The sun began to set farther to the west as the last of its rays hit the windows of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings. The sky gave out a soft yet strong glow of orange.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZsIRonDI8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuSK3CxSJ3
At this time, a lot of New Yorkers were knocking off from work and heading home. Some headed for the metro station or used whichever means of transport. Others stopped somewhere to run a late errand. Many people, students and working class; school children and those young enough to be held by the hand, were also heading for home.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp5Y4wJjPe
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwk6pIk4ca
Leo stared out of the window of his office, staring at the sun set. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the door open behind him.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpvpc6wlhq
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo2qYe5BON
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ497735JpFe
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvDA1SDbQj
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk27nRrlYs
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66aqT3bvSR
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDPAzUxwQy
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKogF1zcdA
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtDUzsBLAj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUuOGilliP
"I'm surprised that you haven't left the office yet," said Mr. McDonell as he sat down on the chair in front of Leo's desk.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrFoVWCrLY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxckSMBu4h
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9rMWTuViU
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavKe7xjCKK
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKeCHuVFg3
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisCqfpCduG
"You'll be surprised."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyeEplHThN
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyRODORRER
"I need to talk to you about something."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3YYgOILMn
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylXILYjPCz
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43bhT4wyxg
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmZtgH6sDT
"What is it about?" Leo asked.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMjIn9cl5u
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaUIRUBtZB
"It's about Angel."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBO3lVjYih
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bMQoKzLDl
"Great! Just great!" Leo said in his thoughts. He had had enough of Angel already. First it was Eric and his paranoia that Angel might end up falling for her boss (that's if she hasn't already), and now, his father wanted to talk about her about who knows what. He felt like looking back at the window to continue looking at the sun, but he didn't want to seem rude.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPdDR7qytA
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk3ckw9eG7
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOKgSftKbY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3429iSQAy
Before Mr. McDonell could speak, he noticed something wrong with his son after he mentioned Angel. Leo could do all he can to hide his expression, but his father somehow saw right through him.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH72ZU9cLIE
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JbDwOmEbL
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozBWBjKUNy
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbCWPtbX3n
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOndJN2eSVd
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHlbMruQDX
"She did."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LtO3GqeNG
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXy3A3MwXR
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMWP4KebUQ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGYy1KDj0S
"She agreed to work with us."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJHthftXod
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeOru5bgG2
Leo almost held the edge of his desk as he felt the floor beneath him begin to spin, but he tried his best not to. His father was already giving him a look and he didn't want to seem weird.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu2FegWjt6
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP50qUUGv7I
He knew this was coming and he didn't know how to handle it. Right now, all he wanted was to be left alone and do God knows what.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7r2LMzubf
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFhRol1SPw
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfmY8ZHVBT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kz6mQtdP3
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQdOK3kugD
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0lAurvPRy
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhPUTVleot
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq5GMwHiYZ
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZs1Byjwew
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUUXVvSIDd
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1zxk06ODB
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pqXWt8UvY
"What about her job at the editing company?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVw8CqDAb0
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvYk2xupiu
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO1V4YNTvA
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCOtLXdR6p
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH7FT2p90P
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7JNrHcwqp
Mr. McDonell leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. Leo knew his mother was the only trump card he had to prevent Angel from ever stepping foot in the company. If he can't have a say in this, she most definitely will.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMGkfpHsUm
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3aVse5Fcu
"She doesn't know," his father replied.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU7MjxgI7l
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCjFTvtw6P
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz34JLFdsu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiPbbYh1sJ
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3NzvTYW12
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2QmN4pkv2
"How are you going to break it to her?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL33yQBMf8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZozY7zG2K
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc4lZCfejO
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4oAjRVPlP
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6bNutT6N2
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgLufMMCPk
"You heard me."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx98YbBIaf
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAmkVUh9TK
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmjOz54VN7
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM1ecrFZIJ
"He doesn't have to know right now. And if I do tell him, he will get excited and blurt it out as soon as he's home."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY1oyun8sb
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IkMd9lFqD
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgpfjbkqHy
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeJU6VSPD2
"He's almost like my son, of course I know. And I know he likes Angel, so I would like that you deliver the news."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLnhVZZLXW
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrKDhk18AY
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco27AfO3Z6
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj8N75MZ23
Mr. McDonell shrugged his shoulder with a smile. "It's not that hard to miss," he said, "especially with how he used to take care of her when she had that accident."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGxVJhnnZ7
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvtdv9k99e
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiwPc7bOSO
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED3BhdBa88
Carly! Oh, goodness! Leo forgot it was her first day at college and so far, he hadn't called to check up on her. He felt pathetic and he had no one else to blame but Angel. If Eric hadn't come talking about her in the first place, he wouldn't have been brooding about her all day. And now, his father just made it even worse telling him to announce to everyone back home that Angel would be working for them. Angel continued to ruin his life even if she wasn't physically present.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDdFeakXCI
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRdGJXhdYe
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xtOrZY9gs
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0TIgSqHy3
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb34s5OObW
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopXTT7nQsY
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWggs93vJcI
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4LjX4Kpz0
Leo hadn't noticed his open palm upon his head and he felt like an idiot. He did that because he was mad at himself for not thinking about Carly when he had to.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKTJ80WowT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uEQCAvjuz
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JgjhuCqhw
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgAF66XMFC
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOk10Gv077
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNxprZYmUC
"I'll see you back home?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AkR4CURK9
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibjypzhxTp
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bOXyuY93l
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1j82PuMHP
"Sure. See you later, then."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9GnHxLk05
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYjCWlwJqS
Mr. McDonell gently nodded and made his way out of the office. As soon as he closed the door, Leo quickly stood up from his seat and got his jacket that was hanging at the back of his chair. He took his phone, the car keys, the keys to the office and left.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8702B0inb
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3asgpNv0CI
The hall was quiet and the working cubicles in the work area were almost empty except for two employees still at their desks. Leo passed the cubicles and went down the hall to Eric's office. Before he could even reach the door, it opened and out came Eric.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P2hfcUcCT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqifo0f878K
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnykHkEzSY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nGVntT0hA
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpd5NtGqF8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhmrjQh3fv
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gIqHWZDnV
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug3AUAvg5t
"May I ask where and why?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CpdsBjVtr
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvJHs8wvAs
"Come on. I'll tell you."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5tHhaDsDp
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYTd7fqwob
***572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVIKm2w3sK
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHOZReIwEw
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe18T9NK1Ww
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzAd7tZ1bL
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE2HH1tFJy
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULBi1LRpHH
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYI2BX9vqR
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OIcLihbY2
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4XxOZhgtP
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLbu2C4lMx
Harriet smiled back and quickly walked away so as to catch up with some of her friends who had gone ahead of her. Carly's first day had gone pretty well. Not only did she meet Robin, she also made new friends, Harriet being one of them. Her day couldn't get any better than this. But sadly, it was finally over and it was time to head back.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI6uhQ89hJ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Q6EEMpSm
She still stood in the hall outside the lecture room. A few people who had stayed behind soon walked out. She checked for her phone in her backpack and removed it to see if she had any messages.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMIm9lykrB
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVfP2u2Z4I
There was only one message from Angel that was sent to her almost thirty minutes ago asking her how her day went and if she needed to be picked up. Carly decided to call her sister as she walked down the hall.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXUfkHSwqi
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzqjY4hSQm
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuiYs4ik5R
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qPjDO6C1r
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYoc2Ft4hu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMnN0wLWfP
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjp23GeCg0
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOkUtDul3E
"Who?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce3tUNZ6Ev
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCIBX5ubmb
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhOgouts46
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2tgvzyofl
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifw2WeI5PA
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpptb6AHOJ
"Oh, yes, I do." Angel answered quickly, knowing very well how it made them both uncomfortable. Just talking about it brought back very bad memories.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYSqV8p3LS
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY0keqbAU3
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh3BniEiXi
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1WKmCNBiq
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5OG0mMCuD
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9buZkuyHI
Carly turned round the corner that led to a open corridor. She saw a few students talking on the open green lawn, the sun slowly setting.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1UY4Uiq41
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxceclywbP
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlMzb7FhwH
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIZoUielCV
"Well, that shows how much of a good friend he is and I'm glad. I thought you needed a ride after your classes. I could easily ask one of the drivers here to pick you up."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjp8NRzxKN
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5AswbPqJD
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY8u5zqNKu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNMf82sLls
"Ok. Just be careful out there."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqRwOMH0ha
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwLl24XQew
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Xa7dYGDR
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nVZItGAOl
"See you later then."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo3T7rzkfU
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBMgwIGF7L
"Ya, see you."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXYJop8Mnj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5aKTyz6Z5
Carly found herself at the college's parking lot. The place was almost empty. The last of the cars leaving the premises probably belonged to a student as it was an orange Lamborghini. Only a black old BMW and a white Cadillac remained in the parking lot.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWX8NH1E1h
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhltAAuLYpw
Carly walked out of the main gate and across the street was the boarding campus for the students. Carly went down the street and went on straight till she reached the traffic lights. The traffic light turned red for the cars to stop and Carly gladly walked down the zebra crossing after the green pedestrian light turned on. She was the only pedestrian and when she reached the other side of the street, she continued straight on, heading for the bus stop in front of her.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2fLAqFDah
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM5BBFyRYH
When she got there, she found no one waiting for the bus. She shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the little bench. It looked like she was going to sit there alone till the bus arrived.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqAuHicZQt
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdfC6m43Z3
She brought her backpack in front of her and placed it on her lap. She took out her phone and still no message from Leo. She figured that he must have had a busy day and probably forgot to call or text her. She decided to send him a text, considering that he must be driving back home from work.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2UUitiUhj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMtgxV7XE8
Carly was oblivious that a black sedan that had been parked a block away had been following her from the time she left the college gates. She continued to look through her phone that she didn't hear the car slowly approach the bus stop. The cars driving by on the road, drowned the noise of the sedan's engine. Besides, the man behind the wheel made sure not to draw much attention by not turning on the car's headlights.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Q4WdKJ3t
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjPjZ6kp7E
Carly grew bored going through social media with still no reply from Leo. She wanted to be pissed but couldn't. She had had a long day. But with no sign of the bus coming, it just set her peace of mind to a whole other level.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnVKaycoxp
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NgLCr8pfM
She put her phone back in her backpack and strapped it round her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the black sedan right next to the bus stop, a few feet away from her. She looked into the car through the windshield and the blaring light of a phone shone through the glass. She caught sight of the man looking down on his phone. Looked like he stopped to be on the phone, she thought. She sighed and wished Leo could do the same and reply to her text.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uBtoElPxt
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3dzjJoovo
She turned her head, looking down the street and across. A few people walked by here and there, two couples had walked past her. She started to tap her foot impatiently on the concrete. The bus was a no show and she now felt like an idiot for not letting Angel send her a car. Maybe she could give her a call again and tell her to do so. But just before she could, a sound came from the car. She looked, surprised that there was a car there, and saw that the car door had opened. The man stepped out, closing the door behind him.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gNcn6UDcZ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i5ZXsVMKr
"You don't happen to have a cigarette lighter, do you, miss?" the man asked with a pack of cigarettes in his hands as he approached Carly. Carly realised how tall and well built the man was. He wore a black jumper with a hood over his head, but she was able to see his face.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc3dAOmepJ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZsc4LFSi3
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8YFQvkmaA
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63uD3p2D9W
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7W4G3t9vj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3HMAHlmHi
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTBBAYrXd9
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gQUF9n6WO
"Too bad," said the man as he placed the pack in his pockets. "I would have enjoyed smoking a cigar and talking to a pretty lady like yourself."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZuE5OQT6s
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz01AexXXLg
Carly felt her cheeks blush, but she tried to hide it with a chuckle. She knew where this was going. She had met a lot like him back at the club. They were the ones who tried to attract your attention by small talk.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOE6YlY25T
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ68NZmXUvq
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUgBNl6Pgn
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6M1gEvxQa
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWzMAhsMOY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug7I8DCdZU
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH8ypaTHt5
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWNXZxjbyp
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNomtL30tJm
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDSZRrQyxA
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqMxvXBsl8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenVlaNh1Jk
Carly read the man's dark eyes and she knew she had to get up and run. But just before she could even stand, the man took hold of the back of her head and the next thing she knew, a piece of cloth that he withdrew from his pocket covered her nose and mouth.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W1oqYYGLM
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R1yL6ZuQK
The smell on the cloth was intoxicating. She tried to fight, clawing at the man's face and arms, but he was too strong for her. It took almost a minute and a half of struggling when her vision started to blur. She was soon losing her strength faster than she anticipated. She soon fell unconscious.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8avYgsZaYk
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVt4439FDH
The man removed the cloth filled with chloroform from her face and held her steadily. He lifted her off the bench and carried her to his car. He laid her down on the sidewalk so as to open the passenger side door. He looked around to make sure there was no one around watching him. To his luck, there was none.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRxObgKX6a
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWuX8mbXvU
He lifted Carly into the car and laid her on the passenger seat in a sleeping position. He closed the door and went back to the bench to get her backpack. He turned back to his car, got inside, closed the door and threw her backpack to the passenger's seat.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8nMGiqRI5
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWROIbmKDc
His job had been much easier than he had thought. He couldn't help but smile when he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Walters.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMorudVUACu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzWbsh7VTJ
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcIKr1jUhw
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLkzRh5ezc
"It's done. She's in my car right now."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojlCD3nSh8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlUmwwpWan
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcJy8W0aLO
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhYPFOWddw
The man cut the call. Seconds later, his phone beeped. He read the message and knew exactly where to go. He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He looked at Carly lying unconscious in the backseat.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctfFCzv2Q3
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7dTtph9yC
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6FX3C38Kl
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyTkMDA6Bw
***572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTwqh8Wci1
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJA9KvAyRG
Leo climbed into the driver's seat with a brown paper bag in his hands. Kevin who sat on the passenger seat was looking through his phone.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpPFiFFiOo
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIURYv9IqU
"Can you stop looking at that darn thing?" Leo asked as he closed the car door and placed the bag at the back. "I left you looking at the phone and you're still on it."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9sa1p3jUa
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05fjHtAWwu
"You were only in the store for like a minute," said Eric. "And it's also thanks to me that you managed to make a last minute call to Nate to get you a present for Carly."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywPz0mW4uP
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeO6p0tGfI
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeed0iPFfq
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWHEHLhmSd
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgouFo4Q26o
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXLjQAuwKX
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf9M1Bpzxs
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM4RycuuZR
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7xYTQd9nE
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTMDLfX5WU
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7lx5dRt6f
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUzYH9rN4j
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LcXZCLX10
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwAnLRPHSb
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Eric. "You have a message on your phone. I didn't want to read it because-you know-I might be invading your privacy."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOyD98AanF
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw97YWQadC
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15nmutN7YS
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzagxfNeRug
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVzanyu5ea
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfwEApRnvK
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Nbfn5Fa9m
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWmASk4k0H
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuAixcYIRH
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWfpmPH1TY
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2HQpSgY3K
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyeXzlHNsz
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweIf1xMJcY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorPmk7ijYu
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm0kO7PCv2
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEWlMYyAlT
"Ya, let's not."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL33KU9UXt
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHe3VZdLkP
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT91KtHSgh0
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0hqirW1LO
"Gladly," said Eric as he almost jumped in his seat even with the seatbelt on. He took hold of Leo's phone on the dashboard and he didn't struggle with the phone's password because he already knew it.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQRWAsfPDY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntcN0XkSRM
"All she write was hi and asked how your day went," said Eric, his eyes on the lit screen. "Huh..., I was expecting her to write how upset she is that you hadn't communicated with her all day."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xw40z1bpY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrimh5SKcJ
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjdLWfx4M5
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGMI0wAYNP
"Oh, please! You weren't meeting with any clients and you weren't even busy. You were just sulking in your office over Angel coming to work at the company."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM058W3ZG3
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNcNOXRtVV
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," Leo said through his gritted teeth, holding the steering wheel tightly. He prayed that he could keep himself under control and not cause an accident.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoul34PpRIC
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Cx0s9UI3h
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBpwvFMkyo
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt8sTpzBW0
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUrkFx55mu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMX6iRBQ7T
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1pAQXhPss
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulLEoyfslf
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsk6lkbZZK
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmSUStu0m5
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwAt4yky5Y
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxjQWCwxBk
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsTr9v4RG3
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl3KpeLPRl
"That you can't tell her that you have been thinking about Angel the whole day instead of focusing on work? Or maybe during your free time, you should have been thinking of her instead?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDMetxrGai
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7L61dQILK
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg4xZwyeVQ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QMf0E3Jbb
"But you can't deny it. I still think you should get help. You always think Angel is out to make your life miserable. That might end up being an obsession, you know?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCyXvGUjpE
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnbeQ6lVVW
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWvtCObkaZ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaJdZFUeNU
"I know, but that was only because I like Angel and I was telling you as a friend. You took it to a whole new level all on your own."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZLyMqixKK
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBlm6wDKif
Leo shook his head. If only Eric knew that what he had feared is about to come true. He would know in a hour or so.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKgUSAS5f9
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VqGWuQNYV
"Anyway, you're already in trouble with Carly over not communicating with her. She might sound sweet and sincere on text, but who knows when you get to meet her tonight."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FNoSMxvBP
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH4SPhsJzv
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pnrmCAMIr
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCiIVMZRo0
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gi27tZhPT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ArTuadFqF
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpZWS8HFon
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0oS3wIZJc
They soon reached home and Leo couldn't wait to see Carly and apologise. But then the thought of seeing Angel made his heartbeat even more. Why was he nervous all of the sudden?572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU1Oli3GgT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukw2bJ6170
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXIFXurTJj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhUdN6wDxz
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaXO2AUAPY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiHsYZCqVL
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuxuUpXCkL
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnZpiwZxoa
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCRyfXT8x4
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWTyaQQX3c
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kVnKpzgTE
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJOu2iarCq
"Mmmm...., not to worry, she will love it. Besides, I don't think she's mad. I bet she's tired to even be mad."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5Bft4OdC9
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQy4dTeetR
"I hope so."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDJKmHxhaY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEFS2gjHek
"Come on, we better go inside."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfEulkmrxw
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD6V7lnGMP
Eric got out of the car first. Leo waited for a few seconds until he got the paper gift bag at the back, removed the key out of the ignition and got out of the car.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dt060K3hf
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTMKdKeKJ8
Leo walked up the stone path to the front door. The outdoor lights on the lawn had been turned on. He looked ahead at the open door in front of him. Eric had just entered the foyer, removing his jacket.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeRlfX3ZVY
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Se35FS0Pz
Leo joined his cousin, closing the door behind him. Eric carried his jacket with him to the living room. Leo heard him give out a cheerful greeting and he knew that his grandmother was there.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXefYgScGs
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePEX8uc5RJ
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41sUC83Btr
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6sagMrSE5
"I'm here, grandma," said Leo as he came into the living room and found his grandmother on the wheelchair seating close to a chair where Oliver sat.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFOnuyUIoC
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb63jXVbSUY
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSjTdwPFOB
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPih2FqC61z
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpFIxOwQxi
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQPhTY0m42
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQlvnvVEm1
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPPSLqMRGk
"Not really. Why?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIC0X2iiL8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCYpVsvnZ5
"You look really tired."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41YNCNUUEi
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy91NWiR6q
Leo gave Oliver a smile and cleared his throat. Eric, on the other hand, joined his young brother on the couch and chuckled to himself. Leo knew Eric was only making fun of him.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mh940XKH5
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6dKjLCSj0
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdNvn6cWLb
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY97jCtLgMR
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil5OQFyIbQ
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43wyR0sdRO
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD4x7wPqVy
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vGG5BVlr5
"Sure, grandma."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnyRuCsXLu
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDffLhJNYHp
Leo felt relieved that his grandmother didn't ask further about the gift bag. Just as he turned around to head for the stairs, standing by the doorway leading into the living room, was Angel.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwPtPQsGjg
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcpu45Qkkq
His heart stopped beating for a moment as he looked at her. He was out of breath too. His head started to feel a little fuzzy as he tried to say something, but somehow he couldn't. Angel's appearance had somehow left him dazed that he couldn't move or even speak.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr5M94MjCm
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mFonfp8vr
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV98OnmjGr
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RsscC4zO7
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GeN3h5DDU
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM9l5tSZBn
Leo felt tiny beads of sweat appear on his forehead and he prayed that Angel didn't notice. It would be embarrassing. Why did he feel like he had just run a marathon? His heart still pumped like crazy.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk5vsRH2RW
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirSYReJ6YN
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqbwFE6CM4
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBji2Km6xSH
Angel looked at Eric behind Leo who stood up from his seat to look at her in her white summer dress. Angel smiled and slightly blushed. Leo who kept staring at her also couldn't help but blush himself. When he realised it, he quickly looked down at his feet, feeling angry with himself.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvlOSl4tLk
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd7TAZb6kf
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zBDSKnmUX
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gD4SW2aH9
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksq4kGBV5H
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NhBHbNzfC
Angel shook her head. Her eyes were now filled with worry and Leo knew how that felt as he looked into them. He quickly looked away.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoFfXkFsAT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYXeuv6tB3
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnMlB3EGj
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVWZuWUbdZ
"That's what I told her, Eric," said Amanda. "But she has every right to be worried and now I am too. She should have been home by now."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RVGmf3pcL
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUauHSpbxe
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApdnyQkDny
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rtIfsu2xt
"That was close to 6 PM," Angel answered. "She was done with her classes then. I offered to send a car, but she assured me that she would take the bus."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBux4VEqy1
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgO2iMHSUx
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yFiYWu3O1
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7URFYqOjJ6
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuW6Hs9VCp
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D5bxhlKQY
Leo hoped that Carly would pick up. But from where he stood, he could hear the ringing tune from Angel's phone which she placed on her ear. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration when Carly didn't pick up.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGgtqR0SzI
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIEGU6PGuL
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJrfgvGeXs
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENPXEgQrZv
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"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNszss1n70P
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"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzANjwGhR4F
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"I'll try not to." Angel tried to put up a smile but failed terribly. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjNE1wTukX
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Angel turned around and left the living room. Leo looked on at her as she walked down the hall. He almost got lost in thought until he shook his head.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpVdzBMHvD
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"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSqzWj0yHD
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Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R4yqwZrEs
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmz60DtBMe
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Leo couldn't help but worry about Carly's whereabouts. Now he felt even more guilty for not calling her when he had the chance. He would have been the one to pick her up. As he headed up the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if Carly was okay.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinoZiUKlsh
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***572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9n9Qgmgxt
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Carly groaned as she felt her head spin. She tried to open her heavy eyes but everything in front of her was a blur. She tried to come around but everytime, she felt like she was slipping back into oblivion.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtUoWUa3Z3
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She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAOYftGuzk
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Gentle taps on her cheek made her nerves wake up a little bit. Her sight slowly started to clear up a bit. She made out a person in front of her, but she still couldn't see properly.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgNULvrojG
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She heard a voice, but it sounded all muffled up in her ears. She started to black out, but again, she felt a gentle tap on her cheek.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnI6kFM72r
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This time she was wide awake and she looked at her surrounding. She was in a room with grey walls and with a fluorescent tube above her. She wondered how she got here. The last place she remembered was the bus stop.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoytMW3jtSN
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"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0J3Q9Wkj3
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Carly looked straight in front of her and there was a man squatting on the floor, looking at her with a smile on his face.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLAyKu3IlD
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Carly felt like she knew who the man was, but she couldn't remember. And then at that moment, everything dawned on her. This man had drugged and brought her here. Carly started to panic but then she realised she couldn't move. She looked down at her hands. She was strapped onto a wooden chair with rope and so were her legs. She tried to scream for help, but that was then that she realised that she had a cloth in her mouth. All she made were muffled loud noises.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x9BVT5qj0
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"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSXVJBKvBZ
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Carly started to panic even more, trying her best to break free. The man stood up and walked away. Carly heard the door open and close behind her. More people came into the room. She stopped struggling and waited as the man who had tied her up and another man came to stand in front of her.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwkNHnhiL9
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"Carly Barclay," said the tall African American man as he got close and squatted in front of her. "I finally get to meet you at last."572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtvYfk4mQR
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