The news about the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2eKE7fL5s
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb57gFCR67
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkdl3nZOCt
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjYCLoGbGO
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88unuLZNnb
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC1A9ujavt
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkqy7wCuU5
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMpKjm1fss
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNMNYMrDTc
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwjJuUhIEP
There was more to it 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpJG7TA3kZ
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFgZuuwmKV
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RkDJ9AeLa
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOVJ7VmMHt
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAGtisUj0c
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5CnsC7hQy
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVhxneariE
except from a few individuals. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8qzsPeaBu
And apparently, one of 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgpmxMkILW
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrt4Pae6QV
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVdUcMqilu
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKAP01Wzlo
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzzV5iC0WX
really going on, all hell would break loose.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOmiTzwgpT
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnjZ38fo5o
Rhénee dropped the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPIOHVPuSJ
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuef92ABmXC
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEXA6lxjzg
ear, she took a sip of coffee.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhyxgbWAAw
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtew99q3XL
"Ya, its crazy here," 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjopUJvpEN3
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenbDqDU9fW
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqutg1EkC3
broken in."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgkVgHUuLK
"If only they knew."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYKFInNnIA
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAABk5SXt0
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8q5KqwlbF
"She did. I had to make 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeWXvo3v6m
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9bbZig5eK
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrwTT6TCBb
"I doubt if she believed that."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJIhNcqKdC
"Haha, looks like you 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECl4GJftJA
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHIVc5hPqT
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJbKpGXish
"True. But we did. I 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5PoCB10Ql
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj20FtY97KM
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdozGUM0wiD
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTj1AGlx5K
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjPnNrtFOg
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ARZ9tiex1
"Okay, bye."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wda9TOItA
"Bye."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpoIi1tfKg
Rhénee cuts the call and823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCGIB6GyaC
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cykBJE7cA
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGW8jfEqbh
wink last night.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBnBp9TdE
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wrd2tfOU1
"I wasn't going to 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxNxvQKMNq
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3URGLibKj
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMsPZhW9xQ
"You don't have to 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9Beg7wUW6
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AtoMKNxiZ
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI3nObJCkm
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreSTTjZe3Z
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YMRKSBgtZ
"Why Malcom?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOxt6grgfm
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA7hvOknu5
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs3oQZAn3d
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsqMgdqnTg
"Alright, you go ahead."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YwfSKOrfK
Miss Griselda gave 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJJNrZlsIv
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBYl0zJo7Z
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQfpoSatgy
did when they talked about Malcom. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1EzspOLyY
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRlmNCtT1u
The sound of her phone 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXA380l9DG
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKbFrAZ2rf
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQEJCp1bcm
mother.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35a7ZlA61b
"Hello?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEio7P4CPu
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfyrJtZqL2
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISHTQ1otqO
That voice. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJU242mVfT
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6YZouD0RK
"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?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT14KAfBHt
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqKVvLyZo4
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHdKQfiuAP
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bQ4lSOcFP
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjezwR1gpvC
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZWy7JgNjs
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuwFkAWaOk
"You don't know me, 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMiQZKoH09
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjurh4dm9w
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQiruXZ5dL
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67kTjaTqoN
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBVZFd7DTo
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3hW6a0iYf
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wug7agjEi
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7VMy0FaJj
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ouGPe44eY
"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?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDawkI1148c
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVInK9QIAd
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdSd2vhvl6
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qJnCRtg8Z
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZqxvti5tE
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVjYaJSucD
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xn5BLMgd9
"Oh, and by the way, 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM3nzWXQrq
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDJqHkaCdk
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGrJMofqtS
this time around."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQpeyeTaWt
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh2syCiL6S
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJPGyp4LF0
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx8hMmrz5O
Rhénee sat down on the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzgm4xDwgM
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7WKrMPTGb
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FXKG1tjg7
the others, who know what might happen. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6lIHjcFCg
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7J871TIj2
***823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNXj66lsC8
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSEbArlpWJ
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiDjT30XNY
"But she isn't hurt right?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOLPtMTNNd
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylIwOOVXi6
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBdQnoa9NO
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWTL0W1t11
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY9NB5ZnMP
"Nah.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6XRDGhnz8
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVieaxZ9iAi
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLkHBCLynu
"Thats823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK064WUCnEP
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LcU1hkUAh
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9zHWTSpPV
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOW5VLj9L6
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlkORMKpcf
"Alright."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dEixz5h4m
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. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4se6NGjnAY
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB3iAWbu3I
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyDR5Gnqrf
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6WMZSC9xn
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1Gv2A1hft
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXk7BBP7zY
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEWh76cynu
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndWKYxJrdE
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVtFX8hmxf
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRVk6d4AQF
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPhtsvnPpO
"Does it bother you?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcslFJnZxG
"Um... not really. But.... um."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlyPEyBenx
Eugene823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ4zu94Vmm
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95cZtPZ09k
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYlYA6ywLT
"Mum, are you okay?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yge9f7gZi
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRnoVmkfKW
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T99OkPs2I
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoCqRC4DD4
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVxgnvJZc9
Mrs823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50UvrtZ4Pa
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS37WbEGN3J
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYJC1al3V2
had talked about Rhénee?823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHyU9xyQVj
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRaXcLnkZa
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqd7MlY9BF
***823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbmkvWyNnW
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIfFWY0klS
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6sQKVn83D
"You better rest though. You still look tired."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5UQC000Mt
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9HhLPR8uX
"No, I'll do it."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7LGomqTWx
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtDXrxiPLH
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDwTZJndQz
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C5neFwvr8
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z28IxyNwG
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQoFGm4w0r
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHk9iLJL02
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXVTLIiH7c
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT06P01gc7
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubYC49CzIZ
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgKstu7iFR
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQx5fj7PNL
"Thank823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkV9ZfEyom
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FtfivtGkm
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmwVwLeGQq
"Well, yes. I still think I would."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYYcPEZyQd
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ffz2Zlfxq
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpRyK2iZtr
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq3QdQiybZ
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjG3cqSqTh
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPpOV2KRvZ
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wd5cvMqEh
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpdVz5G2ME
"Coffee will be lovely."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybxn2j1wGi
Miss823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9JKhOfS55
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBOLuS9o1B
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13cFWbv1JR
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGCw8Pxjfd
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgiNO5RxTS
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmra7oD6GB7
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQpkgWKi0R
"What mysterious person?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ2DUAHE85
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjafFd9Wee
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dh8pzJhmA
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6G4lAnYt9
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7AcfEyYAE
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkSEv5XgUw
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMjgPhpucN
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON70O8E3IT
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v11LAoSMs
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlatgnjYI9
The823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6lzKQG30y
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOy4vcRZJI
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vKPt4XDbr
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWSKc9XvBi
of this.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7mqwSNUW1
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5Yeva6KG0
"I...823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuCeeXUN4y
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga2LmCt77V
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN3Cov2fuK
frustration. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVvLeRSpao
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ZJ7FejAU
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd5TZoTSPD
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaydfaT4Orv
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5n0XBijgn
cups on the tray and wondered. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA62N2Qutj
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzqiV9g0O6
823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0ZnYcwxF8
As823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdGGH0FiuP
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuB72u6q2E
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcw7hDN8AN
reminder kept ringing in her head.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKJ2ODbQ3I
"And tell your friends not to get involved."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8OqwbBqH
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM2f7fW3nv
"I823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjfCDAwEVa
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP8N69oVBH
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcYNkkq2lW
talking about, Rhénee?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jG5cyXBmO
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZKcuE8YOv
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPuMWqScog
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ71PEv2wL4
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy127gCMMt4
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9veJIFqDX
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcQbAIiUMW
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpcLuXmOj2
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxsqUsixJt
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWGG2VabA6
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKoG6D2FZq
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXxoSalH4e
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBr4aH7jpW
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQBtdpwCwj
***823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX3YjE8tN3
Sweat823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZVwBCmbua
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMgJ1luKW3
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA4gEZPrwv
the person waiting never likes to wait.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwENJiguvh
He823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxCwZM3rTW
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYKdZEBSxi
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs0ht8scYN
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZjrfsrEvG
second.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFklVNiS5E
He823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn79zbO6qm
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCKrtW1l5i
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkv7sTMgi5
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi8ZVE0PWy
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QRjayHoZG
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XpBSKAtHF
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4wottlxun
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZ39MnL1u
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF4lc0cWlW
"You're late, again."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYYB8IdMWO
His823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIW873VtKC
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOzQ2tQzRc
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YgwlBkXF7
lion door knob. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPLE3mpU8K
He823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ5qpRZYDP
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVvmhyENSe
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgq9K4cax9
"What823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NDH5LENQ4
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsWtGiMpQv
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn39TDP7Ri
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP157pco7Vl
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll3EIiH1pk
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CuA7GAIF0
A823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03E173M1Hz
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBN2YrUiNZ
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMy74rtomV
as they had their backs towards the window.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMCPjjGeIY
"You know we need him," said the tall man.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT5wFm8pOd
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJJrxlmhti
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dzaxlNzBs
The823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QshVTwvMY
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3MNYAr85K
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE6Ih4GQdS
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHl6SiamN5
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVxDjiG2nQ
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNZIuZHCpz
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4WXvZ5uXD
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWnOs8NJoX
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFj5RSC109
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtpFf8JPeG
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kAdzP9IYo
"What if she reveals the truth?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWuDw880qx
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WzcuSb48B
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2gyvYh1GR
For a moment, silence hung over them.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCYqNwJ352
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKaoPB63TK
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrevZUpUBd
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctcvtcq9Qq
"I823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHGh5TqxF5
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQVBATVcUf
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZytPALflOu
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uAk5pRNgA
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUxmp1LQdq
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjnkNj36u6
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbbFpJL63R
***823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelkXQxIC03
The823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH2AaOvWdL
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFNKtURLV4
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf7roVpcKB
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXOdWDCPyG
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmnkF3KMTp
they met, they seemed sky blue.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzKnIJykk8
And823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgmCVNbJkV
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uzxix0gKs
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qzyqQTH14
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0FTfbCHgn
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdx0TodBGS
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxX5Wur1mo
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplohiuO4wW
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa3yWe2brn
coffee table in the middle.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPjmVkNzpr
When823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55y84ekOEc
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr01KjtXAvH
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtVd2TtVEG
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTdFBwJKhr
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN2hF1CJsT
"Are you sure?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceJxNTD3R9
"Yes, I'm positive."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yrgFDiuvl
Miss823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGioT4T7Zp
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3efgRRhfxT
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JLc0Yop6I
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPIZ07uxCw
from their cups.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXnsfnurWY
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3z4MIReGC
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOCixKQBtV
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcasYL8cbAh
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgEXRshyVJ
"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.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJAL6I96Sz
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6mArrwFNu
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl9A0FpXft
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPONhp2MM0
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRoHP2awgO
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe8nEVLy35
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyHEm20Tlo
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZf0qCfQGf
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSh2D3XBxg
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGQ5D0nRji
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXpG882erg
"Oh,823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvGxygUadI
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GFrxSGr2l
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOxChQCF8o
who he is."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4dqKtOvPc
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKFMR1aydH
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKIvGPzx8u
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz9DvZikEl
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzdQ8pNrYQ
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTJKpKq4TM
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECehM8XySD
Rhénee823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKZE50aem3
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FC61eUOkG
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gfrhWFVEZ
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPsXmRAiVy
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsioONoTdys
"Fine,823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7A3xBoUv0
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKwJSROyzE
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXAxXQeZfd
or die if you stay by me."823Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xxAqiEiY9
