The news about the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5qXwromcR
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeUhu2xfTo
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwbZ2pWv1H
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEGttVNf38
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTL3qm5t5X
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgghXPRiyVJ
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0WqPnufgI
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfLLlGxQfd
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsJDIBavvF
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9cJDkHHeY
There was more to it 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IwGGSJ9w6
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTuc725za
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Odn3dQLnW
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVDm6D0B3o
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz43Mwc2R7
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt94zSjTC5
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDn7FMQosU
except from a few individuals. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtCd9IFCam
And apparently, one of 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOVI21nFi7
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QcpMNmG4M
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRjBQe84GD
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYLcsWbc3V
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ePaT3nOyI
really going on, all hell would break loose.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCpNG6s0wi
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINS0EQQHS2
Rhénee dropped the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkBR1GtjsB
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxAxI3KhXD
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixf37LL8Lw
ear, she took a sip of coffee.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbOiAitKRt
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYjxBanZoT
"Ya, its crazy here," 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq8hFjlCTV
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEmmYKbGUp
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9sOM7tBhd
broken in."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnbk5r378k
"If only they knew."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKEbYp89do
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSxGsdSac7
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7dVZJIbD7
"She did. I had to make 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxjJD3SHHb
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrk018tK5G
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwsj7LjooD
"I doubt if she believed that."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lN7BhDIcg
"Haha, looks like you 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqQ8cVtLWT
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUljZrm6SO
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJapyoPP7lN
"True. But we did. I 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGXSkfma1Q
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWXRAoqo05
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTljaTK2oVZ
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj8fobiMXF
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf7F0DmS92
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgGN98ieZa
"Okay, bye."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C8bn2IkMA
"Bye."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkHtd14VAv
Rhénee cuts the call and797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWLzgkH3iA
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqdzwPIoia
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAuanE7jDf
wink last night.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpXDXe37sb
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E4TGvi2lQ
"I wasn't going to 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUroXEJ99c
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJrJjFtRyK
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp91639sITx
"You don't have to 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTSpufmlKw
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsA4NxsPvT
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbulwJqfJO
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR5KADnD6X
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwU1Wnw2GQ
"Why Malcom?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoG9Pcjch2
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcSH0bnghc
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYMgrbQDX2
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe2cCiKgfe
"Alright, you go ahead."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1aEIXBor3
Miss Griselda gave 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qq9eLng2Y
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNggvtQm8B
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ICQPgWCt3
did when they talked about Malcom. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VUkHXB5Mn
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPOsbZRvkH
The sound of her phone 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5MztMm1ge
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi4cD0bAGD
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQhJjfxIc2
mother.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl75r4XgBz
"Hello?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJtcbJffvW
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF8hcAvz7l
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAW9Ss65Eo
That voice. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKGwGfwsfZ
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68PXDvBUs3
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcKzXA9lsu
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYuZGCLrNe
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WLPpB7Ph9
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVwNCUOSPt
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX4AAMU7T5
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcXge75JQ
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qLTzoUmm4
"You don't know me, 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFwszou8cp
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbXjetsXdF
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdCpWcwXiE
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoEhIhD7aP
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2mRfLFZwb
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfX5BykKyx
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtupezwWDt
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAkHT5BMXp
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pvoseExX5
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPZED6ernR
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWsvcvojfO
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nkYGZbQre
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmczWtKRUC
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTimrasXnw
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPJje8jyFC
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7nhJHqJwq
"Oh, and by the way, 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwaapC8LTB
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6w71RzA5j
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGyYRSjmac
this time around."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeaWGRiGip
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ml2hV4Fqv
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZAeGUkNeD
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvkjSVPmHb
Rhénee sat down on the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j7paQllir
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLHmJVvPYx
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1QoM3tqOd
the others, who know what might happen. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsEudC5HT0
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9AjJRiHYj
***797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwealXnLHq
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KYVphW11q
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwpXrjliTU
"But she isn't hurt right?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn5qqHPVey
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu898Zx1nzw
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HLOOjr0T6
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XcWuwyqAL
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeenH0eWCAd
"Nah.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMBY8rOLUV
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrmgWIDRQh
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OH4HX4nRK
"Thats797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FoAlSLrrj
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55kdDXthUb
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJawUfhfsgL
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkFV9ifKcZ
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh68KyG1MqZ
"Alright."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEJykiEQD8
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdKtPaJflD
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCO0SBuC5i
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6H4ubn0En
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpOkSlvj7L
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51vISEiRQr
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVSelQaixf
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UvVRfWAPQ
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbdKo5ZMah
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl59ZidFNem
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI9w71deJr
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qascDKlvt
"Does it bother you?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIW9u6Z8j0
"Um... not really. But.... um."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoeicLrRuH
Eugene797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWahAT62XA
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82hTF3eveI
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPYokIfokL
"Mum, are you okay?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX5KAxEt6K
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8aa1VvrD6
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72INwRbHWI
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpal3nIitSk
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG6PVHDSnd
Mrs797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj23Clm1vO
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK11D1luK3
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3W5PIx805
had talked about Rhénee?797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cQKZzL7LH
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFSosswHO6
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImUEAlL9ar
***797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBDO9eCYTh
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcbPgwfFDN
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfI7PIU8pR
"You better rest though. You still look tired."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfiRn7KHhn
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWdqkbabsT
"No, I'll do it."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRT0Aso31h
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEmi841AyM
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwZ9glDvBk
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFnEl6yVn3
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodPsDCXTr9
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVubSG4YcS
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB86ivneRwm
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z5QfeYV3a
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFCd3lLFWn
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrpFxJJpAB
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ybY4r1eE
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ8r6mSaXs
"Thank797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW6gi8s28R
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNGoonClTb
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns4IKpniGH
"Well, yes. I still think I would."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxgyXuxpRm
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPhlTSXEDr
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1oR6wiBNU
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP2YjKySkg
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrPzXJbBGs
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqRLa4yVHH
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUjz007UD3
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0kEif1mGr
"Coffee will be lovely."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNO0QG1xRW
Miss797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEXkMMi0Yy
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAApV8fJgLS
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniMLwFhaTO
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz6EpizxRN
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZfpqCq4YI
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnNqoa8ONJ
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVkvbhC3uM
"What mysterious person?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6STGQsxFC
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kG0i0F1gU
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHmHqAq0eY
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43INElMQIt
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOSzYOegTa
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosCgaTlB0d
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKB8Ljsrun
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k2GTKdmI8
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6uKCi5C8d
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmMg6VPAwe
The797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxfmZzaEw1
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSpakV79s8
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ek7VlE09F
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4zZ0Utsfe
of this.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6CRXdDwet
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37VcMANEq6
"I...797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WrZ8q0SBw
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLv06UFZH9
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAfkpcVknE
frustration. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSIWX5Vle5
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwEbVPgd6l
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFTeDWROF7
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPONGm4fGr
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIAOeSg3Lx
cups on the tray and wondered. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzlYQXbH7x
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX8FuI4Eib
797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVNqlcG2vN
As797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2R1wNN0D4
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RL5dpTWJd
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HbgcnPvsd
reminder kept ringing in her head.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpbFXu6tqa
"And tell your friends not to get involved."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEiTDBezXm
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fbRN5gXJX
"I797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1mElc21oN
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn6Ppqr6ZD
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Byd7n1Llx
talking about, Rhénee?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5OAIZxZDo
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kpJvAfeXA
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtKbmGujkM
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7PEQzvGUm
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ5MRt37ea
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8FpwL0QH3
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJgydHndrn
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOBxqAlCDp
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGhA0wTe7o
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz2Y2iBQ6i
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnna6PSyly
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyeE5cJnwx
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxyh4iSMew
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gQ1fpnQ3G
***797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvARqiq3hkN
Sweat797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8yWeVFFhb
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNgoOD1Sdy
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkCUfmbhJz
the person waiting never likes to wait.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQh067JiUO
He797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSvhBtgA5A
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmApHlP9J8
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0igHLk5Dp
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoYO2Rdf0M
second.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESXVNhbz8v
He797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYQSzqfDED
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYV51TWNPl
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QgzDOZ8zT
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIiINB2QRh
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2HVjEbJog
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2o3jrLw8g
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXirATmhEk
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvsufA6Byb
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY64V2lgYqp
"You're late, again."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmwajGyO2N
His797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgYJkailF1
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa76YswXod
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpsBLnB2E9
lion door knob. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1ZeFJTV40
He797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfL5vE8Inh
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOulr7ZWQ99
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaywYSYFpiO
"What797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqllGQsdbA
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk4m0N0dC4
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyvEaHbeIw
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCc0snE07j
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDR5wJHtwP
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOtwXYmjgk
A797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaAi5v0DlE
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2eJBMlBgo
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69bQlzAJvS
as they had their backs towards the window.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN96LFEMROL
"You know we need him," said the tall man.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZSoepDa43
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDThYxmiF1
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ477vun8hIU
The797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w5YpTO9m7
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFfv41Auxv
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ0bo5lJn6
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYVyyB4Any
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6D7WAgISB
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkalB5R0BMj
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kmiEkHfm1
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLoMmhzkrh
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjyx46pn4J
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAEWsPuD4v
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJSj0104Vt
"What if she reveals the truth?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZJugtOOjh
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP019NcC2VS
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkgRwgzM3X
For a moment, silence hung over them.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk1PYt5Rw0
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH24zJbvW62
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbSnAlfWNg
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrzh0K39om
"I797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyEG19g9wH
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eLXrzb8k2
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPYyS6g3br
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI24MWfAe7
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDSTUFCwy1
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuThewgYDfv
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rC9mDKHB9
***797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GJ3uUzVxh
The797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvxlNt8XBB
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWG0KR4bBF
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXl8osbwG3
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc84LMWkzYe
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbcPbZOrRK
they met, they seemed sky blue.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa46l4VrVDi
And797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aBL7k9xmR
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06u5v76m6e
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuJakciSzo
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr2aoYy6lk
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRSgr8Eawn
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡice27ulgOO
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp6Bq0vM7e
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISDG4m7qBs
coffee table in the middle.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDIW3bCLZe
When797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dxuWsKzQQ
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS9TcgrXIR
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdZvuAywU2
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvlQbNjp0w
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkQSXMbEcO
"Are you sure?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTka2ewOkD
"Yes, I'm positive."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExhLCp01PN
Miss797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc2Wqk6UME
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV04upbBVRm
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Oabc7DWj
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdhu0OhhSA
from their cups.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WAUu6ytOY
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDb4SIc86v
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpDqHeEBeK
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy4yh7pFQ0
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2p4bTT1vc
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwHHkaLJVB
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjNMdDNflb
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDC3c40HPX
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZn6POHq6S
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpQAdarv37
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylAAN66Tfp
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ955aPfru97
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GAHcF7qR3
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjquLrqrD1
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBCTKcVAtx
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ciGjxEBIL
"Oh,797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO21Z6Zu2Z
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtstBIQoTdg
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzluRApzMU
who he is."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOJpdrQXKR
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpvbzeNNpt
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokKlLgFEFb
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9k09y0Fh7
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc2ZL7Savy
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Ky6XqEaV
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONIOp2cfAF
Rhénee797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnC1m03wu3
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS3nR4Bt59
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TUWkXSvX8
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJEbKA2ZRN
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBJZNjgAPh
"Fine,797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKCOqjoB9f
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi6MA2X3p4
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtXaZ2r3NG
or die if you stay by me."797Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYQsjvcTEt
