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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAO8CTPiig
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnTeTsvi04
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyKD0V0ZX8
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZma6oVWLMr
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mUGJOFg9Y
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqckjbqzG8y
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB9pGAWEWE
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTnG5XpHhH
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Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl6cTPlIeI
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"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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUvXf8PYvg
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Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1s3u5HU2X
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3MnRTgvmr
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Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaMsPSprEo
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C8oEaIfEr
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmgxMcemtB
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk9NHXKAhK
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg8lBxPenB
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"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSfjloAZaa
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoP0CR1mjS
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Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElXVyZHfW8
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"Should I?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWRTDDjZB1
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Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTervpyiBl8
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"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUC7gxxvG3
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"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT3MyhV6UR
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDhBdZZ11p
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"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNicoUtfwQ8
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The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszH1RzDL2s
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj57afxRtDl
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGUeFYjGy0
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJeVF6xwCj
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nDmW0kXjJ
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"Is she?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzkcyFJHi
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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?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJQEb0c7TF
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PTItYgwrf
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"Do you think it's because of her father?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbzz4JE5g3
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"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAdQorZSkG
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"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabxkBltdEq
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The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSoN5ceEAO
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8XwppIzBh
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym4aNAJUy0
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"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFWUfpsE5g
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"Maybe they did."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegwc44NDUC
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7f3qUgylU
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"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda1EO3nWgc
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"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3DM9zk02M
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QXphOByuJ
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj1IJaaTtB
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOJyIvxutQ
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn8N1YyZuJ
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"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V1RTFuyC5
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhQDrVWjp1
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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?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXemxy83rOP
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ4XweDJp2
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUeXb1Slv0
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"Yes."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dkU1B8zY5
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"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFPAcUFmZf
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3JII2dy3J
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"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31z3T5dS0g
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"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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7x8yMqDwJ
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTHtySZoLA
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv0aOCDuG6
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"Is that why you called?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbXhKXy9R8
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"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv23joU8BE0
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"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4o1PIaGC4
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"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkywWoyWMX
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"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHfy1q64Xm
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOBKhH8bGS
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"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX2u2M2Z74
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"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3vbvGeBDx
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3sQJTLKpx
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7xc736eZ1
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"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkumIjSqIL
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"Soon. Very soon."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7kQfD9806
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"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGAaiQSBhK
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"It's what Emelda would've wanted."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7vNa2hGVZ
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrvFxPGxxO
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWSrCxqUzo
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The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yluhhoNU3
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6dBhuHFdK
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6x2A0Cx2j
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK21PsILrH
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMFUauk4eM
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeXGxyIcCA
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The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFzZiy59L8
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***395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgonf3TLsSA
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsuEX98cci
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQd2RQ9RTC
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNAG8maedj
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwdXej3JFy
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVMc9athTf
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwuDXf1Kdw
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9jU7aqbR0
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNdyaiCMWO
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuPUOxd5Ap
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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?395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokcR5tEK3P
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KRGGlttMs
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFP3qQQF1b
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSutYRlrET
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"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV97Zjqahmr
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT23XZZPsD0
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5esMwCa0n
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4OkWvstEX
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYtlW1Qjqv
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI7Gdm9qd3
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Gq4AdYOcb
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqzgEaddeJ
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81duLX6rzz
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"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhtrcl0aIE
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q9GHt05v9
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q4tSHCGk8
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"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlnY49DYpA
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1X7XJ2MNG
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2NAN1ofx7
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAxzbwacIt
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5PJI1cMRW
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaWAVyixL5
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMrSiPsXC4
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp4udoC7Wm
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBjaH14kw0
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAOXV4AKuT
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXlkeFXemH
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaZW0sYxZI
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArS9eIsf5r
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXdIR7C6ai
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"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99iwEGAoQG
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGFp7Ohud1
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Oj4VEBWOI
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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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NAdKuk7W3
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO1DVlFoyG
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tQSvLc3my
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8pKBSVpsn
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3ncA6ecqB
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0A6m60RUJ
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1qHnHyy8y
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"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebWQyW7DH1
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL08Bwu2Mm
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"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."395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYLuJSHoWA
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1KwHXEQtt
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2eUTPk617
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6iaVxWJsZ
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfWSQSee8Q
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNWc8CcWeH
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“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbHqRURsEq
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FhklkrBzq
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0AdheYw7U
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxXZ0TvSTF
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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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe5Xzc6jWx
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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?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSigcnxB7tr
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VS112gXjR
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY7VtYjg4h
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus9oHzmb2m
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlmhrGm0t7
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They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4qcKIMbgh
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79eJ6ncDZD
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzckBnW6PE
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUOmwMMYTf
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjxq7yOwbz
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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:395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WtyZvGyV5
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdYmMm0cEj
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeprIAHFRTX
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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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdGcFSdn3t
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeIfbmf8x2
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EyajNTlyw
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUCBlyFXnR
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuw2hc83LZ
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Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthpRyB7vCZ
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUraB7Kg48a
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCJw01UaEN
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2E266mPkx
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDlnra4nQ4
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LMyktHRK4
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38gsY2FX2E
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“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!”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kgl7Ejxnz
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1YNxilrUn
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQNvO1aFmJ
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“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2qsift0LL
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Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aFmivfPnZ
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Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y8wTsCW9u
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITxdfEwsyj
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqndag7xAx
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9JuyhzWf8
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIenH3U4IeU
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zTkOBALTw
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAJJaF3f9A
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“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2DtPGlIQo
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5qihVwQAd
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wdQxyaB74
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy46EbURXp4
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkPgKPp1Wu
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“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ569FcU5VjV
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXL2wX1Zxg
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“What is it?” he asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPUsC6IFBN
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXBIYSqPoK
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Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrcpSqFp46
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfS2oDAdmU
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrrN09dRnG
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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?395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE0YqXRj1r
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtwQwh6kr
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClVbkGL8LX
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKBXmQPQXq
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“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y0khnFrWy
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5onWbBSfS
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr1QdRQjaG
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“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu99Kt76mb
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbXzpsjnDe
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLM4TwqXLQ
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHeDGuU0uU
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o5N34Q8gL
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJpsKXL98R
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJgCfeQJl6
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNjc34pgL8
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5teo8RHuK
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlCwJXlxhY
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k3i8tjFLT
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBliUDBKDx
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJS5yZu3So
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmYDG9tDiH
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“There’s no phone service.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRhjKRg1Fv
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“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMENCywzBQk
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslnGvbTrlt
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fA4W5pGIb
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbaNf9gFAT
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfeAy5Pwjf
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“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.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmXJUUAxCa
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwzlUfNU8Y
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P2bb1Tmbx
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXxpmgNPqW
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNJic7GjAP
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIavnKCpArN
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw221HiQqDC
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDCZMt8zfL
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RS34k5ro0
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs0UDeOgtw
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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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjzyfVX0Z0
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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 protection391ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYRbq8Hxv0 維尼

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