The news about the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpycbPXpjWO
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKQJhqwT6i
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMBxSNinjk
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWGMamScTZ
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaGozyEmIz
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst6T4nYjUN
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekzyq4jN33
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhaMEEJV6H
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiyRsFqIUq
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewSaXTvPp9
There was more to it 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFCbQEkPGQ
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelpZhEQxHI
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybnLWbtRMY
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4idZRyG1qd
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5SIBRN723
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQoG44OLzI
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YfYtXSM6r
except from a few individuals. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb6h4x3xPC
And apparently, one of 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLMLqLBtq0
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1vQ5hrczK
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD7ZKB7mg1
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt08zk3e41L
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXfnINrTR3
really going on, all hell would break loose.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi078gwxdEW
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl56yFBVzm
Rhénee dropped the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrogpRmuXln
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJD9JLizNz
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8z1o625Y7
ear, she took a sip of coffee.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT60TOvsZM
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9JO6lQZxC
"Ya, its crazy here," 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQkI5363fT
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLqUltHILW
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCNrTfiXqu
broken in."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY7dugwA1S
"If only they knew."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC74VX0FPFT
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNSRQfcezv
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ccN4eZV0M
"She did. I had to make 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95KutvN0yg
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicRVMcf0Hm
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgLMwM5kx
"I doubt if she believed that."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPzOiEP1lA
"Haha, looks like you 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0On50b4lZ
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuQfg3De51
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLU9IEKdiS
"True. But we did. I 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFccLxc9TCK
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAVI1I5Yvo
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD53LRPXhJQ
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFt3Edbm2b
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxeMmBvk6O
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqatuf4vdOh
"Okay, bye."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGjEtSpbml
"Bye."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSD0D54hBO
Rhénee cuts the call and679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15JpYJAUgW
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWcsHtq9h8
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOarDsESeX
wink last night.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi23LPvZqLE
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjXTHyI5ya
"I wasn't going to 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJurVDGuppD
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJfVP2N815
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkgRsyMUP5
"You don't have to 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGMOC07QNm
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgPmGKZVA4
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmylpOBlojD
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x3nuUeAny
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX0mknagmQ
"Why Malcom?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgZIcEKgB6
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGLsnLEhUm
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWfhbtUdR4
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPNUQMFxJ7
"Alright, you go ahead."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMnfKMZ1aP
Miss Griselda gave 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvuHg6Sc6u
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpw4lx9dXe
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n6YUj7rWA
did when they talked about Malcom. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FTI6QCwyF
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2sXpxRlg6
The sound of her phone 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8tuvuMULF
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTaVuJrenr
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gu8AwUONv
mother.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBCQpnyt23
"Hello?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BXQxxrKXM
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPrtUsO5h4
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup5zfzxHSA
That voice. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYudmM4BQd
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAS7k63uUS
"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?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO9gZciOzI
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBedVuyEd7p
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfMylboW4s
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN25dKSuvB
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L417bHatL
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOUwD8yiNY
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaohbJJXHwN
"You don't know me, 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOL7rH1cRo
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDktI8fsRJ
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERwxlGXMll
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4khL0SDCpr
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSLapa7bBI
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsALRpj7j8C
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lJn3STD9Z
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUsbBbW9zY
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykRNb7B4K3
"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?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCY0cr1Lhs
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT71NsAHHd
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIJg1mWg9Z
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKfGYNSGPl
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6oAqYxFhK
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHMvLiTNIp
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5qCmbgyqN
"Oh, and by the way, 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwSoThRJOW
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDFjCTQlBB
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLblqjYOBOm
this time around."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk3ePikgBN
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONT2lEMMgo
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDJhEpocrP
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cmGv8Kz30
Rhénee sat down on the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIEesIcNMo
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVuGDiceM3
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4CxA76p7y
the others, who know what might happen. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPHC8EU8MK
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡato7yT9kMA
***679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCrukimDYj
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6a2z6kG8m
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pyJfSJ17O
"But she isn't hurt right?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkajxzFlXxC
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rndCj5k4A
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE79bHgNw9O
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh5LNVn2X9
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwjZZMKrkN
"Nah.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p4kmAgYs2
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP490VmVOdD
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb1eBFJxOL
"Thats679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU97XzGAoLl
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY5quPUQxS
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTE5IGTNiG
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2aYrqOj7I
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pZjB3u1zc
"Alright."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjny67nE8yy
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. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51hRRToUL
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIszWxDhwt
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFbWmtY00J
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbptrjZPDe
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDFbwNFuRf
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOVJavs3jb
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyrMpaf8xx
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIl9KDtnaT
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr5sxwef2u
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnLfV7U5Fx
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStbfXDhbpV
"Does it bother you?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBQpUeVNtq
"Um... not really. But.... um."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2AZ3PsfCM
Eugene679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqJQ97fiGl
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnwwiHJFWw
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zPPEpXYva
"Mum, are you okay?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp88xqDXyMb
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A5gbkajwK
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmFf3qHsjh
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ8jrL7pwA
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oiU7zSPK6
Mrs679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoi9Mq7zfO
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaDaDxO3qf
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXfmKKet7P
had talked about Rhénee?679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTZw6p6SAK
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsAqa0BVZ0
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHg8yFAgoD
***679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg00VcJyTk
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AsffQmchv
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNaTGNk4Iu
"You better rest though. You still look tired."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTsXcFnSzk
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFdKfWih0Z
"No, I'll do it."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB6B1dcB19
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ttA8XwDVm
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7ZNNCJPnL
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi8uvSuQ51
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOApZzmP7x2
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMzEkVz87l
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOct4wi32PG
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGms2NKYlL
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCMDTTR9GE
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfV3e6xamB
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwkpJrDrj8
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUR2bpN5dC
"Thank679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSd8rM1ItN
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0VMIjsKa7
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6f1Tp6ezH
"Well, yes. I still think I would."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJEvLXe84f
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFGRHPfIQY
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWAZ9D9NB5
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCez3G8hzXm
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDemEApmCO
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gvhAAJ83L
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQWSykcV9A
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKWROzDICT
"Coffee will be lovely."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKMEo69sZf
Miss679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFWIzhS4U5
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEdU2lyZ81
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGiepZxDcz
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufmqhNcVNs
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMEKkx3VcD
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CEjOrP3yk
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVLHFl3yJ
"What mysterious person?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT1iLVNY17
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja8iAa8Vzc
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNMFWa4Gg6
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWs8EHWzPI
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC00sHmeOh
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEm5Cuxzjp
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAB01VHFXB
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg5dT3cxqN
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABc5AgdgX0
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ0JFwa62V
The679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqWXngoE6R
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUjttokjKu
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh8uMioPXl
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyA2zhlyuV
of this.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7r2cMZUfl
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m92Q0IbCn
"I...679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaktfeKXnKK
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwFXjIzz9x
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKzPprPpkj
frustration. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MzdHrZvwO
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCquNATR0w
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wYfdx87kL
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3u3Hte3j8
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1zisls0sS
cups on the tray and wondered. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9j3PLMLV3
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xmTn73LEh
679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb9DeouBld
As679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnyaDquXK2
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArzO3FddPm
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcrfuX8ybZ
reminder kept ringing in her head.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT24xcziW9
"And tell your friends not to get involved."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wQJNKAajD
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtui9QS0zqx
"I679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzgFFBYxcR
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj36g3KsdJ
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ5xG0gN1j
talking about, Rhénee?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8O5IBAj17
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ710tMgGkRz
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyseugGHplu
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QSMaNjvIr
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomc0Xg9yqU
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLrVnsjxZz
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTzlbBaIo1
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikUYA9yZz4
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O50BzwCYV
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmacXTaHi5
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30eyaIRagQ
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3MhTsIzCn
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHm0iRgCC8
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPV72KOtCc
***679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjVNHldkm0
Sweat679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvqkk0KUMQ
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtdYegfMvn
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPChVtLBMo8
the person waiting never likes to wait.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxQX0DFQbv
He679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAr7ZHHn5f
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzPZuqknQR
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9IQklpYjZ
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHdHSZsHqw
second.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56UGtwOKRE
He679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6mSxz6nM2
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9p6o9lEx1
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrDePrJDbo
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh4NGbKqal
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCxfMM8lrG
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsBH4XfkOv
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPZ4eSSA80
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEYn79v9MU
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMuzY7ns8O
"You're late, again."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz2cKQZ214
His679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3Ex485Awb
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NxosStU1S
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLhVgjwziB
lion door knob. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb67TJHQ3a
He679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOvETai3JR
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vLZaIsnvO
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx8iUmeMbb
"What679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8b1kqcPqU
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthcxYpBbCc
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRs6K1cTQw
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZA0oGZhaw
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq6nqpMslC
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdNt5VgrhB
A679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrpzHppEOU
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3d7pY6Juo
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL4Gml1TVw
as they had their backs towards the window.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVNlkcA7Ht
"You know we need him," said the tall man.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOcwWjOYlC
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJfK2un93O
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItWlsJ3RvB
The679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qcXJUHvX7
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSXfDoQ4Vd
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uGb8Qf0qF
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5LPfugi8S
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8jha2KGH
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSafyqxObpC
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4YUbjvBwC
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQkx9gatdV
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcZKldn81s
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla07hqGclY
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTXkFen3Xb
"What if she reveals the truth?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf6xH8vI6w
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxs4nfiNjp
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQm6BV34tv
For a moment, silence hung over them.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O4RR0g10U
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4izQOrEhVd
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I5hHvVC0X
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNIBdem7rA
"I679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjmWQJF6XN
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPVGQ3EXkN
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu3iUwE8wu
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NqWxMOxzH
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjRaIkTLgH
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Li2QvY1eB
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe63LtEcTyI
***679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkaALDFehw
The679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRBoKP9lEv
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hXAtB3Ek5
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiMqRuP81f
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbBgTkAQCl
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTaINiAX30
they met, they seemed sky blue.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunshYVodHB
And679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo3Qwqt00e
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dwfSu1uOt
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ3vS5S632
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn4LcDQNQp
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZEkBgB4sx
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIohnbmL2G
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx5cCKGY4E
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgq0Fh1rBi
coffee table in the middle.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjivROVOmei
When679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyPoDKKdIB
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKE8ugmDfc
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSf9khvdoD
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwnvG6hb5b
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPWCCTjUeu
"Are you sure?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZiNzhZ5BS
"Yes, I'm positive."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZMUsQHRdK
Miss679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBnVmEYgE8
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGwYmvhd7J
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UB3ZZYq0l
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57wDW3gYxC
from their cups.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ShRlhhTKt
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpRAAvCWDZ
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DtaiaqHPp
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8t0I1E88R
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJabJ1ky2G
"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.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKD7lhUJQF
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ISOi6FUoM
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbIgcJfc8v
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat0ApoisUc
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxrYJoelSv
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsEfd6ocJf
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoeeDuozZc
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkHzzNAWmE
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15IjSWevi2
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2skIqxZR0N
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1LISYoGVF
"Oh,679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltJLAY4PuG
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B95QShG3v
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ntjaaui74
who he is."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxEwgLNuNa
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LCXQPYRgg
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNCkiVizox
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa10CP2FL9
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MFy4a9XYP
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQIVcGMjJF
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrqD4qoWPL
Rhénee679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxYV2GFL54
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0oyQo6mWG
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN3t0tFIsV
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTA6F7CXj0
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7GZdUegiu
"Fine,679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yXwjqD7tl
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG5Z6yYhNx
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa1YuGIlHX
or die if you stay by me."679Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgRGLghENW
