The news about the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvtGt0hhEY
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWjaQ2qp3h
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecp4E5cw7q
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cTideXCsS
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxkTq88CsF
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQOhFT38Xt
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVlQ0c6l1h
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R0LsFH9La
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF90KDA8oL
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnBi9ICfun
There was more to it 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE7xyuwqWq
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzvAmKbVHB
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiKFhZcfGC
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb7rsIGNqd
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWgLNbWmAo
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6GU4E6V89
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CoLOdVBVA
except from a few individuals. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipNmraXrNg
And apparently, one of 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwKUHSqoOg
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcVmys56os
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmBmnaG9E0
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjms3OVPKna
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj03PfZpdou
really going on, all hell would break loose.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz65QNfD8L
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiAgVwR9ov
Rhénee dropped the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kDhPmy0QE
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64cNsojiIG
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH8d7rVeD3
ear, she took a sip of coffee.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xjtcRekL6
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDu4x99IQl
"Ya, its crazy here," 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dg899EwMD
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqKyh7Msio
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcb81G5FSY
broken in."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eXriNrRId
"If only they knew."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo8G8DSXVJ
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6YmyrgbvY
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n1BxAp78z
"She did. I had to make 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT9CBIElPS
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc8Wtce9y2
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCnY9yJJ1A
"I doubt if she believed that."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpPXg3Vlr2
"Haha, looks like you 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRzyCukHXD
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOumhCnCX2
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSDTwXaXvg
"True. But we did. I 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQF4ObnP6M
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2xjG91d2e
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nZSSJEWBD
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDU620KY8n
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSHbmscojM
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNRUuuloZQ
"Okay, bye."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndgiwYhUAI
"Bye."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDbOIblPBi
Rhénee cuts the call and705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPETkLZTSy
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpHCJc65cG
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhIAw3Z1G6
wink last night.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUKHELtEQI
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN1gSGah2p
"I wasn't going to 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXlbcZ86q8
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjN0yAgaVi
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEwT0R8oZP
"You don't have to 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2yZRZdw6a
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBU1rpnNc3
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZMA2FT5me
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCP8TuAdIW
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYnsLC8Giq
"Why Malcom?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvd1lm6ctb
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGxa43xuiL
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqSPmGZtOg
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1sQFsjbsH
"Alright, you go ahead."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx83gOFqqt
Miss Griselda gave 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84z8BVI8fV
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlALRvL5F6
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n7p6VovFp
did when they talked about Malcom. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkheiLJg2Dl
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU43aeFSf6p
The sound of her phone 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2MnXeSjo8
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqzOHp3fIH
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiPPq8S6uL
mother.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa0Qis407l
"Hello?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU9lTAG0sN
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbHdXFLUnU
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bd5nnZG5T
That voice. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXPy5UmdFe
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkm65ljPDZ
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rEeSLdgoy
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd5hZy2tgr
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOEUnqqoo2
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi9rPnd7gQ
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0FU2G24ZZ
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFtuzej1sZ
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTCQCAyBcS
"You don't know me, 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQjNReJL1g
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJXUtgdtV7
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6xkJrQhGz
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg7V4hvE2y
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxt6MMTV7Q
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ErFTnKpN
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEElt4zlZw9
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjerLGjAsUA
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWVHPSJuhg
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUNVjDH4O6
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeX9uKKCpi
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNvW3Zn6yk
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS7VejQ7Jb
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsV4oQxmI1
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFmsg4jkMt
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDC4qyxzsd
"Oh, and by the way, 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpDxTKlAOd
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzehImDLE0t
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43LRv6DsSQ
this time around."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMW53K6sqz
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK59dKo14v
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwmFDHuVVs
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBndhuGsY1U
Rhénee sat down on the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DytX04MN2
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIiugZonMf
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlup9OQ98EX
the others, who know what might happen. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTXHqEmQhe
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl6CKaAHWd
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9H0sOZqCp
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdNZyiQMZ3
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgIhml9CIB
"But she isn't hurt right?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFfi3yvQJb
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8co5p5NJ1E
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesH0huvVIh
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1eTxgcLmO
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RzQx75bdX
"Nah.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQwjq6fKRX
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlEgvVZ6m
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmiFHsAdtg
"Thats705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S2obLuhOr
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAg3sOPK3Q
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oaUJymxq0
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcTibXWo3f
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTnhHkxjRA
"Alright."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl1h2XjSrd
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54oqyonQy3
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQyTKTyDNG
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqmpt4M2Ld
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfrKTREywi
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF48c5G4AD6
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrZURT6rYr
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoMWVkC7ZM
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjhAS22BeE
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnOAT8ekbW
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmCqScSkrB
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5NitZ1F6Z
"Does it bother you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAl2ZP5QtY
"Um... not really. But.... um."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfBKMnxO1b
Eugene705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9nGgTFBuc
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDQt6tyJ2O
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKtPe1AyU5
"Mum, are you okay?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsmMjt3QRk
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44t0PL8a2B
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5fmSutU6C
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk2PhlhsMn
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5emwVVl6V
Mrs705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlLAuOIWlQ
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp3SdDnxrG
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzHTNOrMSF
had talked about Rhénee?705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtKwT07usn
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3tKCEtXGS
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYACavZaM8f
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDvDkTuxox
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl40iiVuUvM
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ecGqG9bLk
"You better rest though. You still look tired."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabxBNIMbtG
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo00noXQYI
"No, I'll do it."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNjPorHxzz
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGCR3bZRlq
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71oAdv2ShK
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi2RXHeS1E
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaFPevka5v
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJndA3T0O4M
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnd8qJp3Eq
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oFN0szcFB
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrRnik2G4Z
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SOofVpopt
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX2zsVaKAM
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHvoSdQ7TP
"Thank705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYi7GMR7NC
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqcW9iR5hy
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mFoHm1LIL
"Well, yes. I still think I would."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQvMdtwZDg
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d7dSe6gum
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdFLtfgJ2Z
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWytZF0MNZ
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZmjcUr7Xj
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE25TB6P4i
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDxPfz58lZ
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75CV0HRdDi
"Coffee will be lovely."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyofS8FRC2x
Miss705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4C2JO4DgV
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKsKlsdAeF
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10ERknIyvV
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbimFMbHer
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOkDZk8RKg
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m31AA8LY4
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCkw4v0Slj
"What mysterious person?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj25YReRs9
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuq5do9QBm
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbjsvpog8x
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvv48ZfCMo
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvE0DLRJ34
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIQXa5j7AB
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutI7so9jj3
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbO8mZ1njC
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPFQCbPmhR
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYwPjDE9Ps
The705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaa0d67Lie
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaFpvWZKql
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8PpEmiHAT
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEca2n23DM
of this.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJfUoIBYnC
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM9alk8VZ3
"I...705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQtQm7D4Jb
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pcc71GD9T
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FDVriGNZw
frustration. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f02nEDjg4
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MkrEgKUmO
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGaWW4GvY7
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo60yYnj3ew
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIGfGe8cUK
cups on the tray and wondered. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRFJF9wirX
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVpqGZvnv0
705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oF8mNthcK
As705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGiH8DccaJ
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm3yxMPM7f
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR6mxLsHPI
reminder kept ringing in her head.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG5uVWJjgF
"And tell your friends not to get involved."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tVB1NAi2H
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMYDdjhKdv
"I705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8woFYVmo4
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZP9C4UfRJ
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVD8lH18gj
talking about, Rhénee?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2O02FWg6i
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaPuurIWUH
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfH0C3aMLl
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw3kEM3DfS
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINgMZi6mfo
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDbAGqV2S0
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9vvKVsoUi
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxi6afsZd3
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuxXE0oStd
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD04QxAFrgX
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTYaH3wLD0
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoxZ6eEiLX
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQfZooRB7K
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSicMxVPVMt
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZt3aVknSR
Sweat705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wx6C6FBFL
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDjdu8aN64
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmjZmCUbKj
the person waiting never likes to wait.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquNrzmHFo7
He705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgZcUjtttb
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHASy0OqyM0
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl8UigPIK3
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiOESfFv1G
second.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDkw9YyXGj
He705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgtFuHeIB2
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HN0jrOAsQ
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx5J2uTZVk
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhecaipM2Af
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoPmJ4A5V1
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9xrkKBqIJ
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRBEsh6u3j
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgINtgoLArn
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXu7DL7jWo
"You're late, again."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmChDN2dXX
His705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L4gVOhjD0
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa4u6ceq7L
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bhIrK6Sy5
lion door knob. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc8anH27qK
He705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Vb1yL1II
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjWT1ZuGWn
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlQGIF1eO2
"What705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5msKRUjvY
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdCMUOy9yZ
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u1xMILYP5
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUIMjV5Jhx
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMccKTNg84Z
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJDQWqFTuz
A705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaA1Byfs32
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5ebMInOP1
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlbzV0UNJ4
as they had their backs towards the window.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LqLiSOi7Z
"You know we need him," said the tall man.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDjPj64GoE
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeQA4t0kxa
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyRuVnFK1p
The705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjpVGAtCNq
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDNJg5aqnw
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONK0GI2rqh
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOGosQb8ao
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR5ITgLDzU
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g8XCxHlW4
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH0n6AFW0A
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27L9ygfq9i
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOo45Hb656
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEUX5gUWen
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6HaWLDjLS
"What if she reveals the truth?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa00QiXRrQP
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c3Mq05TXH
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRATwHEniYd
For a moment, silence hung over them.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq5T3b3Ic8
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2kV0hU8YH
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaZTHC9oAW
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvdvJRQivY
"I705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxGV1pEAmQ
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGZEqzhcGA
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsgfx1zZCv
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3KQOc07tE
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuZv4kWdvP
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizbJZL6vTU
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyMSv4v7Zr
***705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDBS5r4i34
The705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY9RyB6XWI
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8dFOttZ6y
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm8Bqim6Ks
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh1H5tmSJo
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoA6EXuGh0
they met, they seemed sky blue.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ibfgXMu9e
And705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvhyOXxWYj
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv7JqtKScr
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCk01rnyTr
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrrchP2pxU
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lMueAUh3R
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe7MEvuAcd
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqvkbeiEqE
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6pIN5hDkG
coffee table in the middle.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡystVQ9Ngt8
When705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9VwGISHTu
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmrngT8DIe
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbFEpyDG3U
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjSF2O5JFp
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn86jHJas36
"Are you sure?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xRDN77pw3
"Yes, I'm positive."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT861luk5cb
Miss705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffzHUTvsjO
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjR1c3bbya
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1reagHD4g
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXEnFw6ElI
from their cups.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQihA5VOtG
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6NjHzojyN
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVoc4uK7X2
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qHaK6QYlC
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ7aHbgfGb
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqLY38qKNE
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPrfCmI905
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzbiMQ7bCu
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQp4VZDqh4
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4qfg2zBih
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNEMYxmaTZ
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6hbdvCWYM
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuXSlGjbtU
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFrIFgEyJS
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeMSIXLbAS
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoz00AG3oi
"Oh,705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzymWFJ1EVn
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi3cm8QSPo
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkwgLGE1w0
who he is."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI4v8PTk1Z
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI30RHCWse
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5ouebNRJj
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLjJRYZ5Xf
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eAag2S9l7
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb9ymmLP9k
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNKnAxyuhB
Rhénee705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklno8WCY7l
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJI7K5IQ9C
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfoJtnS5tR
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtuXmYGMYm
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj7Se5haje
"Fine,705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QUUVJnybG
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDI29k6Ehi
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU0OVgGx2O
or die if you stay by me."705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzwrKztJwA
