The sun began to set farther to the west as the last of its rays hit the windows of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings. The sky gave out a soft yet strong glow of orange.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsdbkfpUtd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUo5y55Zzy
At this time, a lot of New Yorkers were knocking off from work and heading home. Some headed for the metro station or used whichever means of transport. Others stopped somewhere to run a late errand. Many people, students and working class; school children and those young enough to be held by the hand, were also heading for home.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLiuGoVNnu
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxefUO7OdP
Leo stared out of the window of his office, staring at the sun set. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the door open behind him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIppcW4cRcD
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxtKaZmGsn
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39SssiMyzW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcJ4YVNqZL
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kXkz4r2tB
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMh32LZo6D
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DH9sFTPl5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTjF6rrAFj
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbXUagMTej
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwS0hJQKYl
"I'm surprised that you haven't left the office yet," said Mr. McDonell as he sat down on the chair in front of Leo's desk.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwe6sJF1OR
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJFCo15yed
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ8fmrb14I
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBT1Q4nNqI
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2n6tRGSR4
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTFvdnrfcc
"You'll be surprised."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFVxgnO6Bc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iFTWkIky3
"I need to talk to you about something."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUIWvsyEkZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU5iFC7y5w
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB8ttpZnbe
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LWhcuGzEL
"What is it about?" Leo asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVnagqywef
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSPvZ73jnq
"It's about Angel."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOe6TEO6tj
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Q6DRfMkT
"Great! Just great!" Leo said in his thoughts. He had had enough of Angel already. First it was Eric and his paranoia that Angel might end up falling for her boss (that's if she hasn't already), and now, his father wanted to talk about her about who knows what. He felt like looking back at the window to continue looking at the sun, but he didn't want to seem rude.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi3osfWHBb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHPieg88nY
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxkhWDeRBO
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPbHLZCjfb
Before Mr. McDonell could speak, he noticed something wrong with his son after he mentioned Angel. Leo could do all he can to hide his expression, but his father somehow saw right through him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspPkjB5Wyh
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiTMn3SCAQ
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ZGNKTEZi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyNO3HIjxu
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hQhl7F7zX
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU09K9wscr
"She did."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbAfafR4yE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgLru67HmF
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUddxj9NSZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vqDcpPIXu
"She agreed to work with us."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNrwXpEuTi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGG4uQld5g
Leo almost held the edge of his desk as he felt the floor beneath him begin to spin, but he tried his best not to. His father was already giving him a look and he didn't want to seem weird.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHiQFonGeK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI7poXZIQo
He knew this was coming and he didn't know how to handle it. Right now, all he wanted was to be left alone and do God knows what.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cPVNCJSai
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIndG5BwNB
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvre1FUDq8
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzzcLCLNUY
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBNuezqqJv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTM5IRarLc
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvf0j8VoGs
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY0GMdX2j9
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvjnE0PeMw
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVFdx3nkOG
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN0NzboDJu
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMP4lUbLqo
"What about her job at the editing company?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjmJQzLHn8
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJUIUqKdCP
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uPwWvDln2
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q15xZC5Fl
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYoYqPslAG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLOWYOLkHm
Mr. McDonell leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. Leo knew his mother was the only trump card he had to prevent Angel from ever stepping foot in the company. If he can't have a say in this, she most definitely will.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11KRko71Wz
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhPm3otbCz
"She doesn't know," his father replied.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzMuL9farM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGpYFPszL5
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UTCJ79qMc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeed1lnzgru
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfzKWVWuEV
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePcPQ54aJf
"How are you going to break it to her?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KflFWzyAr
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GtNJLjTCc
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bPlCuKHJR
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M30E91vy6
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD9UCuHLBw
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQWpGvELVV
"You heard me."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5o0pJeUfm
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlLrhCqTRQ
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMO0lCpwgE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRnz9VPas5
"He doesn't have to know right now. And if I do tell him, he will get excited and blurt it out as soon as he's home."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJfMJ4WHA7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qE1iQ3Kjn
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSBWtYC2iF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCFXSWE6DO
"He's almost like my son, of course I know. And I know he likes Angel, so I would like that you deliver the news."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlgNztZIzU
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXrnrVi60D
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGg93D9wFC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb37380U1y
Mr. McDonell shrugged his shoulder with a smile. "It's not that hard to miss," he said, "especially with how he used to take care of her when she had that accident."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBryWZPf111
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4XvpimfuJ
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusFNBVZsjL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VEwIEOKF2
Carly! Oh, goodness! Leo forgot it was her first day at college and so far, he hadn't called to check up on her. He felt pathetic and he had no one else to blame but Angel. If Eric hadn't come talking about her in the first place, he wouldn't have been brooding about her all day. And now, his father just made it even worse telling him to announce to everyone back home that Angel would be working for them. Angel continued to ruin his life even if she wasn't physically present.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDybBL7cgb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9QK1zttom
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG2AINPFE3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wBan9vDa3
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJEVI05H2O
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyrqGmQQJD
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQhE5LVEO6
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRkgsXpbm6
Leo hadn't noticed his open palm upon his head and he felt like an idiot. He did that because he was mad at himself for not thinking about Carly when he had to.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85nuNSWaCc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApuNpAbEwo
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVPDFZwToa
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT90w6CC0r
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbP5pSOZdY
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7OGDUBuUs
"I'll see you back home?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4YV941OlK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq8GVi6yar
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwkzNMNJOZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhip17VMvJk
"Sure. See you later, then."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYJouP2Q78
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBsNWcfLq9
Mr. McDonell gently nodded and made his way out of the office. As soon as he closed the door, Leo quickly stood up from his seat and got his jacket that was hanging at the back of his chair. He took his phone, the car keys, the keys to the office and left.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rYgVV7ll9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVpyTQw6iD
The hall was quiet and the working cubicles in the work area were almost empty except for two employees still at their desks. Leo passed the cubicles and went down the hall to Eric's office. Before he could even reach the door, it opened and out came Eric.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSrgDDYi5H
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmuPlTXGDr
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlyyuHh3kV
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDesoqXNJY
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2beFjBoCf
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMKy5q8zko
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHp0ww52DP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn0dQkgea2
"May I ask where and why?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WobJDsUTt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrclbi2PYUp
"Come on. I'll tell you."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu8fqOteP9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON9Ud91UBp
***604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKOhn9OQqq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESyGc8diTI
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBfxP41hBc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3PTdvu1dC
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSFvMZMYLC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbGWIrz89a
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHFEzeOJ32
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5XRwmaX2Z
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwPKTEkyWf
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVVnIqknDI
Harriet smiled back and quickly walked away so as to catch up with some of her friends who had gone ahead of her. Carly's first day had gone pretty well. Not only did she meet Robin, she also made new friends, Harriet being one of them. Her day couldn't get any better than this. But sadly, it was finally over and it was time to head back.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPl9KAw9iP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4EGHRsTfp
She still stood in the hall outside the lecture room. A few people who had stayed behind soon walked out. She checked for her phone in her backpack and removed it to see if she had any messages.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKgbVbKIgd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC9AulUIrI
There was only one message from Angel that was sent to her almost thirty minutes ago asking her how her day went and if she needed to be picked up. Carly decided to call her sister as she walked down the hall.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQjJCsTwK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJyaw4ZWsW
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYZM3578EL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ699saTdzDB
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGYy2OvUqy
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5iCviitRZ
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dzLQlI633
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s2CjYyNS5
"Who?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI8M8dGYpF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDnYvYdcu4
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9xcMFPQM7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Pej4bp58
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY26bZkJIu3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh9ab7epfK
"Oh, yes, I do." Angel answered quickly, knowing very well how it made them both uncomfortable. Just talking about it brought back very bad memories.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmO3Qnr7ge
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITgBwsjeKD
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOQV1rFRe5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLXpzfrz36
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6neuN8txZY
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcBqN7zZIF
Carly turned round the corner that led to a open corridor. She saw a few students talking on the open green lawn, the sun slowly setting.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHRnz8XVrg
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU38aai0XH
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQtSNXQwRF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX6aRWd6LT
"Well, that shows how much of a good friend he is and I'm glad. I thought you needed a ride after your classes. I could easily ask one of the drivers here to pick you up."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5rWEzMTRE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSbIcush3c
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfXgQl6RTI
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPZn30XBYr
"Ok. Just be careful out there."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8oeUmtcSi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrHXS8O2C5
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd0Yk2Dlg5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0idpFdyoE
"See you later then."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkT05FZMF1
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsp3YxdQgF
"Ya, see you."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN5BWaq4YI
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpdlT4YLxi
Carly found herself at the college's parking lot. The place was almost empty. The last of the cars leaving the premises probably belonged to a student as it was an orange Lamborghini. Only a black old BMW and a white Cadillac remained in the parking lot.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjaakCE5Sa
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKBM6Tozt9
Carly walked out of the main gate and across the street was the boarding campus for the students. Carly went down the street and went on straight till she reached the traffic lights. The traffic light turned red for the cars to stop and Carly gladly walked down the zebra crossing after the green pedestrian light turned on. She was the only pedestrian and when she reached the other side of the street, she continued straight on, heading for the bus stop in front of her.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXtUkoUP7a
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DxlwqFbsi
When she got there, she found no one waiting for the bus. She shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the little bench. It looked like she was going to sit there alone till the bus arrived.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgq2FzVHJL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uTZPZ9eI8
She brought her backpack in front of her and placed it on her lap. She took out her phone and still no message from Leo. She figured that he must have had a busy day and probably forgot to call or text her. She decided to send him a text, considering that he must be driving back home from work.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjIS5psF7K
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKyGIFxyCS
Carly was oblivious that a black sedan that had been parked a block away had been following her from the time she left the college gates. She continued to look through her phone that she didn't hear the car slowly approach the bus stop. The cars driving by on the road, drowned the noise of the sedan's engine. Besides, the man behind the wheel made sure not to draw much attention by not turning on the car's headlights.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6ChWPuevv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr8sOhzwBl
Carly grew bored going through social media with still no reply from Leo. She wanted to be pissed but couldn't. She had had a long day. But with no sign of the bus coming, it just set her peace of mind to a whole other level.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fo7hW7XIQ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLobmYwrPu
She put her phone back in her backpack and strapped it round her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the black sedan right next to the bus stop, a few feet away from her. She looked into the car through the windshield and the blaring light of a phone shone through the glass. She caught sight of the man looking down on his phone. Looked like he stopped to be on the phone, she thought. She sighed and wished Leo could do the same and reply to her text.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajeBtDNJuA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRcSEv7vtP
She turned her head, looking down the street and across. A few people walked by here and there, two couples had walked past her. She started to tap her foot impatiently on the concrete. The bus was a no show and she now felt like an idiot for not letting Angel send her a car. Maybe she could give her a call again and tell her to do so. But just before she could, a sound came from the car. She looked, surprised that there was a car there, and saw that the car door had opened. The man stepped out, closing the door behind him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FxneTdCt9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8tcnGDLn3
"You don't happen to have a cigarette lighter, do you, miss?" the man asked with a pack of cigarettes in his hands as he approached Carly. Carly realised how tall and well built the man was. He wore a black jumper with a hood over his head, but she was able to see his face.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCziE1r7mFl
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGRVD0PfYB
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMT4SI2VU7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62wr0wfkpg
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVosNlVQC9Y
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFESMMqyVa8
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtISOmTke8z
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkudXyZDFl
"Too bad," said the man as he placed the pack in his pockets. "I would have enjoyed smoking a cigar and talking to a pretty lady like yourself."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh20s2NI17
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM2Ur4x55e
Carly felt her cheeks blush, but she tried to hide it with a chuckle. She knew where this was going. She had met a lot like him back at the club. They were the ones who tried to attract your attention by small talk.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHNOPAsIMl
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLwKfpFCeF
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcnBMzpLxd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvZ5GYvREf
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AbHnhpzh2
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRLkkz5did
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUnC5klbws
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y0YQSC154
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9TsKSVpco
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH9Dk51yba
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyjLycUfQ3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9nA1fbkml
Carly read the man's dark eyes and she knew she had to get up and run. But just before she could even stand, the man took hold of the back of her head and the next thing she knew, a piece of cloth that he withdrew from his pocket covered her nose and mouth.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Wt83Qmii
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwtqPD1qzE
The smell on the cloth was intoxicating. She tried to fight, clawing at the man's face and arms, but he was too strong for her. It took almost a minute and a half of struggling when her vision started to blur. She was soon losing her strength faster than she anticipated. She soon fell unconscious.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVR5uJpGLr
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtNOPum23d
The man removed the cloth filled with chloroform from her face and held her steadily. He lifted her off the bench and carried her to his car. He laid her down on the sidewalk so as to open the passenger side door. He looked around to make sure there was no one around watching him. To his luck, there was none.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ94h1wVJP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6aHUQwpiN
He lifted Carly into the car and laid her on the passenger seat in a sleeping position. He closed the door and went back to the bench to get her backpack. He turned back to his car, got inside, closed the door and threw her backpack to the passenger's seat.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WP455sxuG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQTTMioszc
His job had been much easier than he had thought. He couldn't help but smile when he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Walters.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8tj4MZMw7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtfHoqHOMl
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQiFJgsvP1
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUqjeOBJ2b
"It's done. She's in my car right now."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmCG1STKPK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HF3NE6adB
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp3s4M9GXh
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpCG3Y7kwe
The man cut the call. Seconds later, his phone beeped. He read the message and knew exactly where to go. He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He looked at Carly lying unconscious in the backseat.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7oPFqQxpY
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiatE0EkZM
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW4rjZ1apT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWoPjlNRlf
***604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYff4m1KmE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkNt5xlFdR
Leo climbed into the driver's seat with a brown paper bag in his hands. Kevin who sat on the passenger seat was looking through his phone.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8A7L8gfcA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn8MdrtuQp
"Can you stop looking at that darn thing?" Leo asked as he closed the car door and placed the bag at the back. "I left you looking at the phone and you're still on it."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusPJFYFkZi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaoDNmrdkB
"You were only in the store for like a minute," said Eric. "And it's also thanks to me that you managed to make a last minute call to Nate to get you a present for Carly."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgOjGG0psc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyX9QuSYJV
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTPIwLbptx
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ifmFNUKbX
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCiHzfZFxC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPoEs0IRCJ
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EYcVyhJ8c
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXMEMA6ZLu
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLCC1lndop
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9sZuXZoat
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeLbj4wcy7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyON9t639Q
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUvUPh5kPf
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtds6KhTBCI
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Eric. "You have a message on your phone. I didn't want to read it because-you know-I might be invading your privacy."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIN0pBI9Pa
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrz1fdSOH2
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4zIjyidaZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlL8Lzy3bI
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdV84xFwn2
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKghnB1A4t
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkGQbXbxY2
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ADhOE2Da
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg893P73k5G
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKOcxZkrIs
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXwd9Gm0co
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw229TJm4u6
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL22G8LIecE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDQDAFom2F
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH3VONKGJt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G78vTa3y9
"Ya, let's not."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaSSZ0Qzco
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO8DqiasSk
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHtnnGcehN
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24X4LZjsCo
"Gladly," said Eric as he almost jumped in his seat even with the seatbelt on. He took hold of Leo's phone on the dashboard and he didn't struggle with the phone's password because he already knew it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNeG9UitV3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQeszBCiMp
"All she write was hi and asked how your day went," said Eric, his eyes on the lit screen. "Huh..., I was expecting her to write how upset she is that you hadn't communicated with her all day."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6APuaXVHlM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3GonJNXym
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLYSLtWCq6
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMucyUHyAiE
"Oh, please! You weren't meeting with any clients and you weren't even busy. You were just sulking in your office over Angel coming to work at the company."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1XcoiYGzj
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtbnjhIEw7
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," Leo said through his gritted teeth, holding the steering wheel tightly. He prayed that he could keep himself under control and not cause an accident.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zckWDF1fr
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jCg9jsbS6
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXhBTHV9gL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFppbRmVu8
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiKTlj3K6C
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ne1NqdQAh
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXg1rBnBWg
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlLxDMstHt
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrQR1ToeL4
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHlgiNqZdk
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k2XGK2Pp3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ6Av1Vqu1
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H3Y2jMhGd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRYVPvYlz
"That you can't tell her that you have been thinking about Angel the whole day instead of focusing on work? Or maybe during your free time, you should have been thinking of her instead?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wN2RV1gV1
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06n38Tk2bp
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVRrdzaGEo
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5VQNpeqzo
"But you can't deny it. I still think you should get help. You always think Angel is out to make your life miserable. That might end up being an obsession, you know?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSsZSo9TPQ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTbGIEir7k
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6WXrA4BtY
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWla0vluyYr
"I know, but that was only because I like Angel and I was telling you as a friend. You took it to a whole new level all on your own."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhsLm3BK06
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHtwlouFJD
Leo shook his head. If only Eric knew that what he had feared is about to come true. He would know in a hour or so.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vcyluVyhP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn5WNGDBAd
"Anyway, you're already in trouble with Carly over not communicating with her. She might sound sweet and sincere on text, but who knows when you get to meet her tonight."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUSD6KCX55
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfyT2diR66
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVgIPuMVzE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFo4VrHKVB
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6DTcA9sQe
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvkwSUdvoC
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQnL5QQ6wE
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1Ms7yLIdQ
They soon reached home and Leo couldn't wait to see Carly and apologise. But then the thought of seeing Angel made his heartbeat even more. Why was he nervous all of the sudden?604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxJBKk4Yh4
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg92XVpwpmg
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5UqIsBOJ0
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbyshRPLft
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiakZef3K7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlPHBC5KW8
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryl2vBQvBq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL5jlmtLOI
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLdV6nnHe0
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcd0VtIbs7
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFvVDVwrUF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzMyn7RNLQ
"Mmmm...., not to worry, she will love it. Besides, I don't think she's mad. I bet she's tired to even be mad."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTasFUMlJn5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20hpaXgvAW
"I hope so."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2IxhrTXkT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5WOQebzg4
"Come on, we better go inside."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty4MssCpYf
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh2C8nvqsj
Eric got out of the car first. Leo waited for a few seconds until he got the paper gift bag at the back, removed the key out of the ignition and got out of the car.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ2iPZ19fH
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHQpPZ1RmU
Leo walked up the stone path to the front door. The outdoor lights on the lawn had been turned on. He looked ahead at the open door in front of him. Eric had just entered the foyer, removing his jacket.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2bZ0Zdzdb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1kFoBLopR
Leo joined his cousin, closing the door behind him. Eric carried his jacket with him to the living room. Leo heard him give out a cheerful greeting and he knew that his grandmother was there.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPi9uTW43O
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCFnWUn7nT
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWySNV7P5RV
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6u21mi8Sb
"I'm here, grandma," said Leo as he came into the living room and found his grandmother on the wheelchair seating close to a chair where Oliver sat.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV6mLm5r1q
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGL3RTjgSH
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3U4mGa2Zn
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6osjlW2q3D
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxfY0WT5vc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9VWUhXwFK
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yUMSbkDQg
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8lBh4gM8V
"Not really. Why?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA33CRSIcdA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0U3Ti3Zsv
"You look really tired."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDncI84lI2K
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNulIUjcXut
Leo gave Oliver a smile and cleared his throat. Eric, on the other hand, joined his young brother on the couch and chuckled to himself. Leo knew Eric was only making fun of him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFB0pNj92I
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXaI3OeOGW
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZOYQokRuv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yrHICuLfF
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyBaSbIpc3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaFmXeuYNG
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyjdJq5tNd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h1jnbKHr9
"Sure, grandma."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTSRMltUA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvDPHNBs28
Leo felt relieved that his grandmother didn't ask further about the gift bag. Just as he turned around to head for the stairs, standing by the doorway leading into the living room, was Angel.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuye2yqXDZM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UwhCPRrWN
His heart stopped beating for a moment as he looked at her. He was out of breath too. His head started to feel a little fuzzy as he tried to say something, but somehow he couldn't. Angel's appearance had somehow left him dazed that he couldn't move or even speak.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sLViLmhbi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYus6cp80C
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vlPSGur8W
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMXhGfyxoR
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwxm9Eib8S
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdyYs1PrNV
Leo felt tiny beads of sweat appear on his forehead and he prayed that Angel didn't notice. It would be embarrassing. Why did he feel like he had just run a marathon? His heart still pumped like crazy.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu1l9E6n2e
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDmSgrCFQJ
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWYlfXwFzN
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT0oUovTkt
Angel looked at Eric behind Leo who stood up from his seat to look at her in her white summer dress. Angel smiled and slightly blushed. Leo who kept staring at her also couldn't help but blush himself. When he realised it, he quickly looked down at his feet, feeling angry with himself.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqEcDV7hry
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPRqAuOngT
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6IC7TmpMW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTvIYNQbVk
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqCW1fIsLZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VsuBGfiuc
Angel shook her head. Her eyes were now filled with worry and Leo knew how that felt as he looked into them. He quickly looked away.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HfyFy7nsv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmga0eS79v
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOiuIYtrGZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm25QdmGfU1
"That's what I told her, Eric," said Amanda. "But she has every right to be worried and now I am too. She should have been home by now."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7eHt8xxBn
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan3G7BS1hu
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU25TRpzGzq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGfFa5AR5l
"That was close to 6 PM," Angel answered. "She was done with her classes then. I offered to send a car, but she assured me that she would take the bus."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpExUGlYrv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHEshszYVF
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAIKiT2U9a
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprW2OEUjYy
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJh6rxeb96
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHdoVJgTG1
Leo hoped that Carly would pick up. But from where he stood, he could hear the ringing tune from Angel's phone which she placed on her ear. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration when Carly didn't pick up.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7zMIDeWON
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhymWAGzly
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI8dSDTTPP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRaPG25Dzq
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZR7mn5bOZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2u07XZUyb
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckG11qj6yv
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOve4nbGylk
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTCvCUSH9f
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6n30pJ9F9
"I'll try not to." Angel tried to put up a smile but failed terribly. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FTVjLKWdi
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqgM2ZOyfL
Angel turned around and left the living room. Leo looked on at her as she walked down the hall. He almost got lost in thought until he shook his head.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImtUta3Yjt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwVsVHjLWI
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpbdF0hMva
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47eFmfkbIN
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd1VoYfchH
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBztK4Pkh6H
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcD9OW7OmF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEScE0c8sJD
Leo couldn't help but worry about Carly's whereabouts. Now he felt even more guilty for not calling her when he had the chance. He would have been the one to pick her up. As he headed up the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if Carly was okay.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZKpeagJoa
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8EzpTacIR
***604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU9pyZgD3S
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgzehuQzEy
Carly groaned as she felt her head spin. She tried to open her heavy eyes but everything in front of her was a blur. She tried to come around but everytime, she felt like she was slipping back into oblivion.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XILvwVWKT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsypH2N0Um
She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUXblxF1js
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRxKneAbhC
Gentle taps on her cheek made her nerves wake up a little bit. Her sight slowly started to clear up a bit. She made out a person in front of her, but she still couldn't see properly.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVLei70jnH
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD4rRD2JOO
She heard a voice, but it sounded all muffled up in her ears. She started to black out, but again, she felt a gentle tap on her cheek.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqshgOVi39
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsuBKdDana
This time she was wide awake and she looked at her surrounding. She was in a room with grey walls and with a fluorescent tube above her. She wondered how she got here. The last place she remembered was the bus stop.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dmge1Y4rI
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs90idLdbiW
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xh7iB2obZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjXaBxNJSk
Carly looked straight in front of her and there was a man squatting on the floor, looking at her with a smile on his face.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbTgfGdmVy
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJUS8n3UAy
Carly felt like she knew who the man was, but she couldn't remember. And then at that moment, everything dawned on her. This man had drugged and brought her here. Carly started to panic but then she realised she couldn't move. She looked down at her hands. She was strapped onto a wooden chair with rope and so were her legs. She tried to scream for help, but that was then that she realised that she had a cloth in her mouth. All she made were muffled loud noises.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC2d0qYwS0
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EVIWvHUW9
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyEdsQwsr7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzZ4GKBtBt
Carly started to panic even more, trying her best to break free. The man stood up and walked away. Carly heard the door open and close behind her. More people came into the room. She stopped struggling and waited as the man who had tied her up and another man came to stand in front of her.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jU4URqmKN
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr26iCiTQez
"Carly Barclay," said the tall African American man as he got close and squatted in front of her. "I finally get to meet you at last."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcop3YhFHoj
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