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The sound of running feet woke Malcom up, and he couldn’t help but groan as he felt the sharp pain in his shoulder. He scoffed after he remembered the injury he sustained to the shoulder yesterday. So much has happened, he thought to himself. He turned around on his bed, grateful that he didn’t have to go to work today. A sudden knock on the door interrupted him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nHy7zjuOG
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He turned his head to look at the door and had a funny feeling that Greta stood behind it. He turned away again, but the knocking on the door became even louder. He had no choice but to let her in.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzWXF1q3rG
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The door flew open, and Greta, in her white pajamas, came in, closing the door behind her.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ81cFZnkjX
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"What is it?" Malcom pulled the covers over his face.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b22MpyWJG
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Greta huffed. "Wow, I have never seen you in the mood not to get out of bed," she said as she looked at her brother with her arms folded. "Is it because of the wound on your shoulder? I hope you're not coming down with a fever or something."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviV0XaChLl
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"No, Rhénee patched me up just fine, so I’m not even worried about an infection. I’m just tired, that’s all. Why are you here?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuNBYzgJFA
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Greta sat on her brother’s bed, and Malcom uncovered his face after seeing Greta on his bed. If he had the strength, he would’ve kicked her off of it. Now wasn’t a time for a fight. He really needed some sleep. So the sooner she leaves, the better.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPwzr9zsvV
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"I heard mum talking downstairs," she answered in a whisper. "Something about a shootout."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMvW0k7Vmj
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"Which one? Remember, we had quite a blast yesterday."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiicfT642dz
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"I know. I’m not sure. However, she sounded like she was talking to one of her people. I’m guessing it was that time when you went to get Rhénee from the forest."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJodkIhOXfi
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"Okay. What else did she say?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsHrijYgbP
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"She mentioned something about an injury and that someone died. Did you or Rhénee happen to shoot anyone in the forest?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYynZwQ6x6
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Malcom recalled shooting someone during the shootout and remembered that he only injured a man. "I only injured someone," he answered.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ6BZnbLBl
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"Don’t tell me you killed the other one?" Greta asked, looking horrified.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz8QnHtO88
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"No. Rhénee did. She shot him because he was going to kill me."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rwvuEH9N8
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"Wow! She is really something, huh? I now remember how she handed me a gun yesterday, like it was nothing. Is it possible that she must have undergone some training that we aren’t aware of?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ftgMrckGn
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"That’s the only explanation I could think of. When it came down to it yesterday, she was calm and cool. Even when she shot the guy at point blank range, she didn’t seem shaken."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK3gMk7w7O
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"You talk like you’re admiring her for her collectiveness and bravery. I wish I could be like that too. I hate to admit it, but yesterday she was so cool. I never knew she had it in her. She might be a rich kid who only wants to lay low, but she seems like a feisty tiger on the inside."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP6nv1aVd9
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Malcom rolled his eyes at her sister. "You sure have her figured out. I just wish she told us."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m0fSClTmi
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"She’ll tell us when she finds it fitting. I mean, if her life wasn’t in danger that time at the party, we pretty much wouldn’t have revealed to her just yet that we were out here protecting her."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3tMKZgBdA
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Malcom knew his sister was right. He couldn’t help but feel something heavy in his chest. Was it disappointment? Disappointment that Rhénee didn’t tell them about how well she could handle herself when it came to self-defense. A big part of him really wanted her to have told them a lot earlier.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFEcgKvFXH
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"Is that all you came to tell me?" Malcom asked.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj4mpEKTxf
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"Yeah," Greta answered. "Are we going to visit Rhénee today?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGK3feelrB
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"As much as I want to, I suggest we don’t go there for today. Mum will start to think something fishy is going on."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTk6ExgR0k
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"I don’t think so." Greta sat a little upright on the bed, almost bouncing. "She does want us to be close to Rhénee, doesn't she?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuQSJB6Hoo
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"So that she could harm her in some way. I know we have to stick to the plan, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. It already shows that Rhénee doesn’t need us all the time."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2fpgFAZEn
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"Yeah, I know she can defend herself and all that, but we still need to keep our promise, you know."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSmikskBW7
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Malcom gave a nod of his head, assuring his sister that he hadn’t forgotten. "We can go see her in the evening if you want," he said.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMLVHHSpZF
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"That will be great," said Greta, beaming with excitement. "I’ll text her to let her know."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07GMiwCPn4
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With that, Greta jumped off Malcom’s bed and quickly ran out of his room, careful enough to close the door behind her. Malcom couldn’t help but notice how excited she was just now. Greta is one person who has many friends, but he bet none of them ever thrilled her or got her excited like Rhénee did. Like Greta mentioned, Rhénee was cool, and she did so without even trying.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloXm1Ffb97
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Her bravery still fascinated Malcom as he continued to lay down in bed to think about it. She saved his life without hesitation, and when it came to saving Miss Griselda, she wasn’t afraid to reveal herself to the enemy. He always thought Rhénee was just like any ordinary person who needed protection, but he was wrong. She was different. Maybe the late Emelda would’ve known, or maybe she might have a feeling of who she could become. He wished if Emelda had known; she would’ve given him and the others a heads up. However, she was mysterious, so she definitely wouldn’t have.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PDAeUo8Rm
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He turned to look up at the ceiling and realized that he couldn’t stop thinking about Rhénee. The path he is on is a dangerous one, but the thought of Rhénee being on it made his heart get thrills like his sister did.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9m7Fkwdj2
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Mr. Sinclair walked into his office and found Rhénee seated facing his desk. Upon him opening the door, Rhénee turned to look at him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXPL1y5mjR
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"I see you’re doing fine," said Mr. Sinclair as he closed the door behind him and went for his desk. "For someone who had a pretty tough day."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87aGqGxAYG
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Knowing that Sinclair was making fun of her, Rhénee remembered her promise to Miss Griselda for now. "I’m good; how are you?" she greeted267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh9syEhaNy
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"Greater than you, I suppose." Mr. Sinclair sat down on his chair, pressing his jacket down as he did so. Rhénee felt she couldn’t hold her tongue any longer, but she still didn’t lash out.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb3OoMDNa0
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"Sorry for the delay," Sinclair apologized. "There was something I had to take care of."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBdmKkjmSS
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"Will we be leaving soon?" Rhénee asked.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9VeE8YA9y
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"Ah, yes. But before we go, I wanted to ask something."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX7Gtw0Mus
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Rhénee almost raised an eyebrow, but she didn’t as she tried her best to keep a straight face. "What is it?" she asked.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DEvLV9KDf
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"No one came by at the house to cause any trouble last night, did they?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pqwKmUUs
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"No," Rhénee replied at the same time, shaking her head. "Did you expect a shootout to take place at the house after what had happened?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31w0kdo8vp
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Sinclair shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe. But right now, no one is stupid enough to shoot at your house."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7ccjnqx5c
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"Why? I thought I was a target for whoever was out there."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mOiFoppO4
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Sinclair smirked. "You've got a lot to learn, my dear. We better get going. I booked us a place at a very fancy restaurant. You will love it."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaIJC4mDFF
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They both stood at the same time, and Sinclair gestured that Rhénee be the first to leave the room. Before she could take a step towards the door, she said:267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqsmjTjP4i
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"Before we leave, I have a question to ask you, Mr. Sinclair."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TRpPGzQl5
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"Oh?" Sinclair looked intrigued. "What is it?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU23YqdNqPJ
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"When I came here to your office, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on a conversation your secretary had with a certain employer. If I remember, his name is Eugene. Apparently, his father is in the hospital. Was his father in any way involved with the shooting that took place when I went to see the cottage?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXoM2mSAhp
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This made Sinclair raise an eyebrow. "How are you sure that he was one of those people?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkUCGg9WiU
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"Because it feels like it. You know what’s going on better than I do, so answer the question."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu0o0MF1Br
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"Mm, you’re a tough one as always."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLc131WQMc
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"I must have gotten it from my grandmother."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXhVcy8V5M
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"Since it was passed down to your father first, no doubt."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfji7D1k6tv
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"Aren't you going to answer the question?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAotmEmgPK
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"I will." Mr. Sinclair smiled at her. "And the answer is that the man in the hospital is none of your concern."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60QFuk3Q3n
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Rhénee rolled her eyes. "I thought the only reason we were meeting for lunch was to talk about what's going on. Here you are acting like a parent and telling me lies."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD4eoWvF7w
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"If you think about it a little harder, your late grandmother did put me in charge of not only your finances but somehow your life. So, yes. In any case, I'm more like your parent."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ZvlNcakY
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"I'm going to ask one more time, Mr. Sinclair," said Rhénee as she now folded her arms. "Is Eugene's father involved in all of this?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXVkP7WrHZ
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Mr. Sinclair opened his mouth to speak but closed it as he raised his eyebrow, wondering whether to answer the question. "We'll talk about this over lunch," he answered. "Shall we? We're going to be late, and I made a reservation for the place."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfNN0Dshjv
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Rhénee scoffed. She knew pestering was going to lead to a dead end, and she shouldn’t have tried to do so in the first place. She gave a nod of her head and started to make her way to the door without saying a word.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6LNpcxMVV
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Kevin quickly gulped down the orange juice served to him as he stood under the beach umbrella on the patio out back. Miss Griselda had settled under the umbrella, comfortably on the chair with Sophie the cat, sleeping soundly beside the chair.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXC9mhSmIV
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"Well, that hit the spot," said Kevin as he finished his glass. "Thank you, Miss Griselda."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldjUyaX9U7
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"No problem," she said with a smile on her face. "It’s getting a little hot these days. It’s good to hydrate more often."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg8dzeSWpN
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"I saw Rhénee drive off. Did she go see Mr. Sinclair?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXvVKVH2aa
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"Yes. They agreed to meet," said Miss Griselda. "They want to talk over what happened yesterday."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AbydA5Pkg
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"So much happened. When I think about the incident last night, I still can’t believe that Mr. Cowell was involved in all this the entire time."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs7IJchnFl
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"Explains why he managed to get that finger inside the house. He must have sneaked in through the back, and people from outside wouldn’t question him since he works here or used to work here."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RUJ5GtBva
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"True. I passed by his house this morning."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiLX4nM6Sb
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"You what? Did anyone see you?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdLlny9j9B
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"No. Since Malcom broke down the door, it might raise some questions, and the neighbors would think something was wrong and call the police. So I went over there and fixed it a little to make it look like nothing happened."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaPQtPo353
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"Strange." Miss Griselda now stood upright. "Mr. Cowell never came back to his house?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3y7SS9XNg
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"Well, after that shootout, do you think he survived?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh4MZU7BtQ
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Miss Griselda’s face soon went pale at the thought of Mr. Cowell dead. She started to shake her head.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlGOYW04mk
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"No," she said. "He can’t possibly be dead."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyAQoChWHR
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"Then he would’ve been home by the time I was fixing the door. Or he might be with his group, planning what to do next since they failed to capture Rhénee."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdyM8fdqT8
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"Will it be possible to go and check his house?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoPb6rVKke
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"Wait, you want to go now?" Kevin didn’t like the idea, and it could clearly show on his face.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp8Tt3lxMm
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"Maybe we will be able to catch him and ask why he did all this."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpgBzj4WwS
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Kevin sat on the chair opposite hers. "No offense, Miss Griselda. But that’s a terrible idea. And what’s the possibility that he won’t shoot us? It will even be worse if he isn’t alone."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgss6shnDj
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"I know. All I am saying is that I just hope he’s not dead or anything. That would be terrible."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SiDp9Ewfq
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"Miss Griselda, if Rhénee hadn’t rescued you last night, you would be dead right now. I wouldn’t feel so much remorse for Mr. Collins after what he has done."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdtM9XDgGd
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"So you preferred he was dead?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP4ul9Cl9A
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"I don’t wish death on anyone, but betraying us like that after all Emelda did for him is unforgiveable. You of all people should know that."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6KQfHizIj
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"All the more reason to ask him."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUEUS5Mpuz
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"Doing that will only get you killed. And if anything were to happen to you again, Rhénee wouldn’t be too happy about it."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5BNzZyHWu
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Miss Griselda raised an eyebrow at him. "You know she won’t be too happy with you that you let me go on my own. You’ll do anything to impress her, won’t you?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NoGjwcHdU
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"What? No, I wouldn’t." Kevin denied it, as he felt his cheeks start to heat up.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDtZfVp9FY
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Griselda smiled at him. "I see the way you look at her. You can’t hide from me, you know."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrgLQl68fx
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Kevin stood a little straighter. "I’ll be going back to work now. Please don’t even think of going to Mr. Cowell’s house, Miss Griselda."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9suv5BAmtu
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"I know my Rhénee, and I wouldn’t do anything to upset her. For your sake, of course."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5rRy8TjM2
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Kevin knew that Miss Griselda was making fun of him with that last statement, so he decided not to answer as he made his way back into the garden. Miss Griselda watched him go and sighed.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ173uKKO82l
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"A young love," she said to herself. She turned to look at Sophie, who was now wide-awake, watching Kevin walk away. "Do you think the two have a shot at being together, Sophie?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog3thzvJKL
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Sophie looked up at Miss Griselda and gave a low meow before laying its head back on the ground.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbtYYWzBAn
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"Until the danger is done," Miss Griselda said in an agreeable tone.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiXOReBXhJ
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***267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pJ5uOjOdv
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Rhénee and Mr. Sinclair had just walked out of the elevator and into the lobby when they saw Eugene standing outside the building through the glass doors. Rhénee couldn’t help but notice him a little more and realize that he had dark circles under his eyes. It must be due to his worry that his father’s in the hospital. She looked into his eyes, but there was no sign of remorse. Could something else have happened, she thought.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeow7vzwoW6
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Mr. Sinclair and Rhénee walked out through the front doors, approaching Eugene.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVOYNDLy9g
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"Going out for lunch, Eugene?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he stopped to talk with Eugene.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvG5MOcyli
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"Ah, yes," Eugene replied. "I’m just waiting for Preeta."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvT5bH8Hxl
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"You can take a day off, Eugene. With your father in the hospital, people are already wondering why you’re even out here working."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yHnd4FYZH
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"All people do is talk all the time, so I don’t mind." Eugene put up a weak smile.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZsX0NOnDx
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Rhénee stepped closer towards Eugene, which surprised him a little bit. He almost backed away but fought the urge to do so. He didn’t want to look weird in front of her.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZqRrNuqKQ
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"Sorry, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with the secretary earlier when I came," said Rhénee. "I’m so sorry to hear about your father, and I wish him a quick recovery."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZdNRwe3HS
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Eugene gave a nod of his head, and his weak smile grew a little wider. "Thank you, Miss Johnson," he said.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0keLR294rf
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"Call me Rhénee. As Mr. Sinclair said earlier, you shouldn’t be working right now. You look like you haven’t slept at all."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mdGGnhwej
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"Since you’re requesting it, I’ll take your advice, Rhénee."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y0zlsGjkK
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"We better be going now," said Mr. Sinclair, who watched them with interesting eyes. "I’ll see you later, Eugene."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5ApEWpvL8
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"Take care," said Rhénee as she started to follow Mr. Sinclair to his car.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIIqqLvyLd
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When they were out earshot, Mr. Sinclair couldn’t help but say, "Well, that was something."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0NJhCx8C4
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Rhénee raised an eyebrow at him as they approached his black Lamborghini. "You’re making fun of me," she said. "So I take it that his father was involved with the shooting that happened at the cottage?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WNeRDgOhD
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Mr. Sinclair didn’t say anything as he opened the door on the driver’s seat to get in. Rhénee rolled her eyes as she opened the door on the passenger side. She was more than convinced that she was right.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUrxVE3Nn6
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"Now that you know, are you going to send his father flowers?" Sinclair asked as soon as Rhénee closed the door.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgJj4A5lw9
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"If I do that, I won’t be able to get anything," Rhénee replied. "Someone like him who works for the enemy isn’t going to give me what I want."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8mPT9VElP
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"Do you have something in mind?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8IGkL7P5p
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Rhénee looked at Sinclair with a smirk. "If I tell you, then it won’t be fun."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1IUCBgS45
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"I’ll take that," said Sinclair as he started the engine of his car. "Just make sure that whatever you do won’t get you killed."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAVs3bJCDd
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"It’s already too late for that, don’t you think?" Rhénee raised an eyebrow at him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu2MKR5Ntf
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Mr. Sinclair shook his head as he chuckled. "You make this look like it’s nothing serious."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHikbGyBAvI
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"When you already know that you’ve got a target on your back, life becomes a whole lot more interesting."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamrG970Go2
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Sinclair didn’t say anything as he drove the car out of the premises. Eugene, who continued to stand outside, watched Mr. Sinclair’s drive-off. He had one last look at Rhénee as the car drove past him. The thought that the two of them had known each other since they were kids but now acted like strangers bothered him somehow. He thought after they met for the first time, she would be casual and maybe even try to get him to remember the old days, which he had clearly forgotten. Maybe, given the circumstances right now, she couldn’t bring up such a conversation.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieEPdO0trd
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"Hey, your head’s in the clouds," said Preeta, who now stood beside him, bringing him back to earth.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2eqPefXyD
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"Oh, yeah, sorry about that," he apologized.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAoLiLrBk8
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"Who is that I saw with Mr. Sinclair?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK1jYQNSmy
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"A client. The late Emelda's granddaughter, Rhénee."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f4glaEc3T
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"Oh, I heard she was in town. I would really like to meet her in person. How is she like?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6364Z0Cl45
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"She seems nice."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW0QokrSmd
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"Okay, we better get going. I’m starving."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHSLRdvo44
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Eugene agreed with her and followed Preeta to her car. In his head, he really hoped that he might have the chance to meet Rhénee under better circumstances.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCK14CJawn
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***267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9WLWEiL9m
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Mr. Cowell couldn't help but shiver violently as he just had a bucket of ice-cold water poured all over him. His gang members surrounded him, and each of them took turns beating him. They hadn’t tied him up, but they surrounded him in a circle, throwing punches and kicks. At some point, he had passed out, hence the pouring of water to wake him up. He tried to sit up when someone came over to grab him by the collar.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwHuyLgqks
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"Talk, Cowell," said the man. "You helped Rhénee defeat us in one fell swoop, didn’t you? Not to mention, you had the others killed to have Miss Griselda released."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3KH1ARZvZ
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Mr. Cowell could taste the metallic taste of blood in his mouth. His cheeks felt puffy, and he could already tell that his left eye was slowly closing up. God knows just how many bruises he had all over his body. He felt he might have a few broken ribs. He wondered when all of this was going to end. He told them repeatedly that he didn’t betray them. Rhénee escaped from the clutches of one of their members, who happened to be at Cowell’s house. Apparently, the news is that he wasn’t there. Everyone, including his boss, concluded that Rhénee must have killed him and carried his body elsewhere, where they wouldn’t find him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LNwRoekHU
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"I’m telling you for the hundredth time," said Mr. Cowell through broken teeth. "I didn’t help Rhénee. You saw what happened out there. She wasn’t alone. She came by with someone at the house, and they probably had some outside help."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu3isZgPtL
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In the dark and watching from across the room, sat their boss, seated on a chair with a lit cigarette in his hand. He held the back of his head where Rhénee had hit him to knock him unconscious. The fiasco last night was a complete disaster. It’s as if Rhénee knew what to expect, or was she just lucky? They had been questioning Mr. Cowell for hours now, and he still said he was innocent and that he didn’t help Rhénee. He knew Mr. Cowell wasn’t lying, but he let his men continue interrogating him just to pass time.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtAznOEZkZ
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The metallic door to the warehouse flew open, and there came an echoing sound of high heels on the concrete floor. Everyone paused and watched as their only female comrade, Mitchell, walked in with two other men behind her. Her dark brown hair fell in curls, and she wore a tight black dress with red-blood heels. She made her approach to the boss, ignoring the others.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDzrTwNhu8
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"Tell me you’ve brought good news," her boss barked when she got close.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEOPFXkZqj
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Mitchell scoffed. "Nothing I tell you will soothe your soul in the slightest," she answered. "We searched everywhere, and we still can’t find him. Whoever helped Rhénee take him out must have kept him well hidden, if not buried him six feet under."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOtzDsE5oB
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"And did you check the house like I told you to?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyFw1pFas0
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"We did. Mr. Cowell wasn’t lying when he said he made sure all the doors of the house were locked. The front door was busted open from the outside. She and her friend somehow managed to find the system jamming their phones. That’s how they were able to call for help. Apparently, we also found signs of a struggle in the house. It seems like Angus had to fight Rhénee and her friend before they managed to take him down."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzbiLv6xA7
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"Any sign that they killed him?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRd9ZlNZqz
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"Something tells me they only knocked him out. There wasn’t any blood except for the fake one Cowell used, found in the house."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglCZ0L9soF
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Her boss jumped up from his seat, kicking it behind him with such force that it hit the gray wall behind him, and one of its legs broke. Everyone, including those surrounding Mr. Cowell, turned to look at him. He was having his moods again.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aM53cZ7k7
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"Calm down," Mitchell said to him. "Getting angry won’t do you any good."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7r8mvLxg6
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"Then what do you want me to do? Capturing Miss Griselda and Rhénee was crucial. However, that girl somehow managed to break free of Angus to catch us off guard and rescue Miss Griselda. If we still had Miss Griselda, we would still have kept Rhénee at bay."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO5xqOQMEd
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His eyes turned to Mitchell, who looked blankly at him. He raised the hand that held his cigarette to point his finger at her.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YoHl2eRya
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"You shouldn’t have left Miss Griselda all alone, Mitchell," he said. "We wouldn’t be in this mess."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei9qKEb2oi
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"Oh, you’re always looking for someone to blame, don’t you, Richard?" Mitchell asked. "I’m sorry, but I came out of the car to get you under control. Who would’ve known that Rhénee was going to come with backup? If you ask me, she should be the one to blame because she knew where to attack us when we least expected it."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbfE7hjJPS
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"Who else was guarding the car?" Richard asked, his dark eyes staring back at her like a lion who was ready to attack anyone who opposed him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidMjzcPxuE
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"There was Miguel and Elliot," answered the African American who happened to be standing with his other comrades surrounding Mr. Cowell.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06dSxymTGp
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Mitchell turned to look at him. "Wasn’t Elliot found dead?" she asked. "Then what happened to Miguel?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc8yRag9Xt
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"No one has seen Miguel after the shooting," answered the African American. "It must be that he was scared out of his wits and fled. He can be a coward sometimes."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhsGImc00F
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"Or, he ran because he helped Rhénee and knew he would get caught," Richard said.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZz5doxAKW
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"Now you’re just assuming," said Mitchell as she turned to look at him. ‘"Like Peter said, Miguel must have fled." She looked back at Peter. "You should’ve reported this earlier when we got back."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGZkDnx2He
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"Sorry, ma’am," Peter apologized. "One thing I know for sure is that Miguel can’t betray us. He must have been scared of his wits and ran away."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkroPCMdYw
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"Well, we won’t know unless we hear from him," said Mitchell. "Bring him here. We would like to ask him some questions."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tHtdvhwcA
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"Yes, ma’am," said Peter, and he started to make his way to the door.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr4eZuGikw
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"Does this mean I’m in the clear now?" Mr. Cowell asked as he mourned in pain, hugging himself.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmLzp9kjvR
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"Let him go," Mitchell ordered. "We've got better things to deal with."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LNVMkycK7
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A mumbling came from those who took part in the beating as they started to disperse. Some made their way out of the warehouse, and some went to pack the weapons used last night. Two members went over to help Mr. Cowell to his feet and dragged him out of the warehouse to get him cleaned up.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8daV7PS3oE
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Mitchell turned to look at Richard, who still looked like he was a bomb just waiting to burst. She gestured to the two men she came with to leave them alone, which they did.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURXxrxDoAK
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"You really need to work on that temper of yours," said Mitchell as she folded her arms.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiauWMUkv2v
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"What do you expect me to do?" Richard asked, his breathing sounding rushed. "The granddaughter of that dead old hag has just brought us one step backwards. We’re running out of time."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtE0ciU62b
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"Well, her actions yesterday showed that she has some backbone. Approaching her isn’t going to be easy. We need a better approach."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeMAlReXCF
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"Have you come up with something already?’"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUvXSHljuW
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"Not yet. But I did say your plan at first wasn’t such a good idea, didn’t I?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvsd5zo3cC
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Richard took a smoke from his cigarette before saying, "Like you said, no one knew Rhénee was going to ambush us like she did. I wonder where she learned how to use a gun. I was never told she could."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvZlQd3aBL
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"Me either. But considering that she is Emelda’s granddaughter who happened to raise a son like Mr. Johnson, we shouldn’t be surprised."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4s2WnWQAc
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"Could he have trained his children just because of Emelda’s past? They cut ties with her years ago."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwW0KumB3v
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"Yes, he did because they are related. If it were up to me, I would train my kids so hard because anyone on any given day can come after them when I’m not looking. Even after cutting ties with his mother, Mr. Johnson was very wise to train them."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqkAGwQzfY
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"So, do you have any plans? You did say we had to change our approach."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V6Yt3HqPJ
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Mitchell smiled. "I’ll let you know by the end of the day. You go head home to take a shower."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9wB9HCaf9
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Before Mitchell could turn around, Richard held her arm to stop her. "And where are you going?" he asked.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CbDX2TISU
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"The others requested a report about the event last night. They won’t be impressed that your plan failed." Mitchell gave Richard a mocking smile.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbej7OHJ4qS
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Richard sucked his teeth in irritation. "If you come up with something, you should inform me right away."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZBAnOrjlA
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"Aye, aye, captain." Mitchell gave him a mocking hand salute as she started to make her way out of the warehouse.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJDY1JOSDs
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Richard watched Mitchell walk out. He put the cigarette on his lips to smoke. He looked around the dimly lit warehouse and admitted that he should get out of there and head straight home to take a shower. He threw the cigarette to the ground, crushing it with his shoe. He inserted his hands into the pockets of his trousers and started to make his way out of the warehouse.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G6lORFlVL
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As he walked, the event that took place last night played in his head. He could still see Rhénee with her gun pointed at him, as clear as day. That made him smile a little. Mitchell was right. Rhénee has grown a backbone. Who would’ve thought that the girl he knew, from when she couldn’t as much as hurt a fly, would transform into a beast like that?267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kuTRizjq7
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He shook his head. No matter, he told himself. Rhénee might have gotten away, but since he knows what he’s dealing with, she isn’t going to get away that easily.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNjsqTPxD3
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***267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo2s9s4f8M
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"Thank you," Rhénee said to the waiter, who led her and Mr. Sinclair to their reserved table.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wOYygRkFv
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Mr. Sinclair had taken Rhénee to an exquisite restaurant down town. It didn’t match the ones Rhénee knew of back home, but she didn’t expect to find one like this in Madison. The town might be small, but the place silently boasted of having such exquisite places as this restaurant.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVI1jY87Td
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Rhénee sat down in the chair the waiter had pulled out for her, and she thanked him again. Mr. Sinclair sat opposite her. The table was only meant for two, and the place was a good place to chat as there weren’t many people.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk1R4J1FAf
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"I see you chose a good place for us to chat," said Rhénee as she looked around.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ikPnnmuk2
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"Not many people come here during lunch hours," said Mr. Sinclair, also looking around. Rhénee noticed from the way he looked around that he was obviously looking at whoever was in the restaurant.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjckQKFPajT
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"Are you ready to take your order?" the waiter asked as he came over to their table.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5wARRB30m
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"Ah, not yet," Rhénee replied with a smile. "Mr. Sinclair?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W5Ai8gnVm
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"We’ll call once we’ve decided," said Mr. Sinclair. "But for now, I’ll have a glass of water."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QTIR8awWP
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"Same here."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjZyAQUFGN
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The waiter soon left them, and Rhénee picked up the menu beside her. Mr. Sinclair looked at her intently. He soon picked up the menu.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPSK8u6EvM
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"So what do you want to talk about?" Mr. Sinclair asked.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSHFSPVdnW
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"Everything," answered Rhénee, closing the menu and placing it back on the table. She had already decided on what she was ordering.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32agD95MZl
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"By everything, you mean...?" Mr. Sinclair still had his eyes on the menu.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RRYRlLlSo
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"I want to know why I’m being targeted and why it has everything to do with my grandmother."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKb5OhKX8K
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The waiter came back holding up a tray with two glasses of water, served them, and asked if they were ready to order. Rhénee said what she would be having, and so did Mr. Sinclair. The waiter left them again.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLRMcudB7I
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"Since you insist on knowing about your grandmother," said Mr. Sinclair, "you will not like what you’re about to hear."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNlXGQtFOg
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"I’m guessing it’s why my father decided to cut ties with her," she said as she looked at Mr. Sinclair. "I know my grandmother was no saint, like some people would like to portray, just so they wouldn’t hurt me. And you being her lawyer, I think you knew her better than anyone."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXNncEmu7C
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Mr. Sinclair smiled. "I’m impressed. You truly are her granddaughter."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5AtYK1Skf
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Rhénee folded her arms on the table. "Enough of the compliments," she said. "Tell me something that I don’t know."8964 copyright protection263ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXvKBgDvZ3 維尼

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