The news about the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTGf6vTBUf
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC4GbxaeZy
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIXbw20tjR
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiCZSx3kZi
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByjO7WfVMP
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaquRYeKLAE
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDOqsJdhim
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WdRMHL6uz
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfNgILCYO
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigJqGkqQIb
There was more to it 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkssiQZ6lD
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIR3d5TQw7
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kEb02jcaz
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2YT4tgMsp
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkzUngqVwk
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkCggjGaBr
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivkC6Hy9vR
except from a few individuals. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruINIU2XxT
And apparently, one of 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhkmptPipy
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp1GralCXC
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzdkMD6QNQ
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjqN7J8Twx
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiQS5GdR99
really going on, all hell would break loose.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWrmLJvqzE
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcpdLP5OZA
Rhénee dropped the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpLMn10t7K
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hwiGl3Zmf
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFDIldiCJU
ear, she took a sip of coffee.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgMAMc8KpL
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm0PHM0sCV
"Ya, its crazy here," 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnfJpnzDPS
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1CZgi0KM8
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R980DrI9S
broken in."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nr5OQAkHZ
"If only they knew."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcMIuJYtn9
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHSo1cUOPS
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcex7aA0u8
"She did. I had to make 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnWQuO3RVf
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYza5HLb6gq
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptYx0aleL5
"I doubt if she believed that."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCp4IV5FJ5
"Haha, looks like you 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE6ySjeSFb
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM82JPku2o
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L7Guf2Kim
"True. But we did. I 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT6H5GLwof
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ3Xwy5yKe
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BX2NwEs5k
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw00k1v27Xn
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54MF3LUr15
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLW5B0BJU0
"Okay, bye."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN4L9PcsCV
"Bye."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjGMChLHFh
Rhénee cuts the call and792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtGlLhWdpV
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw3pU0Kama
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBxd2TrVSn
wink last night.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGMd4TQSdb
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4M9HhvIE0
"I wasn't going to 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ321BtrXukx
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pVWvrQW4A
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhYuoXjygB
"You don't have to 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHSOJag6q1
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXwYgjDH3S
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tyBliqmcf
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ0CnBajFL
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1p0jFli5K
"Why Malcom?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupwPU4kCfo
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ6UV6NDQs
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm6xOzRMUi
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv0bV6OmmG
"Alright, you go ahead."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4kXYMpMk2
Miss Griselda gave 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRxaUg38eA
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRimfL3bIU
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEPMNSsdo8
did when they talked about Malcom. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrD4UNyb7d
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh1vxL8luJ
The sound of her phone 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9nVAtFDsB
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDZojcNr9X
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQGdrywSLm
mother.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wKTG0yUlQ
"Hello?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX1FUVvbgs
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S7hRMnz2i
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe92muReIG
That voice. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXk1qKa2R7
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX6W15YWxz
"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?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p1VyiiyaL
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrRozfr6qT
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7RsxbNwBq
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunMVDPgGI5
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV0rgZ7Ye0
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB101GdSAjU
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdLqtE8YAX
"You don't know me, 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdJq2POBbI
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWbUpvGs5E
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoqjCThC9W
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOvX6c9Ojm
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfg13LYbcg
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRNu3y9SXZ
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P2iH5RPI5
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxf5z50AO8
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3AaM9RCtX
"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?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QZmOGWHCB
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1w0YeYmoh
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEc0cvuZBL
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y4Z30kmVj
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqclfQRzWEK
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1w4dVTL0x
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMsTtmh2t9
"Oh, and by the way, 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmcp4EaxBk
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6cG8YaMmk
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOVllnAksM
this time around."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf8kTVYVBF
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu0JbPLByv
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwnSVYarFf
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbnvJP3n2S
Rhénee sat down on the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RIFWq8yXc
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEGzZTmvQv
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS56Al6vd0x
the others, who know what might happen. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmsAmfHkf5
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5KRLdjlsx
***792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOTLqrI2qE
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXwP9MQPhS
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctCB8yu6dL
"But she isn't hurt right?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq9kYc1dKE
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvSTuD3hGi
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOaKPaAhXw
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI9lkHr82y
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxWoNiNwKy
"Nah.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO0gVSrqDE
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysaSLwr3NO
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzHUtFF6MZ
"Thats792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOHjMsuPLe
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4sG8XdKbx
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt48Me72Wn
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6x0dSPDY7
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI2B7xcSQh
"Alright."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeto0X3ZGM2
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. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqJ5olw7oj
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluUedwHKmL
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7VT7CPSWW
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNwScmSfEK
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp06H0ujL7d
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiC52TMCvN
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2hpoQcVrH
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKILbNT7d5y
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0fcnXReqQ
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlVPgOWkKX
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63sDVJB48a
"Does it bother you?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuvGCUEZal
"Um... not really. But.... um."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DjMYFAeUP
Eugene792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi0Q7veR0X
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF03xzd2EYL
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgjB9BCrhC
"Mum, are you okay?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo7rbxq3sA
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH26tqiy5X
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkXhjmoSmE
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpNu53gtBc
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT7VupN7eW
Mrs792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfweBYl5cc
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4gCyGT3pS
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMujsG2Hvsd
had talked about Rhénee?792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHirlGIdcZI
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB0x8PJGHA
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZNuyhTEIx
***792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YtIj0yDWi
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3V2vmS7xW
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQbjIFGmtJ
"You better rest though. You still look tired."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd5lYJMU01
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadBvfgmZRQ
"No, I'll do it."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B7stmjdsS
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGfA5Txabe
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX8S0NMgKh
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkBKIHUosK
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1FH7I1GSk
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt5lberWwR
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJE5z1nkYN
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAGsuC6IpM
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjIUj4hkZq
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmDTquH8fT
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXE5KCXTkH
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOsiJU08f8
"Thank792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtIDbR5u0t
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTvftShL1v
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck1iwTsaKT
"Well, yes. I still think I would."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbefblzUzd9
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dHmPxdHPd
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkMx8kdRWO
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnbCFEIa4V
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mg975MXzf
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YA2RacXJ8
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jc7JeGCRB
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1jVNEJlll
"Coffee will be lovely."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HdLMfVfAB
Miss792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMqp3rjdty
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6bizrcGkA
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIczfVadvA
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dvoucwWB2
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzZ3U493f1
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRd7cYUF0O
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsRpPSLwNO
"What mysterious person?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNNBp5n7ag
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr5s87TY2a
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnUPwKVpvr
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiMQw8tXGM
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGq9r2WzpZ
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDShaKgvfgC
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAU2tNalYl
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWenZQipOf
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN32Dkf27X3
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtRYecgCrz
The792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUsK3XzTTP
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K0JIBeUko
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhitIbX1FHI
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxhCtNSsJv
of this.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUKOfQVuv5
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVep0OmSu9V
"I...792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSzmEGQGBr
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2818uAw9t4
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN6dCD50lo
frustration. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWospCfABd1
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKXFSiqmGp
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl7bUL1jmD
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ekgmG36Yr
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPwXxiTY7X
cups on the tray and wondered. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3pfLdgwDD
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrQx5LoQEi
792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTsAsyq7wm
As792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOUNYpH5gx
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO0Vtg7b47
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KmIrE4t70
reminder kept ringing in her head.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezGLrSDLLz
"And tell your friends not to get involved."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynh4uPr715
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5cRBBhe5E
"I792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1O8sxL4Q9
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH92bCgVqX
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7YPUPe9mu
talking about, Rhénee?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix5JjaZY33
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cWWaRufxT
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbZfN0QSZK
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsejrfOB1vP
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9NCGltCVC
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb98rPvSEv
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYgiT82Iy0
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEmwULBL5m
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DUVA5Z0t6
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8DgyOQVNx
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthkQmt2lir
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMn3GeYLU4
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzfNEzfTyx
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOBvBVBUP8
***792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIVKqPOfcf
Sweat792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIOjKfPIJo
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBsHzkfREk
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMytIiYxjI
the person waiting never likes to wait.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1WBHUq99c
He792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrtYAuFeJs
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol5ESXVH9z
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhdmxf1xtC
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBi4XBAPHD
second.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCu8I3bs7L
He792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZNjCpR1x6
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHVfOsdYll
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOduyasYNO0
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBA1IgU3sg
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBdlCThcB7
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51cE5ZiqXC
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiLQSlHxPt
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV0fN0UDmN
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIqLM9kQdl
"You're late, again."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrHvTh9h5w
His792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhQRUlLb7S
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlGbhfyf0Y
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMCoRAyJIV
lion door knob. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrrrv76RwR
He792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnAKYMpE1m
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbontUBMCE
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡste7q2e9BL
"What792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGhyTKhhO5
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgf5YFcJ1L
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBSN164phV
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHxYAKr15T
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7KolciELJ
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLERxmVUT4
A792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VOk4QLbY7
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CRv0zHGxF
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEHciBBWTi
as they had their backs towards the window.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaoWf1sTU6
"You know we need him," said the tall man.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpobTmMw5rI
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uZPlSPWo9
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC7XOz8rf1
The792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FIlTtBzwU
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6CC7VaYlj
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX7NV50TfB
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiDi76chNS
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR2WQrTl78
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ611S6mNQ6
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS8KA2epsI
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrWDeLyeMv
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiU0ridZfw
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQhVOmHJ0Z
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20s61qoA0z
"What if she reveals the truth?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGPbeebb2F
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVz92beTqA
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu4Mfe8JCV
For a moment, silence hung over them.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVk4vtVWjH
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVULlVui3E
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrqZg2x80x
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHFW33l2JY
"I792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY7lvad4T1
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiP94201Hi
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMj2CcuThq
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCifvTaNDWK
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR1z08RNWV
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jz2cosIv0
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YzsrHtzdE
***792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEp3aV2W2i
The792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue6i3vOMCp
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpLlbdjbmY
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDNDSNBX2x
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5f8pGXM2a
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkrj2FQrVt
they met, they seemed sky blue.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81psAdBGHu
And792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wGOtObAJM
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ggwcll3uh
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLueIgEvnAi
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkV67GDQSi
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MeN4ni3c8
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmLjeVhA7W
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrXPsA9lnV
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5YGQCqNwR
coffee table in the middle.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXLttgQcKQ
When792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnrL15nhMM
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g4keFRBXk
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPZMRXdxng
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S3j8UBka3
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL0Z1G05qG
"Are you sure?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc7KEK0E0u
"Yes, I'm positive."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU8x8sK0oX
Miss792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KscGyo6iA
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd8wMOtisA
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjppIHt7txZ
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEAi8pRDzU
from their cups.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UEWHLWhF0
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnXGif2VJU
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzlzeykeZk
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFTKCbM7vG
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3jldZdoPm
"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.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9f2g9kbPO
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zzyfxXBYZ
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIkDB0nYjd
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM1hsv5Oad
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c2PSQirsN
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SK6Ac3ymM
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgVtUwU3w4
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX22mImfP0c
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx6JvLTcmv
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u8XbaDrNY
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT0uzfTuGD
"Oh,792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3VIJJjENB
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZIA2Huu2V
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwez4oJGcO
who he is."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OWkz9WjnJ
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgnKDGxN20
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY64uoD2ag
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D3XIDqq7i
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1coAbZFd9
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeu9R6lSci
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUOgYcIpy3
Rhénee792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4Q2Y6rkb1
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpUyKhygw0
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmhBcMHJef
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ2ZyCd6b2
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8vpsvm8xA
"Fine,792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pRp0c5RKo
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQbstziRIA
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDnogMTNLc
or die if you stay by me."792Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXg9XBpUVD
