Rhénee had not counted how many cupcakes she had eaten and she could tell that it wasn't helping her or her tummy. She felt like releasing all her anger out, but the only way to do so was to take in as many cupcakes down her throat as possible.
"Hey, aren't you going to leave some for us?" Greta asked.
"And why should I?" Rhénee asked after taking in who knows what number of cupcake in her mouth. "You guys are way too slow."
"Stop eating like that, Rhénee," said Miss Marie, "you're going to burst."
"Look, I told you all I know about that weird stranger over the phone, let me eat the cupcakes in peace."
Miss Griselda scowled and stood up from her seat. She approached the coffee table and took the plate of cupcakes away from Rhénee's greedy hands.
"Hey! But I'm still hungry," called out Rhénee.
"If you don't stop now, you'll become a glutton," said Miss Griselda. "No more cupcakes for you, young lady."
Miss Griselda gave each and everyone a cupcake, except Rhénee. She took the remaining cupcakes to the kitchen and quickly came back to the living room to take her seat.
"Now that that's over, can we look at the current situation we're in now?" Kevin asked.
"Well," began Rhénee, "we're all in danger. I told you about the stranger's warning and the picture of the house in the woods. If you help me any further, you might get hurt."
"But you can't do this all alone, Rhénee," said Malcom. "The way I see it, this all seems like a game to him."
"Of course it is. For him to give me the necklace and the photo of the house...., it's like he wants me to know the mystery of my late grandmother's death."
"Do you think your grandmother was murdered?" Greta asked.
"To be honest," Rhénee raised an eyebrow, "I was never told the truth about her death."
Rhénee turned to face Miss Griselda who had a weird expression on her face.
"Miss Griselda, you might know how grandma died. My mother told me she died of a heart attack."
"A heart attack?" Greta looked surprised. "I was told she had been admitted to the hospital and had died due to low blood pressure."
"I was told the same thing," said Malcom.
"To say the least, everyone in town was told the same," said Kevin.
"But that's weird," said Rhénee, "if it was due to low blood pressure, then why did my mother lie? I mean, it's just low blood pressure."
"It's strange," said Kevin. "Did your dad tell you the same thing?"
"Well....," Rhénee paused at the mention of her father. Surprisingly, he still hadn't called her. That was so unlike him.
"Well, he did say the same thing," said Rhénee, quickly snapping out of her thoughts.
"Do you know what the weird thing is?" Greta asked. "I never heard anything about the late Emelda not feeling too well that she would be admitted into hospital for a day or two before her death. It just happened so suddenly."
"Maybe it was just her time," said Kevin.
"Or maybe she was murdered?" Rhénee suggested. "Just think about it. Why do you think this stranger is playing this type of game? There is something he wants me to know about her death."
"I agree," said Miss Griselda, her voice a bit shaky. "I find it strange."
"Weren't you here when grandma died, Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked.
"No, I wasn't," replied Miss Griselda, her eyes turning red. "Two weeks before she died, your grandmother, may her soul rest in peace, told me to go on leave, for a vacation or something. It was kind of strange that I had to go away for a while. This place felt more like home."
"Did you ask her why?"
"I did, but all she told me was that I deserved it because I had worked hard and all. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, she gave Kevin and Mr Cowell the time off work too."
"That's true," said Kevin, "as Miss Griselda put it, it was a bit odd."
"So, grandma was all alone?" Rhénee felt her own voice breaking.
"Yes, she was," replied Miss Griselda, a tear streamed down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.
There was silence for a while as everyone seemed to be in their own thoughts. Rhénee couldn't help but imagine her late grandmother being all alone in her last days. But why the sudden change of attitude? Was she also in danger and didn't want anyone getting hurt like Rhénee wanted for the people around her?
"But she seemed pretty weird in her last days," said Miss Griselda.
"How weird?" Rhénee asked.
"Well, she was acting a bit agitated. Whenever she came home, she would always look outside the window as if to check if anyone was following her or something. She rarely slept at night. Most of the time I would find her in the study."
"She must have been threatened," said Malcom, "and that explains everything."
"What explains everything?" Rhénee asked, looking at Malcom.
Malcom looked down for a moment before looking at Rhénee straight in the eye. "Before your grandmother died, she called Greta, Kevin and I here. We met in her study and she asked us for a favour."
"And what was that?" Rhénee asked.
"To protect you from what's coming. She wasn't quiet clear from whom or from what, but she did say someone was planning to harm you."
"And she did mention to look out for our mother for some reason," said Greta.
"Do you think your mother and the stranger are working hand in hand?" Rhénee asked.
"We can't assume that just yet, can we?" Kevin suggested.
"You're right," said Malcom, "for the time being, we just have to assume that mum is just another enemy of yours."
"So, wait a minute, my grandma told you three to protect me from what's coming," said Rhénee, "so you have been watching over me this whole time?"
"Well, kind of," answered Kevin. "Your grandmother knew that sooner or later you would come to Madison."
"And so, Greta and I had come over to Beverly Hills after your grandmother died," said Malcom, "just to make sure that the people after you didn't harm you in any way."
"Oh, and how did you guys know the exact day I was moving out of Beverly Hills?" Rhénee asked.
"Your late grandmother told us about you and your father," said Greta. "That the two of you had your quarrels. And so when your dad had left for the business trip, we knew you would move out and come here."
"And so, Malcom was at the gas station and you, Greta, at the café, all to check up on me?"
"Of course, they were," said Miss Griselda, "after your grandmother died, Malcom told me about protecting you and I think it's a good thing.."
"But I'm putting you all in danger. I would like to thank all of you for keeping me safe all this while, but the last thing I want is five more funerals."
"Don't talk like that, dear," said Miss Marie, "we're all here to help you out no matter what."
Rhénee stood and walked towards the window. Her mind else where, thinking of what lied ahead of her. It was going to be dangerous and whatever the stranger over the phone had planned for her, it wasn't going to be pretty.
***706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJpQ9DOaG9
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdKBbjHGbP
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNmUqbyOz7
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6TCZW7EJt
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcs9RIebrm
Eugene opened the door and allowed Miguel into his office. Miguel quickly rushed in to take a seat in front of the office desk and Eugene could sense that something wasn't quite right with his friend.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnynHn0rOmH
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUK3A8c6YG
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmwx542bt4
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhegZuoK3f
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0IyKQVPBF
"Miguel, are you alright?" Eugene asked, as he closed the door.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN33bPQLRM
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIJaznLm7L
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptL9DJU9c3
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ05NHOWN1
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84LwY84Dkv
"It's nothing, really," said Miguel, looking a bit shaky, "I'm just worried about my grandma."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT3uAj2y4i
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcLjIio5k7
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZIT8T0vJY
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWbEyAmjZY
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWDW5TQAPe
"Didn't you say you were dropping her off somewhere? Where did you take her?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRfM4cvLdQ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbS3henTQj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mEeIaUaz5
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGv2mfiXAE
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07hkLcfp4H
"I took her to see Rhénee."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxox18iVSKX
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORd7ddOrIe
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jwgpJVkuT
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EVVrhOOKg
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlGIjNCTLg
"Rhénee? But what for?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTw8Sak3W
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdobhCAuYka
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSQdzUybCl
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUim82ahYO
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMDPBeCROQ
"I don't know, that's what's making me curious. My grandma kept muttering in the car about Emelda. She wasn't quite clear about what she was saying though. I feel like she is going crazy again."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyKK5PORg4
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafqYIbl8KB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZneQf7TyV
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9djFa75pso
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwje8dkgXu
"Don't worry, if your grandma just went to see Rhénee, I bet it's just to talk about the late Emelda."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreBvMNu3Yg
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ4wETy5yT
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC8E1D7TvB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHe0apmh06
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsLrHCSM2Y
"Well, I hope so. Sometimes she scares me."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7mMWEokiS
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4HVxt4kdi
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajVOCiNNia
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYROtp3lRFH
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItwfJKk4vu
"You're getting all worked up for nothing," Eugene placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You just relax. Should I make you a cup of coffee?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9QmxGRw0c
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6EeQOLm97
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCbKUG6kCQ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoswAsI2tOZ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAti4xs1iCA
"That will be great, thanks."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7L0eoMYKY
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmeciRXq0B
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K4QoQxlQh
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9HgBvhbKD
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m7z18Q21N
Eugene went over to the window where there was a small table with a coffee maker, a jar of sugar, two mugs and some spoons and a tin of coffee. He got to work with making the coffee.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0LXgl8hsr
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2mXezsCUh
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRat1mjQz2
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCWJEYEVTJ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAaVqJZpd7
"Oh, Eugene, I wanted to ask you something, if that's okay," said Miguel.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lMrqpcqOD
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCxn5YaJKF
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXmLkI3oej
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr4EdBxiIO
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0HidreqDh
"Ya, ask away," said Eugene as he turned on the coffee maker.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm0jFcnZ7r
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEApd2ojar
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj1ry5oyoj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHr9qyGaKq
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCr5GsBiAJ
"Do you remember when we were kids and we would sometimes go out and play in the woods?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsag7BHDAJB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzjUJCvNUU
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcMpo6PvGC
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY6AGKQRAt
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGVuK5QNgl
"Ya, I still do. Those were good times. Why do you ask?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdaHTbQU40
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S5NDdwtAy
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmkd4GO6GA
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gFOlHTuV4
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C5t0bTNUh
"I just remembered some years ago when we were playing in the woods with some girl."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPKcH6uVbU
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHjzkGNVUu
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpU0VajNQk
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ9KcAz9q1
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhKXyUiahI
Eugene turned to face Miguel as he noticed the sudden tone in his friend's voice. After pouring the coffee into the mugs then putting in some sugar cubes and stirring the coffee, he walked over to Miguel and gave him a mug.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJUWnptgSx
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQynZ8hamd
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKc2rzuxwm
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPliEFDqg9
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cbko2eDA1
"Why are you telling me all this?" Eugene asked.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WJq0x5msP
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBJw4URG9u
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8emulqHhS1
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAmeZNYPuH
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBvsUYZ4gh
"I just wanted to know if you remember the girl," said Miguel as he took a sip of his coffee.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmMUPEEwTO
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpQ31lM8tr
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqayCVxIGtK
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBk6JAu6gD
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmFm5JuC9h
"And why should I? Does she hold any importance to me?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeXHzoMMS
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUXlzAZqtt
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1I1dRUhRO
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ29QMfaQw
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWSa3aTc4B
"Well, all I wanted was an answer, not more questions." Miguel's tone in his voice was changing.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fLOj8fpgz
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb7C0HzcQe
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jod6LlAMd
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiwAHoiMnM
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PkyjCmYkA
"Seriously, dude, you're creeping me out." Eugene walked over to his desk and put his mug on the table and stared at Miguel.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrm0S1L1pj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrm35wo8vM
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGFnUaLJrP
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vlaAfoZMS
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWBj8Tjy9d
"Okay, all I want is for you to remember the girl I am talking about."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yrLV3fQMf
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpuWSJWYT5
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrGR0DM7OZ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BThq2lOOI
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfO8ZC4kwY
"I seriously don't remember any girl we used to play with in the woods during our childhood."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacfKdyTNcb
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIHIQKDl0u
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrQawq9Wq3
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRJ2A5yQIh
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YxXGenucw
"Really? You don't?" Miguel looked surprised.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UvP4x6tMr
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHlMaEkHdn
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47geGfWcpM
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpJvz5ZXqB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7f2UFREu2
"No, was she one of our classmates?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikDVLLwAKe
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG7VhXm4Gn
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9ltV0rOeN
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnmWvoirPK
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ldlROcj52
"Not even close." Miguel took another sip of his coffee.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl0XYdoxnh
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCqXrKyN0p
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo5IVXehY8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIPscwHoQR
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYFJaSlM5h
"Then who is it for you to ask me if I even remembered her?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqwMjZGnQ2
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOQavbGwn8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQU9bY7VxG
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mATXljxID
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk96lJJEqN
"Nothing. Was just messing with you."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RqJIIv3kl
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1BPy9XXgp
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CfiGjv7Gf
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5PDdcLmmB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtxFcvuk2P
Eugene pushed Miguel by placing his hand on his shoulder. Miguel almost spelt his coffee as he playfully tried to avoid another push from Eugene. Miguel laughed out loud.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m14pz2JSj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvzS0pCvNK
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPVi48opOz
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm3ycdICZ8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7sGE56dm6
"I'm sorry," Miguel continued laughing. "I didn't mean to."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoxVAY5brp
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2PGdjBcG7
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMMmiDGugm
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGI1cs2ofR
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkIiVG7o8w
"You scared me half to death, man!" Eugene was so upset. "I thought you were going to start talking creepy stuff about her."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscn0yCJiIY
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YkhPFvNOX
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc8kZcQaZL
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol2xNmt4r2
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIlVM9zJQ4
"I know, right? Sorry for messing with you. You should have seen the look on your face."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabVTJoVP1I
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdMau8ZUoB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZDn3FEG4t
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimCwaAyg4A
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyVPvWdc3P
"So not cool. Don't you ever do that again."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxBkRKcPsf
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uW54q5Bew
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqdQDQxKW8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMkPNIVZbn
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmhaFp3i1K
"I won't promise you, but I'll try."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe4EtbkNMj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLZOabN19o
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fjeOkQROA
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9MOUjnNrs
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbNBgxCZvc
Eugene shook his head as he got his mug and took his coffee. Somehow, he couldn't take his mind off what Miguel had said. Miguel had looked and sounded so serious when he had asked if Eugene remembered the girl they used to play with when they were kids. There was something fishy going on and Miguel seemed to know something.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdYr2uYHMS
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY38tDCCPwJ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozZy7798aI
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jQ6u98zrr
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM3iUjuPKo
***706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJJX8sGPnb
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaMZSQpv49
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM5GLbmygi
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vem667SaB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuPlx6pRCY
"Where do you think you're going?"706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw73EfIe8iS
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHjhEuF49I
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLRn3dLVC5
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaPSwckm9T
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsniTquF0cZ
Rhénee stopped half-way across the hall heading towards the door when she heard Miss Griselda behind her.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwresIeIVaf
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX89hjguMs
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzge1VvYgK7
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5lgf0A9G8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Rh4TbDHY
"I've some things to sort out," Rhénee replied not looking at Miss Griselda.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TPf8rnfjI
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH4qeukSih
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO7fgVFzuE
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Zu5zml6U
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjCt5TMilX
"If you're going to try to sort out this mess alone, you're going to end up getting killed."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFZwBAa2tO
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOJmg8wcua
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm520HxvLn
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfECweaed0r
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WwWEmwNHC
"And what do you suggest I should do!" Rhénee exclaimed, this time, she turned around to look at Miss Griselda. "I can't sit here and do nothing while that man over the phone ruins my life."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHchhVRXxZ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGEjL3dZUn
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAzUVAyPfL
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJnbbfb4N1
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vm3cbnntt
Miss Griselda walked up to Rhénee and she could tell the anxiety and tension eating up the young lady inside. She held Rhénee's hand and gently led her back to the living room where everybody else was.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZysYESP5Db
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWFIpQWToC
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2nJYbtEZB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxI9Vy45Gj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaFnP2yywy
"Rhénee, we all want to put an end to this," said Miss Griselda, "but you can't do it without us and we can't do it without you. I would never forgive myself if something terrible happens to you and you know it."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WlzqlSsR0
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTSlQk7qxe
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLpSwUVLZG
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo2yi0mHI2
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD6VJVE8Q3
Rhénee sighed in defeat and gave Miss Griselda a hug.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO6ql8NMYV
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz13xRPwnOt
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNeJGADEfz
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUvgaSFCzX
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYl0aKhd0R
"I'm sorry," said Rhénee. "I don't want you getting worried or getting hurt either."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60geyY9ZDK
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ8zoGmxog
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyrtlA39rC
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQjLlT9uDM
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn9ewK1GBk
"It's fine, sweetheart. We will pull through. I know we will."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5uJv7FZ1f
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwLkw8JfLl
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvqH9nwa3G
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZWYKtN9QQ
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2SCyvf6Y9
The two stopped hugging each other and Rhénee turned to address the others.706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDTBiqdUo
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCS1xIOuwB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HfUIrgDYE
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HxGXDfyYv
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ5AavgzzN
"Sorry for that," said Rhénee. "I just couldn't help myself."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFLgMZYuW8
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ki9e9Mmt3
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VmcrFpjtU
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPyEFxriln
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aF8MiSQjy
"Anyone in your situation would've done the same," said Miss Marie. "We don't blame you at all."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pPyrPs98m
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu1jELbBe3
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORHELN0zPj
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkT4oyfLTV
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EHfHILKnl
"Okay, then, if we're going to work together, we have to figure out what we should do, and fast."706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrOr9uI5RU
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CzNAp5zGy
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzVXiqnHeB
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtugSZVz94m
706Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aX6qCJHXz
"I agree," said Kevin. "We've to know what this man is playing at."
"So, any suggestions?" Greta asked.
"The house in the forest," Rhénee and Malcom answered simultaneously.
"The house in the forest? Why?" Miss Griselda asked.
"Maybe we might find something in there," answered Malcom. "There's something in that house that the man wants us to know about."
"It sounds dangerous to me," said Greta. "The fact that the house is located in the forest is enough to get me creeped out."
"I don't think it's a good idea," said Miss Marie. "Who knows what dangers we might find if you go there."
"But that's the only lead we have," said Kevin. "So far, we have nothing and if we try to follow up with Mrs Derrand, we're as good as dead."
"Kevin is right, though," said Greta. "I hate to say it, but we should go to that house."
"I'm worried," said Miss Marie. "Don't you think all this might be a trap?"
For a moment, there was silence in the room as everyone contemplated about what Miss Marie said. No one had even thought about the house being set up as a trap for Rhénee.
"What makes you think that it might?" Rhénee asked.
"It just popped into my mind," Miss Marie answered. "We don't know what this man wants. He might be doing all of this to harm you."
Rhénee raised an eyebrow at Miss Marie. From the time Miss Marie came here, Rhénee had a feeling that she might know who the man was. But now, everything seemed so confusing. How could the house be a trap if the man wanted Rhénee to know how her late grandmother had died? Rhénee had to keep asking Miss Marie if she wanted any information. She might find out things that could be useful.
"I think we go, nonetheless," said Malcom. "Rhénee won't go alone. If anything happens, we will be around to help."
"And what if you get trapped too?" Miss Marie asked. "Have you thought about that?"
"Don't worry, nothing will go wrong. If all of this is a trap, we'll be ready."
"So, when do we go there?" Rhénee asked.
"How about tomorrow?" Malcom suggested.
"Sounds good to me."
"Wait, tomorrow, like in the evening?" Greta asked.
"Nah, that will be too dangerous," said Malcom. "And considering that you get creeped out at night, Greta, going during the day will be perfect."
"I would rather you consider all this before you jump in," said Miss Marie.
"Is it me or is there something you're not telling us?" Rhénee asked.
"I'm just looking out for your well being." Miss Marie sounded stern.
Rhénee folded her arms as she continued to stare at Miss Marie. "I don't want to sound rude, but there is something you aren't telling us, Miss Marie. Am I wrong?"
This time all eyes were on Miss Marie, but the old lady didn't seem to mind. She continued to sit there and stare at Rhénee whose look also became stern.
"It may look like I know something, but the truth is, I don't," Miss Marie answered. "All that I'm doing right now is trying to protect you, Rhénee. Your late grandmother and I were such good friends and I am willing to look out for what she truly cared about in this world. And that's you."
Rhénee didn't say anything as she continued to look at Miss Marie. Was she telling the truth? It was completely hard to tell at this point.
"Then why don't you want us to go to that house?" Kevin asked.
"I'm just following what Emelda told me to do before she died," said Miss Marie.
"My grandma? What did she say?" Rhénee asked.
Miss Marie first sighed before she could say anything. "Your grandmother had told me a lot of things. There are some things she never wanted anyone to know, especially the house in the forest. And she warned me that no one should go there."
"What's in there that she doesn't want us to know?"
"I wish I knew, dear. She never told me. Your late grandmother was as mysterious as ever."
"But it looks like we have no choice," said Malcom. "If we don't do something now, who knows what that man would do to Rhénee."
"Malcolm's right," said Greta. "It's pretty obvious that man wants Rhénee to go there and figure out what really happened to the late Emelda."
"All am saying is that you should all think before you leap," said Miss Marie. "I'm just doing what I think is right."
Miss Marie slowly stood up from the couch and she slowly walked out of the living room, heading towards the door. Rhénee went after her and soon, the others followed as well. Miss Marie was just about to reach out for the door knob when Rhénee called out to her:
"Miss Marie, wait! You can't leave now."
"I know I'm not supposed to," said Miss Marie as she slowly turned to look at Rhénee. "But that's all I could tell you, Rhénee. This is my only way of helping you. To try and convince you not to go to that house."
"But I don't have a choice, Miss..."
"It's all up to you now," Miss Marie interrupted. "You're a grown woman now and I can't make decisions that you feel might compromise your life."
Miss Marie turned to the door, took hold of the door knob and twisted it. The door flew open and Miss Marie walked right through. When she stepped out, she stopped and with her back still facing the others, she said:
"Once you find out what is in the house, don't end up hating your late grandmother. Don't let whatever you find taint the image you've always had of her."
After she spoke, Miss Marie continued on her way towards the gate. Rhénee and the others looked on until Miss Marie was beyond the gate and nowhere in sight.
ns3.129.209.49da2
