The news about the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XHzaLDCAv
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9ZJoqBzD1
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECX9LZ2xRd
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLpwgRPLSW
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbjt4W7Xnh
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZi7ECrJhW
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8m5YZSxxg
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5v31ylBOk
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRf33SVixS
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e0P0gzajb
There was more to it 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27OMPITBjT
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRCwa4Hgwr
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9oRgQc7J6
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqORMIL1Ie
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO02D5X73NH
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoQ3PTr6MU
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ZluTynRn
except from a few individuals. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ7q8wxoj9
And apparently, one of 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDaRIaItIp
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUnIqqdy1C
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PXA4gcorX
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTWOoBB0ly
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMrxbxcJBV
really going on, all hell would break loose.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPLGyfNqrI
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt4jHo9CPk
Rhénee dropped the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaJzPnE1sT
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuMPVHx7tC
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2iHOUMboU
ear, she took a sip of coffee.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6bTQDjO6B
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5UPsUBSZT
"Ya, its crazy here," 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF9jrpEU2r
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUGkH6jL9t
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1BdPA5qd3
broken in."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFjRv4FC1p
"If only they knew."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTb2yp1Zve
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Xn43Zk77
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIwZYy5CnN
"She did. I had to make 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fmaDm6tcZ
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3an9BsNg4
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFTn2dtcju
"I doubt if she believed that."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTrIaknnAw
"Haha, looks like you 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnPXOEQrrq
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhI4g4344w
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHlfYgG8Fj
"True. But we did. I 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfq9HvAgmb
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQHGYepLQ
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzKi6e5D63
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9iyle1WzV
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XmihdMSwe
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmy9AS4waz
"Okay, bye."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ld5WqvKmS
"Bye."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9M2L8cIgL
Rhénee cuts the call and747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CnlOGXCS5
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrzbvYyP2F
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHi0Tb6ya8
wink last night.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL8chSVwRt
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHoNxQcq23
"I wasn't going to 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDxYFsjTMh
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKMa5qZM9J
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MzyRQXE02
"You don't have to 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7ij0WosA0
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0DWogV3D9
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYCUzlBPg5
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7lW2NnHJb
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6TOMAvZ8J
"Why Malcom?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjyIvIL2Q9
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ1MAERspb
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uVJzVoE6J
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIgBQC5K53
"Alright, you go ahead."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB2cxiVeTr
Miss Griselda gave 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjJUwfkqUe
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo82wCL11B5
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqaxS54Avm
did when they talked about Malcom. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTJ12xwdgd
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYBRKV8NeK
The sound of her phone 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUgRdtUp7h
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDgqFJG6fg
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4OLbeaX3V
mother.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTD3dIzATD
"Hello?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2OR3gn8k4
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vkezXFtfs
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV2ZRyx2LV
That voice. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNyvHhgBor
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWbW3L3eow
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp0mZBB3bL
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ25MaYXUL
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzjLtA1aAw
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1gKg6TodI
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJAkMy8n1s
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxlesEIPRt
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjRswdyjQH
"You don't know me, 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSb63xxkRG
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmXan2VXmm
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc0WdEzVsm
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMK52p2UW1
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZYZdtOIjT
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNigi9ARUwl
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMmI5OQkrJ
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdEPot6h7z
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZDJiIaYa2
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmSKiPFV1f
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSRbYKCFIH
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAK70YVrqa
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUc4h5HhV1
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFQA7ORmP
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T3BD06rFJ
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuDSU1wgdC
"Oh, and by the way, 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73KGCh0B3D
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc3hjdjTDZ
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98hXR39OYL
this time around."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm8cY4jkD4
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbuUCaX3nx
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AWCaQTvlf
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYOSIfZXqO
Rhénee sat down on the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIIGWclyo8
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVQDY2y3ZZ
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZSDp2U5Qh
the others, who know what might happen. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88I44w8nsD
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs70QZdJb9S
***747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBR5mPW0P6
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fLga5Nrlz
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXC7WayHLm
"But she isn't hurt right?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsIGIi3FP2
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ8brWnY7b
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL0FkvjS9z
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVQZtskWrh
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ZEVtpl8h
"Nah.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh9AfwtFCE
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdcUe6QMnK
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7NDhTIgfQ
"Thats747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pIpnJVysI
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu9Gybxebb
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfln1TyU14
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcHBC0qand
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3SaXLfXBC
"Alright."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEnLbx3bsV
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIUWAD252J
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlV5NQO2ih
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKoQzLNoPy
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVJVYcCQDw
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiIaYnoVMe
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jD5v4yVdo
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmBD5qoS4e
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XMpXJS84B
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRTaqACe9J
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMGUh0sHLA
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ15xGeN19r
"Does it bother you?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrmeFMI1d8
"Um... not really. But.... um."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDgXGhJRQG
Eugene747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW0Civz5nv
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc0Tjad9un
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRP69CQJQ0
"Mum, are you okay?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1cuuDsM1n
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeT5WVZhJ6
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSwTL79zw4
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kor7uzZH1
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2HV7KUYIn
Mrs747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQlqbKr7Cp
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8mxUPwNxb
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ4lY2Wv3v
had talked about Rhénee?747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBuuykYEiu
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh2jdDCSEs
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibCVimYPcp
***747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWsWuXIIEn
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieJYzsOX7W
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK7SsR7Drs
"You better rest though. You still look tired."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim5BcA4RUG
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1UqwyI4Dl
"No, I'll do it."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56VQ8n00ke
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTn9YzekQc
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Mv19g1ct
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UbYibg9LQ
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30Ixr1r8L6
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OvrFwJ1JN
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHIhe6sMC3
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkvFRsqoCf
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDzYIXMbbK
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUJZdgizKP
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflSBofTEfx
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUDjmQxxlM
"Thank747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd9cJtEpB6
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m2eueGZLM
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO441Z8Q92m
"Well, yes. I still think I would."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN73NBDCIm
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik34n4ZI64
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrtPKA9Xsn
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzYOFEfYBL
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsLwxmaL9Y
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtruJOc7Hl
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBXeGH9rYV
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeWOYiNzek
"Coffee will be lovely."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmpxvXx7jZ
Miss747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx0L87OVfm
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2MrhoZzIg
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9A5Z6BQGN
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKngiNYZoZ
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjDhq5C0wd
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg0hKmNzIu
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KzbKQdaA6
"What mysterious person?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4kCtXEDUs
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11wRSaK3na
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf0CrZ7H5C
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEZ5AZIdFU
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0YAZiunoz
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtrTcwTuwf
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuW06MGAJI
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1DsQYsZBT
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvDDQHvIay
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8Jw5H0Cam
The747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiBDlXJJNB
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0hyhp4mOu
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SfAwkuFFd
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxya1aQMvf
of this.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq7AkFCgsj
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVzZ6m6SII
"I...747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShn5edqjgX
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsI0X5y9EU
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c6DFP4qig
frustration. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f3SyBupn6
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgie2J0oEDo
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3vR1vfcvd
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtbCgKQVtj
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtedBSxtIIv
cups on the tray and wondered. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28iDgzaI3a
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjCrKzFblB
747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4j0GTOYPe
As747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSM6S0R2qN
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPpWff6sFh
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VK6VRT9Dw
reminder kept ringing in her head.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCSjG7ggVc
"And tell your friends not to get involved."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvog8E5zqDY
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQueU8zI5np
"I747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR0Ibzht0Q
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j4C7juMo5
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixBpArN6zE
talking about, Rhénee?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLkChwjZvw
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2etOfrwxrZ
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkNtc42Nnb
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IPJtKu3mV
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWOWwFPEvO
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtymw5VvJ7
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTadhoK8UdU
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxInlPswIu
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOGAO2wJ0h
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0Tk66rML8
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuYMmWJvHC
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YxV4xAZi6
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ngH3m54WD
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2RZhDdzJp
***747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgo6LKZdQu
Sweat747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy90npyDPGy
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz62Gmo0AlK
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBAgRoEDpk
the person waiting never likes to wait.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS5R6aZUbl
He747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgoF5FRn6i
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6A0SqSf5E
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkC7VKScBF
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4tmeYgIlV
second.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLp7h6uE8P
He747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix3DZqh9En
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83ONpTYi1s
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlqI2HEJBG
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIkW6QAf8V
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiVgWTs2pj
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn2RuKPvFo
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oCwIU7jie
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWu9zTTZWV
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOe3HXIu56
"You're late, again."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL5RLl7UvR
His747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cuQcFwc4z
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTsI94ZjGW
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8NlCxoh82
lion door knob. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9ibHXqEdu
He747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAkxBhfyRI
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VjA9cqYbi
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i0lJPkJJ8
"What747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1J63ebbx6
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01mPtwiTrU
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEYyUIQImB
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjLQTbL6bx
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxsqeI4eym
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqImNBI500
A747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcXIj7REIR
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kymOK4fcK
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bO0Zm3LPI
as they had their backs towards the window.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRutPlRHJcp
"You know we need him," said the tall man.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnakUjERjIY
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnSy9SMtxC
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DHTF2G1ib
The747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9pb5Nvja8
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v1HwKhpNs
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbw7UGec9O
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tsx1j5TmJ
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZussSIYkt
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9swNpngESq
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGHFb69R29
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BmCP5o6ju
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwItjkVyVL
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXtyGh4WZR
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxYvHPiUB5
"What if she reveals the truth?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZh93JjXHH
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0tWqGItt8
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybhXfSwgtA
For a moment, silence hung over them.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM91LlPswYj
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeJcO5L1rP
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQG2rUdFST
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CMnJdVf1h
"I747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i1ecM5j0k
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo45LSDP2yK
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTsWv4pNcW
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4qtB6dnPL
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjdJxUfBvi
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBWlox1OnS
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2BhhtiN3l
***747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1K16M9gSu
The747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujC9AhkEQe
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYKkqqdQMS
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSefmyEMypn
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3hfFlqWol
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunzZcqxHTu
they met, they seemed sky blue.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui85FjCbxB
And747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwr6zeOSb5
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7nxzmU2Hj
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKinYLFLd00
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjucuC5ezFt
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph92nGRh1N
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwJa6kztbY
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR0pwl08lI
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYNXPE7itl
coffee table in the middle.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aXUyxXw8b
When747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j9azxr5as
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWGl9gjJzp
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3eHYaJbAH
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdoMl0tSn0
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlpdCqohA1
"Are you sure?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN2O3TFaP0
"Yes, I'm positive."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohEgYm3tfs
Miss747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuUzdFGvVq
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvrcD6OCWO
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEjn1Xkac2
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWKrRFmEER
from their cups.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWatQuGrrra
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRnD0FBb0L
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqDJTW0fuh
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkABENC2Cd
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHANQwHYUs
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdJ3NffmPK
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWViVtAwfx9
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEbuJsczEh
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO0DmquSfk
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMVaYh6EYZ
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJvclGwtG
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAGQuf46uE
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Zl3I7hxV
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg2gfCStui
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJVpqOh17G
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt857GB47L9
"Oh,747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kllfktupk
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI78ydEN0y
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi988JHWt0
who he is."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSXgNgDs41
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIQMoeOu0D
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdTeEL5105
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYpTefBwez
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa3jZXfRCL
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLXLdPxXG4
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhcKVncLT0
Rhénee747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWlvBoc4WY
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvagBxGODuS
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yU1CBJPsF
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZkdaWlMkg
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv1iUgYxCr
"Fine,747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJO0qIJP51
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluWhRaayAx
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNuhuVJ3Oc
or die if you stay by me."747Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70N8R0mJsv
