Greta gasped as she looked at her phone. She found many missed calls from her mother, not to mention texts as well, asking if she was still at Rhénee's house. She must be worried sick about us, Greta thought.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c3jslhvlA
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94s6Dxobmc
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHiALVqFZw
Her eyes flew to the back of Malcom’s head, and she wondered how she was going to tell him. Instead, she heard him say:378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby0eYEdGbG
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcT1BouCEC
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGhknlfqh8
"What is it, Greta?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNfswQ03P2
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq2XLMeO2v
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVi3tzjnk7
Her mouth fell agape. "How did you know that I wanted to tell you something?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRUc25ymR4
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXsfHwfMlE
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZrjDlnE1r
"You're looking at your phone, and I can only imagine that our mother has been trying to get in contact with us."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc15QFJ4ZFP
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4mlDnKhZs
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2udSdkqZr
"Well, you guessed right."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2FKqBHu47
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOLXvnMT6F
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBJEnS5NNs
"Oh, dear," said Miss Griselda, who sat in between Rhénee and Greta in the backseat. "She must be worried sick. And what if anything had happened to you with the stunt that you pulled back there?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH2piRtWVe
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlghX32Im7Z
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSP9U3v7L7
"We were going to figure something out," said Rhénee.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilWUT9ye6g
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9idj8tUFK
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOJOH8nAHP
Miss Griselda scoffed. "You sound just like your grandmother."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyr5yIsFzw
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLeZ0LSyGl
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybc5ughLa9
Rhénee raised an eyebrow as she looked at Miss Griselda. The cat that sat on her lap raised its head.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkGQL59rbz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYUBMzABPQ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG51m19jsN
"Well, let's be grateful that everything worked according to plan," said Kevin.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbWYpIjTTr
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCoxHYO8pB
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2YAV81hlc
Miss Griselda didn't say anything as she folded her arms. Rhénee could only imagine how upset she is.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWahn3SqjWy
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctCchkhtvO
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OWIRwy080
"You better give her a call, Greta," Malcom told his sister. "You come up with a lie that will convince her why you didn't pick up."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fdc4KPqOG
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sG0NorYoQ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5UKVllnPE
"Really? My lies aren't that convincing, you know?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTxYNqVY6F
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuwTuPBaOs
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQCRBVk43L
"It was when you explained the reason why I had to have my shirt changed. Just do it, and quickly."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeLALMK6wl
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIcgjFG4rc
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLp9tu5fvt
"Okay, okay. You're putting me under more pressure than she does."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBTXF01jVh
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc6i0Qmo0s
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRbJAjCwaZ
Greta made a few taps on her phone and placed it close to her ear. The ringing tone came through, and immediately her mother picked up on the other end.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNOyatGffZ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93cduBB0Gz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GdOsxS4Jh
"Hello, Greta?" Mrs. Derrand's hurried voice came through the speaker. "Thank goodness. I was really worried about you."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIduKdPO3t
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDsfoNuUCO
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpkpniX5GK
"I'm fine, mum. I had left the phone in the living room and went to Rhénee's room to check something out. You know, girl stuff."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSriDPls3FS
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm2ZDDK0qH
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjrmt3CL7d
"And what of your brother? I've been trying to reach him too."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jfjKgtVWi
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F5RTh3xBJ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR4u84t7F1
"Uh... I left him to check out the study. Rhénee must be with him now since we came down from her room together."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M2tiOcjXw
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3xG20dSTC
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsojw50s0nm
"I thought of the worst when you didn’t pick up my calls. I told you not to stay out too long."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ubr1IMTjW
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7kzW6ddBU
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wzEj1RIvA
"We know. We got a little carried away. Sorry about that."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtsM8f45rA
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTU4PYNW6F
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ZC0vDTZ3
"Are you coming home now?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjR8azJdrq
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u37dydbnO
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlGOzUvU8G
Greta noticed her brother raise his hand to grab her attention while at the same time shaking his head. It looks like he heard.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEjZDKU5Gv
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHkgb2QVL0
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXuD9ZTAvk
"Uh, we were wondering if we could stay for a little longer. You know, just to keep Rhénee company. And plus, she's really fun to be around."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8eUH9pvDu
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJq7WBve2B
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqneDzJn71H
Greta heard her mother mutter in frustration. "Fine. Will you want us to save your supper for when you return?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqwC9vue5b
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6vDvE0XBI
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASsqlByRkX
"No, Miss Griselda already made us something, as she insisted that we stay for supper. I bet that's why we've taken so long."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklPrVQNwQe
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZWF9mjCCH
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PVopmryD7
"Alright. But be safe. I'll wait up for you."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0uSniYtwS
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCGHjA4t5K
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7HEQYrX4c
"No, mum, you don't need to..." Greta heard the cracking sound on the line and knew her mother had hung up. She let out a sigh of relief.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72x3cX7U4Z
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNjIHdM1sv
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51RTvFHTES
"You see. You've become a very good liar in just one day," said Malcom.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79tBlF24dI
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdqsWjFWVi
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU1WDMw66h
Greta rolled her eyes. "If only she knew what's really going on. Why can't we leave immediately after dropping off the others? Mum might start getting suspicious."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyUGOk9o3P
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwppOGD0NJ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1XDd4Sx39
"Have you already forgotten that we have someone in the trunk?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr0AGAGsLz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjZb1oM7np
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Cm11XCte
"There's someone in the trunk?" Miss Griselda asked because she couldn't believe what she was hearing.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMMrAQnXbU
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIdrsPa0iY
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBPvlY0B6p
"I didn't forget," said Kevin as he smiled at Malcom.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMAx3h47dV
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkUAU2UkZv
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcPWmeCafZ
"Who's in the trunk?" Miss Griselda asked as she gave Rhénee and Greta a stern look.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1ugZk97hp
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyEzV0DdQa
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1MRww52Z2
"Don't ask me. Rhénee said that we take him with us," said Greta.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPy9TXagT0
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTYeMIPUWL
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeackhbgbzH
"He has the answers to who we faced on the bridge and why," said Rhénee. "Or do you mind telling us?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeadtsgmYSp
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmTeXDrmur
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsQfJsb9Hc
"Me?" Miss Griselda asked, now looking cornered. "What makes you think I know?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEF6ryN6VU
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptgRaQKsPz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr2ZfnwaPL
"Because the same people we met at the bridge are the same people who left the finger in your bathroom with that note and set up a trap for us at Mr. Cowell's place. Something tells me you know who they are."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28Q1jXcrVi
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwIHpXVmSh
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitE0LmFQ2X
"I don't know what you're talking about, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda. "I can assure you that I don't know who was at that bridge. The only person I knew there was Mr. Cowell."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePDTc73cnm
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ocp6AUUbg
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtFwsjpem0
"Then it's a good thing that we've got someone in the trunk who can help us."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjIffSd9Aj
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvzyFqpR48
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZuaOFDeBs
"And where do you expect to keep him?" Miss Griselda asked, knowing fully well the answer to that question.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkdiJ95hDm
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOzEn6pyoz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTVxpz9xvT
"Our basement, of course," Rhénee answered without a care in the world.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaUYpp1EvY
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOY4F5QHjT
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgMelEpw4N
"If we do that, they might come to your place," said Kevin. "They will know we have him."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS2spWe41n
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVVVWOggf6
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lODHgc2F7
"Well, why can't we just kill him after everything's done?" Greta asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DxBBzcmQC
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ46nmcr4g7
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoXM35gvWS
Miss Griselda shook her head. "You are all talking about killing like it's a game."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ488TvRkC7J
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HRybVcPOB
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU13FdfBrH4
"They started it," said Rhénee. "I just want to know what's going on. And the man in the boot holds some answers."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9yZW2Aki1
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Mp8Yql4F
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKquv4xAbPb
"And what if he doesn't give you what you want? What then?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bg02gYEW6
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7drTbQD9J
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7je55BgDi
That's a good question, and everyone knew that. They have to find a way to make him talk. But then the hard part follows. What will they do to him afterwards?378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8vqsbJRXO
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVS3W5JkPD
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNjjLDruoo
"We'll figure it out," said Malcom. "Rhénee isn't alone in this."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXAlfkN4Pw
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejxe5OqidS
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZRAnDbvNE
"You know, when Emelda told you to protect Rhénee, it didn't mean kidnapping people," Miss Griselda scorned.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuE49cRcaF
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2Gu6EOi8Q
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lY9moUNSL
"Just like Rhénee put it, these people started it. And it's not like the late Emelda left us a list of people who might do Rhénee harm. I'll take care of the man in the trunk if that's okay with everyone."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0b3PRkv3W
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFrtIqDSkT
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mfe6wG5vS
"Malcom, you don't have to-" Rhénee started to say something but was quickly interrupted.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOd5L3Dn6t
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nS82rsXvW
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuGQiWmuAd
"Don't try and convince me, Rhénee." Malcom looked at her through the corner of his eye. "Besides, I owe you for earlier. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQz65NrdON
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ReahPUxZ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WWRc30Q4s
Rhénee continued to look at Malcom and didn't know what to say. She felt terrible that she had to drag him into this mess.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsoeb6kavQ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93Wgvjq1cq
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa6CgpFViW
She looked out the window, and it was then that she realized that they were finally approaching her house. They had all been arguing with Miss Griselda that she had lost track of where they were.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedKtbVuIr1
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSgrWO2yMp
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDTMOPKE1R
"Home sweet home," she muttered to herself. She has had a long day.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyM22U3xwk
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDJy90Gq3A
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mfbAfdhTg
Malcom drove the car to the front gate, and Kevin got out of the car to open it and got back into the car. The car drove to the front of the house, bypassing the fountain.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBWiGhvuM3
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ZhHDtuSZ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DSi3iWZPw
Rhénee was the first to come out after Malcom killed the engine, and Miss Griselda followed after her. Greta and Kevin came out next. Rhénee had Sophie in her arms, and the cat jumped to the ground soon afterwards, heading to the front door of the house.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMAQgbJutL
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sPwhj764K
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGzKWIXDF1
"Well, we need to get the man out," said Rhénee as she went to the trunk. Malcom had already opened it from inside the car.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhvVoA0teI
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ffIcwXU4
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwAIxC79oX
Kevin joined her, and when Rhénee opened it, the man still lay there. She checked to see if he was breathing. He still is.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFawG1cL9R
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9kwbZnnDY
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQU44AQSqy
"Malcom and I will carry him into the house," said Kevin. "You can open the door for us."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0NDj82I9h
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoavBA0bYXZ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eb1AgscBI
Rhénee gave him a nod and went towards the house. She found Sophie by the doorstep, looking eagerly up at the door as if waiting for someone to open it. Rhénee stopped as she noticed lights in the living room. Strange. She knows she left the place dark before leaving with Miss Griselda to Mr. Cowell's.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vw7IWQWjn
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt5jPT7jip
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTC08daHz0
She quickly pulled out her gun, tucked behind her trousers. The others behind her saw.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fAV2JzMnh
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngdZcfxKPr
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpxlMSxHRh
"What is it, Rhénee?" Miss Griselda asked, sounding terrified.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVczLg0xVb
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDuKbymbju
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjAkfRWDOd
"Stay here," Rhénee warned. "Someone is in the house."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zHhcvPC8w
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGY5Snpfdl
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2uLMXmiYL
Miss Griselda gasped, and Greta, who stood close to her, held her shoulder. Malcom quickly came to join Rhénee, also pulling out his gun.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwa5xNI7NI
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xir7lgvHg
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoYpcLhMo6
"Are you sure someone is in there?" he asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7oPpH7jQC
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnDnlYaJ0d
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUQxrTcNXh
"We left the lights off when we left," Rhénee replied, staring blankly at the front door. "Someone is in there. I'm sure of it."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPCc8xnPeo
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY00UFdzFk
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7BNe3nixW
"I'll lead the way."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAQlD4BIYm
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7ihs2iXqO
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1gZh5AL3E
"No," Rhénee said, holding Malcom’s shoulder. "I'll go."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6yvc7jLoz
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUMRkyTaLF
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsLgif0NKX
Before Malcom could protest, Rhénee silently and swiftly went for the front door, opening it without making much of a sound as she turned the door knob. She paused as she slowly opened the door to look into the foyer. Strange. She and Miss Griselda had left the door locked. The person in the house came in through the front. But how, and without breaking the door open?378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEF8yuXF4I
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOb5mYogQw
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjZlwkYbgB
She didn’t have time to think about that. Right now, she has whoever it is to take care of. Ask questions later. She swung the door open and silently stepped into the foyer, with Malcom coming in behind her.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXg9yT2vHR
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemKqe8GE8H
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM5AXztaWv
The hall is partially dark, except for the lights coming in through the living room to their left. Rhénee turned to Malcom and pointed towards the open entrance to the living room. She leaned against the wall, and with her gun raised, she slowly and quietly walked. Malcom slowly came behind her. So far, they heard no movement coming from the living room, but they had to be careful.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZhl0Ra7TP
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As soon as they reached the entrance, they stopped. Rhénee turned to Malcom and jerked her head, signalling to him that she would go in first. Malcom didn't seem to like the idea, but in the position they were in, now wasn't the time to argue.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9yUi2j1e4
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Rhénee took a deep breath and quickly swung herself with her arms outstretched, looking into the living room. Malcom was supposed to follow after her, but the expression on her face made him think otherwise.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpBGSvNLsN
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"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked, still with her gun pointed at whoever it was in the room.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVGS9emDJS
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"Well, that's a nice way to greet your lawyer," said Mr. Sinclair, seated on one of the chairs with his arms folded and his leg crossed over the other.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipvQfhESIy
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Malcom stepped out of the shadows and found Mr. Sinclair smiling at Rhénee. He didn't seem at all fazed that she was holding a gun and pointing it straight at him.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9vWQyr7ij
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"What are you doing here, Mr. Sinclair?" Malcom asked this time around.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwPvikvdwT
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Sinclair looked at Malcom with an eyebrow raised. "I should be asking you the same question," he said. "Is your paranoid mother okay with you staying out so late?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o1KlpMgX8
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Rhénee slowly dropped her arms. "You also have another set of keys to the house?" she asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFqB5AZUdl
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Sinclair smiled at her. "I do. I came to check up on you but found the place deserted. Tell me, did you guys go on some trip?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn5Az7zPXu
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Rhénee couldn’t help but feel there was sarcasm in his voice. It was then that she realized that there was another person in the corner of the room.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLFPVcTUWR
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"Who is he?" Rhénee asked, her eyes looking straight at the stranger.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nq6ry8wci
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"A good friend of your late grandmother," Sinclair answered. "Please, bring the others in. They must be wondering what's going on."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HlrrisDYk
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Malcom turned to Rhénee. She gave a nod without looking at him, and he quickly stepped out of the living room. Sophie had finally appeared in the living room, behind Rhénee, and went behind one of the sofas.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNgINzo8cq
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Sinclair and Rhénee continued to look at each other. He had an amused smile on his face, and she had a rather serious one. Rhénee couldn’t help but feel that after this encounter, their relationship was bound to take an unexpected turn.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NZtvGYWx1
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"You don't seem surprised that I'm holding a gun, Mr. Sinclair," said Rhénee.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5ygd11Zm7
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Sinclair adjusted in his seat as he answered, "I'm not."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg4WlTup33
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Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows, showing her displeasure. What is he really doing here? she wondered. Rhénee knew it was more than just checking up on her. Could he have known what's been going on?378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamMuLgTMsk
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"Are you serious?" Rhénee could hear Miss Griselda in the foyer, along with a set of footsteps.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktJqIiQhC3
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"You can see for yourself," said Malcom.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzgfF429Fn
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Miss Griselda came into the living room with Greta beside her and gasped upon seeing Mr. Sinclair, who smiled at her. Her eyes soon turned to the person in the brown coat standing in the corner of the room. She looked at him as though she had seen a ghost.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLJ3ZFox9i
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"Long time no see, Griselda," came the breathy voice of the man in the corner.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuBcF84w0b
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Rhénee turned to look at Miss Griselda. "You know him?" she asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MaDS99F4o
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"Yes," Miss Griselda answered as she briefly gave Rhénee a look before turning her eyes back to the man in the corner. "He was also a very good friend of your grandmother."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yD3RmHO49
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"So I've been told." Rhénee looked at Mr. Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hG3tduJYx
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"Please sit down, all of you," said Mr. Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRCF6yb0jN
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Miss Griselda and Greta looked at each other before complying. Kevin and Malcom, who still stood behind Rhénee, hesitated for a bit before making their way to the chairs. Rhénee, alongside the man in the corner, remained standing.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6AsBMEuei
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"Aren't you going to sit, Rhénee?" Sinclair asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3u21RY3Mx
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"You already know what happened tonight, don't you?" Rhénee asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiQ4dqYkML
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Those who were seated looked at Mr. Sinclair, looking a little surprised. Greta's mouth fell open.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxdq9YOMJF
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"Of course," he answered, giving a curt nod of his head.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TGm5EeFRi
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"That means you've always known what's been going on?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrr2Yb6xFC
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"I don't think so. It's why I'm here."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJQL5uOfJ7
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Rhénee wasn’t going to give Sinclair the satisfaction of looking confused. Tucking her gun away behind her trousers, she walked over to where Miss Griselda sat alongside Greta. Opposite them sat Malcom and Kevin. All eyes were on Sinclair as the room fell into a moment of silence.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6PuPQMONS
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Sinclair cleared his throat before asking, "Would anyone mind telling me where you all were?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopFRBJpK59
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"We aren’t children for you to be asking us such a question," Rhénee pointed out.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFDwEa5kH2
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"No, you aren’t. But it’s now late, and I find it strange to find Greta, Kevin, and Malcom here."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84Y7QAokog
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Malcom is the first to speak after a moment of silence: "We were out in the woods."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKzDjJ2jVM
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Sinclair raised an eyebrow, but Rhénee could see right through him and sucked at her teeth loudly, grabbing everyone’s attention, including the man who stood in the corner.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bBPE4SoEU
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"Rhénee, please calm down," said Miss Griselda as she laid a hand on Rhénee’s knee.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUHbW49J7f
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"Let’s stop all of this nonsense," said Rhénee, throwing daggers at Sinclair with her eyes, completely ignoring Miss Griselda. "Don’t try to act like a concerned guardian when you already know what’s going on."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIRkXASON6
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"As much as I am your lawyer—you might not like to hear this—I am responsible for you."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wuPtJMp5v
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"If you’re responsible for me, wouldn’t you at least have given me a heads-up before I came here that I was going to go through all this hell?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDKJemoK7z
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Sinclair put up a smug smile. "What hell?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AwKSBTCAA
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Rhénee did her best not to roll her eyes. "If you aren't going to act like the ‘concerned guardian,’ I’ll be leaving."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAk34CzBE5
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Rhénee stood, and before she could even turn around, Sinclair asked, "Then how many more people are you going to kill?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQMZOrWDMq
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"Then you do know," Rhénee said, throwing him a similar smug smile. "You do know who is doing this, don’t you?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Iz86dblD
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"It depends."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth4kBeCaOJ
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"On what?" Rhénee folded her arms.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyu4F57lJ6
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"On you telling me why you were out in the woods and whatever has been going on."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWQlgCZEBC
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Rhénee scoffed, shaking her head. "You asked me how many more people I will have to kill. My answer is, until I get to the bottom of what’s going on. So until then, whoever points a gun at me or the people I care about will receive the same treatment."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm6zRlWA3S
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Rhénee turned around, and before she could find herself in the hall, Sinclair muttered, "you’re just like your grandmother. Hold on, Rhénee."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrvbKsN1VB
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Rhénee stopped. "Are we going to be serious about this or not?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJBqWOAkDQ
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"I know there was a shootout by the bridge tonight that you and your whole crew here," Sinclair said, looking at the other three seated, "instigated. What I don’t know is what it was all about."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx3Hxng8C8
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"You know about that?" Greta asked, surprised.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuUnoXNACw
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"I have eyes and ears." Sinclair smiled at her.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc6A3mipJD
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"I’m guessing he told you." Kevin’s eyes flew to the man in the coat.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUmwbham8S
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"He just happened to be nearby when he heard the ruckus."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlIC3jOOad
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"Wait, if he was there, how did he find himself here before us?" Rhénee asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvmtlq8mbA
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"Trust me, I have no idea how he does his magic tricks. It’s annoying at first, but you’ll get used to it. He has stayed here long enough to know all the shortest routes possible."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBxyabcKjl
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Rhénee looked at the man in the corner, and she could feel his dark eyes on her. The heavy brown coat with its collar reaching up to his face and the hat over his head made his face impossible to see. There was no hiding that he’s African American. He also wore heavy black gumboots. Lucky for him, he didn’t leave dirt stains on the carpet. If he did, Miss Griselda was going to have a hard time cleaning them out.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacwJC85fmH
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"So are you going to tell me why there was a shootout?" Sinclair asked, bringing Rhénee back from her thoughts.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPsFfGyCK9
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"If we do, would you tell us why all this is happening and who is after me?" Rhénee asked, turning to face Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wEmP4QOCM
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"Yes, but only what I think is relevant. Now, would you kindly sit down?" Sinclair gestured to the empty space she had occupied earlier beside Miss Griselda.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jYVwYql6Z
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Rhénee clicked her tongue. Relevant isn’t good enough, but she knew this exchange of information might prove to be a little helpful. That is, if Sinclair complies.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz60yfXLCG
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She obliged slowly. As she went back to her seat, she felt uneasy. She now started to wonder what her lawyer could know. He was close to Emelda, and Rhénee felt he knew a lot more than she thought.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2UX55RDzp
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"So, anyone mind telling me?" Sinclair asked as he looked at each one seated.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHypgvurxz
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Kevin went on to explain how he had passed by Mr. Cowell’s to check up on him since he didn’t show up for work. He also had to explain about the finger that they found in Miss Griselda’s bathroom and how they had thought it was Mr. Cowell’s. From there, Miss Griselda jumped in and explained the phone call she and Rhénee got from Kevin and how they got to Mr. Cowell’s house. As much as Rhénee didn’t want to pitch in, she explained what went on in the house and how she managed to take down the man they found there. She didn’t forget to mention that they still have him lying unconscious in the trunk. Sinclair couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI3uker9Lz
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"I did it so that I could get the truth out of him," Rhénee pointed out when she noticed the look he gave her.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKZL3u0ADR
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"I’m not saying anything on that one," Sinclair said. "Please continue." Rhénee almost hissed at him.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjCMLXJ72m
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Malcom and Greta took it from there, explaining what happened afterwards in the woods. Sinclair listened with a smile on his face. Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows as she felt he was taking all of this in for fun.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcynSX4E2a2
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"We better take that man out of that trunk," Sinclair suggested.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MMw8ZQd6L
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"I agree," said Miss Griselda. Rhénee couldn’t help but wonder why she answered so quickly.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRg7GC1SfK
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"Kevin, let's go get him," said Malcom.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLtWkMTOMr
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"Once you get him out of there, put him in this man's car," said Sinclair, pointing to the man in the corner.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9v4cQ9V9N
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"You came with a car?" Greta asked. "We saw no car in the driveway."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DMWyEnJmz
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"And why put him in his car?" Rhénee asked. "I need to question him first."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR25tfFIYe
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Sinclair turned to Greta and said, "to answer your question, I parked it outside the premises." Then he gave Rhénee a look. "I know that you need to question him."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKaqr8Oi3T
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"Then why aren’t you letting me?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0x1ueVpik
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"Because you’ll be wasting your time, trust me," Sinclair said, turning to the man on his left. "You can do likewise."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnwlB0LV4g
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The man in the corner grunted in response and started to make his way out. Rhénee watched him go around the chairs to lead the way outside. Malcom and Kevin followed him.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r9CNL5qb3
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"Aren’t you now going to tell me what’s going on?" Rhénee asked after the others had left.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxpFllSumB
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"I will. But not now." Sinclair quickly stood from his seat as he adjusted the glasses on his face.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC9dOJdVgT
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"No fair," Rhénee quickly said, standing in front of him. "We had a deal."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJaQOW6Fau
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"A deal, yes. And I will deliver my part tomorrow."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ua9xZk9Pt
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyHSE6mDTk
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"No. I want you to say it right here and now."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3D3hAyPeu
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Miss Griselda, with a worried look on her face, also stood and held Rhénee's shoulder. "Rhénee, calm down. Mr. Sinclair knows what he’s doing. Let’s wait for tomorrow."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz7zaYMvEF
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"If you haven’t noticed, Rhénee, it’s pretty late, and your friends have to go back to their respective homes," said Sinclair. He turned to Greta. "I’m surprised your mother isn’t here yet."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM1yRNRgWW
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"I called her and told her not to worry," Greta answered as she slowly stood, looking nervously at Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1oEHeopOI
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"Good." He turned to Rhénee. "Don’t worry, I’ll keep my end of the bargain and tell you all you need to know. After hearing your story, something tells me you’ve been through a lot already."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi3QPfXNT0
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Rhénee didn’t argue there. And the worst part is that even if they hadn’t told him what happened during the daytime, Rhénee had a funny feeling he already knew.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcnkBloq2F
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"What are you going to do to the man in the trunk?" Rhénee asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn8gvM7Hlj
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"He’ll be well taken care of. I also have to question him."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7xE6OGo3r
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03W3WV7LOp
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"And you think you’ll make him talk?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VvWGWFpKV
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsVppNxCEd
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"The man I came with has mad skills at making people talk."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaqDYMtpQY
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"You aren’t talking to children, Mr. Sinclair." Rhénee folded her arms, annoyed. "Just say you’re going to torture him."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57UNd2m1co
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Sinclair smiled. "No, you aren’t kids. Doing what you did today proves that."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcT8l6cbjl
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He started to make his way out of the living room when he stopped and said, "Oh, and we better talk about the cottage incident too."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt1s2qH7Gt
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Miss Griselda and Greta looked like they were about to faint as they looked at Sinclair, who hadn't even turned to face them. Rhénee wasn’t moved in the slightest.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkKyfeY1CG
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Sinclair smiled and continued his way out of the house. He knew he didn't manage to impress or frighten Rhénee. Not when she was a lot like someone he knew.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMlb3xUKoj
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENlO7L5Hqt
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After Sinclair walked out through the front door, Rhénee turned to Greta.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveR7BHspHh
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"I think it’s about time you and Malcom got back home," she said. "Your mum might have bought the story that you stayed here for too long, but we can’t make her more worried than she already is."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWY88t2tRi
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"You’re right," said Greta. "But can I get a bite to eat first? I told her that we ate here, and after all that drama, I’m starving."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaMBvlHW6i
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"Of course, we had something left over from supper and some apple pie," said Miss Griselda as she took hold of Greta’s arm and started to lead her to the kitchen. "You all must be hungry. Oh, Rhénee, tell the boys to come over to the kitchen once they get back. They’re probably hungry too."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4x3WbjJha
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"Will do," said Rhénee.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z0kKtZDbO
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Greta and Miss Griselda disappeared behind the door of the kitchen, while Rhénee stood in between the living room and the foyer. She turned to the open front door. Malcom and Kevin weren’t going to be back anytime soon. Carrying a dead body is a big deal.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ8vU2qvKx
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Turning and facing the living room, she went over to the seat Sinclair had sat on and sat down, replaying everything that had happened when they got into the house. She never expected to find her late grandmother’s lawyer here. Being one of Emelda’s closest allies, there’s no doubt that he knew what'd been going on. And he even mentioned the cottage. Could he really know where all this is coming from? Including the necklace?378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4ZxNxqrca
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Speaking of the necklace, she started to wonder what connection it has to all this. Could it be that the man whom she speaks to over the phone is the one who gave it to her grandmother? If he did, why bother connecting it to the cottage?378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF8beRyLti
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She sighed and rubbed her forehead, which started to ache. She thought that thinking would only make it worse. She has no choice but to trust Sinclair and hope that he will tell her what she needs to know.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsAvNwgbZr
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"Hey, are you okay?" Kevin asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eu53t8SOb
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378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmMNzRnfJm
Rhénee looked up to see Kevin looking at her from the entrance of the living room. She hadn’t heard him come in, and she soon heard the sound of the front door closing and footsteps approaching. Malcom appeared behind Kevin, and just like his comrade, they all looked very tired.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzNtDRT8Yr
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"It’s nothing," Rhénee said as she slowly stood. "Miss Griselda wants you in the kitchen. She fears that you might be hungry. Greta is there."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdSUJfkMmp
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"And what about you?" Malcom asked. 378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPzM60Lv2T
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"I might grab a slice of apple pie," she said, putting up a smile. "I’m hungry all over again." She knew if she refused, the two of them would carry her to the kitchen if they had to.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSH3o3I5Fy
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"Well, we did have quite a day," said Malcom. "I’m starving too."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF4k55ikTK
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Rhénee slowly made her way to the kitchen, with Kevin close behind her. It was then that she realized just how tired she's been, as she felt her legs about to give in. But she pushed herself forward nonetheless.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXyyuFbwYW
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***378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tU0UaeZ9E
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Miguel fumbled with his keys as he tried to open the door. His head hurt like hell, and his vision blurred a little after the hard hit he took to the head. Whatever had happened tonight at the bridge was a disaster. When the whole fiasco had ended and the enemy had soon fled, his boss finally came through, and like anyone would expect, he was not happy to be waking up to see one of his cars being burned to a crisp.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdDAe0ilZk
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After finding what he hoped might be the right key, Miguel slotted it into the keyhole and turned it. He heard the lock click and was thankful that the door opened. He entered the dark, quiet house, trying his best not to knock anything over in the small foyer as he closed the door behind him. Likewise, he turned on the lights and started to make his way to the stairs. Just as he was bypassing the living room, he stopped in his tracks. There was someone there, seated on the couch.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd79FG49lZ
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He stopped and went back up a little. The living room lights are off, but the lights from the foyer make out someone sitting on his grandmother’s seat. He reached for the switch on the wall of the living room and was surprised to see his grandmother staring back at him in her heavy brown coat.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstmF7B2aBL
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"Why are you up this late, grandma?" Miguel asked, looking at her with a surprised look on his face. "You almost scared me there."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5bSFQJosV
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"I couldn’t sleep," Miss Marie answered him, "we have a visitor."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7gWZg0zLd
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"A visitor? Who?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PXl5gRvXb
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Miguel followed Miss Marie’s eyes, and his jaw dropped. Seated on the other side of the living room couch is his best friend, Eugene, looking at him with discontent.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGsKP0nIAs
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"Eugene, what are you doing here?" Miguel asked.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kUkMZg8Xs
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"I came here to see you," Eugene answered, his stare now deadly. "But would you mind telling me where you have been?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0SbVztuxb
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***378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hkOvggesF
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378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQSAC3fDxN
Sinclair looked down at the man tied up in the boot. He closed the lid afterwards and turned to the man in the heavy coat beside him. They stood outside the gates of Rhenee’s house. The trees and the darkness of the night hid them from sight. From afar, unless someone was approaching the car with headlights, you wouldn’t spot them until you came close enough.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMIBfmjsUZ
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"I thought you were going to introduce yourself to Rhénee back there," said Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4JKNBEMoI
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"It wasn’t necessary," the man answered. "Besides, there will be time for that later."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefuN9xSW9U
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Sinclair looked at the closed lid. "Or is it that she reminds you of Emelda?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ6WnoQq95
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The man grunted. "Does it matter? The girl has spirit, that’s for sure. People might say she inherited her attitude from her father."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKvLcQkfkK
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"Well, that’s because they never knew Emelda. Rhénee might be like her father, but she’s passionate and caring like her grandmother. The three of them all share one similar trait, though."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHNyk5gSHx
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vkkyDD5Bu
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"Stubbornness?"378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rBjdb3fWQ
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Sinclair smiled. You've got that right."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVCbCI6Y8E
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"What do you want me to do with him?" the man asked, looking at the closed trunk.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5iTLoIYhG
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"Get any information out of him, then dump him."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcXD6k4J29
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"You weren't going to let Rhénee interrogate him, were you?" The man raised an eyebrow at Sinclair.378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0CqehKDTO
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Sinclair scoffed. "Not in a million years."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNxdEEiUc7
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The man gave a nod of the head. "Good call. I wouldn't want her to find out too much. The less she knows, the better."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXXzuqQJFZ
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiACkdfCMX
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"We're only doing this for her protection. Once I find out what's going on, I'll contact you. We've got to deal with this mess quickly."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsOKpU46lh
378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrh5jQm0j0
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"You got it."378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwut2IWa17
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378Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUac5uCYYv
Sinclair parted ways as he went to his black Lamborghini parked behind the man’s car. The man went over to the driver’s seat of his car and switched on the engine, bringing the headlights on. Sinclair also did the same behind him. The man drove away straight down the road, while Sinclair turned the car the other way around and drove in the opposite direction.
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