The news about the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXDbP1jHiu
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i0wexJeFP
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ETbEM9mYj
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk8lYyKE2D
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AsKBfV5js
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloOWa1MrSI
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniVObqUYdW
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA5qKdemVT
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kxV0HAkOP
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0D6AGB1a6
There was more to it 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuapEvFbIRU
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW7mcths7A
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoLAcZ1YX1
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsY2yNmeyT
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XqRZiVfh1
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVi7xEn6HV
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrmFNHdEmp
except from a few individuals. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp334ei3S3J
And apparently, one of 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYTMPWTXgh
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2d0SBPYhv
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3Smax0s5j
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy6uyPhsaI
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec2LgvHxDg
really going on, all hell would break loose.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlef9kmgnzZ
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOjAWQj9eh
Rhénee dropped the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkOpWli7rx
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mfgiOun21
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoNkG4PVLT
ear, she took a sip of coffee.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGhVZKSrIz
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe0zS0uZZ7
"Ya, its crazy here," 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPchAowf0Jb
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7rMNno9un
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9Q5xDdAoJ
broken in."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSRZq9AvuV
"If only they knew."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCDtRfj3Tm
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7th9DbtacX
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXn4PPMxnX
"She did. I had to make 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIg17Ggiyt
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRTKXnBljG
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaI9gwTI9e
"I doubt if she believed that."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUroyAsTryw
"Haha, looks like you 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QDs73Ku8Q
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasEjPsxFHp
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPZcidgAkq
"True. But we did. I 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGohk44OBJN
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e7Ql567Gc
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTmGvWsRfV
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr6GAO12uX
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDYKVaQPoG
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdu9uIcNF5
"Okay, bye."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhyM6Jz2Mn
"Bye."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdPdHy2Hoe
Rhénee cuts the call and844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0n9NofxUM
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nvVHMVAiH
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA1Us6Pcfl
wink last night.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jy3GM1agb
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqcrEZL5n4
"I wasn't going to 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdRO8Gmk2u
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmlqj1lj71
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IHjWVOpdy
"You don't have to 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3ghFPhIXK
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtI0UJF49f
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErWzYZeB2w
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cJWgIauj5
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrMTEBaJOJ
"Why Malcom?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnF13s1bZs
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve0uORBngO
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGaCKSkKef
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu0KU7umSi
"Alright, you go ahead."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK9UhqUYmB
Miss Griselda gave 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe1OLt1Pqk
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuc5kCAK5C
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9blbjOSNTS
did when they talked about Malcom. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWMF64OhFd
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W6FWwuHPQ
The sound of her phone 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeBLAEwQo7
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyOGjLBHdw
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmpDAlO1u1
mother.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVeHh7bS4t
"Hello?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW0M08ZB9v
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpIREizhju
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsE737dv13
That voice. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRr6zhtBk1
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo641wgXtSG
"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?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtwl0YlraJ
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhiLygppXa
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T28GiXs0O
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtH76RQy3qC
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTWTYRQsUC
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6WTTaDJla
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcprL0hB1se
"You don't know me, 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1H1gkwS7H
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ylqQTGfI
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B3Hke92kP
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvvs16TL7Y
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrNkMeC9qu
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUJlATKAH7
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4nQ1CIVIz
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AM4ZFH2jI
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhj5OD1eaz
"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?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1raJqetrX
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXQBHXqiSB
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlNX8ka0WW
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGgZRn7Tvu
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKNzGKU2Se
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYAHwJrR3r
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN4iTyrKvS
"Oh, and by the way, 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOh3h423Z8
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJK6XGEpFK
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9KSi2jnzK
this time around."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtmbnj2Ghz
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1a2fk5TJI
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvR6vKvOZo
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLktFYHIVsH
Rhénee sat down on the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXwHt7ML4r
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGjMDUt5Cz
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k8TQ2IrCt
the others, who know what might happen. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LZ4PTIfRa
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryCTByaQyG
***844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nIzs9Lf43
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfylALNHj5
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvsaMvriY8
"But she isn't hurt right?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI4boDdxS7
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7yiA8Dw0R
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JGgGRGTds
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07fLdSq2dQ
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxQ5rNSLoh
"Nah.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4abhGmbmN
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXx6hcRyLF
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ7lbVBy5W
"Thats844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T6ceIwoLm
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn0H8aFlkx
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdQGYsjyT7
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VRpYswn4u
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNW4ePXx5o
"Alright."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkvtDbp88V
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. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKCZask35S
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AyEOf8DOU
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZnGoM1eKc
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMY83GwZlU
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMosjmV0hoF
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MRVWl8mtD
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFZwUjohP0
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUQyAxUBff
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj2A5NROeY
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NAiHWFvwx
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfRFIEMEaH
"Does it bother you?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5vc3sgymx
"Um... not really. But.... um."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGgmfH4ndI
Eugene844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlZ201SeTx
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYZ8ZxULzW
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJfBMATJSV
"Mum, are you okay?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUST4hU8XiY
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9SLb8C8tP
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eVTN9VLD7
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpZzw6pwDb
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHEVskMPXR
Mrs844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFba10DlL5
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAXAUI40E0
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1GcI1kjVP
had talked about Rhénee?844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrEq66RGE
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujwAhYBkRd
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuizUeSLaoN
***844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArI9zdiCZd
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZgrB6dMjO
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKv9xxxFFn
"You better rest though. You still look tired."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2GzP125hu
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9TmpSjwVa
"No, I'll do it."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAvejvbXoW
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ3Eg7yknb
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QSKZj8sy7
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQrtHTDqIz
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KNFe4MHjC
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ8fyiidas
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ004tiYK5Ko
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yqp2SIc2G
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZUrawlVQK
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ed7mWcHcN
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSkLkzAJvL
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5WwRcNtMY
"Thank844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzD7Fvz64D
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk89unCkGKT
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9rqgq9MCy
"Well, yes. I still think I would."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oWXGBTT2M
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkjdou3wFI
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgNeE0Aflx
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0rQ3nQxt0
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY01d51juc1
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxqbjyT2RR
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tQZBupjaI
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwUADrJoFS
"Coffee will be lovely."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC6kk97GA5
Miss844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECguEK0b9j
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB3zBHlFe3
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj0JE30muE
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1NbBfsUie
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBsbmTEtpn
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ2d7aBE1a
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNsPtgy7d9
"What mysterious person?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkecs8HiBor
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDembARJub
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqeJAINvN7
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWTrkjGgAA
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOfm5xc6ss
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetU6damsqM
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8eLsp0Kfj
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbxDf6CE2N
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LoQlPb8JU
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpqKxe2hHJ
The844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQjdbUCz6R
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXchkTIjnV4
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEHmXFTBNJ
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEClMxStSS
of this.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXLo9Vccm2
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUZnU0PODL
"I...844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRu2KoFeIM
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbFAUMZ2HQ
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ9EJ77yzo
frustration. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNifLLEzUl
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aHk0syFb8
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ581tT8MPi
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNvytMSUnD
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZAr2LxDmE
cups on the tray and wondered. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdabk1NX7x
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvGzPwbb3p
844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQuS1E2LgL
As844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGXjLAHsP3
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL5M5MLQri
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlaAhjrl9V
reminder kept ringing in her head.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiufm7j18E
"And tell your friends not to get involved."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gTJMZKNPP
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSeG4A0Gp5
"I844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqsB8WE1oL
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVoHcr75P8
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SVQpx0lbB
talking about, Rhénee?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGK4Mkb4r4
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDyzwnp0RD
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOTyx4PyeT
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbGkFiMUDN
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG8NCDQDOW
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8347KKyF9
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTvN7qsUqm
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KXWs91mpU
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr2bwj96n7
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvIMwfVVLk
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfs0TL0x7A
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrD64G9A7h
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFsKEzwulr
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdpWyzy11c
***844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtahEUDsGP
Sweat844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUSAWhiNll
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2rgqvV9P7
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6J5TSL1S8
the person waiting never likes to wait.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5v8yNsZ6k
He844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw8np0y1fa
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm2s2o5DrT
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykcWbQzUel
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8fKs02PP0
second.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAdYQklnN3
He844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EvwQJxL14
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNErBMt1IEJ
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsJNAUvvwa
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY9Jr5D7Wi
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXxg87IIQI
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pL9fmnFu4
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx8O2gHW33
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nynSBw2dN
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IzhCKTxoy
"You're late, again."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKewQPus2uP
His844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9FwkKZ7oi
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMq4IcU42R
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjrFtiiwPL
lion door knob. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oyTAuEYFi
He844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVMLb1Es5h
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EvAdmbyX5
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSOYV5jnVp
"What844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOa9FqeGyu
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU7WwMeoq7
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kuQllHvDD
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ULlAupdL7
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmXa2mjtv6
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9CAbtuF6j
A844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULjQ3WM01Q
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AJG7li7SB
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGnReR1WQo
as they had their backs towards the window.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly8Lt6vXY8
"You know we need him," said the tall man.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaoNE4sTRr
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZkK7x0Dzp
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsPOiBwgsm
The844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5qKG1fKtQ
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoWiNCEmq4
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimAwWShCkR
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeS0IBRtH7
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LEhCA9hDd
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA67yad08uC
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugygXnO4Wu
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1AiGxrcCS
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahs0JujuQI
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxHTRYVwR9
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorSZ7fCN9v
"What if she reveals the truth?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4EGkwdPZl
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtB4htslUQ
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HJ706qTVj
For a moment, silence hung over them.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz7saBq4wG
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wo0gpZZT0
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxXt5JMvVF
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VHygVnnBr
"I844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeqnQbkK63
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXI1WPrvZ0
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcQcr2Lr19
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBywbBFizj
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdrsp98muC
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUKFQrrmgL
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROleqog1Jm
***844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1g2gadwrJ
The844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsaRfcgWtA
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OgF9HJKSf
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13ts2jWUdw
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5tEAoLJ2F
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP5iNkyksk
they met, they seemed sky blue.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9MNDtMcQr
And844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOJUgN04Nx
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh19N1LjKL
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLdlOfTtYo
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ6uPKUpid
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPoFXwcnf
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv8M9g6NSH
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgPboFZfdM
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsJpcJR9ct
coffee table in the middle.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9w4GmaLyR
When844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSa4vvU08z
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9iR0EBVAQ
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKTXveXQCf
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkxMzxvFxm
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjX0TGgZI2
"Are you sure?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF3zLBS8G0
"Yes, I'm positive."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpbCpmoX3h
Miss844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOmDoOtFOG
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eQ5rbzv9x
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKoi1K4uAa
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOtBLcRR9z
from their cups.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNljoi5Gzg
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuHyfuxJ6s
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Cyhk2Y72
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmW2dxWD4d
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSmtEyiyW7
"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.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigJwPr1ZLc
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpdYHJbIHW
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1rkkc6Um3
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAWUCwG1hm
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYEFZ7YrdR
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNhk2mjDkm
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgAni49CkC
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vrDbbYc3g
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXs4puQPfN
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujQ5wvJx37
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtw6qaxGnk
"Oh,844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL0sDHjOrA
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEinBphWuXB
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvW5P3t2GP
who he is."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmjjCRQJwY
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROmIzPYReI
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KgJGXLmR6
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VRvt43Xgg
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJEVkpm78d
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe37tvUuNCo
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYoR03iUeq
Rhénee844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SXSIwmt6r
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeqfkCZMR
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxoXEhDaSj
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MZ3SW9Wx3
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXZb4nVen6
"Fine,844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZmtHsfBIK
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZBFJkyyN6
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZhvpJDCdX
or die if you stay by me."844Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykU0dASw6m
