The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg2n58VUPJ
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI44hbJH55
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWq9sFvVP6
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU353uZjJNc
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhIXzVMnfP
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqJmhvhgeU
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL4WnW73dT
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowUaLmhxH9
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS61bBbmDdc
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1na8SRq70v
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGVR5g18wH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4wsw8GOGV
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2Zv0F751q
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq2CzJknh0
"What kind of trouble?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYiIU7SHeo
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7E237gJt5
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAoPl1l80X
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8aJObPBV3
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPewQh1yhar
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBkUrn7Oo
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8X3j3yPhC
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi9GAeYQuz
"That's good. She needs to rest."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0XhztVPFW
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfokNv1x7Sw
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKbjL6q32t
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtScqyGOme
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4hMmEC8qt
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbt59x8zNN
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZQiScRiKY
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVoRgMAsfr
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzEBqby8W6
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"Ya, sure."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ5CFZ2gOI
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXvcXrbt0h
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHObQvJHRO
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhVN5mnmKf
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6yBK7pdIG
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVHuefMQHr
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLU8Mx8TJG
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSQjQaLADN
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCHFR67KpU
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlmfCTQawo
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxrcEH7FuK
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16oKTrm5qn
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp47AFT86Vr
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedZkvcOqJT
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTudNmmpYa3
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEwQ1tr4o9
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbxIysFMG9
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIqASC4Ndb
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHz76NXb4a
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U2dp2nOTx
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1ZyTGq6Ob
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AH8CghUC3
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPCQQRYHnu
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nzefEkse1
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngSF4C4zC7
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMvgThULHD
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WsDNdiXns
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWks7gscjI
"What did you say?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOJrRFu7fL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIukh9M2Wy
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3VLLIxFsL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BE7gnaCsk
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFeRLFKHu2
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"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P0ELGM45P
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk0dBko9ZC
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5psHw5HazK
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJQE54MLPl
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYhEiFtOk2
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUuSzcH50y
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYgMBjaznB
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z2XTlirsS
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f5K7emC27
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LEsN9iA4c
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2N8IEcWwU
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesMOJipHkw
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxXsKPkyHy
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2EdtncXpL
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeba1SEWLyP
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL4yU32z8p
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6KMi6DGGf
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdYrY8al5A
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwrcJdgdvi
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMHDVT2Y30
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwVx2EnjLC
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxh81EMKga
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB84Q1Xlruo
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfL2luNpxM
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlph34L4Bw
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw39ZefYlx
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvepLNWYzqu
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"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8hsJfk06P
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb6ps5O6ED
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRceJLi0fv4
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrziNOMp48
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgeOhP8srp
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0f8nTdg0Q
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5tt5HpQhN
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaZq64GwMt
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqm5vPqGrS
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tnPiKV6nF
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqsRmBLdAz
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She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz1M0IwATq
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"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxzruw6W2O
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V2G4UvB0b
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvoy9kuipP
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLINP7xUEZ
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiwNaeT0gr
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWXLyJ9UH2
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXMzCtxM6M
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pMBJuPEN4
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqxkrQiNNw
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfMiN2APwv
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQOy27OvzM
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzWAha1OtW
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwGRFf4K2r
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapvjXriDxN
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoquR7FN7Nx
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvCQ3uxcMw
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBzj1fAPWU
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD3n9fSBRs
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWuIfLIsQZ
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbQdQ8M8Ke
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTWw9Fyb88
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK85vpSs5cW
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz16pgO9fF
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgvNbelX8P
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGta8y8f9d
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS28QFF7nY
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eJ4RcJSHO
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtILFHyOJyd
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTIrPFe48U
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjzWkHxUKW
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0nWlvdkWB
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N1qF86oKV
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s1rJjPis9
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN435o6d2xp
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNA6j6oXkc
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaVaM0FqWY
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxNWViTZwl
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4FM2AjK9U
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M2EXmXi4G
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hUToKqwLb
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL5KPQnGPv
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllthFtKPq0
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtLFrQvNDx
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BuFujeLHD
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6IwSyIe4Y
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk0IoyVk3W
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7FWceDxFj
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBREmdZKJP
"Do you think she's killed before?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3OWOJ1Pv5
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDqxysqWFg
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxFkwHwaII
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmaDvZGId9
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOw4phZPYR
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVkhgWiGQF
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMm1pyNg6j
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZSHlmeTUb
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn5Km6rtdx
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkBbKUOmJ1
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47xsSIsxbG
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehPsWg7cec
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOURV0LtohQ
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI25xFHxBC6
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6fOjuJnhP
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHZP4ZDU7H
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1JB0fu0Jb
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgALc8BOtLG
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEl0ULNP8M
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS7SxOpvlC
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSp8A45oHG
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy2tvaq9kl
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwUSQkJI2p
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhREp6e5Z11
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlawAFOqSO2
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgu6bfcmQY
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKjFMVrpQB
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKID4LdA5cB
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdAXsv8bsl
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtxvnZQwhn
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KYAInQnU4
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhz72pxMN9
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzDpxsCIHH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEadWEgsNKT
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOgFKIj6tB
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3cVs7jCSF
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YbItIeOfb
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLlbfUiy9l
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6IdBZk8vg
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi2vga1Eq5
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oSvZ7NExi
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa6oTlzENO
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNQ696xhIV
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmUF89Vl0I
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi4IPnbrDp
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZBzIxh6JK
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalFD3QgA6G
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaBmg0pgHw
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05fEIR0f3r
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2LDn8lwTX
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAEbD7d6QF
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4wjul8xh0
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamRBl1fqBL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M5mvnUMSK
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m1bfc8hcK
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LSyIcCoe4
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm0tFj6m3R
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjZEAa8ysZ
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnKta2qAVC
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxXbuVttyn
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC0lfrT0vb
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs1V6sRWnl
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyvwVRHU4m
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcrI4cn7di
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDsZdiftKH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXCXFVLbpq
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCWTNMERKY
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRq70bd9xS
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAoBynwPsk
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxhlm5RoYg
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWmlL27spy
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRJIkw24pK
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMrKkoXEVL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbKKqgYqI5
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbju26MFkb
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fgKUA4Ggj
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3DlAfYsXI
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfG17n4YTW
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNIPgpjdnu
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04PEvUIUBZ
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssFf3Omb2c
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCbvfOkS9T
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0LqarFJrq
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uKuYwtE6s
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxhx83a06G
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PMnxTyDms
"We will," said Kevin.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5nUd9mtif
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3GPsOSDvu
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqoggAnoVu
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1z4sCOWVu
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwvBhWwdDE
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIaLdLaTRK
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVjE5MGUt3
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQW5UEndKo
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo1BZgMFHc
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG8YzexokQ
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zKXA1n7vH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzvpDVtYJz
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI7U1FfOvn
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtB6yoRZjg
"Rhénee, wait!"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTunoP8uHTE
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFedCrIknV
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWffuZhPfN7
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYjE9KGyY1
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApqCdQQ8el
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXThABfjPK
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuJlNSKnYL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSZC1nI1ei
"I'm tired."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZpGmXiVbA
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZaVm1k8iE
"Really? I don't think that's it."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnifCNdTOpk
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HbcyVxwgq
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk7SrsAucu
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd9j1tgzM9
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAraCLo8KE
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRlQMRV0fa
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcTS2IM4YN
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMLINpl4XO
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pC20cUJCl
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ejlpgYgBc
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJhp8L5jdt
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ps5u6q5Vm
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW2jUuZ29Z
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtviupmyoO
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPevXN6t0t
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRQpe9rW6l
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpEPCV7hXv
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttRemX5d7Q
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqiOXD7Vao
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh2HqWIw1c
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06EHpVSlWs
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bSlImuzH4
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTLNymM1cE
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHKRZt6tp9
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq26QWdbCFS
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlc50YpKiY
"Good. Let's go."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3mk8z6hr3
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dnu1mwpNe
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqNdvX1czI
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrcjFsmQO9
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGnrKWRZ1z
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhiqAXFcbu
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoEPurgZCH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP6208wCMN
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjaZvBcmEo
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeqarnSu1S
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nokgOMr6x
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWruNs8br2
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgubbNLoPo
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtCRfXCehh
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMkZr1SJxt
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfwlYJOCBJ
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacRb1PRsd0
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgnFDCZYtz
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EeIoHryQx
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZzB1RoB3O
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3c6joTUzJ
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohfTwSEapv
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvxaCwOVP
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cnvpmZHRv
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaqSKHr804
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNiSETMhRB
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlC5QhrwEH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMqEiCQHmK
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkKshuEwCt
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIO9kmkBZe
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng2cuhrFVN
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k8MBN2oD6
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m7v0w4XAh
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6eblLTiYi
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdSevxf9zK
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l17Ne1f1M
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBHn97qWZ6
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uRppdH2xg
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5kgEwjbOL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8Pfw8QwWx
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgLsgPdmcs
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxX12fo7mE
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51nKgNQkbA
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvWA2TaHjN
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGlaPc1Mik
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNtiCEREI0
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YGEujUYyj
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJtGKLD1nR
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAARTVF8TEx
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvIKImt1Vi
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZnJ88s9Dv
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79aawsADSC
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U1flvgqi8
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8OQOL4CD7
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yuFdmrESk
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc6V61fKPl
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIieOnHDT1
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2KfEIJW6Y
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUVb1BgTHY
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wW2ZONNCU
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVwHAmcxWF
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MUJmjqbyY
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5Ip87M0cg
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdhLmRGFGd
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXG0rlIZVT
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79t9xjrj6z
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JEaZTgXVs
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbfFeZkbSv
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDsS5rwCiH
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqTnT2NoRl
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqUnb3BKDL
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnNhVZHzUL
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqduFJStH7
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86TDVlVnJV
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxOiGbXjnB
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwpyOFtfFv
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnEDGqNTU1
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyqXwuGhId
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe18lekbbNU
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPt9YfPfL3
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjbuK6iKji
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDNBDY3kCT
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja293E3jjl
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmd7bQwNo6
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy9cCpBQZC
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsfVnBzXoK
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAdiRQEfz1
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlNzwTf2Lg
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDrKYVdy4e
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFI3yQYkLL
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGsF8i5G55
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVTwMU9kux
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ762uZa3IWv
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zfc4r2aQd
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCNLwEbro4
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQe8OyoJzo
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxqHt1xQkm
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfSDTccpAF
"Really?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnC1mfnHWN
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFRdQ9Ks3t
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6uQXMwpor
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOfXygh5p1
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiOpxM4ihr
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjDiH00uQk
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMbtqwK4j0
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1HPRDjOuE
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IDgSzJNNN
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He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNy2MtqeAu
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ettlp7DE
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxUCQewjp3
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfHxFV3zsv
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPMAthcMC9
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWV9TRq1dt
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2rvcxjLRt
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw1km3vVP0
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1MprrYuqM
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzBNTU3K57
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyhr0fVtyJ
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp9MglVlAI
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkyUpETwbm
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"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS130uav78
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"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9LGlrap0r
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoftkQhlk0w
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEaTpxjutI
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Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36on16Ser0
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlglrBg4EJg
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBaOsvSgf3
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavjtBMJNxQ
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93zS2Z7kfb
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfR9BGnEJS
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7jxUbKGEh
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWB83SuPzr
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmvzX1fCJI
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zdvUqTo6d
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9NXUKZ2R2
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3GDlkCJuJ
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx99wiGDPaI
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Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqs8eOPWZP
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoJb6nwpIv
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU3oFch3ga
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCWnwsyPIj
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"Oh..., nothing really."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfCWBxADtO
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrEoEQOjDd
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD6siFx0GI
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoGB706Ts8
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xR7pHfE2o
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWylUaYfl32
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyOyiTS1q3
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbgAcOpI13
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpzfuTq94C
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2tf13bnYk
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIUwx0augi
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGowBTWRxa
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO224QMwaK
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob5OGzoNvq
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZbgJZAK2l
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDcd8z2sb3
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDbTaZ10rw
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJisCWbxHv
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVAvnmiYbf
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGB4OBcs9u
