The news about the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyz918jWDj
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgWo8aYeNN
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4RWOvQp8Y
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rgAM4e1IA
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrQ97TzuNq
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld12eMchud
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FzIPjjS2V
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBQPeQbeBk
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6xhPDyero
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax4evayu4R
There was more to it 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHbrZmJ0ST
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqezA2Bhk9A
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM6r8zkBCf
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMfyiJii2D
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpBdKFrCiu
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EejBwzfHR
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshNLNmZQzR
except from a few individuals. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCZVY2Nfqu
And apparently, one of 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpePRMpWFNs
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2V65zsuqe
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8TVo7foyR
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO6iXWmrs6
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFofFvXlhJ
really going on, all hell would break loose.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv7KwwxNn7
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX4CLawGHM
Rhénee dropped the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEutLBch24S
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKbvZnvVvN
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKWYLf26tA
ear, she took a sip of coffee.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43GI7EXUDz
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PH2iJWlEO
"Ya, its crazy here," 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4YsYyqkPT
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dH5fEXXMY
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1JVK1fFlb
broken in."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCccX0ZKqhF
"If only they knew."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmVC8reEnw
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMz92wqkkB
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzj7St3wQb
"She did. I had to make 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnkK6b0LLN
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2p7SxO1wr
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cp59FKLD6
"I doubt if she believed that."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUd8u1XW85
"Haha, looks like you 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShbVeMbmgs
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWomxt1l7s
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWSZp4Q80V
"True. But we did. I 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz07wu02zxf
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvcQMIVmln
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny90C32eHI
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xu9AuxkVh
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCUbQGnZbe
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNE2yxZSDQ
"Okay, bye."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUzPnWIjOX
"Bye."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzKQDrYCfK
Rhénee cuts the call and867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cAEJVVQW0
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBPEfOa8fM
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL82n2hpLE
wink last night.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKHQdZS2I8
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAaBHEEaGL
"I wasn't going to 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8yroApxWW
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hi4OBkQsD
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsRAydMY5P
"You don't have to 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2YGImp98Z
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkr4oKpHsp
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjZ22x9iu2
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAfgPCPMds
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jtuP62DLy
"Why Malcom?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6TjUiO5A6
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi12zmhRut
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2MRwvEGgR
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eEDZNRvYJ
"Alright, you go ahead."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pBbhJwgQF
Miss Griselda gave 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPgx4a9dO8
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1DB0d5jZY
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHUHKJ6tF0
did when they talked about Malcom. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafy18Pd3we
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VYU73xE0G
The sound of her phone 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sl7z5cTWT
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH2h5RhQ1O
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rgj5jXJr1
mother.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn7DRvfjIF
"Hello?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BO9RtFG4n
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerRHYFP7tP
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV4D7okJDr
That voice. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pQDzEq8fN
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHo61laVii
"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?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmyMfqWbhE
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYtzDaQyxh
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYUyms6lFC
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1CJB2vrOm
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVR10fnch9
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9zr2bGmT7
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUKRRvMOjS
"You don't know me, 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPMh1dMPxX
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDmjqrzVBj
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ttJJQXvGU
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr28b5Bye5
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFFLfSb8aM
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RFGlHQUpa
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJX7L0X27s
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWDbJVcz3x
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5mwPup0kL
"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?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHx0twpCK2
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky6zGSw6L1
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjstvNxRPLP
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEzSy2FJO7
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyGGaSyCzh
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJdRGxbK4l
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALYaR1sXHo
"Oh, and by the way, 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRlmXgdw3k
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFTC1Z8WFV
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sJu52j1Tv
this time around."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ182AgSXmba
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywnPl4Dx3a
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeU8emoGIQ
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ147LT2TXpx
Rhénee sat down on the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jlg2Ad2v9
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XRe6AJdvK
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJfguKLoSG
the others, who know what might happen. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfFt0N426A
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSwJZaT7SS
***867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjJxFlnySk
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLEZZKvn0k
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk004HQbhaO
"But she isn't hurt right?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBUVB8EADd
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JHLFEQLmx
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmDaEhNGQq
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFF0RG44dX
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwARmzE67G
"Nah.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhybA4DtIlx
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18cZugJkj9
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPImdj9CEO
"Thats867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFFFHsySLK
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RtabMgH8D
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9BfPwWcVe
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vh7B9yZQw
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIZd62iuAd
"Alright."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eOx8jK4DV
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. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeeVi1eVDo
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK05kCaYOpn
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSYynLeCws
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54qiea4W50
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ClyNeMBm
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkkPhLW4HZ
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlJFIjkIdQ
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAWQOe4AqY
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL5Bt68UVA
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllMnifdWq0
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg3l8DUzmp
"Does it bother you?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGCy694aHR
"Um... not really. But.... um."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6awbWjMnNo
Eugene867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CEa086hak
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJguj7hYkt4
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz6JEGmzXC
"Mum, are you okay?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKxD9NUHV5
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmiTKULJS8
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARWCmvy5lg
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRFJwkrNPV
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMSDeWskVM
Mrs867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7iLp4dFw1
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCm1TzX5fe
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xTLmxOWXj
had talked about Rhénee?867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEcse6usQa
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Lfci0OQj
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAWsSEYwX3
***867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBkv5K4tOG
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYutyrIXX71
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2sV3UBP4R
"You better rest though. You still look tired."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97uO4xAd8a
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT3c5RTkfE
"No, I'll do it."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TTg2DoPzu
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4DOLp69rh
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo57DaJXhbO
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOM94cACXW
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrbMiJoiD4
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgiaWxrCjO
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFjfss9z0G
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFeV3toXA4
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoei17uHCG
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRG8zws7kP
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlfWFipYHi
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUvCx9zl8d
"Thank867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIP3Qioem3
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLE7XBWOZv
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YIVPGEmAO
"Well, yes. I still think I would."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrxxDBYurZ
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrntTsR8HMx
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjwLkzNhbs
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfcJ4kH7pJ
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ps6lu5ynR
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpX7tc721n
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdSSfphg24
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMARkgh8dfe
"Coffee will be lovely."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYA8fb913T
Miss867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x69cIO898
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQEFMe2D6p
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7QIScpddm
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJqMK3SOhr
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnJ8o6aHiQ
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTizDtqKhK
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6wCqmDLpd
"What mysterious person?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFkaUyx9fM
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrWC9RZsFM
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5kaMnjNHe
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5Dv6DcKMg
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9KyzTP5jF
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVR5hdccwE
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPQcTwDjPv
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpPJ3PxYSx
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn34DAVxqVt
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ipEPh7wCs
The867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lc7DwaS8B
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWCrocWnGH
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDWeYb6aBs
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nKh0fdKVB
of this.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl1mxLOe6n
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS6prtNj9U
"I...867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPGFVUjvkv
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9tMAV3v0D
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXNSHI6u6A
frustration. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfc573djHn
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKSRpdJr1V
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0DInEg9Bo
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hu7KKwHCz
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSJAXjlR2p
cups on the tray and wondered. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrOHYGBfqv
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsgCHzkM99
867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQih56xhNn
As867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi2e6qMoUd
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiae8BFbAWU
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCzmraooY1
reminder kept ringing in her head.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8hD1wjVHl
"And tell your friends not to get involved."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB3Ghu5bhv
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zDaG9LQAo
"I867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR3nuuUeiQ
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOlGaxerpF
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXzkOTPE8o
talking about, Rhénee?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRa1m9bjJv
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDeEKZONoE
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRET1i3wco
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdq2TF9szU
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02Uuri7X9V
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReyEhIYnQv
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRSAf4RiB8
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnxYh354lg
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO82aVMS8B
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ2nGzfU1e
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIaccdt8X4
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rNqjpOtOX
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRh5UhP4ru
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX15wveZA2
***867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFE8LgUGXl
Sweat867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOfPnFpOOE
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssqEVa2c0F
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqKK09yeIK
the person waiting never likes to wait.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg2OpRBJ6N
He867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdRUyz77AU
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKgKNdd7fc
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZUV656kVY
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WhYRcQO2C
second.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblYoIDLJOc
He867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsX4SHciIN
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY7uN9fd9M
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh8EqFqw7t
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGm7W70wss
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaBc9JfTGm
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWeBNQW3f4
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIdYiSOzsz
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIUgfDb5kv
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTUXkAhX5v
"You're late, again."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI94UuUFMd
His867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5o6dcwWcr
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Jmar6CGn
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGynWotgC1O
lion door knob. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUD4xxopLG
He867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML59I51T5j
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG0id20BZS
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh9kvUq0Lv
"What867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo6oKWvVK4
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzQ73ZOQ4p
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw9clM6tkf
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcki4j3dY9o
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcH8ci4DgI
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoMVMqpKva
A867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeezIJo2nzQ
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVtAjz2MPJ
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U4lU2HQPK
as they had their backs towards the window.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW9XUBQap0
"You know we need him," said the tall man.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU3s9odGv6
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7l5UBO9xE
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwunkLHVlc
The867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78TsCS6CaY
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZxYJddMu9
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f7TrXtR1K
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MP27bd6IQ
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhoUyPK6YA
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ4OqKKSV6
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJKuxLNt2h
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbcYbZ53nz
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVqCVeLRMU
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYXQtgaydp
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkAH9NZSEW
"What if she reveals the truth?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUykaPGf2Bi
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ogM9RE2iR
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlaBnz1oRs
For a moment, silence hung over them.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzY9R7mazK
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQZIS3FlJE
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHtRRdHyNw
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IPYckPQv5
"I867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7aVbkmcjF
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ucTi5uXST
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6GtaotLfz
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuNIBBxC5K
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY058qvFjRU
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK29amrs6s
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LsNY2BGAc
***867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAXG5RcZ2c
The867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuoOpiX76L
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3IzEQAIUb
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghdtGAg7YE
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjBkOf0zWG
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDa3LF162S
they met, they seemed sky blue.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98O1cGw64Y
And867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwglqWyOds
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jIEG6kfov
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKgf6FbxOd
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XUJr4qXxJ
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5AlJBrCR7
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYlfrhJvPK
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlxs8ox3jo
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8h0jGRKuT
coffee table in the middle.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt0JvRuREj
When867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsECWn9jHsn
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPAo7WPIqW
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwIt7Mw2Zt
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQtVUa327t
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75ue9b1rEC
"Are you sure?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HZhuiMRPn
"Yes, I'm positive."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PGCfLbVfX
Miss867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdws2wx3z4p
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlbCiWyFrX
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJT5s3auh0
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhx4oK163H
from their cups.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq5h3ZdP9E
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OgkuyyQDh
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qFQfeAgDl
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuK9l49CfR
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL78ZGpf2w
"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.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6GMsDXNo
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7VFlaVc10
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0codKnzJE0
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIou2Sw9Yl
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6hN1NwOib
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVeK9yNhFu
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQJLTuC6hj
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHqPLBmzcr
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHa8FoBfdQ
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yywSnLdOz
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxSZrk43m7
"Oh,867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiuyWV13YS
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4tSFK9h37
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezgLZzbx0Z
who he is."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zs6vyAsOK
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV85V4EtLps
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBykFN2vIlr
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyD3MjRb5k
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTMmqVyVTZ
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1ADk5TKTz
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EvxaZig12
Rhénee867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqJikbeX2f
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR1a1RKJmC
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjDtvrOgCx
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FPnapkp3Z
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHshtNjhxg1
"Fine,867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp3jbXT7qk
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdlIezLrnA
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA79qoYEWO
or die if you stay by me."867Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x6wdXZjUx
