x

The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc4d1oiNHg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJIK7zCNk3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABCaSaJKkd
He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5HalQWmi1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9niFcjLih7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSGIjlEJ3B
He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6eMYXNc0M
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1vJrrUO30
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0mYxXRE6g
The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24M6jj64e8
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVk2KVpYXg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmTAPxyi4O
Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKroeHIq75j
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTw2gnZQbT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FXOaYtyNR
"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRnetJODaz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAvH8mEDaA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKLGdHZuBX
The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLCcUPbqsH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeDqQLhqlO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNHK5vyXSF
The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ExZGQMYXK
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEMEHArUWJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEIvjfTrH5
Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo9MBNm0L1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnDvX7Ti1r
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0rPonTJYV
"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNU4I3Eh4S
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjuGajm7PW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPIvucGyKA
Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifpRdjtq6C
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cA1AjblwO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSu1MuQpL9
The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xJaqst25W
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwu35hYdZe
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1OHeubsAa
Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI2Hb4Dlui
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPQdrBVG1f
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7N5eHGNQe
"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3lXC47Ucp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJW51EZNVP
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhRFpiXOgX
"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10yJn3Kehq
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYT5jTYM8i
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XCsCkfzI2
The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZGfux1tas
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA80GDr7IY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTYXiqA1eB
"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhcPOKcZ6N
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRiXlhjRpZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O4yGZAhUQ
"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgC8opvqhb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6qReboOGQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7DnsTcbpo
The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbD736d9rS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHrat9Rguy
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZBtEkjZhO
Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RVgN0vTu6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YImMO14W8
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKYmEykHQ4
"Should I?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfodWNY4vyx
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGxoTkJefX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHzitejytT
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM92LeZjeM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuCNxvJSaB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpaIGKJZ5o
"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlv6v7LcPq
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqH9L05IQz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHPmmcBJ4u
"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcNhDrueW5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsBhGG9MYY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtx6DFfjjJ
The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbHqAZwurd
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalrcg2owyW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUtgGoGAP
"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkds86lZkp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DPud3lwQ9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1SD9hSHP1
The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aYRd1F916
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoHYcnRC7o
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OnGWcxdoa
"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEjs5lEm0y
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJsDBFjIS9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSsCrHJZ6u
Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ49u1amd7o
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9HhQdlgns
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PPcCCM6Tc
"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxhKCOLARl
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn46gHXV2dI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7xQ66xFX5
"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9XALi4XxE
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1MF9t3u4T
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wOBWFlSqb
"Is she?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs51PTKq6x
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ldLIhXwmS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKAF9KXh71
Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x4OcGKpGY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywFr2BiA7N
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatyvcm7YPv
The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rJY9U72An
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aKIsv5drS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i7QXINLa1
"Do you think it's because of her father?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t45WT1XFR
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tiNOkSuVR
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLPttkABNn
"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCMmijgJME
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwwCxlolq7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7t1tnas0S
"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGR8zrgtN1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0afJTZgK5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR0QZtG7qz
The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAADIW6f9Lb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG89uAwyad
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwJq6JS2Lm
Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GSFa8w0WQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs2A7UB9sp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0NYjQGCqA
"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV9qceu2rS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qRkiQkfRj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesJNO9xIcH
"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j0A3pPupF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ZNWAZksA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUZhIQwhzZ
"Maybe they did."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JWHOy1BnO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M0At1vlSh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjD0Tu7P51
"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIUulONHIG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PkaTjkV5G
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVS6ZgTUaf
"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI4dtdnfH6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU4JfF8NeR
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeeDwT7qvm
"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Dz6duu8Z
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYlxcnfWpX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEQAUEHvuX
"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N6B53ep8w
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDMT7Osycm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lhw0Ekoqu
"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfQh6WFKyI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyJo9CkwZA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YWddp7C1B
"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w18GkOnrz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkP3phrsmc
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhomUgWd179
The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm9DpQDKA7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uRBV1A9Nu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTNcd4EDGl
"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl7K7d4VJU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIs60fLqMj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL1z7eLE6h
"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3GXu6Ak1G
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Zk3CIsby1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9klWKeqxz4
The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm5JO65YIY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOlidTdjh3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtlf5uLW5Q
Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujImUtiZ4p
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpugTmRVUbS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoxkSyWhId
"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlMTLcXXnG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0TTvQOa2n
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX5VPmra45
"Yes."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb16vioyk3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKuxoOZ4F0
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFzoncUyYj
"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTskLeCex9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPHa9ITe7Z
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUuTru5YZ
"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttqvmVnm6d
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPqvhxYMbH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09dEz3mSU0
"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaUAepQ7BC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5mnuPKwP0
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW10ByrS97J
"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrahCfsn7B5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT84asMVnko
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6Ojqr2z1e
The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ulaRXjfu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup1s9xQS3l
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiIT0HqUZl
"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNfcMVgKVK
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvuoeDEf2K
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVmv0s3C63
"Is that why you called?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYD4ClDdqG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJzNDS5Ogg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTMEpxCzOm
"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp07Wd7cht9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5JVVDIME6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmCrqahoTt
"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I73fzxZe9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmyIwcNzDI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbEFUzfNV4
"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdLxpCMdR4
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddKfdbYdqy
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2tPu2ZBLF
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptJa18RSo6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaYXW9ygcD
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc8FSp53Qa
"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweBjgddtRN
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD41Fe5Se1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DkiIqhEuF
"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbIqqkOieg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4B28qf4j4
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXywxgVmIaF
"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3nNOlfdze
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn5UMrRxjC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttm89MHWit
"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIPCzggXUZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC7GVBlrWA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6OaAWXrg4
"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxohpcLWW6u
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvSKZIuRfS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDRp9t8WOV
"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAatcPh282
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJeJr0EIMM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ee5CZaLxd
"Soon. Very soon."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bUTA8N7pU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0f3TCWAx9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtGP7rgR0p
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ILQfnAzNi
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGGU1FkJ5q
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI2NkO5yUo
"It's what Emelda would've wanted."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWTMpbb7W9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k5vEb0yrr
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIhAHobLDy
"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUijZh3L4DC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFNzO7Uunt
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0voVGlHRsf
"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXXXSYe4Hh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaEBm1aFgm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FylciBYFk
The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9RcM7mRah
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sqImRi1m5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8kTzqo3HP
"I'm not. Why would I even try?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLppru9M2H
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44SE7WPwsh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvLpRmWDAx
"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKwyQZm0YT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLogYo4l5R
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR23SA1AEqd
Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2obgApOFP
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtJU6z0QQt
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAf30Jmzfr
The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1cg6RoBLp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIcoo0iDW7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNEZAhxuIi
As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2KX63TY5h
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWv0zBPIgS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cbSXi6S9X
The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qU6mkjxyy
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xD2JWsyk7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq8CLJYffL
***340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3iYaorvec
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9EBJDOU6A
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkddLVZH9om
Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9AACdY74F
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvULO5TKnE8
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL57P5PVFf
Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG8cRsVy5u
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4WuSfBnq0
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKQtbuzpqK
She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK04vbxIWN6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOtlpgio0T
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LbMgQnhRa
The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMtywpWMHr
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL6ooykIlp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydu9pABNK8
"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4iZ8CMXUf
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2IlSim6wJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6n25wbWkv
"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJVE7wxioI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7YLSaNaW4
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM4H1iLLYR
"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuaW7UeOJp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71zGmNERXW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5OS18CqIW
"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0abMOcVxG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k14ccMGiC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFWcsMeOOX
Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir6TT0CoNT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r89tQJEFQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkEzuqkSkT
Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pLQ6KG4wA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTDF8yniPb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fkQX9ARux
"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HQSxsa634
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HtNSyG8zb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrxtyQyNkI
"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3XO187uC8
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrYluKaUvG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdjQH85ZBA
Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nbD2Enbwy
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Nvz9egvl
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMis4NAT8ld
"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H06GMxkmQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sk0KbiGDI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhtbo4gwXn
The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLEOjsHgBv
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZA088V7q5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkSh1SjkBe
"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSIEdZ7d7x
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdmHfDjmdm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h369TxChv
"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3us8ViWPz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsypptLGvs
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxZXgxyVA5
The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4lppvRJsA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3sEGdmld7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67YYVnbJBs
They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcOv5eY6iI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUSj93rIux
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRvtLDaWGx
"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7p9HmDNHF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFr8khBQGM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHUvYJw84E
"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVygN9LNuH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbHaUgVdCV
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCrPQtYcZz
"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKZuY3v3GT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fNNYojsX1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuidSg0GI6X
"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rV7AquRx
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iWndXrdEw
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpsGhyJjdm
Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UtqzlKH5J
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAZbUC8iOq
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPEDSuIj5M
"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnAXeeh0UA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABc1ZYEdPv
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA4Zt4dETi
"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03RDthxWJY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQM2lRBiLo
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LrsIRsuqo
"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7DbgRYXsv
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2WcmSygcO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA1kfSrMGJ
Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTnbTQTiOA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXISSXBXQ2
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziLPM0mFWa
"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWICHOoJxTz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Trl0U2i3a
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSeNZaq2OR
Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIbHu0Kiz6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XmKw9bPD1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVflgihhIHm
"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYVatxPEER
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NcBysyKfo
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgBaef9iC0
Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcCh5NMKaj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DtKExgLHg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARhAAHzYwW
"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH0QfBCWIW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUChztD8VAt
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qyvE25cIS
"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpp0fxOeXp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOB32CmSEB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf8TkMCsIn
She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAg0CamXLg
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKXwSxzdNL
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Wa5b2rrY
"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHKDFrTFuQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnJSHha8Us
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9CSGSijtH
"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymFiDT5wzM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqzHqJR0xv
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5ndtz4yw5
Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeOFTADQFN
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUrJzLgVQb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMfVcGaLrO
Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X0obGzq6v
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUheGS3Zwj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcajwwZYuU
"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JdedHTtek
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaXD06L5zB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlrTK9doiX
Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZQOaFJj88
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYBRzb6vt7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJvpVZvoA
"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqin1zPzOSm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGUP1ikJ8M
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwNIZPUIkR
Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Ts9zuXLp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjantjilAYL
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuAg865oXf
Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnBowGipVk
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSO1Xvzl0K
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUICSi9AVX
"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4z2X4prPs
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4ixoOJOKz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsYSxrjtHG
"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4qBeBhG6t
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AoQMWsiVZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjNAQ5clPS
Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7mtfPnk14
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPHNhoRdJG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwBl2BhOXO
"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmDMNARodG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtb3xpR5us
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPxtFlIgRe
"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrQbDICUvB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12mlb9klL4
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlKdxsTy52
"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynCjrR3gsG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3srFulLKz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBdXg9Hnn7
"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3S9xTMJlm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAPOEtBtqB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqcx2h5RTy
"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHJGpKKw0w
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6iGRb1lQ6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Muvc3Dpc
Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLkZUGi3RC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTzLft3Kri
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxqOPPCRmY
Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtT6jECT6w
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX7VxJrMTM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ctHV6OWi
Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegpO8NwaEN
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yKdoyxHAj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCiAiJ9Y71
He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOKP12nbPB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlaEpkXO2O
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dHDqVvxuv
“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn1VLxogW3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub2NEXeHuf
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSOUk95nCW
“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rugdO0gbx
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt4xca6ieF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISopbeHtk5
“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpryKM37FZF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWy4veP6ee
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0mueoWSrC
Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oLBqfb90x
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLUIDGXT46
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuA40BQlYH
“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6w6LWJ9zG
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0pPKWPI5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Kr8nkOux
Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oaQvforEJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbvQq7pk7x
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1ndDANrzv
Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz5p6MHTkb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrYKcmKccx
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB4eM4GWHk
“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9w2IFwW12
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB4mRKkwfd
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJcxCzOWSC
“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAKmfJZ3ks
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVsHgtsToD
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvn19VDvVS
Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8YawsKqPU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwafcyRXCF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDLvPx4SkO
“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35Rx29B2D3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBdPA63rPM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgGmW9MQTp
They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUha47IF4r
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6B9xFt2PB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0RL44xWhS
Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwF5Rm6UFW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaayYJQvWqm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyT3GQ6cge
“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8R0e9vJrH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEvpxaEmcV
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB4xCWrKaZ
She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h2sM0wn0R
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4CwUrvWbH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTfUo0JICj
Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNeunorBeb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWAPwt1nCP
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPG2UJAZk5
He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH7RNyvzYy
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDT1uRc6dT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZsebO14UM
“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr1d1v6Kza
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxy3ci9qfH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacoMsaC3ud
“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelCfCs89M6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVy9FkuwkX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMQy5XsOAD
Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA08VczRUx
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVQMoxmUFJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5Gc1hnPPr
Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ4tL8TWNC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3VJ1hWleI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eEsuaJOt1
“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQeddwO90K
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOQNTFzNAU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1UMYclBSu
“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcShsdzV7yr
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fi0LS0sqf
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllAlN8b2IQ
“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKvJnbdqiO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXr3tW8HJ8
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGv0dhfYyr
Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwtvEwuYSL
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ThpqcSuLh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTBB3gFSO7
“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0zXra2cCU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTVDWNpfqr
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JgHULZKGB
He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV2kxZn3OO
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVDrZvHvNe
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJTWqaz7bl
“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw9MXh5kDD
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1ZI5GNIvE
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje3iPIj0zj
“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgNo1aj8EY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pPNJTZAzJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LByvV6kia
“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjesWYPbUSD
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzevuujqRk
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKbYKpNKnM
Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgafrm3OJ30
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGDs9FAncl
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9QjCskJ3
“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wCcGiu5DH
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfARqvA47j
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEWcfTvXWw
“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqahQwSyv4
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQFwuzRO2
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9uJed4ucA
“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuRygz0KhZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA9m2EFxbw
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADG8FmF6vh
“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyxew0PicT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGEo9f37MF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1qI9op17s
Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC8wNv4MSm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdccP7sVDZA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPzpPOxzzp
Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uf3XihKMX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQbppa986k
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoNzwWA6Dg
Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRQF0GvbZN
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuOwRFf8af
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbZrL2Myy1
“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4Y3DAqLsn
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAwZ9vJn8h
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hL9S52nN0
“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvKmvH8UfC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrkgk5Zz1k
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStJSTFjb9Y
“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG7p1kSXq9
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lcNwm3nT1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtLx20aSUu
“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA24BkVd8H
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlFgOxJI8j
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVxDbRvSS4
Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSHpUJ7Asw
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw78NDYH7D
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS34T2YNeXS
“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQWxoCW4Ef
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZbLKN7ZvR
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU601Y4cpyr
“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzA0vbsTqj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETk3mDuwyA
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtUGeSC6aW
“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSuytaoRXq
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCHdsPAXm0
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cW43mvOep
“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNcknWaA8y
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPhphl4EbF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN2hiFp1w3
“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q5B86pPdJ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCfTwq6Cxz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhksEkJX3Z
“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoTsEAS8Wu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBh5gB0f6B
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReoX82oOGT
She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGNAxsbXdl
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF3MFTcMg6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YHAve8e64
“What is it?” he asked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhigBJLnySc
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajBBXOF3en
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoDxhmh9Xt
“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKwLWwtWaX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdMbdpot9w
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIwqBdvvNJ
Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTWb5cLu9v
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9Fu6gFvXh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fwfg1R6OK
“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpS9kthpDZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtSnoExklQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVL54IfRiH
“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX16nF1gqnW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3pMjiC0HB
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81dg9HExT3
Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHEW3oPXi
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pOzfYxEnQ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EGpba0LpX
She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapMVivMuT3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgvXU4bEcX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9fqPO0Jjj
She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WT1csMfii
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtqOEuo9Jm
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbhoPHSGaK
“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGEZmA9G96
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFaGJLm4Ws
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp0VTdzaK4
“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCCQZTqJbe
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCPA3mZLLj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIN8wkZNAz
“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFPViuLjnd
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa59SjPhEF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqiRcL15ei
“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PrQQJam7C
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIfwYd00BU
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BQJtgICfs
“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7viy11wJ0K
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoFmEQi27H
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGt9S492wc
“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3hsNYGE6z
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkwqeYLjXw
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88b7LpRfbZ
“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTi3kNEcy3
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrPfbnNbGM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk10UkTu07W
With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms0qdMMgwh
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJYpMeHRBn
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeMBd9aFXQ
“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO72x9oJx6t
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrsv61Sfdr
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL3wzeZmv0
“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnzOuAw04c
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82G6Xg975p
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGhWEzLq68
Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf12xnszvu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5AD36O45p
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSbs84Nqyy
“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYWoReCNkv
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ78tbnxgDz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2wmPx6l7a
“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksqHyZZff1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL4UNpK0t5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4p8o7r60m
“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19JDAoiGOz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxPXJzLp4P
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykwFPSgDbz
“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMjIyWa7TZ
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWOB0FK0ku
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYWFxhCDpc
Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iZKf7eHjM
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDOXzbly9J
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwJlUHGovd
“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ1UHp2wlu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jd0laAVpz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUlmLOpvwk
She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQutVhrXwgk
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oBbJLuWHk
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6fCIlsjFF
“There’s no phone service.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwDVRmg5U7
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALv1Ej9ZXu
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1y6md794c
“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmblOUcTPlz
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnDyOIoBnj
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD8mBZyc85
“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzhwHpzuND
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M8UgTQKiX
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2lR7XIfcF
“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7v2YlG4vC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeX7StPcFI
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6r09TtQur
“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH7hHjqHPe
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu1qURcAjb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwdHJ6k9ut
“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFAvwwcouS
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R1BvNSMe1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCwMjpxgLC
“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1lS0G9YGW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSzSTXZAwC
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgb4W0zzVC
“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1InC5XdVt
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2AeGZLUNT
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwaz1A7lhV
“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMvccr3AbY
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Hjqcnqrp
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sle7AviYE
“I’ll go check the kitchen.”340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBpLxzgnVW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaLZPGo1Fo
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Xm9pkQYj
Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRbZ0ArcH1
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA6s0RDlLt
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrse9jKspo
She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxDhrx0nVq
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUmfzk6q1x
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl3Fgm226s
She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfN96tgbUR
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfed7Nt9G7f
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhRcQHye6t
Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboEpLTiwiW
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiX1y3rz47
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QMxvNF5J8
Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTnaHdfJlb
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIGwwJwLKF
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI3p0ryjIM
She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBIQC03co6
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWgoRA0cGs
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTliGWsAxkj
Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PzWe1FGIE
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlC0cbTiZ5
340Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq7mBvV43i
The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.8964 copyright protection336ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsd3sOqco9 維尼

15.158.61.48