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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkWxwe68Ne
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXB5EbGy5h
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX236jZRdG
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdExnLsPNvq
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQIfdc4qnx
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60EHkwK5ia
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02KK2hnEhX
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vRpowNK4U
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Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTw6TbByCl
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgAN1RpIpw
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWxck2DzCr
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPcddwX8XQ
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Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZLBtJzoox
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGF5MeOEmw
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwh5yKYDVD
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAJUFtMs5h
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW9DRp5GHU
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"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzDct167U
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ztaKiYPja
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Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ucrrAqiqE
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"Should I?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy6A1eDOTX
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Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtZTR51GaY
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxyIikN7IN
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"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9velht2pkq
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEPa2Ekphw
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"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9S7yu1Kzh
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The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1kuHdYeth
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBkH4YjZIq
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOWnHZodXw
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZplcGTzcd
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvVBmn14cJ
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"Is she?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbUyMhnXdd
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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?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZl2ZTcW0m
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwekiswC6TC
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"Do you think it's because of her father?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEhPD4cJtS
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ZEI1poVs
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsmUss7wKH
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtTGfTHBai
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaZT9OI87x
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyZL03U0mW
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJWSHgUWDG
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"Maybe they did."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1w2EA9r6P
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2GZOTKX0R
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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?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2Cw2kj0r8
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG38jwtySU
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIYLmnkJkq
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvrXofOmmY
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuIeePW5o6
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eIewxIfio
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"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3l9pfIG5K
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU64HINYKfj
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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?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXea2NW0kz
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EMbjk43A0
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmRzdCK3ab
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"Yes."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvjdhnPZMM
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"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcNnL2uPn8
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUuiW6hcq7
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"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYnVlE1FUE
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8dY4vEZQi
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSwkQAKUzr
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeaIUkfP3u
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"Is that why you called?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr7BFaFu1p
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"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGQddgGOAc
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"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7ehJ65Jkz
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ331SohVhbo
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"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmCyqE9NT2
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL5wsEHUEp
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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?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbXBDoxTUG
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"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYLY7G05kj
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8aRUvgvQN
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao5LRLsGDM
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"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WD7neTi3y
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"Soon. Very soon."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtjuIRprNH
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"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjHCz47J2W
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"It's what Emelda would've wanted."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JqKjw71S9
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb09RXm5aOh
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrStJVjYlO1
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rPKD9FOp2
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnKVPnwN8W
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEwXQYOHIE
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqGvXJOn0p
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszs6Xv8cPb
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX45DFDHwy
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0s4HAGoEr
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lNfl1v8Fc
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***538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIzV5226OM
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMXrf6MUpT
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHC4YxDwSH
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVmGWzeS3h
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUclvJ7rmep
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn03gbD4He
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvah3m1BgrT
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmUjHOmhMr
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxZYKqnKow
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEFU9TGVGh
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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?538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF21faZ6rC
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gX5rUyhDu
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PQvHRoby
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjphPgoVqSW
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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?"538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tSCsfQise
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyZyik1Y5o
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBJZHswPsj
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm2FvbOcDC
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYwBEVVd4m
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUctVj8xJos
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dNVTPLx0
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmRBDrB2xm
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr4gsOfOAb
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKRwgOzLjv
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLzPnh6jkc
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QJ6fziHfU
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPE39IdZ4Z
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNQfVlmxvb
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJptCt3cLsI
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEpNFzZiwV
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cev7jQQb6
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5lFqyrRQ6
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9aMlCCLii
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFb2oopVav
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynOuvK6hJe
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aQApehEom
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkJg4VYeuw
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8p4YYRbGW
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsH7ZbkVY6
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtAWForTGc
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRNmq2gjIV
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhtI66P2mf
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzKkUKmrzs
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0DilkiIuh
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7lGbT8BVZ
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsocDI10Xo
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgjPkX6xFT
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeICH7gh4bW
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiWK52yMEm
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeIicxOcJG
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiObF9LbzFa
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHNer6OfHY
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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."538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX3uVmiIHn
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTH0ZxTw0C
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPOx9jCItZ
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EI0jEp0pe
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxvnGUd9JJ
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYfY7a75Uv
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgxeUNqAop
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMiQLWZXwJ
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLRlB7KqLH
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjfXVH4Ytw
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s2HGnjIpF
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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?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wbDFnkLtT
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9fTFgYnCQ
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUgsfv4ECq
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEk5dQBwYt
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeJHugIsCi
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrYEJvd38Q
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4IpyQBDB0
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFszyGTKXS
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EI1YaSL38
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d5r6YAdZB
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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:538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraNz8SgU4T
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVvj101pyN
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu28ZqjvjnV
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00xP6NGS7C
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuYWaEW5dI
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnII1OvYURe
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoaVZKKsmI
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXGXLYQmxb
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFCf2uBLE7
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY86MLC1GR
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF7NOO0WJs
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSxDIGyYwW
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0bjdD5qBO
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglQktMC0o1
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfTUEzLQnG
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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!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gjbiqWDf4
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK866uZwe4M
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mI6TpMixe
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk8njESFsu
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EyTCyvcdV
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD0oQxJPXl
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOCjO6yZST
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xQS6UdLkE
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySJTj6SAgv
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLEZqoozo1
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck3pUr5dqL
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoJfKFWmIn
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOmNqp2A48
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqpEto11z3
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuBQPrveiF
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k8HauH2FV
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJxLStnQmc
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAEL2iOETt
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgXvu0ehPs
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“What is it?” he asked.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa3yotsnQO
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgOZ1WH7Rb
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQhwp6ULrt
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1IDohF09T
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRb5yJMSoR
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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?538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNv67ytiwo
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGId89ym4o
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqni4mS6c9
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Z8iWFBB6
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJldkC8iV5
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs02hLPagly
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX99KWihNc
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXX9jIlWmJ
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmyIFH0Btu
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvD9Asj1du
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFFhWYwiq9
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9nC8GKlOl
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXklPdKex6G
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5bGok1lf5
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja068bPpR5
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll70u0j3Ep
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgz4z7P7by
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzC5IM7zHY
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSOMcb9uOy
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeuaJzqB5K
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXp5QaaOPR
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“There’s no phone service.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklQTGeMqCR
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqT7s0MF5g
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwO9qJd5Q2
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTKJ2kAlk3
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr25GnVSJw
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0whK5SpGur
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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.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHU8FNzKLq
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7xLe3ahW3
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY3wpVDiJ8
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3ZolCU0zJ
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQBdlIcLWg
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLiBC9KiJM
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjiqIMHtFZ
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekjuibzNoG
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKYDNrvVvZ
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMi9jt4SGl
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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.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwJAPQbN8V
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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 protection534ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4r6ESg0az 維尼

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