The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD57fmNTtuo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRO4zUNoak
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gu8nhAp4e
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMlc1iQbK3
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuzyAIQvdl
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaoqpTCtgL
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyOWchQXxc
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiO8HPpWDs
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto4U3945ah
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90vxdRLlqd
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuimV24Jozs
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74v6N2vFBM
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3hSJzWcUb
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIwZUwvhFA
"What kind of trouble?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNJ8AAJgp7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd4Bht51Sn
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6AYQQxyD0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQz6wqF8Jo
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD03h13uYR3
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVHnVM45NH
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNNAtJSEEf
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Take7wvU
"That's good. She needs to rest."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHGkxLbBEG
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXDKbGXPJg
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkIhcfbk8a
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R3n7JV7Dr
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08rDwYhCAw
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh6J5mYMrm
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYO0N8sJz6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXpBtmeqwO
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0CcHX8nDh
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gfwbJVTfO
"Ya, sure."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrvtupnoVy
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OI9EjDz3d
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28VSy9Ta0a
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYJSEtDUuN
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwcMfxAida
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bNsYHt9rZ
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5VWfbUIqI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlIpjXyX4S
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM20t5x6BH
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kvslWrUHx
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T6uwQVwFS
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKGt3voizu
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvQTzS6vLo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxk4KtdB9c
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9APwGKRMN0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7miuCDYtz
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzrEY0tpzo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkvcHSYl6y
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9Ig7cCI64
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIN6SbIPFP
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87TogIsvxN
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3R8EtSrN7
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrg3HzGZrC
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgr1e0XKfP
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX9edDI4A6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5RbV4hzHV
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBOgcG5gtj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz82hL88CaD
"What did you say?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeHZoAD3LY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXbuJCw5MP
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iF5bMayqi
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKbXUhoLK2
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUJGhCJSP4
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYiPDbwkWa
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaekMmj0fk
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqxuHMzOpi
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02Zo7v0LGt
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sszkR84yj
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISXmEonkWP
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFwnFxL93b
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle3N6WpaPs
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPItEHDicB
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQmyQIPuoT
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRjqMuhaC6
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjI7G6J4d6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhwTu6LIpn
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtkfWIspl1
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwxqiS2HPj
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSDkpjcE1N
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFr6Nd5JX1
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbOjtdiLoZ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9sdObRuXL
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2BzJdmOci
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGhf8ArfJV
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w3Ufb3TzY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimfqu1LfEl
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJpydLXfEr
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEEAGUX9vu
***634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcHyBUmWlu
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyyOl8qguS
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3WQQ7rYjD
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsg0lLEVFz
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbYOFmy9FJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMYYC7Q0ON
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTV8gfnR1Q
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHGS9kI3GX
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDfa0y4Lo6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzCX3Y1R6Z
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzozplYjcY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ562Y0NWkm6
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX8jb96rYd
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDQ9jcjqMW
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pdMPuIebY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLKpz39tpj
She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKR92g6NZX
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkHHFdKm0f
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxTuRqnXp1
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc6IxWapEH
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJHCMnBFPm
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsJ4s4DUjF
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgcqMrThuz
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcKfCU4KG8
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8ngBrsXNv
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1317UgoSv
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLa24L4BdR
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpUjf4RchR
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN4UqtQt4Y
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcAILvCJII
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJYb4vi7QD
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvGnW01i7J
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuhHh67hL7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMyGGL4qnD
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWDZp2QaUJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKcUHllKcU
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyxdZ2tQ7v
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBe0IThMRS
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOOjbMxckA
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnNLvIxHUS
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c33GBHmiM
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDozvIaRld
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdsoMzDpC3
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPndCDh219
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEoqbW19Uo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9RtZzjq82
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsf1A7vvO5
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebD49TIv0v
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYHhHZN2vd
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbkLYfIWPy
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBjW5NeSxx
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq3AARYqrY
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl21rerlqPF
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobx1PHnxQw
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM7j9cI5qz
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjuR1WqACD
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaua6j1bsm
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KpHbVwRwU
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBe3w6ZrVA
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p6iVAZjOu
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVbzLQ0MWJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalsZ13duTz
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU32xe3kYaJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYdmEBiapG
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVvEUI6uY9
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI67R5oYc6
"Do you think she's killed before?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwNr4sLm7z
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5UYEd8glM
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALopbVyCBT
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J1QuKw7cC
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkkhJGGGDz
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvtvqlKTyR
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8XmEjtXcJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6v8YqpJHc
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjjJce2Y27
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1njwjXZq0
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI35SRIKphH
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCi26L6Z9a
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhg4K7xYf7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgVMaQsyXG
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqHRHlwwkn
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxYHiVE1Ye
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqDYZ06M25
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq1itv1Mvv
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoE5rASPlm
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGZXGo1sQg
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPgKEnKADc
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzLO7bMuCT
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5R8rDG0cP
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQUPB2DQqE
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gPudvassl
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhCEZ5NTpl
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF00EgO6Wk
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc96JgJsYH
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN357jWuCQX
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCtlUgO7cr
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnrZZcyxAB
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0pNawUysg
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzds5wrqcYR
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUX12rmfif
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCibiMWuMJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHFrPLuv0A
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcR6QKek98
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBkpQjA9nY
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnp1f6tFfY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqH5u77SoE
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwVhAGncsA
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAqz48mvLt
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yfitzRMSo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwR6ObjfuK
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY04PUW5ZOc
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLnnFyjgM2
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltJhebuTHY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCN2ilaZbX
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHPKQHmqvn
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH9kj6OmcA
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZu6vVlXqt
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxBt9q4Ijh
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNMCtBOryj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr943HqEWU8
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsMWMefIv7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCGOm23zZ2
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76Z2VbXx7j
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm1uQgKRV3
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhJTdWEsrq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdddURhi2v
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseejitq9Yg
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGiv9Pb5Pu
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNI6zYfW04
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQP3M8tsIH
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eRCFUfuB0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP37Qimzac4
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBVJuOXDVp
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARXNOXMBw3
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG5fRlZeyI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgCITixgOy
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXhrZzDOCf
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWQbLafGNP
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ0VlkXW0K
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYyZRoOqFz
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7KPRs1eeC
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAftHKwrJwh
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6EKxrD22R
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIVmxNg30k
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1gItP35IB
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNIOxutJ5v
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNdb04lJSd
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaAvK5LFt5
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7bUjRwvPo
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPZtzCfeUT
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOYdEmn9Nr
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LTBBoi1V5
"We will," said Kevin.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJKlpWnZle
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRoXVvfT0S
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxHgYJESVF
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbSzrlIWVH
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAeHHSCDsI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHG7fsZPX2
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFoLaRnznI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmGZgchma0
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGNV7jFSsM
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F5GbKWpwM
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p6ckJsJP4
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHo5WrT6gH
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLL8yn7Mi6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpbbZ85FJ0
"Rhénee, wait!"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHSmgcxfW0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TTpibGvxe
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz8Mouyb3A
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuGI47ER85
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26yPexRysK
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNZ6haaZRd
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9dZVQDvlw
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8B9GcVY1M
"I'm tired."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHsk8fE2PO
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKsERI21F0
"Really? I don't think that's it."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HLEPXX1HI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuaPxsuYrU
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsfGGTDeTh
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVdwJh9Hpx
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhagNX5DO0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxIwr3wVPx
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU6qROB8kI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm8Ap4XSDE
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGJ7pzzRjQ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tjeZecx6N
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTybSZHOaIe
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfekNrBr0iW
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3iIjreODI
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fJWXMej2S
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CWUqXeWy4
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEpDXM6oNX
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sy3ilaRxm
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmAd3G20kY
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBocJysFtB
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT011QN4n2
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTOI7CClXq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYlYt47WrN
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkEJAK3e8z
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHclLQJmtKz
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjx04QmgWX
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX6xrw6u7S
"Good. Let's go."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p0qzZOwDW
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8N3AQJFbs
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1dwhunUzL
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcoeUC4OiZ
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA5jOZWTyJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYuPu6j1D6
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlJS5gibUk
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LkkzyWWQQ
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMCj5X1Amt
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE0C5zCPss
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurPag7Zv95
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH2ktNEB2N
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcKfvigeQn
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGiyPRT4rj
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxMdmTxofv
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwyEH8HTCh
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVN5dHuaTh
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jSiNaXBha
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp87Em88Kj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Nc79CAy7
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lfi1F0AJg
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHzjWpDFfC
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmriD5bpEU
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu0kQZaiaW
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLnvGJysUM
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjtiMmZomK
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbekZdCJWGy
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccBiJCzmOF
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIr2yBlFKW
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMHhByyJLZ
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDmWTAPiYv
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ihj93g9zf
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSqedVVMA8
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB8PJftxZd
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSoVJqKDG5
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4sKpnK9QR
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspMPCq5pce
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq6nEztuKN
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMHM3H4hyN
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXjsNPkOTp
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC3zc6tpxn
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHK1Gn59Lz
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ415SNskxrT
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayHvE4pt5Q
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWVTUwIscg
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpF5PWjhEQ
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb2wcK47O8
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhvefYM0xv
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlZz6Wui45
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCksbBvWjD
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApglEpk8vZ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1GVHil9PM
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4c5pqLFgK
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BJd2nsm5Q
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgthqq9er3u
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ns0AXV37V
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCdkfJVJHX
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BItFVplBM
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVhphl25uM
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C0j9sgJwm
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E5AABXl32
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5TzuaCnkE
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwGGGpCIvZ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3bE2NHaTt
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXaERoEUuu
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVLT92cEg2
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttlFiQZoTZ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ0PqVbVYW
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lRFtHeEL2
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pNBlfHh9f
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzYAhTR1OS
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqKZkrvIcT
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvDb2rZbsj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nGreofq37
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBiRpy6Dhu
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqbZQSWuBO
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHewX2aJeJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG72N1c0JgP
***634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkij6NAPr6
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg7hlxd7aT
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxZCM78maj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxwjTHIDuU
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSLFXBBUZ7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNUW0mya4I
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrVc8qOPBE
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtlKaayYTx
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz72tYKP5s
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPN5aZHpga
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJGOdbAKl
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfft3CyCGBA
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCD3VsdNjG
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOE97s2Eal
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjqSlzUJGl
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cVxSNdtQ5
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXakMXLXEGT
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixgMZrx6kx
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5tZZahjMd
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu5UqbL1QY
"Really?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKVi1YtfjO
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7zSBvmVC7
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI2xDzS3A9
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU5wET5SoS
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFvcInxgaG
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3njuWD9CgV
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dd5otZDD1
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0OJVEJgAF
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA25EZGGZJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ122ZuCbETa
He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡais94L3wsu
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf0KMOrZq4
Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMmFQwkrlh
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK1vZMtH26
He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEl6bdEIku
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGIZFUxcqB
Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQzqR2pxs4
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE5WnusdfF
Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x55eiER9Q
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0YDcC3mBh
He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzHFkR9DDT
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwSaE32PNj
"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcwFjZ5YnJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4TIpLTara
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcRJvNQGon
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1uqXdvXtA
"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcMsFFOrkO
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjFMUEGjII
He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O78ca2E6w
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE7hARcEsJ
"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9WRrmVLLJ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlbfDYV5gl
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIKKWc70Is
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs8h5T1Hzi
Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe92CmVRbZ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhjsuEKgeP
"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRsBlJfg0U
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHdgHMbTfS
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjHFqugXSq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqrrrwwRR7
"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Ti4j05h4
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFojtRjKgS
Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDn8AmFKes
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRTXZaI83F
Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VGqRsUnyq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhVRkC9CzS
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T45DvfkmW
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5eVOqFNIn
Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gYQazh1m0
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmswrML67pD
"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCSR4iIQrV
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiRbBUfYm1
"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYkkqrBqrF
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1lNpWL02M
Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlEMZeQUHa
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD6nQCHAKS
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd4QdV252H
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzX1vLf10r
"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrHDjM0xBM
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSVX1GpmsG
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxgR4T3pNp
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCcNV6oSD9
Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme5jwqBqNr
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlnvGFOhsd
Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2lcXQP3JE
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO28jpDh3E
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLRvhB8wvY
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy04aYU8pvV
"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI8eI74NCj
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTEhn6LlrV
Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiNM7ipw3y
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q20CBp0Wa
He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcM9gzTTBL
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zIkP747VM
"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns0xO1DxIP
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IuBYTFFFs
Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIPNyIe52w
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzL3r0Ma38
"Oh..., nothing really."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDxaynR2Sa
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmyKWUxpwn
"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNxP2LUunQ
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVStrzM5jki
"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim2TjWdTpK
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99ZeAKSbrl
"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iKmpOuoFf
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2LrASbYHp
Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznxWGprJPF
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS96eihMbt
"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPdsvgJuz7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfzKlDi4uU
"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGivfjNRTOh
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo6pHXmuM7
Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRlCpWqRaq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiPul2ZCQV
"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94m8QdVs6W
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbLvdZYiz2
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC39nvESHR
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGDBo0lU0q
Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO5xh2NaaP
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAsMgqSugX
Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbbLHmOPsV
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpQ3lCoOF3
He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLo0pcZhLO
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4A8HshZbR
Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfEZFB9TT3
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgyCVT28UD
"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr0Sta0tII
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtRSD6Q7lO
A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcURIWqcFHq
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsH2rDjQpf
"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d2fuJoJ0p
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIKTJHJ17K
"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSVYFbyYIp
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJVVhKq36h
Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWMR7Y0Lg7
634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGzQ3RllHA
"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.634Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkHqIHEYef
