The news about the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0POHPzxJ9
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd7VN2F2Ae
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pj8DArw9M
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjX65BoeDR
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCl8GfSUtR
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b4MV5R2TD
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPIMBlfv9w
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUp8zo3mSTx
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB42qoXIPR
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VIxQH9DoP
There was more to it 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkXR1aMC5t
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Lj29pEX8
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOiq6pwJN8
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPmM7x8U6x
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYhJqxthI0
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbThfSurmP
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoBxke1zAN
except from a few individuals. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspbx8k3Knd
And apparently, one of 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZs8dDThL0
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5wp7KKHvx
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrP5ctW3x0
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74R7lcuDkv
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSmKEUD60S
really going on, all hell would break loose.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVxfkeWhwt
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06bNFqPiyU
Rhénee dropped the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2HClZt6SW
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnddi4YVDms
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPcRyTEF1K
ear, she took a sip of coffee.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3x0ozJYMt
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJEaxdTvlB
"Ya, its crazy here," 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJyT77IjPv
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRcysOHnEM
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlkq3hMm0N
broken in."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE9dHL6iYH
"If only they knew."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeuXtpbd41
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4B5q1eVkG
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv1CfPrhAh
"She did. I had to make 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZMfWURE3w
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8wdwP8rpn
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi35WmoaEId
"I doubt if she believed that."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfBuYGLVZm
"Haha, looks like you 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD5vPhdpPJ
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LaYgzJsT0
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuZqXDZt8T
"True. But we did. I 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjechubWEVN
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0gsTxFVdK
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nTaaiMCBc
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSprxwSbJ8
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWUWsfbJqv
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDjYoTBrBo
"Okay, bye."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeSAaGiOkJ
"Bye."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzVLBGOyMu
Rhénee cuts the call and825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PO4vGIBJ8
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyuKaArFmu
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNjZUYEXxq
wink last night.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSIwsT1ygj
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL29DEPaLD
"I wasn't going to 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgVCTLsJJe
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaqAQXczYS
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqh2ijWxB7
"You don't have to 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyDpjimtBL
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRMcSCdjlp
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P8Ks9RHru
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgdczUjroe
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjpB5gvTRC
"Why Malcom?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zMrYMRy5Y
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m41e0UX69
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU75SzynkX6
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfR9qwd7r0
"Alright, you go ahead."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF8CqhxzKO
Miss Griselda gave 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDORG5SCVGU
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfefH6GT6OB
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcILI33kA4x
did when they talked about Malcom. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP0DUHgbfa
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ1IyzwXlj
The sound of her phone 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxANx3Ngjh
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEQTOStyMY
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZLF7cVXJE
mother.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ6QJc9oWs
"Hello?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgOAiSxMeB
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EolbvcpCo
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowcSd8cThE
That voice. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08V8gQ3re5
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufdtGtD33G
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DuXzGdYPc
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8brzEt67wm
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynQklaeAFh
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw1wi96Kah
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRoCW55w9y
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BQzxtGwWu
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgJ7preAfZ
"You don't know me, 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NQOruLck2
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqKNmJTRge
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpjCCH7BSp
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPBuQg6rhP
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2L4s5Nf7q
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEsmtz5j9n
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYbLBwy7te
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ORV3ITNNS
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9GUlTJzyq
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRURMZjysqd
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEFqPVuX5V
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhxfZorecP
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIkDOTEmBb
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmBcaZ2b7p
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKE7dyKn2R
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQU2tw9JbD
"Oh, and by the way, 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHOliNatQn
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sgP1rvHoS
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnzieo1ZOE
this time around."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPhNfMbNVV
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IfQVG0lxo
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKi8ytIBTl
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ38A6Ihre7
Rhénee sat down on the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHktohGPfrV
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto3sNAaT4v
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F6VLapeHp
the others, who know what might happen. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr9XCTzKNT
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimLAwsEf9
***825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYQHfFeWEb
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccpKguWrBw
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsRxdzPJLr
"But she isn't hurt right?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDBL8KVwaR
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs5cUVRQWp
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCCEDQcfDN
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqk2Fiwp2s
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjObQQmV7Ox
"Nah.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WBtcTu0mK
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr0YYW6qDW
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GYi2xyIKM
"Thats825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLQ19x2vjE
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqreGs0A8s
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnwcnOf4vE
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq3AvxVB2w
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9C7oT6uzX
"Alright."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYEaQp342I
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqMLoiGzPP
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj8BXM0eoX
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX0VwzS18z
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXXo5GSyxs
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVzZS2G63x
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOEwMQE7RZ
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmUw7vNt4U
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIdJ0qCrof
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKiD8tbWhe
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymFI0ugCAq
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESmhdaWcNB
"Does it bother you?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFtT5Cpjt
"Um... not really. But.... um."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lvr5073F2
Eugene825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG9cKmqo8j
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKQUAYMghO
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU9S1XgJY9
"Mum, are you okay?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg69LUYVuO
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA0M14B9Ze
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubOCHoCEHC
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7oT1qkwWN
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd5tt8E01K
Mrs825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Aelw3wZH
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBen20Wa5Xh
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8O9oPc3yt
had talked about Rhénee?825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmAEalLQMy
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8i4i2t8Id
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CEuSl5efN
***825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kSbtnsyNg
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRapW9xx0Pd
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9oJW8n6Lk
"You better rest though. You still look tired."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpP5rpaYCp
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGBNIiao0w
"No, I'll do it."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq0WvLKqaJ
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Govm9jCk
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF5hVMEa2j
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWzDKUPPxX
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQNdDrdQcR
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy9WJYx8Pm
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nvbJs8OPA
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHPpTjh9hg
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzeJ8AkvZ6
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswodzd78Z5
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zuBipdZdQ
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHnGfPzFtO
"Thank825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJStcnXNWFj
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dn5mP7XMz
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieYNJcco5N
"Well, yes. I still think I would."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPIJsTs39L
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLik95kEt9
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv97kHD6nMw
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xlVsWQNeA
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwaUgkGq6M
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A1fUUm1Th
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9NVRRWYim
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPatgW6wsLS
"Coffee will be lovely."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57DdM8U4rl
Miss825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS84mhLuvzC
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHyv9RZbUy
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdgGpzJ0T9
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k5M1v2LhV
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTUE5Gze95
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKz9bD9Zuk
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYP8pfLBvI
"What mysterious person?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszZ4nebPFo
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPI4K9sjwb
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC39EJyPNc
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPaNaRjVgh
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0eqbceC0A
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI3fts7FSx
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRqhXHXVls
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Ps7H6Oyr
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTwy3TjwDD
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZq0xIDhre
The825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiduSm6eVw6
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAjd6F41S6
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOlBNBMn0O
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DJUYdSA8h
of this.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH5r0jtSku
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kBcnMZc8
"I...825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW5lV2MEhh
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz23PJP3wzc
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKTIcwkyb5
frustration. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYj9vUmjog
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4abbgAzuX
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcehoi5bDC
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEuR4jnNYC
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4x6ETigab
cups on the tray and wondered. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLCQej3AHW
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmiAoChEip
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLmpkPR7LT
As825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNjogE3t9J
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR8DFD2XB7
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOat11XU9s
reminder kept ringing in her head.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7GeVUuSc3
"And tell your friends not to get involved."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NXFwA3XOj
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iX2u4gcr8
"I825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9xEDOo3hW
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlQSjpN4Pt
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0k1NNK7Zm
talking about, Rhénee?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIygLDwcwS
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsry8deSMBs
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVgo5PytDL
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zwK0Y19j5
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA31rvcLx0J
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCN2MIzaQN
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlFjta4Deu
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYiNmezXl8
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkl8Mwh02V
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nQsEQtxnr
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKA1nEOR3f
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxloEzFs8D
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRqytoRLjZ
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGMp8ZpU8Z
***825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQLRHtOYYs
Sweat825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcekSxRXXqq
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j2MeUdZUk
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0P8b10zkk
the person waiting never likes to wait.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoOeiIJNEb
He825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwadOws0RDU
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmlQ2Iv7Y3
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGt1naQdXg
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltTOLGlfFL
second.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS6Z17TEYV
He825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEW5cUljFA
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX0m30yIyD
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb76o2BqKJd
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWuQViGKni
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwyLXPUBM0
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrkSFLLRzn
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDfRb9JW6U
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UozFLxhRx
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF5sHrv0Ip
"You're late, again."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtCenw8rbf
His825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NEcJKLunY
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w3iF3EWSR
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI124xc1VC
lion door knob. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexqM9RbesP
He825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lTSTZWkuy
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW7HiQmwMH
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8DE7HyBBI
"What825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK5L6ZjTQI
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3Z4C0Czgq
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP2djPFomR
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDm1phvUcG
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfpNO2B7bJ
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eqdnOuDiZ
A825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsPMonYHEp
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuwmQtDTUl
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ081d7e13B6
as they had their backs towards the window.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixhmfRJUYB
"You know we need him," said the tall man.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTWKSeY7jI
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN96uw4YQkM
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwgdFhNcUy
The825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFLqQl1kQ8
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD23wNEDN3u
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkw4v89Xsr
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JeHNVSwOJ
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcsh8m31QT
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK91KMbVSI
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaS0P68DVt
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCxqGj1p0A
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62i1ef2Hq9
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAZ74y2IgB
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFPZqFATp2
"What if she reveals the truth?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JTOZrkHMv
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqk0jFKG79
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jFcmW9V79
For a moment, silence hung over them.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg4e7szxYM
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeEKX6c9sd
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVOP8bSL5E
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1yuZkKDjU
"I825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcHywPkYBd
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuONpm6IAur
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoGOnOGdkT
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP8W1JFuwM
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Lc6qO3B2
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRoxNtVEOR
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡholDSh9lZe
***825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJOqrtFbCX
The825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5qIVpWJWr
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaZolwtu3q
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjguwwldot
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl37zuwwwhX
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWoHKFVG5Q
they met, they seemed sky blue.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylgKgnMZnd
And825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhIK6ST7i9
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkSgiJX8FI
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipwQnV4kDx
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCDZAFnedn
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBIFtZrRri
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDYakCb49c
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBElmnfdhur
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD7qWewYAb
coffee table in the middle.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAg2seTqY9
When825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyjjD8tQRE
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y4cHZBFrc
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6NtWy8Me0
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6faaC505L3
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pk9ycls0C
"Are you sure?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNngVCQwJoU
"Yes, I'm positive."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsZx8r317m
Miss825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RuH2CkkDH
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BqLOo6ki9
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZhRIk2O36
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoERK0ClYmd
from their cups.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNJesvV0ox
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOWEqbSKur
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQXPS5VRUX
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEaBcAPyy8
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToFgHQGNLM
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡValDbYFPY7
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ8ZXnsIV8
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXZB5bpBtN
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0u3kzC1ke
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6OSduePhI
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFwyDTiJ8i
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dRIeOirVN
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSIBJ9PzWx
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtSA5o0mJ2
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRaAYye622
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmtcraUA8l
"Oh,825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ723FRo1f7Q
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHB8V8kvfN
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP4HQOC3Wk
who he is."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hG4uARGOY
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kPjFf0psx
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpLaZO5crB
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3HcSNqDlo
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8AiMQ1YAL
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM1Aw638bI
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYFy9SMzUM
Rhénee825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3lM9eFQFp
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl1kyhzpYE
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJRZJXTeDt
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipSxky0jFF
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4KVIExC0p
"Fine,825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEuNFKy8Qp
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnMYY52Bzd
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhI8zdmPPv
or die if you stay by me."825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9s1uowsun
