x

“What’s going on? I can’t get through to him,” Malcom looked down at his phone after trying to call Kevin. He received a message from him almost thirty minutes ago and for some reason, he can’t get through to his phone.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjThJxOXPGd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu9T0UHxTs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7a0vxwfKWX
He sat on his bed, careful not to strain his shoulder. He hoped everything back at Mr. Cowell’s house is fine. After Kevin’s message, he couldn’t help but worry even more. He wished he could go there, but now that his mother had her eyes on him and his sister, getting out of the house just got harder.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCuhkQFWnO
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPAugvjpvL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2PieISXWN
He looked at his phone and tried to call Kevin again, but his phone still isn’t going through. He thought of calling Rhénee, but thought again if it would be appropriate at this time, considering that she might be tired after what went on today. Kevin must have also told her about Mr. Cowell. And knowing her, she’s probably there right now. He thought of calling her instead.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3Q5whUv00
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9OcmukMoL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgEP2InC47
Before he could do so, he heard a knock at the door. He muttered to himself, irritated that someone was by the door when he wanted to be alone. He told the person to come in and when he saw his mother enter the room, he couldn’t help but curse under his breath.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUwZnwhr7j
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRURqt2UJMm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61HMPInDRp
“Well, you don’t seem so happy to see me,” said Mrs. Derrand as he approached his bed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQw4T9QED3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jj90xbKvH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WFqajoeE5
“Maybe it’s because I wanted to take a nap before you came in,” Malcom calmly lied.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiojQCp7aYt
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWUJyKEIJl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNuP0gef0H
She stopped at the foot of the bed and stared at him. Malcom tried not to flinch in pain as his shoulder still continued to ache. He can’t give himself away now. His mother would throw a fit.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lQOLzDfTC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTjCr5xkzF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHPFKKrRxJ
“Sorry if I’m interrupting, but I just came to check on you.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ6NwtshSu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskFnhx3trn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqMKVzxcuJ
“As you can see, I’m fine.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeFuiRbVwx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74K06VGxv9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WH3fAsS9K
Mrs. Derrand almost did a 180, when she stopped and turned back to look at Malcom. “Can you do me a favour tomorrow?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lM60kPfxe
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpivMNBwqVL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVCso58la6
Malcom raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhb3G3rFu9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQOwCDcR2B
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp8gllnrES
“You’ll be on leave for a week, right? I was wondering if you could go to Rhénee’s house tomorrow to deliver something for me.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbzx1CsCQ3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk59IO0wVLN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMHssEzF9f
Now Malcom is concerned. What could his mother want him to give Rhénee?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu23XXRolWZ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡperF3jN0yA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qNcAwfiVT
“Why should I be the one carrying out that errand? You can easily tell the driver to do that, can’t you?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz0dBIm9bB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuju7Z6ZHGd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXrRnHaJIK
“Well, after the incident at the party, I didn’t get to give her a gift.” Mrs. Derrand made herself comfortable, sitting at the foot of his bed. Malcom hoped she wouldn’t come closer. “And I've been busy dealing with the police that I completely forgot until I saw it in my room today.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKfhs0Gt89
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vzccxaUh5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjktOEzW9tb
“I know you’ve been busy and that you probably forgot, but why don’t you do it? I mean, it’s your gift to her, right?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWELQdWTs8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJePnEgQQIn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jy5ooz81O
“Yes, I know. But I’ve to get back to work tomorrow and it would be nice if you would do this for me. Besides, you can use that time to get to know Rhénee better since we were rudely interrupted at the party.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLjA85HzDu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuyvZSn6Ha
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi20W9QmRGe
Malcom raised an eyebrow. Why would his mother want him to get too familiar with Rhénee? Is there something that she wants out of it, he thought.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPPjCMQMqr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNvQTQTMM5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdFVygPaLT
“And if I refuse?” he dared to ask.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2CXe2XePo
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafqOOZmeTC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgfVbAEDcK
“Don’t try to be stubborn,” she scoffed. “It’s only natural that you should get to know her since we all knew her late grandmother. And she hasn’t been in Madison in years. We’ve to make her feel welcome.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylTipVYWsk
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5cK5LbxDm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYPRw0D6Dq
“But you and Emelda weren’t the best of friends, you know.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAjfckofiX
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZefoOsjbZY
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVr9uJOj8N
Malcom knew he had struck a nerve because his mother stared at him like she would shoot lasers out of her eyes. But her demeanour quickly disappeared as she sighed and put up a smile.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQJZqU33VL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KEVDdWl0l
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaobPJtOms
“It’s because of that that I want to make amends. I know she’s gone and there’s nothing I can do to patch things up with her. It's left me in deep regret. I feel the need to connect with Rhénee more, you know?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx46ivQ9on1
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdigyMeXGTd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hNfsg7gAo
“Then why not take the present to her yourself?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifisFDDUXI
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2cDW3mg2X
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOS15i20yw
“I would, but like I told you earlier, I’ve work to do. There’s plenty of time for me to get close to her. You and sister should too. Your friendship might be valuable in the future. You'll never know when you would ever ask each other for help.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Upg9l38d
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMXaVhRSIH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45f0QcmrK9
Malcom continued to sit in silence as he looked at his mother. Why would she want him to get close to Rhénee all of a sudden?  In the few days he and Greta got to be with Rhénee, they were already close. But their mother isn’t aware of it because as far as he and his sister are concerned, she might be their enemy.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueYrWQRbo6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVbAsCrDBL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwLjspr7BV
“I’ll take it for you,” he said. “But you should be the one getting to know her better. Not me.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX4CztwjWp
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy644lg0BlY
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAso6pY1iu
“Thank you, Malcom,” Mrs. Derrand said with a smile. “You should make your sister tag along.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebyggofd0e
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aZBSmXtpq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZGOTb4Uwm
“I’ll see if she'll be up for the idea.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oLq3vTWBb
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTm1P9Ch94
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9uMk5rQwF
Mrs. Derrand stood up from the bed and stretched out her hand to touch Malcom by the shoulder. He was quick enough to catch her hand before it landed. She looked a little shocked by the sudden gesture.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn0IHG7LIe
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1oSfAeTcs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhecpU722v
“What is it?” Mrs. Derrand asked. “You don’t want your mother touching you, Malcom?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq9qn5guPD
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinBIUtJB7P
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG9L2xa123
“Wow, mum, when you put it like that, it sounds really wrong,” Malcom said as he quickly stood up.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzEMYq6hCu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnkwHGKdBI
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41frlWoPUC
"Sorry, dear. I just wanted to show my affection for the favour."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RhdktFEAv
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMwpQsdwNk
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiUnGf6XnZ
"Maybe you should do that by leaving me for now. I need to rest."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFkN6UIPE3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOfw7pWW0B
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRalBswCSRN
His mother sighed. "When are you going to stop hating me, Malcom?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnGz4bZas9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQaPO14657
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6aw1qyXUH
"I think you already know the answer."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBl9AQrb4p
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0z5qgmuce
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp3JcsAgir
"Whatever happened to your father..., I still regret it to this very day."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO6c58gZXF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnVLKhpMIx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusfCHZ5pFH
"Do you mum? Because it doesn't feel like it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qozdt1XWY
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GUBeE9M7P
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ9PXb5eWH
Malcom folded his arms and almost winced in pain as he strained his injured shoulder by doing so. Instead, he humphed as though he's upset. He turned to look away from his mother, approaching the window and looking at the dark lawn outside.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiLssHJwrQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n2Ohr4Bfi
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0jIrR4Vl2
"I know I can't undo what I did," said Mrs. Derrand, as she stood behind her son. "But will you continue to hate me forever? It's been three years since-"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTXTpxwyko
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7APqS8jnhU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9taK2KAAR
"Mum, enough. I don't want to talk about it. It hurts even more when you start this all over again. Staying here with you is already enough to bear, don't you think?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m9PoY3kK6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarLEWnyX5E
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrMnDyIRp1
Mrs. Derrand opened her mouth, but no words came out. She knew it's best for her to leave.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg5Ecv7FGf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8hmPUaX8n
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnaC2B197z
"I know you and your sister hate me, Malcom. But know this, whatever I did, I did it for the two of you. And I was never going to let your father get in the way. If you ask me, I would do it all over again."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvWuxNkag3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcpaKQK6HR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJpDQcUEhc
Malcom dropped his arms and clenched his hands into fists, straining his injured shoulder. He just wanted his mother to leave.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfDBXhizFx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDGaOGSUuQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1n5vIydta
Someone knockwd at the door, and judging by how quick the knocks came, Malcom knew it's Greta. She might be late, but she couldn't have come at a better time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3MpT49KhX
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rYpR6p1Qi
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtaFr9k0G4
Mrs. Derrand went to the door and opened it. Greta gasped at the sudden sight of her mother in her brother's room.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQSe53JQzW
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMdoTJ9vGn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXqcrmcsDX
"Hey, mum," said Greta, trying to compose herself.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Hf9XrIpC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQqT0Q7Z9J
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoVqfeqrwO
Her mother gave a nod of her head and looked back at Malcom who still looked out of window. She sighed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyJDNTQLVx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiZndBi5l4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWfR5604qH
"I'll leave you two," she said as she went past Greta who quickly stood aside. Greta looked on as her mother walked down the hall to her room.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1fpyPpLlx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjznVQN7iY
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LKLYXjHGS
Greta quickly entered her brother’s room, closing the door quietly. She turned to look at her brother. “What was she doing here?” she asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvluan73GX
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4l3CPtshM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyxUe4cbdi
Malcom shook his head. “I’ll tell you later. Right now, something’s up with Kevin’s phone. I tried calling him but he isn’t answering.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFsMkwdow9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wlCBoDHmR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0IZU8Y8R7
“I guess you received the message too. I tried calling Rhénee and her phone wouldn’t go through either. I also called the house landline. It's ringing but nobody’s picking.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUVKOEy0y3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWsnczwWx8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf48XjYmpCS
“Odd.” Malcom turned to look at his sister. “There should be Miss Griselda at the house. Could they not be home?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22I7zQOlaR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3Ws7uiFou
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvnnBdupCq
Greta also looked just as confused as Malcom. He didn’t like this at all. Kevin and Rhenee’s phones were unreachable, and no one was answering the phone at Rhenee’s house. Could Kevin, Rhénee and Miss Griselda be in trouble? Or is there any reasonable explanation?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyotuuPtbGH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3gsPkgE2M
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALMktSX8eb
“I would like us to go check Rhénee’s house, but I don’t think mum would want us to go out,” said Greta.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6y6r2NSid
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJv7jI4Nbm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lhi6MHbuJ
Malcom couldn’t agree more. Their mother would find it suspicious that they were both leaving the house together. Unless…415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWbKyHlBEJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCAuB28PaF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2tkMWwjyD
Malcom snapped his fingers and quickly walked past his sister, heading for the door.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1OAEmTOl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMvayVWkiH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIkLrYfUhG
“Hey, where are you going?” Greta called out to him, as she followed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EQcaFPDYq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIDz3iFv8Q
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgTqBueM6y
Malcom stopped himself in the hall and turned to look at his sister coming behind him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2qUiPoEBd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzygWpCzVAp
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DkmaMJsOl
“Lower your voice, I don’t want mum to hear,” he whispered to her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjitkDD41aN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnv814Z5ek
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUNMNb89BX
“What is it?” she asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0wtPsgBmJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0EqPOGugn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZv37cWEIh
“I want you to follow my lead. Can you do that?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TIp9wdHFd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQqNuYlEjr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc70e86y2o
“Whatever plan you have, I hope it works. What am I saying? Of course, it will.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGSpPz5MV7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUMuAHtPPy
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa7NKnCytM
Malcom gave her a brief smile and continued his way down the hall, heading for his mother’s room. He heard Greta yelp behind him, but she continued to follow nonetheless.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoIwEtwtxn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRC930iaNf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZhUY8E31Z
When he got to the door, he knocked and heard his mother behind the door tell him to come in.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiY0DSkEot
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yZmka5oI5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu4B7g00Xa
"Malcom, Greta," said Mrs. Derrand as she looked up at her two children. She was seated on her bed, with her phone in her hand. She looked a little surprised to see them, not after what happened with Malcom in his room. "What brings you two here?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw47QGUtY4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsC8wlid8O
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEF2LRUH60
Greta looked at her brother who immediately answered, "that gift you wanted me to take to Rhénee, I would like to take it to her now, if you don't mind."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPmKh4kEUl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyn5hlfA6E
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYWy6NnLyU
Mrs. Derrand looked even more surprised. "I thought we agreed you would take it to her tomorrow."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYbd5hxMYP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgD4ybdmZ4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWiMxwG43o
"I did, but I thought I'm better off taking it today, before it gets too late. I just remembered that there's something I need to do tomorrow. And it's urgent."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lqVo6silA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFW5UraLIy
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr3xK3s4vQ
Mrs. Derrand looked at Malcom and Greta intently. The two thought she would simply refuse. She stood up from her bed and went to her closet. The two siblings looked at each other, wondering what she's going to get out of there.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpKjtuoFwn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8IqTSoHGs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzCYP8WJ4j
The doors of the closet closing caught the two's attention as they turned to look back at their mother who now had a small white gift bag in her hand. She held it up for Malcom to get.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1pn21yrFr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZifkodzdDo
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7hHVSgFA9
"Here it is," she said. "Are you sure you need to take it to her now?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2fMuY0Zg8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdOyq33PZM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhgzlgXrL7
"I'm sure,"  Malcom answered. "I'll make sure she gets it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQIf40b1P4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF9vjBMCXr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKBFmd8vyH
"I know you will. I'm just worried about the time. Do you two really have to be out at this time?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC6krdxSig
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxymhDroWnN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7iQulww2R
"Come on, mum, we aren't kids anymore," Greta chirped in. "It's not that late. We haven't even had supper yet."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsSPiPHgcs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNguK5AMcsz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmdLVTQNyd
"That's because you two weren't here that I told the cooks to delay for a little bit."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFP3Ll3zex
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY69CRBUrd2
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUtjuXLhbZ
"We'll be back before you know it," said Malcom. "We'll have time to chat with Rhénee later."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGfwcWkehf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIRtvEb7j4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb9wSjwN7e
Mrs. Derrand sighed, knowing that she didn’t have a choice. She probed Malcom to get the bag from her hand which he did.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1jjS483cJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadBt9X9rO1
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAPxRphecn
"Be careful out there," Mrs. Derrand said to them as they made their way out of the room.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe6U26Dnkh
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IavTE2Ooz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSkI5bwNhZ
"Did anyone ever tell you how brilliant you are, Malcom?" Greta asked as they quickly rushed down the stairs.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1TwEW2VMz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOmsWvde8R
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyuTnszTW0
"Keep it down," he warned as he reached the bottom of the stairs first and headed for the front door. "We don't want her to hear you."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVGDpdIKNC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjYXMxuTrA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPutMeSu5qJ
He searched for the keys to the car in his pocket. Luckily he hadn't removed them from the time he got back home. He quickly opened the door and went for the car. Greta closed the door behind her and quickly followed her brother to the car. Malcom already unlocked the door and got in.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjitNS1Z0da
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV65fPQ5Q5a
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiBERbP9ox
"I just hope they're okay," said Greta as she got in the car. Malcom had already worn his seatbelt.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqzvBVqihG
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjOgFS2DR8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvdbUlEMMB
"I hope so too, especially Rhénee."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhCNBEpjtQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF70qAMyKM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRLMNabvvf
Greta raised an eyebrow at her brother as she also wore her seatbelt. "You seem to care about her a lot lately."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSWxwr5Pf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mvAAwxZ2z
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3MeFj9i5x
"Is that a problem?" Malcom asked as he turned the ignition and the car's engine roared to life, not looking at his sister.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe3QiiwUMH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ788vWlW15Z
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdi9Hcu45a
"Oh, nothing," said Greta. "I know we're protecting her because we swore that we would, but you seem to be taking this a little too seriously."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM2je2vuUd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhSSJh16sN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73q0yg2bqs
Malcom now turned to look at Greta. "It's like you said at first. We swore that we would protect her."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnj1sXRpzS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI6e5YO1E6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhQJGtyOyy
He put the car in reverse and it reversed right out of the driveway, through the gate. He put the car on drive, driving away from their house.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMtOU2Ju0f
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRCaMiRBZe
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRBu0DvruK
"I know that. But haven't you stopped to think that by doing so we're also going against our mother?" Greta asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL5dQyqD8c
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPjsCzyR1N
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp6aQxwQxR
"You're forgetting that we've been against her for a long time even before Emelda passed on."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq4L317B1O
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuD7S5X9Oc
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU9wORmsra
"True. But what if things had been different back then? Would we be protecting Rhénee like we're now?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHxRZS95HO
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqdwUVhqiz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlvahAsaIe
Malcom didn't answer at first as he had his eyes fixed on the road. "If things had been different," he finally answered, "something tells me we wouldn't have known Rhénee at all."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBI5YiKEtF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ6XXG7dBi
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡburrZU5RUq
Greta looked at her brother and thought about what he said. She looked ahead. "I guess you're right."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnWwZ3gQEH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwLXF9U2h7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d6T6lvVE2
“Do you regret doing this?” Malcom asked after a moment of silence had passed between them.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfngwAc8Xfy
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqemN0hnwP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM2LtrBMgD
Greta hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to use. “To be honest, I don’t know what to think anymore,” she answered. “If it weren’t for our parents, something told me we wouldn’t have been in this mess.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZGWRvcuCI
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaIN0oSgxW
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSE7SpFQJo
“But you don’t regret helping Rhénee out?” Malcom gave his sister a brief glance before fixing his eyes on the road again.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxjpBkxV3l
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TkgzK4R3d
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmaUhhUUfq
“For some funny reason, I really don’t. And you?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR4vmfHrfd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLZero0KFk
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfIwwzemK8
Malcom found himself shaking his head. He knew he and Greta are doing this because they promised the late Emelda. Now it felt more like an obligation. He didn’t know if his sister also felt this way, but he did. As much as that thought scared him, he didn’t seem to care. Ever since he met Rhénee, he felt he had to protect her from whatever is going on in this little town. Maybe his sister is right. Was he taking this a little too far? If so, why? He felt he isn’t only doing this for the late Emelda, but for something else. Is it to get back at his mother for what she did to him and Greta in the past? Now that he is thinking about it, he realises that there must be some other reason, though he doesn’t seem to know what it could be.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVj1388a1a
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6NND8vueU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNwBFShOni
They were now pulling over in front of Rhénee’s house and they noticed as the car entered the front gate, that the lights inside the house were off. They couldn’t have called it a night and gone to bed for it’s far too early. Malcom and Greta knew right away that something's wrong.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqfp5Yr99b
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthYgsixHk3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDnsQ0Zuqo
Malcom parked the car in front of the house and Greta immediately got out. Malcom killed the car’s engine and followed Greta.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5yqez0JEE
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY8rt71rBl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd0alHHqXI
“The place is dark and quiet,” said Greta as she walked up to the front porch. “It looks like nobody’s home.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm297r9bX6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtK5NrSYQn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IlSwT2BAv
Malcom looked at the mansion and then at his sister. “Let’s try the back.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdbbUPlYwf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKVjkST02d
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OixrlpymN
They went round the house and went for the kitchen back door. They weren’t surprised to find it locked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbwBxFTvnB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcyxe0korB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewIHBWeDf3
“I’m guessing they must have gone to Mr. Cowell’s house,” said Malcom. “I just noticed that Rhénee’s car isn’t here.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlQv5h3pW5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwFFTap1TL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91h3TYAqlE
“Could she've gone with Miss Griselda?” Greta asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN7LZZeIgR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63r0EglP8A
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN6JzYIWsN
“I guess so, otherwise, we would’ve found her here. Come on, let’s go to Mr. Cowell’s house.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vl3RYYkdr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouf0SdMbRQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaqsP6doCG
“Ya, let’s get out of here. With this house quiet and dark, I find it really creepy. I feel like a ghost can just appear out of nowhere.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJdO2yOMIJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIdr8pMbld
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFxZMhMvGd
“You watch too many horror movies,” Malcom shook his head at his sister. “Let’s go.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwArUxaMaa
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AByCLwG36
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQhQEuSqic
Greta went back to the front of the house. Malcom lingered a little as he looked towards the garden and the greenhouse. For an odd minute, he thought there was someone there, but he was greeted by silence and darkness. Now that Greta mentioned how creepy she felt, it also got to him except this time around, he actually felt there's something out there, but he couldn't see or tell if it's actually there.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhqaWkUNRA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw14tqo6GqP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA3JGmD5c8
He followed Greta and found her waiting by the car.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJdYE4sBaK
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke7czig5L7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMrAMcOUT5
"I thought someone had nabbed you back there," she said as he got close.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO2xqevmry
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaJPB0uZmL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDawkXrsMP
"I'm okay, as you can see," he said as he went to the driver's side and entered the car.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9ywNDHGYh
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXufEWvKg6M
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyXfXh2bvO
"I really hope Rhénee is okay," Greta also followed into the car.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzPHNXeNO4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97xg2KzS2s
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv7GrEKkEH
"Give her a ring again." Malcom started the car. "If her phone won't go through, then there's definitely something going on."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEInEYmZPx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kb2EAc87u
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbO5NToXQI
***415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnmopXkvDG
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj71slFj8yb
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G9954ixRn
"Rhénee?" Kevin called out as he heard noises coming from the livingroom.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9MtcvZkBU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gPmJT3Rka
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XHlZKkxq6
With his phone acting as a torch, he made his way to the door. When he pushed it open, he saw Rhénee on someone's back, her arms and legs wrapped round the person's body. All this while, the person was trying to get her off, but she stuck to the man like glue. Kevin looked confused as the two went from left to right, knocking over a few things in the room.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAC4Vtu5cu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFhfDn6DQ4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilkOugkJ8M
How did he get in the house, he thought. And if he had been here the whole time, how come he and Rhénee hadn't realised it?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rPHXwBvlq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKJtSHuzCq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxNi6wJDZK
Rhénee hung onto the man's back and as they spun around the room, she noticed a light appear in the room. She knew Kevin had arrived after hearing the noise. Right now, she needed to put this man down, but with him moving around, she didn't know what to do.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMYEpJNTgv
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvdi7hQQgR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFsnbvQJaV
"Kevin, help!" she called to him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQmzHuM0Il
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj1VramBc3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWUWpfGUOL
Soon, the man ran her up the wall, making her get hit in the back. But it still wasn't enough for her to let him go.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf5t6sAKSX
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWd2IsPOOK
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nVBmdSj6y
"Get off of me!" the man yelled, running across the room, and in the process, hitting into the coffee table.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChoUG0N71Q
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmyZi9FgZw
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwphJjzQg6d
Rhénee and the man fell to the floor together, with Rhénee still on top of him. Now is the man's opportunity to get her off of him. But Rhénee was quick enough to sit upright on his back and press his head down onto the floor with her hand and pinning his back with one knee.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhijgAg2eyr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW9O4JFYWL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmncUKd7KWa
"Kevin, help me hold him!" Rhénee called out to Kevin in front of her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFjGLCcyJg
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8ib790Ie4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSFSLYMlot
Kevin woke up from his shock and tossing his phone on the couch, he came over to help her as he also pinned his knee onto the man's back. He also pinned the man's hands onto his back.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijV0hBQ0wt
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBSe5rdrcS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoCZNz8dz2
The man squirmed and struggled to get out. He's much bigger and broad shouldered. Rhénee and Kevin weren’t going to be enough to pin him down for long. They had to do something quickly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nG142XFJl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFUSksMH03
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvzjiHBG5R
“We can’t hold him down for much longer,” Kevin told Rhénee. “We’ve to do something quick-”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gWosWVD3H
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKcuc3ImKj
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP3Yf8sSQy
Before Kevin could finish his sentence, Rhénee had quickly pressed her index and middle fingers onto the man’s neck and he quickly fell unconscious.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6so8CnWLB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Nu4wPV6H
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopvSmhIZPp
“What the-?” Kevin couldn’t believe what he's seeing. “How did you do that?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVyZZW7j8H
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj8CLUh0OO
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYlTy2nlrh
“I hit his pressure point,” Rhénee calmly answered. She slowly stood up taking in a few deep breaths.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5DuiSjRwR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUaQDsQHtG
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCVb4oFvYJ
“Where did you learn to do that?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDI0zTjza0
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00dVMY7c5M
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF3MeqIt0I
“I’ll explain later. We need to check if he has weapons on him.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrsJzpJQ7C
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj9FLf8yrx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5IsZ5mklw
Kevin agreed to leave this discussion for later as he started to check the man’s pockets while Rhénee went over by the couch to get his phone to provide light as he searched. He found an AK47 tucked under his belt and a sharp pocket knife in one of his pockets. He checked the other one and found a cellular phone. Weird, most people have smart phones these days. Why would he need a cellular phone?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UX395eOEU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtmZNqIqYD
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vnLfkrkiK
“I guess this is important,” said Kevin as he passed the phone to Rhénee.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdWpMB95Te
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H3a7eSeQM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlM3lvorFM
“Whoever he works for might get into contact with him,” said Rhénee as she looked at the phone and checked it. She frowned. “There’s still no signal.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffxzqjeQ87
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKLvEApD4y
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9di08fNVvb
“Maybe he was going to cut off whatever is jamming it after he finished the job. We just have to find it.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxdbq0Pdg3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNaKhVVrah
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wJKiK64aS
“Let’s tie him up first. Who knows when he might come around.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRALozOiDm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRpSOzYjja
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUhWFpByFQ
“I thought he will be unconsciousness until you touch his pressure point again.” Kevin stood up from the floor.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9xfPX8iuD
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FjMQUkeG5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAQDx9d6MQ
“Not always. There’s a limit, you know?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqejo5lzrjS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGmI0ne2nN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l5lBr4b90
“I think I saw rope somewhere in the kitchen.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9f74br0Ds
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcuMSf1xpm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd7AKLeSGy
Rhénee gave Kevin his phone back as he rushed to the kitchen. She took her phone out and turned on the torch. She looked at the man who lay unconscious on the floor. Sophie stood on the overturned coffee table, looking on. Rhénee smiled at the cat, glad that her plan had worked. She felt the cat could really understand her after all.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyRVVLlz7B
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ331KNVx07e
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4w01w8bmo
She knelt on the floor so as to take a good look at the man with short black hair and ruddy face with a slightly big nose. He wore black clothes and black leather boots like that of a soldier. In fact, Rhénee thought that if she were to look at him properly with the lights on, she might mistake him for one. But who could he be?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJRi0jZj56
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYKsxNrmim
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGEdOFOlg2
Rhénee continued to look at him when she spotted something on his neck like a chain, hidden under his black t-shirt. It looked like one of those chains most soldiers wear in memory of fallen soldiers. But the chain isn’t silver but gold. Looks like he isn’t a soldier then, she thought.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnDtwKnayy
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4gKbXXZgX
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLULzBtTQoZ
Out of curiosity, she placed her fingers on his neck to get the chain out. It’s a chain necklace with a grey key. The odd thing about the key is that it’s real and not a trinket. She noticed rust in some areas and it looked old. Why would he be carrying it with him around his neck? Did it mean something?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCNXz9I3VA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgNFXEFHvu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzjXRscqq2
She heard the door to the kitchen creak open and Kevin walked in, holding up his phone to light the way. Rhénee brought the neck chain around the man’s head, and managed to get it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBqcfXs2IL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7934rVlLY2
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKkKILayTB
“What’s that?” Kevin asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkFEUlVFXU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLXBo7uhDh
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXC4yjDmZV
“A key,” Rhénee answered as she stood up and held up the chain for Kevin to take a look.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBiuykjCyC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9MBmGJx3z
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5ArWtNjEy
“Do you think it’s important?” Kevin raised an eyebrow.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDe0592W90
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoKNkrRAwu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU50yPMHE56
“I have a hunch.” Rhénee placed the key in her pocket. “Come on, let’s tie him up. Then we can go check upstairs for whatever is jamming the signal.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4xuYcvZfm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCQPuDznV
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHpHlhHZlm
“How sure are you that it’s upstairs?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCQFP3ceAv
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7aANtL9sj
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSk9kvU3XV
“Because that’s where he has been hiding this whole time. It’s obviously up there.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmApSXkI2vu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH2kdXIbf7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ2qz1PHRT
Kevin nodded and they went on ahead to position the man on the floor to tie him. They bounded his hands and legs, making sure to tie the rope round his body for him to lie straight on the floor.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRe8IXKneR
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR74sLxltmV
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwynoTNYXAr
Together with Sophie, they soon made their way up the stairs. When they reached the top landing, Kevin suggested they split up; him taking the left and Rhénee taking the right.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR6aJadbNF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpv0FQqy0J
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFxfQZfUHJ
Rhénee walked down the hall with Sophie at her heels and approached the first door to her left. She opened the door and looked inside. It's a bedroom. There weren't things lying around on the dressing table opposite the bed which was close to the bed, so she could tell that no one occupied this room. She thought of leaving to go check somewhere else, but she found herself now in the middle of the room. She didn't know why, but she felt that she might find something of importance.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK3nnQ08b8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfjnWEP9AE
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUArJ1Ahiv
There were sheets and pillows on the bed and Rhénee found it odd for a room that seemed unoccupied. Maybe she's wrong and there was someone who occupied it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwf5MxUn6R
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNixvaAutC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpLPfP8fcZ
A wooden closet stood in front of her and she went straight for it. She drew the doors open, and found the closet empty. Strange, she thought. She felt sure she would find something. Just as she was about to turn and look elsewhere, she felt a light thud below. Sophie had just stepped in the wardrobe and went for the corner.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuCvzpCSLc
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBluDaRU0W
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGQXsKOfQN
Rhénee shone the light over to where the cat was as it started to scratch the floor of the wardrobe. Rhénee knelt on the floor and bent over to the far corner and when she placed her hand on the spot the cat had been scratching at, she realised that the wall of the wardrobe felt light and hollow.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS2eQip1ht
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeE6Yyds5y
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnCmiVc1Yg
"Just how many secret places does this house have?" Rhénee asked herself aloud.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81brgArxQQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzrK3DTiid
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC50Fdopzh
She now started to press her hand along the corner of the wall of the wardrobe while the other held her phone. The wall caved in a little until Rhénee realised that it could be pushed aside. She pushed a little, and what she saw made her gasp in awe. She decided to call Kevin.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKLdcsUcKx
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrTVyofSdQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP984SzwR2i
“Kevin!” she shouted, bringing herself out of the closet. “You’ve to see this!”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd0UCce7Yw
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qc6VXRFa1
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0F5uvCuY2
She heard quick, heavy footsteps and Kevin soon came with his light pointed at Rhénee. “What is it? Are you okay?” he asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLup1Sxsyr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQGd8cZf3p
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwVuR1geBK
"You'll be surprised with what I'm about to show you," she said as she went on her knees to enter the cupboard. Kevin still remained outside, and when Rhénee fully drew the wall of the cupboard aside, his jaw couldn't help but drop.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKhHm8rEwl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E9PHS89GF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfreeAlvlTy
In front of them stood a stack of guns, mounted on the wall like they had been put up for some kind of display. Below them, were drawers. Rhénee drew one of them open to find a variety of bullets for the guns neatly stacked away. She drew out another and there were a variety of short knives also lined up neatly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DPRH0v8F3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSzCoVPs4w
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMGrHUejCu
"Was this man preparing for war?" Rhénee asked as she looked at Kevin.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeVyccNJRJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNq4RXZjUi
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99s5XjfQuM
"I'm just as surprised as you," said Kevin. "I've known Mr. Cowell to be peaceful. I never thought he could’ve a stack of guns and knives hidden in his house."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pnJ7XJimI
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbTKudyht9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz6ruZFCu4
"He isn't some war veteran, is he?" Rhénee got out of the wardrobe, her eyes still fixed on the guns.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBpU44m0yT
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTxEmAIH52
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjm8lNBveC
Kevin shook his head. He had a worried look on his face and Rhénee thought it best that they move on.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZmiXQrmPL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNkNfK7v5z
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y3NHHuHbd
"Come on, we can worry about that later," she said as she went back in the wardrobe to slide the wall shut.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAcYfWa0Mt
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZo53fU5s9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFSrCguP1x
"So many things are happening today," said Kevin. "It's kinda hard to process it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqhbUg4C8Z
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSCvgZATNC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ogw4pwWY
Rhénee put her hand on his right shoulder as she faced the opposite direction. "I know what you mean. All this is overwhelming for you and I'll understand if you decide not to go on with it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlezplGqbe
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZLKPx83y3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7mLBlUOz4
Kevin turned to look at her in the semi-darkness. "I know what you're trying to do, Rhénee. You aren't going to convince me to leave you to face these things alone."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN843ywAuu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsYZsWManQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqJDBDs8d4
Rhénee couldn't help but blush in embarrassment as she stared at the floor in front of her. She felt Kevin take hold of her hand on his shoulder and turned to look at her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BmZvSExfN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p1hAyOL9x
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWPe1K5xPj
"I know I might not protect you with guns and whatnot, but I'll do as promised to your late grandmother: to protect you in the best way I know how. So you aren't going to drive me out of your life that easily. Not until the threat around you is gone."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsThznXEmF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq8mqCwc3v
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoOUE2drrQ
The two continued to look at each other and Rhénee soon cleared her throat, finding their little moment a little weird. She gently pulled her hand away from Kevin's, and he didn't resist as he also looked away.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALsDxs1UIB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqPw4waz6k
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1VKZ2tYwc
"We should continue looking," Rhénee suggested as she started to make her way towards the door. She stopped. "You know I'm suggesting this for your own safety, right?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKmuyB96tN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U6PXWVAH1
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5oKMTN5F5
"I know. But you don't decide what I do. I'm here to protect you willingly."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqvMHAur2A
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzvTFvEIz2
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDgQ3GlmXQ
Rhénee noticed Sophie stand right next to her. She sighed. "Let's go check the other rooms. We can't waste any more time."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGBjZWaE4T
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvysLsaaeBw
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSP065zPbl
"You're right."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGezEbqPbn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt9SGl9qHs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Flr9HNZJR
The two left the room and carried on with their search. After checking in two rooms, Kevin found himself in the master bedroom: Mr. Cowell's room. He looked around for anything suspicious, but nothing. He started to check around the room where he could probably hide anything of value by checking the wardrobe for any secret compartments and also under the bed, but to no avail.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt102FSVE7k
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqrMfexwqM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTyZ2uOJDZ
He was just about to go check the bathroom  when he thought he had seen something through the corner of his eye by the bookshelf at the far end of the room. He almost ignored it, thinking that he’s just seeing things. But then a small flashing green light blinked in the darkness before he even had a chance to look away. He went towards the shelf, looking for whatever could be blinking in the dark. After moving a few books aside, he finds a small black device that had been placed behind the books. It looked more like a small black box and the green LED light blinked at him after a few seconds. He noticed a small wire from it going all the way into a small hole drilled in the wall. He wondered if this could be what’s blocking the signal. He took the device in his hand and found a small button to press on. He pressed it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD00lakUHEF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorBTYnMrbc
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4PJjb3p43
The LED light suddenly went from green to red and immediately, Kevin felt the phone in his hand vibrate. The network signal is back and he couldn’t help but feel relieved. He checked his phone and found three messages from Malcom asking why his phone wasn’t going through when he tried to call. Kevin thought of calling him back, telling him what’s going on.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB21yw2I8c
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseJ6hwdw7K
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q7iYb8L2Q
Rhénee is in one of the rooms searching, when her phone beeped. She quickly checked it and realised that the network is back. Kevin must have found what was jamming the phone signal, she thought. She quickly rushed to the door and called out in the hall:415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK4vpwkgnu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfsvZ3qMgE
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDNgzrRA9D
“Kevin, did you find it?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9kNuu5Bi6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8YIQVDGig
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBEhwa8fGk
Kevin appeared down the dark empty hall from the master bedroom. “Yes, I’m trying to call Malcom. He tried calling me earlier but he couldn’t reach me.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt6FmJTkZ7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IqJmLQKeM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyx9CfHYne
Rhénee went back to looking at her phone and found messages from Greta asking her if she was alright and if they’re at Mr. Cowell’s house. She didn’t have to text back as Kevin got through to Malcom.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QxIOeUaBB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4NhyxAOhB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqBZdMj4E3
“Malcom, hey,” Rhénee heard him say on the phone. “We’re fine, yes, I’m with Rhénee. You’re almost at the house? But there's a problem. We can’t seem to get out of the house meaning that you can’t get in..., it’s a long story. If we can figure a way out you’ll get the details. Great.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetv49O2SoT
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1994KEHipd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVYO05Eoyh
Kevin cut the call and said to Rhénee: “they are on their way.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6Ly81Ixt6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QG1wtuYng
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU5qK09n7C
“Where did you find the device jamming the signal?” Rhénee asked as she approached Kevin down the hall.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUePeFHLSM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsP9bCJiJD
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH6V4SeGdG
“Hidden behind some books on a shelf,” he answered.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF1PiO2LEU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBfY6hwnE7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZJzHibb12
“Good work. Found anything else interesting?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsCOLR9lbH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH59iYb71H6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72yTrnvgAg
Before Kevin could answer, the phone in Rhénee’s pocket beeped. It’s the phone for the man whom they had tied downstairs. Rhénee quickly took out the phone to check it and found a message. She opened the inbox and what she read brought chills down her spine. She quickly looked up at Kevin.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9IMqXiBRm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHaEYS0D7F
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXfwb7O6ba
“Kevin, you’ve to see this?” She quickly found herself approaching him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt18u5rsL8
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgewBdlcR3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T6J3nxP6G
“Isn’t it the man’s phone?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjXj6GEKk5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs79g3qCjg
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv2IAxmVHv
“It is, and the message he got might be the clue to finding Miss Griselda.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AhgTrv4gz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKvn0ytn1W
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBGyvOxUlP
Rhénee showed Kevin the message which read:415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMZGybfqWj
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCS7JWmoBT
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yNK94CJKn
“After the job is done, meet me at the … bridge.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzesZUqX6WA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsaQaKkuID
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqvFkbqVJz
"Could it be Mr. Cowell?" Kevin asked, looking wide-eyed at Rhénee.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC5oz3SkFw
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMag5MQOef7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlJyVxzShw
"It could be, or it must be the person they're working for," she answered.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkITVqSnxGc
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDKIZFkSN9
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NB4hqZXzL
"Reply to them saying that you've got the message. They might find it a little suspicious that they didn't give any response."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJd5UYhrYg
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLleLekRXb
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOsv67vBfQ
"Judging by the time the message was sent," Rhénee continued to look at the phone, "we were already here with Miss Griselda."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA66rpSG3L
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqaSAt6aSV
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ejU6mXLnf
"Let me see." Rhénee showed him and found that she was right. If they had sent back a message replying to it, they might have caused a blunder and the people on the other end would know something's wrong.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡullMJrmtSz
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKHL9RLToe
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqVyJLRRVn
"We can send a message telling them that the job is done and we'll be heading to the bridge right away," Rhénee suggested.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU9GfAjOZ7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJC9XJ0X3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc91Q6PhgBS
"That's okay, but that's if we can find a way out of here," said Kevin.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37xkwnxXk7
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pv5w2hNlM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShF7PYZMPv
Just as Rhénee replied to the message, a sound of someone banging on the door downstairs reached them. Malcom and Greta are here. Together with Sophie, the two of them quickly ran down the stairs with their phone's as torches. When they got to the front door the banging on the door continued.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYaQSzfFp4
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvizrrD7lrA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpwSYw9HQD
"Malcom!" Rhénee called to him.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOcZxHBOdA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nCZQ39bCm
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV3piqSmNN
"Rhénee? Thank goodness!" came Greta's voice, sounding relieved. "We thought all this is just some silly prank when we found the lights off and the door wouldn't open."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm55VzobqpF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrxD60nxsr
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAks5Khn47Y
"It's no joke. Somehow, we got locked in, the lights went out and the phone signal got jammed. It's why we couldn't call for help."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4AYUYIvQM
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iDWGBywYS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcii349Nh4h
"And what of Miss Griselda?" Malcom asked. "There was no one at the house. Is she with you?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImE2aAJQ0u
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDTzfFvBZF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zXZujpYUk
Kevin and Rhénee looked at each other in the semi-darkness, wondering who would be the one to break the news about Miss Griselda's kidnapping.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYzQBuz1WF
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbBHCNU6kB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7KSWuxrAN
"She was with us," Kevin answered, as he continued to stare at Rhénee, then back at the door.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5Eo8GLulU
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme6y6j4kiP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpJ1b58rRB
"What do you mean 'was?'" Malcom asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6elL86nBj
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyo0vg36uq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd75ZU5J758
Kevin looked at Rhénee, willingly for her to answer that. She swallowed before she said:415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZoZ6PQTNl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmN4wAy5Kq
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdnG0xMwV7
"She was with us at first but she isn't anymore. She's been kidnapped."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yEvHcYxxH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVuScsLtYN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtVH8evzWJ
"What!" Greta exclaimed. "And what about Mr. Cowell? Isn't he there with you? How's he doing?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHX2uThBZt
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFARpKBqHs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqEjL1nxzE
"That's the thing," Rhénee quickly started to say, "he was never injured."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgw52qOBqB
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0jeimX5Ka
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10s1R8CeUt
"Huh?" Malcom and Greta sounded surprised by the whole thing. Rhénee could only imagine the look on their faces.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpLGfbtl6G
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V8cVZZ4AP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGNCkjclnW
"How come? Is all this some sort of setup?" Malcom asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVJ3cDiSZu
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CMoLh6slb
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFpkcZLCvi
"Seems so," Kevin answered. "Mr. Cowell drugged Miss Griselda and left us trapped in the house. But we do know where they are."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuUoMKtu2Y
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg4UY3MTbi
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYyQRXkQQa
“Let’s get you out of here first. It seems we have to break the door from outside.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2HbtpEcdl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX23TtccUv
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCAPf1OGNb
“Aren’t there any keys or anything?” Greta asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATS8ZbXuEL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij4xdisxAV
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALP4Of90Qt
Rhénee brought over the light from the torch to illuminate the wall where the key hanger was. She wasn’t surprised to find it empty.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dbYV7x6TG
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzyabKM59y
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YAS2AtcGK
“Nothing, we just have to break the door down,” said Rhénee. “We tried looking for something like a crow bar in the house, but there isn’t any.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUo7HytCSC
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kiowjuai3
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE0vjrGehC
“Let me see if there’s something in the car,” said Malcom. Rhénee heard his footsteps as he walked away from the door.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUPverC7t1
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEXC1byh16
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQTJaBoIEF
“Don’t worry, guys,” said Greta. “You’ll be out before you know it.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnyZvG51sf
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk9vQsGktO
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueAX7n0IyP
Rhénee turned around and went for the living room. Kevin followed and saw her approach the man they had tied up, still unconscious on the floor.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxibXoW0OH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyToSDWhJS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoMZhOUzbU
“Do you plan on waking him up already?” he asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pE17EtTwJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXTq9JNzcv
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPgOkp9ilu
“Not yet,” Rhénee answered as she squat next to him. “We’ll have to take him with us.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlICFi7IBs6
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpQ8sJ9eYn
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dtDnKIa49
“Are you crazy? He just tried to kill us not too long ago.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsQveYXIbd
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFD9AeOlNH
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl318F5KdS
“Yes, but there’s a lot he knows that we don’t,” Rhénee stood up from the floor. “I need answers.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpMnlSN705
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOTGfPcQUN
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL8OhyndIH
“I know you, but isn’t it dangerous to carry him along?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiVyXD8mBS
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn30MLPVWBt
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhz8Un3tcb
“It is. But he’s the only one who can tell us what’s going on.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY9lRJgrNy
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiaHdVPX4F
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5zHvMJb4n
Kevin shrugged his shoulders. “If you say so. Let’s hope the others will agree with your plan.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUPzIl9dcQ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP4VpdUZcL
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W4u3AfLkK
They soon heard the sound of something banging the door. Malcom must have found something to break the door open.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLe936rIiA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL5jitQo2W
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9pvB5kxdX
“I hope so too,” Rhénee said as she followed Kevin to the foyer. They already found a hole right next to the door knob until Malcom removed it, drawing the door wide open.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV5alMF6Ow
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaTvGOFwj5
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFqDLq0QLM
“You guys are okay!” Greta exclaimed as she quickly ran through the open door and went straight to hug Rhénee. Rhénee could only chuckle.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUmYrzlRaP
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHSrXvjDFs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1B52wGzyC
“Don’t worry, we’re okay,” Rhénee assured her.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQFKkIqTTI
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYqInCF0lO
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd25PVWSv9u
“Do you mind explaining to us what’s really going on? Why did they lock you in here?” Malcom asked with a crowbar in his hand. “And why did they take Miss Griselda?”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig52yvNg76
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuJ0E8EDpg
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93y9sZbzyi
“We don’t know. But I’m guessing the man tied up in the living room might know the answers to all that.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FAjRqB4EJ
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMMH8DiiTs
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKH0TTWKFf
“There’s a man in the living room?” Greta sounded surprised.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgqINBjOZA
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f2uuQxU0h
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvzVOR0bdN
“A lot has happened and you’ll be surprised,” said Kevin. “I’m still taking a lot in.”415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0LEEOnR7f
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5Nu4yHrkl
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4NA1aviva
“Tell us everything,” said Malcom. “And don’t leave out any details.”8964 copyright protection411ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7zOsfXbW3 維尼

18.188.103.42