x

The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP8cxJaBNr
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He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFwfPxIbka
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa5aIgu5u3
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The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGWQTnSvhi
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Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDbMPmw3Ci
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vksTfFVvE
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The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtIiX6Wk2K
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The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPJXoyR6gm
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Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27U8iSUE9T
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"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6sURf3WWl
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt5V5b8JL5
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Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFQGFtWsJe
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The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rJFfUM3ec
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Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR2zTCkPXU
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"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6KP3eeGWV
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr807x4VMi
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The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EGWBbEOGh
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"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVDqLqH76B
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"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG423Ce4jw3
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc5PgvmYpe
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Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKx10E2gw9
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3uf838cm6
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"Should I?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkFml12nJj
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438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ntACFRiSo
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3AYxsLFLP
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTymY8Iqiv1
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"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW0cgUxQAU
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOdqZhYabX
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"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9kMe1dmyH
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X8r8kap42
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"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLITJjDQA3t
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The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5qNBVF3Mo
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamGc4I1G9M
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Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzyCCaQlEi
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzSntfUzel
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"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiprnnx2fup
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"Is she?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pFENtHxaz
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Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAR3TFyNDr
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hJhHgZ7ZQ
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"Do you think it's because of her father?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yx99VldRA
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"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v4HU18mjF
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"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVfBkapWaB
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The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp32CIeNQk
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Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7GPeV3RWB
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAGO4ddAyV
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"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQVqaUz1rH
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"Maybe they did."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLPqFrfJZV
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"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQOIKzenO2
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"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW6jK1ZYZn
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"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZoWrxGE3
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVu5zxKbqu
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6X1Xsf9id
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"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHiMAHDucK
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The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmrQwcz5ji
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"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmn5muYRcl
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"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshgXLH0stj
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The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb6BpyRJDb
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Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFtwAJWS2f
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kX5JpJR8l
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"Yes."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN7Pz5Cdhy
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"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJants7Dhow
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQougpjMIM5
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"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlStaDZsft
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"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNJF3yEBXV
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The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKzWrBKdWs
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"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj1iZYyWyI
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"Is that why you called?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFJL1rHpy0
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"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV09Y7pgEy
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"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwynTme7cy8
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"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8NGeYJMKY
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"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfcQfg6ASZ
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"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9So2i2SBw
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"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFLorfTDOu
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"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPmMtT8Lki
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"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHwtOGrHBg
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs2DYuBufj
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"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcRUx8SfWB
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOashEP0MQ
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"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY4pizVMhq
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6Eqz83lHN
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"Soon. Very soon."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOICoPJRleI
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"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyiPel5FS8
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"It's what Emelda would've wanted."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6NZz8xsrr
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"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LbsQqW3Y8
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43DuN1qmVh
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The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR57pAyFX9m
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ8oSoeomK
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWGlb3m7Hk
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTSMQLdRbm
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziNKPgPZTY
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The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ACZq4Umde
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As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS52jI1ZTz
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The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2qfMSe5Da
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***438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu08pVCxPu
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Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCbvWftiPo
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Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CFGDyGabp
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She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxAo6YSWZa
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The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFouarHlZd
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"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGHwq9LhKF
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"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrXMvBUE9M
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVCRwtmCbw
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQFEJzOApP
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Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJZAwfePdt
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Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIfHaRSqvJ
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nEqy9MHT4
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwbNKlWoJh
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Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGKtWFnTrt
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"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wwyZXkgIk
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The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEwt3Ffka2
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdWcAlm0iR
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"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bmGeTs9Mf
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The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5WNQsXunh
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They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPdrL8Mtay
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpLVH7VJtj
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmk8yavqGs
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4alDVITVFL
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"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe6USuzqHP
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Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYGduRYllM
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC3Jab2DeS
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"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLg2D7XvcK
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjb6arwGgr
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Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gSIfaWfXk
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnw8DVwMz1
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Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgzRmNk08K
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUSCaBaUsg
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Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhCkSL15xk
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdyy1Cf5mC
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnA0r4bFsn
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She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf77d7BKA5
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39nPqc4TG2
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZqMHhlQkf
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Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDmpe7WxqG
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Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw5vQQ5zdT
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"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMBhDUEZQw
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Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNvDQNvodL
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4GRGGbKh
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Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbIE076zXS
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Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg3XMP9VX4
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ30RlUfxIA
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3byFYjQYzu
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Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISP9zg9Q8l
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDqjf5aCqa
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9rHsqaYar
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"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7z4CF9OCM
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7GuWw7qYY
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"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbET1wa9tJ
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPYcYOKTOz
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Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAziSloK0R
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Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vh6EmiGlg
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQm1JJhlDS
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF5g8FXfdT
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“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxLyZiRY4e
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“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ftx7ApdUd
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Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ducba7zev
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iAjZjTMpT
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Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L3Kri4CjP
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Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXKOzqhULY
438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ptaJcwntI
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUf3fZJgYL
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“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ASyMCHfZh
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a2TvE7svs
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoEoUU8FVI
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They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxNYUFKGHx
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzfaFBIocg
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFnodCZp0M
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMGzXGz4uP
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXhPQf4Q20
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He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvaTkerXIT
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO26GHbIdt
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“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5tToEB5lN
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Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjWVO8sGQe
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Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy3DHINevL
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c0oh4hQK8
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpcjdW2SWW
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAtvFEGkZD
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Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHBoAnvdqm
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CqPZEjpUh
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He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPSxW0OXX1
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw43QRUvGG
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo89KuCFBp
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“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgvRCMesEK
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Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyakoQ7m7gZ
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“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Nc8yYo8p
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRWBdZYUqS
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM3SwRRHYl
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“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc37vgWugx
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Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5NvDr4rz3
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Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkmQB6EHqm
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Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz9JgpOvOu
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBdEpklbDj
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJprlB7qKo
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY5PYYr7C5
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBuUCXmYps
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Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHH3ECy21i
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“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIM2rzA1Eh
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“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq3qf3WkGi
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmCgs9wJ9x
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“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj8iEW2mk8
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwir8CG8iF
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“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1fPq3tVhB
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She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz5XeCu6CO
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“What is it?” he asked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUnFmU5iFH
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPunAFH4oi
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Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR0evZp6S8
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ4LXyw6HA
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JE6qxEiTl
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Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZKvQBlABC
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She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk93QjSGHle
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She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsS9vvYMap
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CXZlZVoH1
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“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QmANVDDk8
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“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqOOwT90zD
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“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXar6INWvR
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“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlek53uzsao
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWOKSmlMbv
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“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ttF5Uinu2
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With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNUATEvKX6
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“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUsqIOaTPj
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“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF2tY2MQaw
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Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9UFrUj81j
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNkk67N8iG
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7d4uhXN7K
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“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XlR6aFpZo
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeiGJDj0iK
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Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7MAGlVgyC
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUARahVOE6
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kso37HtYL
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“There’s no phone service.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfuRAefHnN
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“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDPwyD4tVh
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1qqbj4b3l
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkcCxurUSp
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpCnNP2TKT
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkacCv8wdlU
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“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h4K6Ok1sq
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SxAx6JHSJ
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ032yHtZol5
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAoXItj0dm
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Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU8sIbrPnt
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She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnkTOkaIZv
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She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgHCQp2YOH
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Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJuBmgrHe0
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Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI3vahL5K1
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She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOccNrVR2C
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Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTJxu1jmEH
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The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.8964 copyright protection434ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NDND6CIwE 維尼

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