The news about the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyDP34cf6s
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQcrUa09h8
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82Tygqk7Mk
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs7SQu23YO
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWN2cXUX50
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsDOIlv2vL
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlToWuylYB
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I92oECnTE
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3phytWVIbE
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2zUrSx9NR
There was more to it 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rKgRDs6D2
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKffW7K93Ln
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqHDU2buAe
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiCHa3bRFL
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7TYaaQqa8
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8ABhOl5H9
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBSZTMcvEx
except from a few individuals. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJpA1fZlLm
And apparently, one of 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWJb3ZWn9M
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JNI8QRHE5
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6PLMQ4xpB
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q9uH8xpLL
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTVDouPXye
really going on, all hell would break loose.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYvToZchfi
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7PB436M9o
Rhénee dropped the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgae16NVmT0
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEzNDZBDyZ
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmNlV34lxI
ear, she took a sip of coffee.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXrjA6SzxR
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjgPSLI5TJ
"Ya, its crazy here," 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPMlKrJyli
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8ifnA3BJO
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3CLtJLN8V
broken in."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuuGsOdXqw
"If only they knew."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT2PdfCI6q
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjIxFgsbi3
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvDvXnOHZx
"She did. I had to make 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeOAlS7X40
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaXoXVLS8z
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV5Fw8NtI3
"I doubt if she believed that."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXSrDUNlrf
"Haha, looks like you 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ9E9cJu9e
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5YaBeRYkl
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTC2cU4EN2
"True. But we did. I 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgFtegh73f
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCtYDSiwuB
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweQ919qybQ
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF1gsf5n3e
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFZ4QWxfbv
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eSRVh3HgU
"Okay, bye."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSTOCo0frh
"Bye."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0lHxvXrUg
Rhénee cuts the call and800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwISweB7G9q
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdYKrWvweW
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdoYdwcriq
wink last night.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOlwe0jH8e
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvDGalcUcb
"I wasn't going to 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCakVZBpUO
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUkuMBij2F
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6fB28SceB
"You don't have to 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4HXmbYIht
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG1pb4QG00
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtG13NXLnS
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIcTRKT1rZ
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL47KXu8ijt
"Why Malcom?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoeGyv8uA9
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCRutNXgVm
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8qmylnRid
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GU6pA4sMt
"Alright, you go ahead."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uX7OrywSI
Miss Griselda gave 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZJrjN5WiO
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dasld3JPZ
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUC7KyDvaD
did when they talked about Malcom. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQCuihKcnu
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gMhzRYhU0
The sound of her phone 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30LFWyhuYT
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1ui6cZcq4
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fqQtoijx4
mother.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFADdsibpVv
"Hello?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3I5yPbcPP
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCAxk7jJwu
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJli2OQJRe
That voice. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m6uTmQIQF
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstFRKLNSKS
"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?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTlg2lVJeK
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb7BwRUN9N
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVfg8KbgkF
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis24EP5Jd6
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF09Ytu9Kh8
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOh7NFPN8F
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD4ghcwRvz
"You don't know me, 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTeVerIHJC
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVkudn3AYp
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLIOTv4ulh
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNhAbqD4sI
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrrvYwh8lm
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV1p1sDII4
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynT6ATDVNz
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DXjjYK8rB
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNGR04hvv
"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?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEO3NRIM9a
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOvT9dfOtf
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9eym8z7v0
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KVvtb74fS
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdBnHgHefP
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUndrjk2koS
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFpdisrnB8
"Oh, and by the way, 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99eIJ64KQm
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdY8Y8V7D2
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQkzzMLdxP
this time around."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODvtT2Lefm
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQbquTWsET
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4SILeUMEy
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG9tWtqi0t
Rhénee sat down on the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN2BSs5SUx
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidXrzBNDs1
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkoFMqz5WH
the others, who know what might happen. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKQXumiG9Q
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB0cSclRH9
***800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdU4jS8LoM
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e09xi7e3J
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4ZxYIDlO0
"But she isn't hurt right?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKdk7fXDxt
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7pJRHJQNa
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADtSBHqpQs
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z2FwJdkAr
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJszY36D1kR
"Nah.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoWj4GSn5R
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB8Yfgragh
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnb5edhLd4
"Thats800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipQtwB2qZy
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1aNeAX5Dp
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPplCKBEUJC
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxCP1L3TVy
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zEb19AB6o
"Alright."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAmHU6B04s
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. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvPGRA8uYY
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XEwNrbGzt
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMqfxgNv4r
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIDKCVbgJz
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK97mGTm79
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTg65Irrh
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefhLTF3i5Y
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXHjZrpOf2
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhLLRkfceq
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhuQhjAq8d
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL8s44yc8N
"Does it bother you?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wLye3o9J4
"Um... not really. But.... um."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCYpqkKdl7
Eugene800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDngThFAZq
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkptfqSPln
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxNPjz7Y8M
"Mum, are you okay?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYAhWFWQOI
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSjwTr9T4I
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr1XYTA8Jx
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3g2RDq87i
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALZU9okQMP
Mrs800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhnUS9UWkb
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkqY6Y9nqQ
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8WhKwQJ4M
had talked about Rhénee?800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN1heDbYYD
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEdj4DmcBK
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIWX3eFMvF
***800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk75zaQCCY5
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5VIINB7oW
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlpg7xaSss
"You better rest though. You still look tired."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxFoYg9ThU
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoAsuHdO24
"No, I'll do it."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmNsoJpuLK
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz9E6LSXum
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TQXxDV39a
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01430ZjcCA
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUPKzn4M80
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGlZTB9gZv
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoErHciVEGS
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77OwfcfB0o
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTQypfALEk
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmsjqDsxL9
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQzTxKLUjd
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G4Poq3aGH
"Thank800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgrYoLF60A
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsRVNqp7Fe
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzCU43vuuA
"Well, yes. I still think I would."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW83fBIsqiY
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw6IPkBI1W
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXCKeypQKJ
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SDjuBG3St
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qK7uMJ9AZ
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylGwFpr9Mx
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqZFW3ueNQ
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhol4sXePhN
"Coffee will be lovely."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsEXWHZ1ph
Miss800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQyYESGknr
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAao22OU7jn
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xk9CQZpBM
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ657gWIuy8S
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVMj1OPKhZ
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB7WiTKncS
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeny1iVhZv1
"What mysterious person?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oPhN6XInj
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrVeuGBRB4
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGWmtm2nur
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqesBdPzD5r
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7ckwWxg6i
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpZOlxtRka
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkMHMelduI
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTaLNu7IIL
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkI7jP5nI4
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfhQLcqPPx
The800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dk4X00K7q
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oDNdHEFqR
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmbllXvfsH
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2S2wzYzXr
of this.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv2Y4xWVj8
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F5hEXv0PB
"I...800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIiN2pIqAm
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QweeHRaX5
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrjzKFYFvQ
frustration. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9IqXPtnFo
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspfdqhgPmz
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DEZ2YqCUc
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9BdyW2UH
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsti7O3oTJ7
cups on the tray and wondered. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JKnwJ4RhC
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xBTYbXpof
800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaG093197J
As800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUkEInN2bB
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDbROIwxKu
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIYpVXSfVU
reminder kept ringing in her head.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W6ShXsloI
"And tell your friends not to get involved."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mZ58HPK3Q
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeVXzCoAo7
"I800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjgTxvHa7I
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NMkTAgcGt
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDL7DixD3E
talking about, Rhénee?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WzV7pM6Ls
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PFTAjAct8
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1dqNQog38
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtoQ529rVB
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSswcl6tL8u
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3qMb6Biz3
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgmLFj57wc
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOq0wqNFhl
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNUtDzR2zQ
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdTKmpbuUC
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMBHsUC4L8
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cp8T0NIB4
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCHks0mOmo
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIjuHTGkaA
***800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y55WBg8jQ
Sweat800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn8df8iGqo
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLipu7MBMj
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfPcFviiSl
the person waiting never likes to wait.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHpA4624DA
He800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaceEmZ4lCz
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaxROGkKdo
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8dk1rydhR
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIfS9dHJbk
second.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjobjOkJ0
He800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNHt42konr
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcOgSHapSZ
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkDIQb1wqa
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0lAQgoY0Y
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMwtw9jbiD
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iqTRjNbme
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdFRtt0vEV
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM3BCFBldK
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxIoIEXYJS
"You're late, again."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA94Kp1bLU2
His800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpvymV3AuS
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnYF4z3Ryw
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CVjuAkAzy
lion door knob. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmhdhqMPfy
He800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02C5uplu9
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgROR02m8eM
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIQ8Qonvkh
"What800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ3LLY5x0b
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvn12Rj80q
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4i6uJZCz7
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1aHquWkC5
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwBBjPbhTe
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3voKKrTX6
A800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUORkWFVsa
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoVs0to2GZ
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR2vSZuKa3
as they had their backs towards the window.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSZF5Wr0WA
"You know we need him," said the tall man.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gv9dFGl5M
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEXmLf3Voz
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDF5DJ8c40
The800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6th0JGQdbc
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydSQySxr90
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQmzg5CyzG
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn054wmU3fL
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGiCLBwbkI
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGfTYCl0hH
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GtDxDjCzw
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo4pmPFQIl
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd1Pu9YGAx
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE93TFtava
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIIAq4SLLh
"What if she reveals the truth?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nkhYXZf8g
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOUXAm5HKw
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKztnvqTwmx
For a moment, silence hung over them.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekTBmYbvG9
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGgKeE2R1G
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLYZPVAHdv
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOofBb3W5JS
"I800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZZIvmLwVu
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOidxWvk5D4
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7NCZuxYTv
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gVYYsZbac
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFXtxhMt60
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrq8p4gcrL
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rPcbSdswp
***800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOBu6WBRbX
The800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUsaUeLKCW
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8J05k7vuU
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCVa3DgXW7
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS7n0tOd39
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboEfucARdp
they met, they seemed sky blue.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuxhEOITs2
And800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjcj5hXeOY
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspzq9K8g8U
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkjQWc3wez
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpaY9vLM2o
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoRxgark2H
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZMZgSiFGK
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8YhKydwnw
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42wKrPTfhe
coffee table in the middle.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttOwHPUFtI
When800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTZY0tpZGA
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMjPtuc2qb
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZLMHzpfeq
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g761BzTt5
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypGK60Orij
"Are you sure?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NQhPUvyQi
"Yes, I'm positive."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF4IYAucno
Miss800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YqY1Y0k51
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkC1ohrsZ8
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMTUdsrkI2
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqNosImWXA
from their cups.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqBXm9vqb2
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPgGXEpArI
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtplmRDl2QQ
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztISrllAIk
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRJIqMWRgj
"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.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY0tLDTfCq
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhIm4NhJQn
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5eJWfrkVX
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed4Z3YQBCF
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp03G6zfHd
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XsE5gwljb
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7mlMGj5sf
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnFng1XX8M
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMRhHL0B50
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mLkZIXmko
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI3dy4N7bb
"Oh,800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDKMG9BWkM
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zFPWysJmg
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9RykNfbMz
who he is."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0knUAdhhp
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbJq2cq9Sr
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsU60QJDZN
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0SMglEm96
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMgZ7oyKkL
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKkCcN6ZAh
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCrziC8v88
Rhénee800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nMTDgoiht
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vaj97fXJe
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hjvS0rzYu
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ919uAbP4ln
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqZiLN8ISu
"Fine,800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrtaUMvKm0
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4sBE4vGUE
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJxB9xlgS9
or die if you stay by me."800Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3l0rgzARv
