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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJuZvFb30g
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UzPP7koJ3
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxwS3uqxcf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2zFGtXRBH
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQmP6qamtl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvq6EAXZ4K
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vroNAJhqJ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd3KSlQrr4
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXjM0eossV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO2w9NDFyR
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs8K7LwptQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJHK3r7w2w
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlg7SCGvCO
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD8QoKGOdk
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bsP86X16T
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWTjl1NsqB
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE3rfGXFYy
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhXpaEhRiA
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tubd5C7QQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBygCwmLmh
"You'll be surprised."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALr4MhTLQY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7UIy6wYAT
"I need to talk to you about something."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTPozsQKdX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nidEFswMY
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkoGMlnmRg
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbu6VCVyim
"What is it about?" Leo asked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rjqatCrN0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomT8wGh1Hy
"It's about Angel."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOZLuMZl4c
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qHeTjj7MD
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsUfK3bOmV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkgjJg0JJW
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OV0sOOewP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5FSItLqBm
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m5ROyKpqC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK8OOMVYN9
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4kEILuGP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Ept8wnQB
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkBgZGmaxw
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcIJVY3g1q
"She did."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeiTwm8VeZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH5jFG3Bxl
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5qqczknSZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksttIytqqN
"She agreed to work with us."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3BDq1GLZV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLLvIf7Yls
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaPFogp1u1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBAnDnBELx
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98LpbpDnmb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIA379QexG
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiTKZwa5Qx
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvVL2qZqlo
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzvXRXb0Db
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4dyctvA8j
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjlhpCKgms
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsUf1x77z5
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZjGZjSTmk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7uJWkQjkl
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0uoWGIwHN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkXyk7K7tV
"What about her job at the editing company?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97MzYThaBS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxvSs1fR3M
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEEZkW3VMT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWpNR8iT17
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJpP9zo4xU
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Nb36Ezq0
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8fDLXLSrx
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCUn6NN7Zw
"She doesn't know," his father replied.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdriQcfhfs5
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAQWxUivoD
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r3zHBv3q1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVanBQHZ6EF
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwBQNsEgk4
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt8XZS9nO9
"How are you going to break it to her?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjz0opOZ8n
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjdvOLsmV5
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrw7QPuigq
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xHtT3Tfwv
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRpiRWGM2R
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7UcR1TPCj
"You heard me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxIUyMNhfh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH3Pf7Cbvs
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYviqUzeiE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPYViHyayy
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyaATlpQkf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyqCnMvZPG
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWwWK3wg24
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLKHaobfTx
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXPgzhO0zu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvq3Kfvbr3
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f35PJWMTs
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDS5inAg8B
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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrENi65Sr0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2DwsstcPu
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS5uwSFtZb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCITDmfLku
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVCxvkIpsB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cLNtmWmKA
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcnN9UgbGF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5bOriYbFB
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW5vghSdPm
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7PM3rgl54
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguAtCcObkX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45mQFjJ0u3
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS7xDmfcne
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMMrruzQAH
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79uuONqNSK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtKbqt08Cz
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ319ewWB70q
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNZapLAbP7
"I'll see you back home?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1EGcF2Uzh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzIvvcavuI
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzZ1g3W7AK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9hJscntH7
"Sure. See you later, then."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CMEmKkg9v
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkJ1Zui0eY
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeZGTyZRRX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFSRT8jCZ6
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEVfFZQkXp
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wqeFkcR5h
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJhcX2lOAt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRnNzedcxa
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb7KfYbgM9
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhSp6BmaE9
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JGWJZEae9
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31oSmURULR
"May I ask where and why?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcBX2sIqmW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tG0wfS8ru
"Come on. I'll tell you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EoMJwLMLz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktyp9eytPD
***467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELNppxTlLL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoU7CqfUiA
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eqz4uJfye
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEpJjZwHfb
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQRpJfrKV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlLl43aTTF
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7EZpE3M9e
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjSWFqQyxu
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxCTpzhVTF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrplfNfqCSJ
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SflNlgkYs
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S73IGyLxI
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSKzEiFijd
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjyr3DzFLN
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S97Ud1tLC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YFdAKD4a3
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3HeyHBAUP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVe6Sktpj9
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeCC6rKl6C
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MrsoY01K6
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFUJ5rvz5L
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQNoPMgVgt
"Who?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1TYHD5ELP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JVWhB0h46
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ileihYQn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IOSq09HwK
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRWuSm3T3Y
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Utav6z0O
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ95d9Bz1yv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb35Sm2f7bc
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl39azMVcu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RphIHbtAM
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP9Kr1BiZa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWuWN5lG8N
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUXsjEm022
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbxoOtMeEp
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaraLHwG01L
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIKtEnnUoc
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPWW6g5rsC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJngEqY1i5N
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdmyOhysP2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFchWKGfpud
"Ok. Just be careful out there."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUdJ7aag6W
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR7aSh9SXU
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA0RDu01zh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wWLPJFsun
"See you later then."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkmwhzN9LI
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDWNBDXop0
"Ya, see you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMuuAl864m
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwu0xQd0Gl
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2bKik5O4B
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzHOpc2nyw
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEJerwnbEc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAW3cmTnda
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiQxnXFj42
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Jz80lOdg
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUV6kBX398
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51k6tNBtx6
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wk33IuvRa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZimG6GLtii
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK626p03z3d
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXITguspDIb
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDo73pGCCM
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS5icUhWUF
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQLmr8bTQR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSDZx4PaUN
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6KhaAt57H
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRBBqq46Zt
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGlmjWYcqY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQUVzRD5JM
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcJUaVm4xj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa7S7kOnjk
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lnRcjuOKA
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeRcRYOhmS
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcOdPhiIkG
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKf3kFj3cI
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFNEPbpkAz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0fvyIzIdj
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcojEBvSBeI
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MtRCnrxFx
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLVNZV9s0D
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHI8kO40yv
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRNyNHghma
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRNeZETQRj
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ148Em2uXmh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOpZvzSIl4
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkss7j9sHvL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsdbBZFIZC
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHp75Frpmb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ7WKRK6yX
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fVZsZ3ReM
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XxAaruaP2
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1M1Gv1Iqd
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uhFSpCuRs
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZGpzotrrb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0C70nE75b
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaysH9JZh86
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd7MA9aPp4
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3CZJvePSX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuipSwFlkwC
"It's done. She's in my car right now."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5fxlFfT6N
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2jdKqtUBc
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aoF3gcLvE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtETDT4xgu0
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MnNW195Wl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc08LyMKjGT
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxf773slPy
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclwRrEz3hP
***467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS9MLxThel
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnjO6m1THZ
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kFufWzEn0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRa3MOAnUJ
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWI9v3NPi8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdR4rywPxi
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuKxrm3YyL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2d6oEtMqa
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpZldK8ix7
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR4L9mlGZa
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3B3Xt6FNy
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBzcFWJbFy
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KyYqZdUXb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztkqq9Tjfq
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4G8SERaIH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr1AgmasZZ
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7ZQLn1xUe
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN4qNFRdbH
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU1tQ6zQym
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ171taRm5tE
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeXhEC2Din
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRWHTUyr1V
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCK5A6IzuH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscERIKSi4m
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzCnd84mgs
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx8TWswO3n
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jok6ZkpXK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqVMvMjX23
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f0FzSm0Ki
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKNdcJsQBx
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUTzaeXom1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKej3RuOvSH
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R23C28gPM
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxiYL1s2aC
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq1f3UnyUZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUx6mT7PZ4
"Ya, let's not."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiKyrcGj4p
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL5R5Zj7pQ
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWLgOoqHcX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlEZ7JDNN9
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqUPfs3qlL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KiQ18tVdN
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBKsUPddAs
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEUhrtCPq9
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOF1CpIBqh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXg2YweKnz
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNGX65PfZh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NMrApGa0t
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztATqHFWOF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL71umpSVD8
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSs593idxH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmecqQ4ZCR3
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8wKrByMxa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrFrLPb8nF
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBos5mbSH2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenVfDikVYa
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ym7qEOMbk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ3AjzD1uj
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq0ucUFXR6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaM7BcxgvR
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOcJEc1K6h
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZgZa5Zbzc
"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?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfLuxu88nX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ucs9QKHB1
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJKJ7XCmFm
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb5Z3V48kU
"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?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi33kNiZ1aS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzx6dw8jsm
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2gpI3OjJX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FUPVyovEu
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLmSyE40L3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxa4c8aaEv
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE3HF3w3Nj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNnsETEewe
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrmByuyOAH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzFEAiGbDg
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdTxUpC67U
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPLmoLeFji
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsCdjBp2zt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgASYQltSZW
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3sikk66NN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAWD6yreZU
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?467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yLjbEcLWL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRl0uf5xXj
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnKwM6EJk6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRUqDIZFcb
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4d1kFJzNR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mZyf8qvY5
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAZbCBbqfE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DoWi6zXUy
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qAg9OoHRn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT0emdWMIQ
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P4Aj4sXVQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTfEAFyANe
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwGIZEimUS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCrtOFeDVH
"I hope so."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo7hWewz6u
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzmn9kA03k
"Come on, we better go inside."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHVHM9jnq1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3znXJMK61
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1DLdDIBUK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qNcq473bi
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIisLDJc0Vr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHTDoJO3uU
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj6gz5f63K
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1lpnTJvLp
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2dPV11C3F
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyp1jRyjDe
"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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlESLby0Omq
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC5VpJhb6A
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW85CqYAgV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSSA5AV60h
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VvOHAgUTZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9eQTufYmC
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbGiw8vRov
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv50TaKAxj
"Not really. Why?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi71Lf7qrZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPl4OyINh9
"You look really tired."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLta4M51DVt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrURppLaMr
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8rajZRpAa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbTf5eN8Zw
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP09LoBf0Wj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BKREVAXSN
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwD6tdnX2c
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZWy3vl3mw
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb6i5qAK3H
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJmRqdlNWt
"Sure, grandma."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOc953KQCb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1lk3c2KcW
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eWZxtpcUL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZChKWCQrnC
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapOthVYEOZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ0zC0GIYl
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIQQ49dajf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvWrqgwdP5
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTc3DyHmwh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJw0tpI0i2
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRymt6Y5QS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiuTD7stcN
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld2rwLwmPa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoftuWIO4N
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUG6nnVb8z
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiESBPHAxY
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs8My6MFNr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctVf2UrmXI
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNifhcflR4
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimBl7LMdQp
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLroR4uUGqW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gTinqu0Mw
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvigdboWuY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFBiPU1njU
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rFrosL12j
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcIynlMMjy
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WQnuE001k
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoz7MVhZiF
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmi7SIBqKy
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ0PKrMMcO
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzx0zfsyxL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSAyFfVgzz
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAJ0ZyNXhQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngnGSrtV1X
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihyCYKJw9a
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK2rDyhwIG
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FZFzexGxf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq8M3uiC0i
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO7A6Tg7kY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON5ifk4OP0
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFQnlSCAjV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikDO7AOtYC
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Ix4I1S5X
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5mz3hLqul
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlMcUsIdSt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf6dAucFYS
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1tD02Drwu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wnTvdYnnO
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDfGm6llMT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSckEl3X2W
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKZ2n313oO
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHQs01IB3v
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5LesYeYKp
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡereBKUV3q2
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGEp47bYit
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj16CXIKT3o
***467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj6rsIcexZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt8yxuiTRu
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLqqam8Skj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaPrXqapdv
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW3li4vSez
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap0nZtvEWP
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IxuAiAeob
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sQTpunoEY
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH4E2aaRvF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DO1XE6ZkR
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncGvqzQTiH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9YHk1sAtJ
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp5KnL2QdR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJj9A3muNt
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMKxSppJVF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOsx8jBiV4
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQ4F7Fkv6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokmbjWSFOF
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX9EBkDeP5
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjifrbAd92
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.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz6ydP847v
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB9r98m8RQ
"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."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4xZSfsg2y
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