The news about the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8nAs0DJOM
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhynQm2Vjq
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohLUyTUtt8
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg1FCqorO4
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4zcGCBqfb
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWujKzlJgM
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QPY8fuOCp
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq4XQFmX2B
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eIyUUvj4I
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGmGqrxTIK
There was more to it 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMdYNTzXuU
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWPg6gAkDk
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC9psL1LeP
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAi3uYkqN5
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBH1oPtBz2
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb38GJbG1g
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirP53a4TUk
except from a few individuals. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnOBdwAOd3
And apparently, one of 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifp9tt77Js
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nTOHXwjj1
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTFy8iAcCk
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASsRhRZPdv
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DrmlYOrNh
really going on, all hell would break loose.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlsVF9zQSH
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf52ugXLqEP
Rhénee dropped the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t2TYmspSH
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y6CLRNwsY
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9htGxXcGL
ear, she took a sip of coffee.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdyDsi5naq
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8rLa6Ezud
"Ya, its crazy here," 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZSkY8vJWC
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIxsp0yaJD
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinFKPYkKaL
broken in."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1imwk0Waco
"If only they knew."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCOxPZ8KYD
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9w4TAy0qB
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aunec3eDr
"She did. I had to make 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUkxWcLnND
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZpG1xDRtg
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Y6ihKYOz
"I doubt if she believed that."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltRVJhPnE6
"Haha, looks like you 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RzrX9iuPQ
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiambDQHP3v
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1Cmfat7qR
"True. But we did. I 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF7lbgW55C
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7SjDNIi9K
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7iuyR35wc
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRPafblkmu
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeBbJtSdGJ
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefCyrcZTYF
"Okay, bye."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJmo6KO1TY
"Bye."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4xeKBswmP
Rhénee cuts the call and791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WQ7YUTJ7K
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7cQRau0om
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97BaABjVwf
wink last night.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1mGeKoqie
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1yRyt1hjX
"I wasn't going to 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ub2JvhZhJ
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IFI16FN2c
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPnCteESoz
"You don't have to 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuAdc8FYXb
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNoKDLCrf0
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDXQQgbJqA
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VM1NuxPQI
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CfCD6CMy2
"Why Malcom?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdS6lEtRDX
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2maNDDdk5
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibNKwGhvhx
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbNh1r3GvB
"Alright, you go ahead."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5pGlShnSl
Miss Griselda gave 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF6IWwZJk6
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9HRNEpxyC
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzVYMkm6c7
did when they talked about Malcom. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzo3LTMMVo
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡludIbpOk2v
The sound of her phone 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxJJlF7DNc
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHnF0ADlHV
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTupQ30un0
mother.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVrmdp6pV1
"Hello?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0WPoMgzkI
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqxBgiH5RD
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n6AEjXgwh
That voice. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDowzfVAeuN
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweYpmaQaPs
"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?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcOXhLU7Nu
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSySz4bKyjK
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXHqehQNa2
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NhQPhY1cn
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp031ZIh5C
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWISaeKPi5Z
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh35Y2rMaB
"You don't know me, 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ANsjnRZft
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6EhEr3iCl
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm5csNOxL2
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOlegorWl0
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwo9dX243P
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKmlH56ZzQ
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuunDoFlJb
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM44eUdndfi
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhiBirF12c
"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?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT08Jr2U9sN
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKHOrsJ95W
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTqpwv00Tg
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02uWsbCr2j
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfZdPt9Ez7
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv7eTJpkx1
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U2Gqxw5a5
"Oh, and by the way, 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SombUpvAj
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomL3JIeidc
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdJQ6rflQW
this time around."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5Eh6lhdkY
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyF6F1765J
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtIlUpsq0L
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlY00K2R1d
Rhénee sat down on the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK3yjSBTfM
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld5OHYDQ1S
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkTPb83vrL
the others, who know what might happen. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJkaN9kmaM
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZFIQKnaFz
***791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWXmKaB5Rl
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzFfcOL2GW
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW1uItXt5Q
"But she isn't hurt right?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQJJYM6b8h
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBkBi8WxJJ
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HadGg45ep
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GogpWvChA
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCaoIu4Osd
"Nah.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmCtvgF5QD
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe6Rjg6e9f
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYjhZsGPXO
"Thats791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGoTszdTAT
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt27Re2XyB
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8wPXwVPGA
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wbLlYX53
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GOiqb8Qer
"Alright."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqd9VzClas
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. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrlxkthiUf
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNmAVuto2F
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoNwOrS0r2
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsyNZIbQYH
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvBBbu7IRx
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8XYXKkQ1D
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cHizh5XK0
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Sh8pp7RY
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLroV8ZdJE
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UEj5R30i1
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPdtuoQULM
"Does it bother you?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRPGbfBA6Q
"Um... not really. But.... um."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwR2dtwDhR
Eugene791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3mzHMQt4v
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC3BTMivCm
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPbrwvR6To
"Mum, are you okay?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqWMltnd0d
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR758V18e6P
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXSxUObivU
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bzbeolwLw
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UmhiBkD0K
Mrs791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeMRUIeXrp
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ORDmGAt4
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnkvYRcCHN
had talked about Rhénee?791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fDN5YM8WE
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitJUOLHD5v
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8ndG0qRpE
***791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3GO0bBERY
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5y9uj33of
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU8KTz9qbG
"You better rest though. You still look tired."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHseisIMZd
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3QlaLiaO1
"No, I'll do it."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1hxKQLIuX
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWKkkzQBN5
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCqaMzHMlI
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSlLd2dMti
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJVkH2cWpj
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gUwUvd1qM
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HmBLcYHre
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69EDEqp6SC
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjbFRVhkR
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3cG6Cpshn
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dmh6BsLAh
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAWpAYb4y7
"Thank791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xB8N1TWN3
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPugPHHuLKo
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3VuPnYymq
"Well, yes. I still think I would."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY9T61ncuz
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wMjgwEYjG
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREfr0Izrab
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKOfafOyPG
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HXWDMc8L1
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lldJVdeE9
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqJU6pYG1R
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPobDNDLOf
"Coffee will be lovely."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EhSLegY9X
Miss791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GhVKoceEQ
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAML8CRT8yG
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM5uvExqMW
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn6vCDvzsx
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrEjtSoKEi
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgalvMqrAQ
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tQhlrRfFd
"What mysterious person?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQdscAzGAg
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoPC4gxJSr
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAbeItJksS
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdYPA6oF6Z
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmcyp52C4Q
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu38Cvr0sXM
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINdgqHRn2n
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wgjeYIluV
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdeykDov0g
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOToCxbOXk0
The791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleKU6lEznw
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9tpYHJiVi
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcECVlrmMBJ
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLw4tGBzif
of this.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ516VhUSFMh
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3kcksDKxL
"I...791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVuhhBHVA5
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacfcEGxuYb
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzosVZqdEWr
frustration. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7gyhoU6M0
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6P4W0SG1x
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBzIbKAo6U
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn0f2uJ0Hm
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyEng0AaA7
cups on the tray and wondered. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOLCUjPISE
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiBbco9i4G
791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlyAaRh7RU
As791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHCZLddWOL
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAmCHbAA2a
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMvheQNodv
reminder kept ringing in her head.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWZ7FTTPNp
"And tell your friends not to get involved."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPohKEBij8
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJATUwHG9Mv
"I791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzXrX0w75M
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V8b26jkcO
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9vkCPvltG
talking about, Rhénee?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hje5De3Pa
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutl8YEEu70
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAzyxac3qu
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44mdWFKGIy
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrsaRQcI85
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce7jGH7dgT
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa1a5DXq8D
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxzOdNzAZw
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwFhIIj3xc
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVOf8Jt227
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyU0vL7egR
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptMUgoe0yk
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0irOLPzHm
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDYMLRQkAg
***791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA9uNWeuxW
Sweat791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEEvZgp58h
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvTvmlNfbb
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pnq0pBvvR
the person waiting never likes to wait.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP8jSt1mdF
He791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp5K81Xa5N
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FgVppprYi
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFFFBhvcQT
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufwExKyh9J
second.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmGLFGlsl7
He791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrZpW3yJO0
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMATYhRj4f
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tk42yMoAP
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhEyP5FbgE
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTunKXEje1k
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzprqe0knH
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LakV50GId
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbENBfDWu5
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKW3CYsgBv
"You're late, again."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48iKOl8Vvu
His791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxVpKA3sZ0
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiEoWLNzqR
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtA5Azm7ZI
lion door knob. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgwJ0Mff7B
He791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCAvQIDDck
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFKxoFCbXN
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicneNLkXC9
"What791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPkJPutUxo
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4WwrU5jO2
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSSuUhN5Yx
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOFGWaf3qX
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjXFRsQGcO
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oC3bOQEsV
A791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ001Y347KhC
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru1SuVky6O
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jCR5Ql725
as they had their backs towards the window.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLUznzBLgG
"You know we need him," said the tall man.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd51qpPIywJ
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eq3V1y6u0
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnomobbbWJH
The791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPyPkWVmSg
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1tIQGVPgW
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1sfv1t3o
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRb8pCfpxD
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjlXmBRqTw
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8TlG2B16w
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7JPbUbq37
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdnl9zvHQG
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhxQ0bC59I
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmUweogJwI
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr9L07LVcW
"What if she reveals the truth?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EzDzA0bmY
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEsvn9sizh
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcycZ7ydiX
For a moment, silence hung over them.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYu8mOV7TB
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsDb6KqZlg
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdZly0mtLa
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGNaIhuAJV
"I791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWR6JuFVrh
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXTRzUKuCG
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5le8F53xV
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDUc0E2JNc
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2cKYpxqae
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI3xLiO3OF
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRbFECyEzY
***791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeOmDvXbrU
The791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq9UbdUsps
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gIjUjDsK0
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOy3Y4XXCT
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0XebM8cT7
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq9hE4oOgk
they met, they seemed sky blue.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQfRPTWyVm
And791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0t5j0t1it
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7YvP68TjQ
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4k01Mazpj
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOVzDDWtuF
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6OVVmpkR2
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb08Ap9Tkp
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOyDIqLry0
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhSW5JOHye
coffee table in the middle.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vICy8cZwA
When791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Q5DzfDh3
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXv56b1AVT
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32zXPq2EpL
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9uIizrGtF
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJo5BAV2s6
"Are you sure?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwaqjnsgNH
"Yes, I'm positive."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQph0ioqeF
Miss791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLoV7mJwNf
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMbEd56KKI
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso0acDC1h2
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyQ82Hhhfp
from their cups.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2mEQ89rxs
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaQbk1LyV6
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd2mvoy5nI
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQkbEqI9A6
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd0OHOuvt8
"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.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLs14XWepO
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqapeY2K8G
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8hgIWXtTe
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqbEcuw98D
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobUhK4zsPT
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrIgdudPng
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ97ZhdzrDL
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgZb59fRmo
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKnOPiXY7h
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp7g5wsCdR
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga9n6UL5DO
"Oh,791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWah2mUIg8
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVwd1l05oP
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEAc4Z9tmE
who he is."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnIjnwyGpL
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiKqHTUNj7
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74EMdOAN1E
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLKaOyDlIk
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIWPE1qJam
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbndoxZqc7v
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY3R44SZoh
Rhénee791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosif1FptJh
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycadr9RVKy
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fDgGioZn8
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUuhi2w02K
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoXX3VwoN9
"Fine,791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLf2Cf00OZ
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW3uqcphur
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbJDyFdjKW
or die if you stay by me."791Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFNWypHl66
