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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCQOj1fLHo
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy6Sy5zR5o
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwvHxf0rVp
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT9MwYGWv7
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2Cc4ReAcQ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZBzPrHMPh
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UgFqcmM9O
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfE25Lee95
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSIALhrWh6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVI9QmYzom
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaWYz38VwB
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUupP2SKoC
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW7hzNuxi1
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGauBEcWICT
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dGIh8nU2T
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGfEoYQJSB
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDMRyxiDdV
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2sGSLscvx
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLBVEKv4gI
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqLFe6fDlz
"You'll be surprised."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMYOfaTftb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN1SNgcHdV
"I need to talk to you about something."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrsgNklKK6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufK9bowRve
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCJwN2DgA8
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiXaGRRu6a
"What is it about?" Leo asked.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCTgJ86Nec
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s1KOrBJsq
"It's about Angel."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxnawhPRLM
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jgq7HvqGV
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZRG1I8W47
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqs9yHLTIu
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJmvCdkkxh
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SosdeyeY6
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarLONjSZML
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoEXWyqfj7
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk144pon5b
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03sLAzhNZT
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0sC7I4i8H
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsmF5MIqTy
"She did."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHROKVTtmM
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwBZszdbdN
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlF13d6hs2
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnV9oVbnOs
"She agreed to work with us."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAsumJE41l
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4doz0Szjx
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxvqMjImrc
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVDVzn50Pr
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NkhSMHulr
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFgsFJFTk9
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA1EjWQ2ft
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck9nsnaiod
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5tPTK8FWw
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwLSBgM6PM
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODbVDiIhqv
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7d1RtP4bN
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdoY3cZ7Wt
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwU45DeZrv
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknWR9hhCU8
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xivCNAwDh
"What about her job at the editing company?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMhG6Ed4wV
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRxP19i1F5
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CcWBroseQ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB40fQMIMO
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBotopWXZgA
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhceibgRxen
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QhJQcMrg6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP78ege62k
"She doesn't know," his father replied.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO9PmFmpCN
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteCGSoCYrJ
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBmi1HH7bK
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwIZCFeEP7
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3d5VcnHZH
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNGeRHOsrG
"How are you going to break it to her?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhiJp7wWsr
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMrQAqk9wB
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph7d4QSop6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U8cU4h6Kn
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9scpfGNooI
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bE4B6VtK5
"You heard me."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjsRXtPrZc
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUGHgCpaKa
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1Py4wBE7D
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwyQbVMoHh
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTijFHeayG
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICJQqy7Diq
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYlWQeW0xQ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9K0bz1E68
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOGDjB7M20
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6OWvbXlv6
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURXgDcdKB7
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5pj3K3gei
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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5rzDcQymQ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvgfjQnCDg
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLyAYYRqtB
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sbE94HJL3
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCk6lQHFiC
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju1p6B4v8g
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnFD0VbGkD
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfQ88cBrAs
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwNlPGv4Rz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfynBU4kXAu
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwMv1bYOCv
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmeN7PZJ89
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddSTqEj5FV
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbajeKRtwBr
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvJSUyVxeI
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKXNXQfnet
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79HcszcqWg
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOuDISoCxU
"I'll see you back home?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiLBvmkN6m
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuSQfUV56A
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL7vpbKfin
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwfSBF7h8r
"Sure. See you later, then."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkCjVQaJpC
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOfYArBi4R
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8BRxWd0mP
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F7U7APnub
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkVWZ0TkC1
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8rKVSUwvo
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7C6UG4GmR
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21gBIWq6iT
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyDCALEUvW
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikWYBxAxPX
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB275lcuIn
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzdtGQ6x1Z
"May I ask where and why?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2lF5oIkJi
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7YnU8G0zX
"Come on. I'll tell you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT24RjzC84R
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSlC4l1iuM
***607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSWFxagoIj
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLHO8R4NfQ
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8T4iUNl8N
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzXlg3hCl2
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3rxCvjJ8q
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhT26qJXTB
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJZLewP8RR
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdZCfxKrUD
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVB6J8Lc07
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzumOaZ9nld
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7GBlU8OPN
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsQJ9evxgi
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym3pqxktWm
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hEoZKEPE8
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG2lZvj2DX
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1oDpw8VmZ
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8U3XAek8B
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpy5DVjX7N
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzi1pTHWT5
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5FZ0h40aQ
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ17qy7YY3B
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad29lMrcdZ
"Who?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriuRngwdMx
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww2ZHD8bxX
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2zTH37LmW
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WHYVlsxem
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dU9Z35WR8
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qFVWR8o9E
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1xwi6e555
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIP2gexugu
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulUcw6EKLg
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrgjYsE6q
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwoG0efbus
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrU1CvLVk8
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xHvP4sziO
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDpHVcyuSO
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTpjSR1UqJ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9fkOSzkHH
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvkWLbJUj1
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoZQWS0ANN
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas0FvdnwLq
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIJyrg6twl
"Ok. Just be careful out there."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzGs5zU4hJ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwyS6hCpIH
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nGXNPgTpF
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTThDc0nss5
"See you later then."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpMrfz6khh
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloI8nynUeT
"Ya, see you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmEqMH9Bpe
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35y4gp9qqi
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxjFHqzJRk
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrldTn4jwf
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtuamsdofC
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T4EqDF1dj
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOZqRwHAgR
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFo74oCh4g
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuVBZgfLwS
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwpyQk6U4P
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SiPlLknjp
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lNNQs1JaC
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlwroPs6cL
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX76CedXN6
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmcaK39T36
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdWObNFXhH
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEngr4BV3h4
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCCQ0yquzS
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcZGtwR0qz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22nIv1CQFg
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0Jofnzejj
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhDLsGdOQE
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfRmQdSlGd
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uW94RLBUw
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXGYzarZDO
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnj7KkT7lT
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphKNEQbYsU
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZwibEKxHE
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzR0xQr0fg
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSwrVzGrHP
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0H9Qd9Kl0
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbSwT8ZDH2
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2L0DVWlL7
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL8B7dBjMK
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEsFlV0q7c
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbfpvHECEe
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaUkzg6vDE
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeeYotAsIY
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91dpoNLjn
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgselTYUihA
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm65SU3UxY
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6l904YDYa
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJRqSMUD03
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr29XtT5iKR
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQqrCfBAXb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd9cJm4ndw
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuc2xGHHF1
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnLsyO1Sao
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZkUffXmYl
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmTlaML66B
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29b6kA1QUL
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6QY1nuzAN
"It's done. She's in my car right now."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFfRo8bGit
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZExRhehlbP
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fDqJdTrLN
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8bXNcbjgu
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUCsot0aBr
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PmU83F6mi
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNC8xMl2oq
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyKk9Y91q1
***607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJZmDDXJPV
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYwobk0EsB
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnHXMrLtm0
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJEN6hEiP7
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVIY9vrJPC
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8B5YaeNVB
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6XZZ45tAn
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvT88EUYc6
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxGVHTHgCS
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgShWt1UHIg
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc9wgjGvNL
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw60jcRQvyh
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL9hgTVAig
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGe1pN06AB
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXQyKqxif8
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyjvF3Mn7v
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUqUNyhrQq
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GHiqDpzOd
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDszI7hRr1p
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TaE2VljQc
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzQ4VvDtku
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU2yZy9D1M
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibtSK8Hbuk
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8beVV3quT
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoINKx1nrSA
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lyUDrSWUp
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X5y1xJ5xx
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzo5fdSdsT
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v1dyy7Evb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATJsDUvhKu
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecgbTdlD6h
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2geVUYjnj
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUz5E1zZur
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNmvROl9tB
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0dMc3Wfxn
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0q0BHVl5
"Ya, let's not."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefFtZePbnH
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXKiH4jugh
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF01zk1mzuo
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTluvS1WDaF
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eCfLPwMUA
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt0HpgP1Ee
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYAVxAUvbN
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhG9TjxHLz
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCnna9Wh5K
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNHOR17gN
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnB0z3ZzFb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdUA8IiSPe
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrBw0kbwlw
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2FoB8U8v9
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWjKjtESIY
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LMwvgXjrx
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdexq6bxx7
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPsEbMZUH8
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKADh6uszjb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg8ihYt1GG
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO0jYTEvg4
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCZwnGM6vC
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyWJB93qj2
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctBG9CTrrh
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeppbJvkf6P
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W0UTyqnmV
"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?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ac0wCMVLb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6einXNS2rF
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u3qISwMDh
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8vgzgfP2k
"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?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv1V5d3qi6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9GxbGK4uQ
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FrodzMp0d
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVFViRvUJe
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQKuvcJz9n
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS2r6u1ebe
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMYV32cSm
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhQ6b9tt3I
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI1BpGYCO0
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCzX8rJKCB
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeh4W4V2TU
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1OKopWGs6
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7yiygZhHG
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9dmd8kEVD
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NdHABbWF7
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPV3Z7wUW9
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?607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAbmhV57KH
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrEEHGRXXj
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUD1mGsGI5
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPz5DhrGMp
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3ma1cw52Y
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVLYwc2iKG
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlNe4d4Zny
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNgwNxd7fx
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvx5zAgMxh
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL08TuK4qa5
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81qYfF4vNY
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1uhBWq1ah
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzF7t8vTNH
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRi5qOBhYT
"I hope so."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsajzYIksZB
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpRgPZUo7S
"Come on, we better go inside."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9aTFx1LKz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8POcr8i6rE
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3hJvphSei
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA0zZVPJIQ
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYuI39mozQ
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CBPm2UMB4
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o0OCntgsV
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9A9KoRsoL
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkljlRjYfLe
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpHfzT5o9X
"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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HtH4vT8Ul
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpMV5Us9Xk
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP19yWapH7c
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSOKJupsZZ
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd60fNwGGw
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnoPXM5f1L
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWKOyfY4Jf
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP7j6IBFtW
"Not really. Why?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowbi3btot6
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dr2VwMqoS
"You look really tired."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvtJQcPPps
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUoAYmbfI7
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaPNnJOyw7
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9MG0N1WcG
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwPSz7xJPF
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95aKLyvdip
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9sqtJYdQF
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJONyx3qag
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczk9UJLBiz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz1372FNE6
"Sure, grandma."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0CKdWnaTz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFZEqfmJOe
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmfAZBQAiv
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxAL7ZkOLf
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgrBa39w3L
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ooh4S9pDG
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HF0jcUZdy
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26EFbIfuRg
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAHcrTeaZ0
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSImgfGlWb8
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOaSsUpIo3
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21y1iRwq6e
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo8fHbHztL
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFVKMfS0Sn
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsexG8XPJnN
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Ub6iPjgL
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5LNrvPiw9
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXJJrIulYv
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSzwrkm3Ea
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH73GZaZw0x
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp2ARdo3Ve
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lUeFzkpSs
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n1PJVtcMb
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlyIwDQYx7
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiFZPgs4mt
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqLS9uRAIT
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoAX72FHKu
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiM6KMaq03
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfvM4fSv7U
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzJ4HrR5uk
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNnOaHDFpC
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZkgB91Wf
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOHiI5sytP
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWZbZOphbj
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKor9d9QHz
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMCYGmHJ7P
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu114HMDxV
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiOu1h9s1F
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC7OeXFJgo
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnbyAAsqtG
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93VnjoTZjF
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a1zR67mo2
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2TcsCciyZ
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5CzMhAJN8
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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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTgexEmyVG
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbN20xZnfn
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlb4hXg0EW
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJcdCQ2m28
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tm2wvcHGB
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBj5X7gH36
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuokOkhuzcS
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXJ1x0vrTD
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***607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIyo4Wzz6h
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeIueFa5jT
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFlk4QBCw
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGYWqDKUBh
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTjKCGOBfy
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIfsVbLzmc
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIty5bfm9u
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFjmmNvA6T
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNLikG3RT3
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChT2v5XZrD
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrCBfycsJt
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNoiZyUEZB
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuSN8tk5QP
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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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04QZDUODqc
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcVmdLwfcl
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpyi0Wweiv
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQJN0kmmk3
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZlH3OtN3y
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1sTnVIr1F
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.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeRzhGvVKd
607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVqQDg3WyD
"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."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIthfnIiFYG
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