIAGr
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q7fdatWSh
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNon36asetz
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgFM6cwP6Q
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oxJOkTR3D
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqBif14Nhn
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TWeOrhy57
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb1DT1Sj1F
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSztGow8Ll
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NHAoirBfA
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunZTWXzhl7
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgertaPoT0w
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdeCxwTFIs
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG8kJu2mDj
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURpkRkBZij
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDIE9Yk9Bs
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5VBbE4Iut
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ730C4mCl66
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwBvelxzL2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclDqzsOjAP
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3PNBf8niM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBFicoUKXX
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf3QPdKae6
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXdaq73jFE
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiGp7VAb5L
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7SOuglq5F
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yCuUHp7co
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ULSwZLk8u
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZdDxq6ru3
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHJNQTqtVS
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT3NM6Tx21
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfuGJ4ekPu
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwldmnPnmX
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFBXK77LkT
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbcWOZsKXU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr3noVTsRe
***712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS33HSKT3ap
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8K3p70QCq
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYRMkFa8Ot
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMMQywzJHl
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw82Z9bAT9K
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktTgyvwS1f
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZkVxP65fm
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXiJCvLewc
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplQLp5p4Ao
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5LxAraqDn
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw255P6YduR
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKhd8E7MTA
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4THwcXqS1
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy8YGehWnA
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXFRbgIASH
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKebyPLXQNl
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYU3JE07cV
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ9bEZIVt5
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUah29PXug
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJOZMoylv
"Really?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic7JWiDPlr
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqn8UZhvjb
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8bTo3fviL
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiX7CS1v5i
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQMyG7tdph
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z4LQSrdR9
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y9QuqtkDv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGUEsp3GuT
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEDjOcqAYI
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIKva7QlMR
He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeHMSTm42R
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvVLEo8P73
Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fz65m30pJ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJV6VjeleN
He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RWhseepdl
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PvKoAIGcj
Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUO6CaNvte
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJAQ8f0eaT
Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gxzv0CA3p
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm842e0AnDm
He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlL6O8CB3w
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQMisWsvv0
"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4dp45M8Fx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4gXmpfNEB
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc53R6lvkQS
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolaoXvm4oa
"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXDhszkgBe
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDsKszfBhV
He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7oDHScFQJ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyTOd9SjPQ
"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxFOBO2LDA
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVn1IYkfHQ
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8J3MFQCpn
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9g4sM8eb7
Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3wx3MA7zU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9ktfs9juF
"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpO3Thb1Iq
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbkpDGmG5Z
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd0mklyoQX
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQk9Ss6KJ1
"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL52B0GRta4
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8hnF5A7ni
Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgPdzighOx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU90yl1PPj
Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC13e7jNJdv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ajlw6FTML
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7CIrj5MMJ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTr8SYmnGt
Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPnw0VtPlS
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kwZhwIgRE
"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oTt05IQIs
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfcbsAeKTQ
"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkucEhNZV7
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxorcBv3cB
Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelgdb7tQfe
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DDI9XhTjF
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TZEWsOiIv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY58qnBPnlO
"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsXd0zGoIt
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5tOKsi6DF
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUlmojXrF2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1wnZcX57x
Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB6VOkwdRx
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcQ1Dz00y1
Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawqnxeCvqZ
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnZT10k8l8
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEIeaaQE2N
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC3i2IGKJX
"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5dNFWba5k
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkg5W693cB
Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1H0qXavju
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShrqC45H8j
He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjRhZu2VBM
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZjX3n23yd
"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtzD9WcYv6
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWy6Ee29ac
Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rNgzct8y2
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJEXY1WThj
"Oh..., nothing really."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF142Xzcbt
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGa6zKhsld
"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqWSQYES29
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWzQpqS6jY
"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF7qMPIImp
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox5Gvwbslb
"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs9OyWOvu3
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLbWBR6gjJ
Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNmRzELmlz
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS97dFhZ1x
"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Roy8jXCh
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Z1YB556Y
"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjJVj70ljv
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5IlFiqh7u
Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05SohAWFcl
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPWc3dhGRh
"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61iC1wPnC0
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudnPTpxN1Z
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnLmqnrJqu
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnj5Ium1xQ
Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUf05F9TQ9
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6k5jxoAh1
Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlLe3qoN3L
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qvgopiZxE
He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkFbdtD3ve
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfdTlQck1f
Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KMU40SfS7
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDUMe6foiN
"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48J7SNGIwq
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbBvs4FAIF
A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqrOgSqDuW
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxTxU5Bl1Z
"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1cfnH7hKE
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx3fQ09JRg
"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0FAJenFXb
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmq51Ax7uJ
Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEE1xIAXhU
712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbnI0G1V2Q
"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.712Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1ushhvGRs
