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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC1nUsPKWV
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm51bUHtrxd
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKunScuZUhJ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5eiREPDQz
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq2Y5zVuJM
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb00dN4mAHC
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq9OQqTsii
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndW4ONRCWO
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvee3VgUzjn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4qhOLE7ik
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq3RAUJXas
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc37wwwqCUK
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ugPEeZ0L5
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MVw3WtyVX
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GLfpfI2za
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnHCFcB58g
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYayCqV2lIn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVtfL3Qzvg
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiwbMuklaT
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSpTsy9tPu
"You'll be surprised."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI6HYyWxoQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNjOFhmFEd
"I need to talk to you about something."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjW8Nb9eo9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMpx12aqFW
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Gn48QZHWL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUW70GjG3F
"What is it about?" Leo asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIFiRljHIn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTIhqefXCw
"It's about Angel."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUViCtOQAw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi5TMhYuH0
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMJMEC7QcI
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu41pKBcCr6
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJajF7NKYzo
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIXoe2XQIB
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH98GlkPKV
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgt1wfLruW
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh323Dx0kM
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1reu31t22
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT5JkaEPEi
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzMY9oM5NU
"She did."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBNDqHzuHp
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrrnHXzHIG
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zULegZYoj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24iu1ZKEwc
"She agreed to work with us."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT27yopnoEU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Jd6OX8nj
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaUo22i2pq
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4poxa85QV
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIqoxu9ZIj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lYhIwVsrF
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGiCmeV7ke
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx9zgxXCAu
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlmhLbsd2a
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtcXsu5YNz
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qGOys8ElY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96Q3EWA9pr
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W7HgiIIwe
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwsaGXV60Z
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX60kAiiTB
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrxmreN4dE
"What about her job at the editing company?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuNpeAxNCd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqJ1clmoc8
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfoVBbF0XK
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7rU2GOIX3
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZI8qqYZxw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4eK0hVrps
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHHn4SGQ2a
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24vxoSQkMV
"She doesn't know," his father replied.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNWDpDTsEj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13IWN162lT
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF7thrcFKE
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCS3VFF6AE
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pMHvp8g1F
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZCIkBh6ZQ
"How are you going to break it to her?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cWZpupUoc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1iVwLdjW4
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEJJ3RXlr8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYO12MFHfd
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fp0Tu1jXj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg69Bheuvp
"You heard me."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzP8ziCUYG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCgD6lexOT
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcxGfS4xsK
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5mKLWpElQ
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAhNPacMih
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiHTsaxbQ0
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSe9venpSY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHf55aOtjs
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4mKgZb07n
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMjDchZUor
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOMjjiaTGG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc9IngehJh
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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0usDbeHF9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgc4tqt2UU
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9tYhGJkg8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHagIkVMeXb
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VANhYoUdx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDFkROV8F5
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PX23ycgBH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bZ1lDG1ux
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDc4FasR1R
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31b5xZPn53
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqlry2HBbj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaSmAs08Cs
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJu0hYl0LJ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkRNwnYCYU
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZMqGkcCR0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQyz9ObTPe
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESoV78fFd7
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwwaTxsWiF
"I'll see you back home?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS6ewIiHwG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26RFgAv1qZ
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXARUYCQlU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjkEmMe1ez
"Sure. See you later, then."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8GCQC5fUb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTar9HqX9y
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEP8D8uiVL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibI9b8zDJZ
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgefeOFJDOA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYztsW2Gb7
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUrpYIaxdq
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT9gZXSXZU
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDEDXT2OhH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6X5WgeAGG
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsoMSLTlke
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyLVDXm6SH
"May I ask where and why?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTclp2DCYu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS5ay2HNRx
"Come on. I'll tell you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2M8AFTQQF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G4h0fRjKz
***434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORjxQeL4yg
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUe1eO8Cj2
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoenZ3uegb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ke2k4jv4X
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjcU0ExK4o
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVttqhibZxe
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlzGYgPAoL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylIRe7VDQU
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe35vsLNzq1
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8wU6XQjIs
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6CBY9gY6o
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHeIJKRGk1
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiLFoPhf0K
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHamRBjdbn7
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGHqQ22Xm8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyiNB5F4nD
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRgnsekEVw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y33Cs8Cy0
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRbIRrZSOw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK8Esng7Ac
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wyg6yegNA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfnAT7cp8f
"Who?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcPBJ7PFAc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLshOjbu6kh
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDd6Ry6dfy
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU7XoVnroZ
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9AbeH80du
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZDLYT9ZKM
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdIp4qiTdQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnTEwlNMc4
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocZmOTtXoJ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew4tURpwRi
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVPmnm8RP3
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE0mHv65aa
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl7cVo0V8V
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VCSu9JLz4
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO5oqknm9m
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOXDM9CGvP
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibLMvd25P7
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpohAOXY51
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWVXypWp80
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfU3YNcv7d
"Ok. Just be careful out there."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdJpZE4NBY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknVQQX4fWB
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqUsAN6r63
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssUHPBYEFv
"See you later then."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f2z5a5D9U
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIslKrufxN
"Ya, see you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHs1P0Egis
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAs4Mbm0gG
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZdxcq5OLf
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SbHoiTyDP
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwvAf52GBo
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjnWBuxRkd
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweUJaf7TeP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfUfEyTPhm
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UgRmpYGrB
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtqVVSHKGd
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpwydoNBKF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw8atxPeFA
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkYqlacyMn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUub1fHCgyR
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEs7EiKKgn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw4RZEaLem
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3po9JMYZMm
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vEFYjuUmW
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLYVFzI2sh
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvNBo98MNh
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmagvzmavvd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirVmY9Aqhb
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxYOAo13NJ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawMRmVjJTv
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdabjYxN2C
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoUbPwh2B9
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mOpQCEsmU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv67MuCqCq
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOPc9IFN3U
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEi8vTLoJK
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxtX2w0WEG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO4SbGk9hr
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8o7wdAn7u
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt5AonDOYr
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFBpAT71WD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3yhRnsAJx
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUJkjYTcsX
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TdD4VLmlt
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEVzRE41UP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyQPYJ6zHL
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm35zuG0Ll
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBfyERGkXM
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOju1R4a4n
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSeZrnGCJ6
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuvi4FzJ67
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCqVezwBu6
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaCzcrNfus
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWfcQou1Ga
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7AL4TNks2
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdhfSngmz3
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefSQWbeecd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa5Bsyzwa7
"It's done. She's in my car right now."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysO1el01FW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i04x85Zvy
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUSIJVpylM
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yfivSNUSU
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWIDx9bDD3
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFMpjfFjvJ
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58e7jQwohb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJShDEzzcQ
***434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceLQq6WPuS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYyLzejL4w
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR3yaTw1Fb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5RMeyx6rs
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG69wbkthQF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgCFabwXYa
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqmhPF2kls
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ntnmM7cAV
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3sDcQcVgg
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuKivGiLBa
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzYkDgmZyA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0nRB4Xz1o
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0HiZMLzXu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb83Fkr7CSs
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kYhEifALw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAPz1t740v
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Kvzu2gtN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWEdz7lNzs
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWzOUsgmpY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1f8jVZO2O
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsJJ59P5D4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkApJu2jz2
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTgW2pqfpb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMy1iSsTK
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgpiepwHJU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMLYbdTYWt
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrZpvA8VQP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vTCNF1APP
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wNDCGfJ8C
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGARvqVkh6w
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR0INCDglX
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Do8WlgGWS
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiixaedzxY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTclDWKRPD
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwSqNnkKUu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QKPoS72dE
"Ya, let's not."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK16z102afR
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6FtoHMLPW
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlos1DRiJ3o
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8zS9esUkk
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegvyoEgbMh
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLvYgj5liF
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtXt4SP52E
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcSkAv0bTI
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTOxLVuY5M
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUow948bgP
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vAtLwMi3G
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvX1eT0zqY
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMN92uaPYi
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU3U4FgaWE
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBUi9Cp3w6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoM5cSDdXu
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq1yBmSG7l
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLkJAPQpI
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlllYUH1Un
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyPJuN4ntf
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8AxWB6ybs
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgp8Qn54kv
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVPW3cVre0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwgJ9CZMuU
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUqC3oZZIZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7fJcUME68
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHvN9Yld3B
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I2CRSsNys
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQqVKXwDn4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetMHGMoQVl
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05TVsRnf6j
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGike3HAnPq
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wIOcuv5tl
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F9XAPQ5Yr
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijInRTCbeQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0or1MiJmD
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ84CmBP9x9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUrZuGiOnF
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFDGRGWw2U
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIExD6Uy2Vs
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWojCtT2aP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h0ALHwMrt
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MRNxTLE9I
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXJXE1keN8
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYWXh08LpD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx9f9erqAX
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?434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkZclzDUur
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtpOA1vY8A
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lLh8RvLLN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MHhbQyDjF
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qj62HOCUH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE8Axdn7nL
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCcTlhWGvF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYorA5Z7Ai
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHualfFZuHT
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMnd3pX8e
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG4PJQ8xVZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P2ETCPJJn
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38t2Q85wru
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwzvrsz0Yh
"I hope so."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEISo8CuKH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkixQ07YnP
"Come on, we better go inside."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVor7vE0n
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGaghQrlpt
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjTTeloUNW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3od1kj8m1e
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuErHWF5sy
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49ChJTwwUJ
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQCzOlFuLr
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIdw0J8W6r
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN03vhR8BEu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ77RrFChJL
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivkWVrIJFW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDEGSru4IS
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqMellPsiD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSN2F0HHoC
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPMvj2jzbf
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEC1l4V7Ma
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL69r2QyEVD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpUwPvhjPd
"Not really. Why?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQD0vU6OhG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mFLUzFT8u
"You look really tired."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosB4buNfhs
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKMcVjpxmi
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhpcOD6t53
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QTpR09XL6
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pcns9v3OQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCbMonfipO
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4QioVFNL4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuqC5zT8xO
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqUnRnBqTS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa3NO11A2Q
"Sure, grandma."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiRu3gHK2N
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGIDk1gf8Y
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZGKfqFRLj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKh5ItuJOq
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFSi54J5Q2
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq88Zy7B6fC
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYWk4AZZHx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTHL7zGRh7
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScPeXCgzfA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1Gsm56D86
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9IkotlPVr
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaQWUFTErX
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSjtPpiL0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIFgJ06QXz
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBAHu7updj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhvEVlQdsS
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanX0CgDcKc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmqQ6fVB7I
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi6VRIn0Kx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dDce0EiOA
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKw1rCJ4mF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihw4Th1B59
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrZWA9RVxD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0k83HLBZb
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2pEIYssRZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08cxqJahE7
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ1RuLA7L6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZQwcvOc8V
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N4p9HNZgE
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFCOInRPXl
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMmLWdfb0V
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1Wlz6hNGV
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMPeDoFbqA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdijYnwQbtW
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvsGNbF2T3
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjdnV28TkZ
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbNICy5wdS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63yoP78s98
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB8UsgD9m0
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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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wi1TRfRXD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8WS0BXtTe
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6QZYMucLv
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJy2KG1Ejh
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPELkziobW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QP0HMuULV
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzan6Lzest
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kmN166JZI
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxfuHNckNu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1w6CBhYMu
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYgQMOU1h
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZnedmB0C7
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQT612em4H
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNycSKdaktn
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC58Ah4tv7d
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***434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIp2IAX7aj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8d5dAc0ov
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLO3U6sOU8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5FpPz0KyA
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPKtDxNawE
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Bz822v3n
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWycODnp9Jp
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKtRWwWlkD
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIFkpTpygv
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoiIA2Gyt6
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMruggx4b8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv8HG0o1aS
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMdLizBvM3
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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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBDOI46oVA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMn5tUDW2c
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tx6SUI9Ux
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcgii9mYma
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysgsxv6qlz
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP3N1zUpgn
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGcXT42cpC
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PT6Dmu8yc
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJyiL9kY5v
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