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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3VYrVfeAV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKQIcw1mzF
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbJODZGTts
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfCuIkii53
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uUhvIKHB7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGufvRDpO6
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvP57omMOb
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUibRCT8tfR
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnJam9IRVW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz09xmW5lkV
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcQFFNDpcl
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhYXrsCdTO
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzqLKDIZdc
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkjdJsSb2h
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIFGMa2xpT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrtYQNNQWc
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFKZjj1fWQ
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltqWNTmbnD
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwdC1hO9OH
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLz5t3QT9p
"You'll be surprised."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJVuHjq6qB
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9s4d6ysqJ
"I need to talk to you about something."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk90QiZisFq
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX9UlWi0tj
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVZVjMCgI7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFH5EV76wg
"What is it about?" Leo asked.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzuovPXjxB
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMhexcrFDB
"It's about Angel."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJrttKZdZd
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7XPY8cGGL
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvgkJor6LU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnEn7dE1oD
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYbCsdzkmy
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcMMDBFePK
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSz1rfUVr6
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q8YsmnVlD
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiMdMVaBGz
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdudLlGOif
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x945Uhg3P
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq0LZxEX9a
"She did."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY3S8NoiU1
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCU8ZkGBl4
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXaNOOFlCM
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTnUb3eRdu
"She agreed to work with us."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfAobDZN1D
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcHuo68jDh
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFbirStFfI
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqdYtnMDIm
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2jAJAySod
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf6Pl4CyWv
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmuuzHTzej
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6zHf54iiA
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhUp630rw5
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE9MZfq1b1
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpudlTuHxRK
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0ODBXmK7m
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKq1aL55QU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV3gQ6ulEz
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDEumG8GJf
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Xj8xkIL4
"What about her job at the editing company?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao0ZhMKIkk
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU8CopwqKd
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R4N4Hj6f4
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2RuLXEwcD
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4m40b4IJg
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGCYbqPrt6
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ88bLtjJ14
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfN7X4Vnac
"She doesn't know," his father replied.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkgZvU6WTD
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lU8XgtHiY
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzLeeqjinw
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgfYZdfELF
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KK834QwEF
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Fdv8TpqR
"How are you going to break it to her?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGcdbtecKF
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMdZVPcpNo
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJFWVg3OuW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyJjp61j7w
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyNhi8UUbT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZDbl0uGz5
"You heard me."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkpW7ZanHT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAqaAcAdec
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Uu0AzfUvH
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0BGeZ0g89
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd2KlFlNZh
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUtgdfOyOD
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmwAehTggG
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QMHIxeVa2
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJdrQrLzr
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2IqqZqHmJ
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA1h5TLKLA
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7MncvtK8z
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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRlXmT188Z
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rM9ur1Bhj
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SFN4uZhnU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOExPmIR2L
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8MxWlLBZp
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvruv3xVLz
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bgVwNjzb1
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1NxUabizE
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9A1mZxTVt
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKk2KA5vVR
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FmNrn5ZXs
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSn6b1WMIt
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVD4xmBbZY
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLUtue3ROC
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTjL6kCXJh
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqFwEqJZ23
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEogy8bgijQ
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajVXwgullv
"I'll see you back home?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kMZ9gb3ua
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8eJqlGlb0
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhPiyKHLBP
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEp3V27Y0s
"Sure. See you later, then."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafDHSPBOm9
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif9fkThbjV
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLDVQnBGGV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8dz8GvPpz
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1KomaqFnC
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtosITXLpk
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYstfZtPm4p
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP628Skb1E
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7DKSeD26D
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioVZtIUmdf
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEehzXTO6PA
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovmh4P3vvq
"May I ask where and why?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJild23FoOc
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwsxKtNvIk
"Come on. I'll tell you."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0VtDsZi0o
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjAtdZsBiU
***608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLbTz3ewAB
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqldouB4Wq
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTNE1Q2EsG
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhJt4ov5vI
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F4EumNndC
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOjS89Jklw
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy2BxK1xMU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuZKdJco7U
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvX2XcPPti
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsGXqruouy
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKGTMqCxVB
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmB8qzCYXS
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlJkG8DsPh
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHvHACcfbc
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlwSAG1KJM
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIc7rfg1Ks
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf6R3mPO5z
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yxW3eBmfQ
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyngTkiW5wC
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECwS7NtjKF
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmpvUMjjXW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWgQJQZHJ2
"Who?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfllygHc5Ax
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24lO47sO8H
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP2JpO4xvf
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW9z7lzsQs
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9THYhWzVe
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vxyWOimK8
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau62CVWiZt
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ib3bRGMe
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX3vRIzmTd
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rOFfCSiuG
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDGGeH1iPV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhPwTQIcdZ
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9iYVtj6qp
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h1YK5mADG
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJreV1IhN1
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8VsMMCDzm
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjTQABM09I
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mddn9GUKV
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiXIVpq2jy
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzXQ5rcqf1
"Ok. Just be careful out there."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RiWKH1hsy
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1pTmtuxaG
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wcpAFN7ce
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVAhITsY0u
"See you later then."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNMBC5DXKV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKlryfiH7V
"Ya, see you."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcLegLFvlQ
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJe2ck0mfm
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx141XnHQ5u
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQYRi6qlxh
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboCsGJd4aT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhtDPgNtZx
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkej2M71yT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlfzO2VOGE
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRpJQgNYZy
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hv3ECUQeC
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxDFAgh7rT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrIrgvaukG
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL2GAWLIYj
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFAKr5aVok
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnlzP5q4DY
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVZSKExFFD
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvbSWqQt3V
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VuWYnlsf4
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nyXak7UUU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5Yx2UnR6y
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJZYjoA2RN
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFAPAbxoWz
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkYygeZN7x
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlr8X5yCzw
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW7FRyvNPG
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEmw8rddsg
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom5neSOMtU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNJtxHkYzh
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBJ11kaFwT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFPZlXl516
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagKZOWZ2bb
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEchnfHA9V4
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRwj0fHneS
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNOyxbkvsQ
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDAfP2U4IV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02Fn69Heir
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5HzJ0sk0S
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdQfYyVmZr
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfan9ZPWR3
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGbIFOAZgB
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlxlDn5fzW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LO7CBel5g
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJLzVdiD2D
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7zlTWb6sU
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hNvCzCrqR
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZMkUXrSRZ
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiZfmvEajS
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWIBynnu9u
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z8mkoFDWK
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXUOiTzWU1
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW3cR9FC7r
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpDUc4ivIP
"It's done. She's in my car right now."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgPig2uD58
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ6HE910SQ
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMxyuPHqz7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9wYLIrulB
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFPRDcvGdE
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC1wmNrLaU
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogTPXIGiNk
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKHBwaKLPj
***608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5qwGtS5Jn
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpRYpgSOMn
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NThSrCgYG
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGigpYWd6QT
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbGcVoQ8H7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoIwwxlfdP
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PxtTJR4Xr
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oRsfs2xrb
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWpV23DRy5
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf2xldXEM9
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEW31KSyH6
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVU465BhDP
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxQID8kHzK
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf526WHojs
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFQqutVLni
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcohok79LH
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iXfAdKjwJ
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNM5F3xJIn
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjvcFyhPUq
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOUukUpxxF
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AkHQ2Otta
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJtdmMTqf0
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFJDqJq7u5
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNWnNNHm3H
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlRNcZWuP5
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgtlCmCizU
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhJ3xrNP5v
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ1DG0KmkV
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju3036awGB
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pUakVqwNg
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHjFOSZlxk
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIfOJivqEc
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM6cjBTJrY
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡButBbma6Se
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RxMEee6VO
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUaaZkDMYV
"Ya, let's not."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweWH9HJ5sI
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnoN6BNViO
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3LrD3xoAF
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvEja3s1WU
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe7VhL3uFi
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaRqAdd3Ae
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G73BNLlw7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ofZqB3vX
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8ZHx31CiO
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaNgt1A2cE
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nJe1QgWSW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wtezdZ7vg
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FfzkYqhW1
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgW1ceuMBP
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcNc9neOxA
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyya3qZTG4B
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ7MwA8obD
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhSVzjALuQ
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX8UFraFZd
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlDtA9SlOL
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSR9Yv9Wxl
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxd2uNwTCv
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1SjYWDN6O
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAuE3nigkG
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YfOQQ5Ds4
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvFR6cpnVB
"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?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02uRnLjT3r
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvBm7nUoFF
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QKyH02RIK
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Itn5mbIEI
"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?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFv37lwTl8
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Aqzm8SgO
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKYmMzNxOh
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDQQ8mpMjj
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TGWZJutNw
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJrcRuuRnW
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd2vcwjaPL
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoIGmRwFlt
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAyvMs1Oxz
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcbvmMoKIE
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ71xTNgSU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWxPz1u3Is
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRF0URxo8s
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrlWKoTVQq
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65IyH4iSBo
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNejsL2Vjq
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?608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLEI7zeu4l
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB8xHvrapw
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFLmhFBXmO
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkdLLUmpCm
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXOxoPxxaT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfV2IynZZc
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G4kZkRjho
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17xrIND7aw
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xh1aNTuxw
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBS2UqDhQE
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6XIy66ufL
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugXxKvZr1v
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygaHro2x62
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0khY8T1Ih
"I hope so."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2z5pQcc55
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRiazAv2Ob
"Come on, we better go inside."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRlAcHBEcN
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLFdra0ENd
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeEFJFIffL
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLDRcucwI9
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCmOTs6gx7
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGNzipbajP
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIZ04BYPbU
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWNhrgaVoO
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOAIWQevny
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlkPGaARMq
"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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgFOW74HDn
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkbCQuZtQ7
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIADI4Khj2Q
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MV87J1Pf1
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgVuNlFLUV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2scDXtg7i
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTrhI4NaOd
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQURnoVZgp8
"Not really. Why?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsDuezdV60
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBpx1IUeBJ
"You look really tired."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLENeHPtWsI
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TlJ9lsuhG
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHLS1Cjy6t
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnESGbpNg5h
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h8U0KJq8q
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06DUYHJS6t
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZvFsQXKDq
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdBDu0BC3i
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3dkKY0BHu
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZCo9l30Y9
"Sure, grandma."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xmvhPNmYR
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk70DLDBXq
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAmyhoRmqO
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zpeVNs5yL
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfiVx0xekr
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81DC08w0YI
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf8nmL3bAH
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaIZd7b6lE
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk3NhJEoNF
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgGUczILKd
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDNtd5qIbT
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oTkBp6NQ9
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtAleM1Tnh
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk5nxWVsYy
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1GadGIaXk
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhndKlrscoX
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQGCJ1gJiu
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbLIb55tcP
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICNX0R6AAA
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs1evsIMIf
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM3dnajkTV
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0STK91oYs
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaGXspbZKA
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvqzhxpJEM
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtlRyTVE6C
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb8ReGl7Dm
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuPCL9N4YN
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITdPUqcYhj
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOplautpCso
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FYzC6ZbKj
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHokpPuIMq
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHc474cics
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRDpYp14cW
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPB6cAJmAb
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q4dwr1BKH
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQHdmLRr8w
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksMgsnikyo
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui9jHWvu04
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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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM5tudAwGv
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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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MzViTrT48
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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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXrXM0wrqF
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWa7bCkpl7
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"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuUKJXAyO1
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHl0uMh75L
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhiMOufCS7
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlrGGjRj58
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***608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGKAtL9ewc
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJv6j8ugXh
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXMvj3Vfqd
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVk6CdrsJU
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTlTl9Cm1h
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUncH2h1jE
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"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaFKcf7YXS
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWGu6mdcZV
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUOMmtuBCO
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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?"608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rgoykI6nm
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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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpUXg4VFbx
608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwHHlwX2hg
"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."608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07r01VKVk3
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