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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ttLRAYuk
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVp67E30vQ
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMceAxhklN
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Xi5Tq0Ys
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuHupe7LOm
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw29nRK7KWG
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkBbPdMzef
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JYhbLkCsZ
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7ZefDDkn9
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nnKGOrenW
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPznhyJwnGG
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflJ3LCCiCU
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqHz1fiWCc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx2FF4DP9w
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVbOp7wyiE
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNox36IWv7
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuhKdYvEs6
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDb4LhpZSC
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevZH8PIRiU
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiebnnj10N
"You'll be surprised."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOX4s1fYnj
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtfGbRvysn
"I need to talk to you about something."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FaBrXGhnC
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxTzB6Sowd
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA8iACdppi
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrZcVjUR3s
"What is it about?" Leo asked.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QIuInOam3
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixXqISSAmW
"It's about Angel."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIJy4dy5zW
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVCasZhAUs
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLfrSRVYUi
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX3mRSHSxv
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwveWKSNLDz
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZmQTacpZg
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnO3hlMmps
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeOQuPiuu4
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p7qbowuap
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTz7Rvfr9W
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQo73zHGdu
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wVRhglnvn
"She did."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsCmJmc25t
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33uabAopn3
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUHXu0Kf2j
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjikmR01Y7j
"She agreed to work with us."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ZDAg37Zm
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqPZ0lW7oH
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSqwDUGNtU
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2C9xfycCa
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc1rIkxpDC
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B96NTjShx
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2JFJKahFV
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhI556R2LO
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkNarGJP6s
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbQw8f8X1K
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVpNFmpFIT
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqrCACs5sr
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjK6fYyr1P
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqghVP34AV
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2erCbBdI6d
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYHHpcUvJg
"What about her job at the editing company?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBdV6Ch3PA
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KhGsAjABJ
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9X99GBiTU
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y1UzyjaR5
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDIPgFHKTQ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V7IIiETnT
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSA0n3GaeO
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbhs7wDdPo
"She doesn't know," his father replied.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK5pwlka1H
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa24zUcJOFN
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UZB0dCu0n
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVIafFJ8rX
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00OjH1cNAU
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMHjFsKzyl
"How are you going to break it to her?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ6Wc7QQax
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS3PGQEtto
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCs2bCfl0R
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ZHK7ZCjK
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkUOfxeX5m
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH1JTlQQAU
"You heard me."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzeTgiBGrs
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6hGuoyGyW
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XHEI2MP71
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNUmfDVxUG
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFal10MR41w
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHttZCksIC
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g5xBLXjUk
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHOsKvmOAX
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS5raEfBnB
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCU46uOkXB
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjarzb8NKc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCgoa4JAqM
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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo1dzAJAPr
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3UbqRWu6f
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HLhz6uUyc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzKpeaQ1Sg
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGt4zaD52I
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDilxFIwTI
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW24C8jhn4
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzwobUuYtD
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCelFPiOsx
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1numwJM9D7
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabQkHieWZ7
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4f07uZDXx
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Knj8zzj7i
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbZpTj7h6P
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoExrUsGGRy
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdbEDmFqJE
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7XTvqAfUP
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR43pfclz2
"I'll see you back home?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxpjpqvrGC
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoHiq94D9x
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9Pww5w5rp
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfKhQYETIX
"Sure. See you later, then."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpXDssQl1G
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sIpscLVhT
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VlFwQrq70
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7S0YKicyn
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlMdk2G7VP
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw4wnHwIjP
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfS0DByJna
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo20yzrQWzX
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡousgBUiztA
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOn3s4Rm3I
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm1OVBSN4I
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKnZulUw1H
"May I ask where and why?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2iOTABMwf
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ryUx87Dew
"Come on. I'll tell you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ALF1EuRlb
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a80NAsSqf
***570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHOHuuurV6
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nSpcuaaWH
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK59MMMXvL
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zz8EJoXXI
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3WBpqhXSM
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjOlj77KoD
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynILp9P57W
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwiEBQChYb
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilFcH7KIrI
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHNJC9AsMj
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm6AklRcks
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gclEtx26W
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90YbP1YSec
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ3cgppnHj
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKKUQfpuSQ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnt2BijU0l
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV46LTFzco
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GxrHCNAc5
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGQDZgUSpo
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStKfkBQXuq
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijXCfh9LGf
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gXlgLGpqE
"Who?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDILbGSx2pO
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qJDA1175g
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5i60K9Hp4
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVlrYWTwUx
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnroatBBL5
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqmtJ04Wim
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcovwZ1sw2t
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk3o88EVgo
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhUqM3vbyM
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdX7W5TsI4
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpdkhNjAcH
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsMWTWEwQV
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJpWHXIWk2
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXygJLzpm6a
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPan0191U00
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB3EqfmkY5
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAENqkRk7j
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDIGn2UmyB
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBYWdfRKAo
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ITJ3RWaTO
"Ok. Just be careful out there."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHqSn05Vnu
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo7mMtKTx3
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJAPCX0BLs
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAyt9hHJOR
"See you later then."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrZ6VsLEjc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23gGiYgZgX
"Ya, see you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXDeSyK4Ar
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKldg2Qzbg
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTBNiZ3jXc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKknqYiUhs
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyuq4kiUZd
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ9ELvzXjF
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jMHTe2hUp
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG45EzSoRz
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPX3h2EP4Z
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvQbbTWJFx
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgawU3RbI3n
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgynMDeZzzc
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy7OlJL7JL
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjveS0jmkt8
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmSQXpQF27
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPIjUu9Job
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlMfh7qvmj
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiITWbFV8wY
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv97vR34DT
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntIKHZyCsk
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKymk9NUblC
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD4gnWTqkq
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xiSnUDgut
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNadLW1aZnP
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELJvRRIvQq
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1lP8k14l7
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHPCXjJrPt
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzZBuEOqWy
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8k61ouMCa
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeZbU3kiXW
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2dJmvQt6V
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoNTJtW6Dc
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWVQoCmqnT
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTE4adO3Oc
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaORLyw177u
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdlUpZf7JD
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblPhSHBDAq
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuEqRWVpr0
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoV8mZmu48
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaVQh8Csat
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa71mOmOP9S
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6B9qSvHsw
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO2MRk1qMa
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5A6Q3Jiao
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO4LaslR0T
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8sV891xm9
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3VwKldsIB
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTU76AFTML
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGTVrfb1d4
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz8Mvgn6xy
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU4XfaEg0Z
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWfr0btGcm
"It's done. She's in my car right now."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRatZjUOR4
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx2Bec2JCF
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrFQSYLzb
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqBMJOgD85
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetulWRZiZR
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATuJi9t60H
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEo94ixqEd
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuMYfleS6U
***570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31zzzlZzNA
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOYmmt16Kj
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPblKkLGTs
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vPi0h1rHv
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6wXTI3Y30
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXgjCGZ7gg
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAwJB5N7Q7
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9VsXxn8sY
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcrYS803dF
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFn4GDFEgN
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj4MNcWKiN
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBsoTwwmvt
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0sgoVTbPW
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vnYjpBKlv
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhznmanNl4K
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlawWzFsbFS
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0FTwt4ZAz
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N21zG5CZa
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutfNGPHkXu
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd8Knuyoyx
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVGCqpG6AZ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZyI6K24kf
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r8vS2EYn0
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNRZdRNVOP
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PjGGrwE2C
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrVKoQ16FT
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h8UARPKxb
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNVM2efwnk
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT9QyIs8DX
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZnP20lxNP
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHnVhnk7PD
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaqodnEnn1
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU8UJ6TAW8
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf13v536DXV
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ORjkqMJZg
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pNdo7oOL9
"Ya, let's not."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6zGKwXupr
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GLSxxnntv
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakqGrzc7R3
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVwO99n9Xf
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4UdUt0KOK
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG9ig3Lw0D
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeg6pkLg7K
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWuy8Kdk93
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKdbfcEsU8
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiskTg11Ax
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ222BCgosJy
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenZPs9YFiA
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWoABWk0AE
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSUXlfDnio
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYizWHsyhSR
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwnYKngQhe
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnszjU34ft
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z5axrX4eA
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN35CSccriH
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgHTNnvL69
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFpD0xtbUJ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqbIyBLW0q
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtv1RRLEjM
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1iKpKQyak
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4IUIXv04I
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oVpt55IJN
"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?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksETSiaZPz
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4ATIxhCQn
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz40960mCt
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxHyCxpqD1
"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?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9gkjHp6oc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2pciotbTx
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksBdsWOT6z
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKyrCAW6gY
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjMzxRU1AI
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Te5ZzG044
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP4vnKkAl5
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I21v25eNl
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFGZUPV1Cv
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9poRslnSEF
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7JknIAILY
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUdZrX0WP1
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FSK6ZqEHl
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztq7f0hWIi
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BMA9BcXGT
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzVXK1tw1t
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?570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOWhsLdfzc
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROk9BP1EuC
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGPzrX1wNk
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWZw5RPxes
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCDTKBHnWz
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho3OGQxcOf
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UN0h6pefy
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeopXn0gSdm
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPiOkZEWiV
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5bqnM1CkH
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApue2mJzQV
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhPilOV9nq
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSoI0FDLzx
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOWx7XMZr3
"I hope so."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUpizgISu7
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uuReWBvT6
"Come on, we better go inside."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyhRjBCigq
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8buti0VHCC
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOIpk2q2Cp
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6NB3skZhI
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDwwbzqc0p
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKYJExpefz
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaUjKlD3oy
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCsNUitxYR
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2WAFnrFoI
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB8ht8MNg4
"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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fgCBZYeu5
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmuxyGi2Lh
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdMoHhTAty
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbKqHPSkwA
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNZkPVhvlJ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDdeYbnz90
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjEup2zJ4o
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuUmX7PHdq
"Not really. Why?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR06heCQlxl
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWohyxOMYSh
"You look really tired."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXCZQP5eeQ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq9OsgXvia
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKsQ9TqhVV
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1wKq0e2m0
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFQBabaxNt
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fabkzUhzm
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9dLj0NDzU
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARBmelb5pT
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0Lsl613K1
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZCxdlmbh
"Sure, grandma."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdTECI0aVb
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkytfquLSG
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl1a8KIGJG
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfsTos2sK4
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG0GnpPweK
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtezTEKhPus
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXwgpEPv2D
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBv7cVtNoN
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKB5mVDMS3
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyITkmqsE7E
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wLuOJu6NP
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePRFno7JNN
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXlifDBqTi
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvYaAwGj4W
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtfrGEx0ko
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SU8olRQMn
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx2qt4g2Dy
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gczxZ4Odw
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghfZNESocw
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc52sxt8xHz
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiQeR9v96t
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RUCXspogt
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J5cYCvnzJ
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkIOynDIO0
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGEoTj2Cqj
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6GRijiLmg
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXYqjDN9by
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWc0tAqqDM
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZbcEzN2d3
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVATfUxL5MB
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY1F9LqhiB
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfiWDhG6Kv
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVckRlQIZpW
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx8j64121k
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTSJzy7VO3
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qx5k7kTnl
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IGhE4gOJF
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhPl3Dvu1E
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp0PQ0rkWZ
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"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguBriB6Qvz
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"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZXriXANzq
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"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfQKooeHMg
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz2fECjlMb
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKL9GM9cCQ
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"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYkMHrxmaX
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Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qoYWND3O5
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkhfyGeYk3
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f9SObJYNF
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***570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyEXvsMad1
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUy0R2QzQl
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jN49jCmVM
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs68ohNMFyF
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ArVtH7GDt
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD0f2Wi7YJ
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttDZenOlhN
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"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVwqoGbI0x
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHyUMvqhUl
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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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADIdcbYv32
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"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHQXiSasw
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDXGBtoa5O
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.570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAwu6URwTH
570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORH9pXk7xY
"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."570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAeOpBp7l5
Penana
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