The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHJuHirfkg
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXByiSWgbO
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXN4LlDG8h
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PKwQ9SNnW
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXji1XvAHhb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk69zTKcn7c
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9eyjUwCqA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybBvppDqaE
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrmjW5JuhV
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhqtCCuYA3
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTwckHAqBb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh1FxNkhhy
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRLvdMxYRb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmCoMIwRYs
"What kind of trouble?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lf3BReF8k
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88HjNoSgNy
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenKaV5fBGu
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzO3tvFCdR
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBddtxDGT4u
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTAchaeiHZ
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VXTCnEA7P
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AU3G27VqY
"That's good. She needs to rest."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrMEU1y9op
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpLFPO3Ojz
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFl1pDszcD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCm0rE4OXB
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RZzghqWWG
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWagAmKlfKN
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHprsemvjC7
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruLlRdasbW
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqp07zOOSZ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iMmJOXUiM
"Ya, sure."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ6JyfGy42
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSnv9Wgiax
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJzTEveiVJ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ842789CnXi
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qGTcYDzmw
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJcK11wcZm
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxZBKr5Bxe
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvYoj79ImQ
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xMR6YXU4y
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAxJutST64
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghcqs41UZ9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9YERTybFR
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD2fhgL8vy
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SP0RgIdJf
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgZeorvQ0A
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DJeHkcfrS
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z30o0GIUj
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s64eOahuO
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ9SP7JjsG
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINFqWR4beD
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJV3dxQa5z
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWMaQ615tZ
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTbpk7M6Zb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpoqng5Sl5
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz0zOKkkKe
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7SqFVQRzh
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEbw1qoPUz
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"What did you say?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWGFiZRsZU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4LWuGUA9R
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZrXxodZZS
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzTgS8fMij
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fWHEpgXPD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ639NNrcl55
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ446gmAM5WP
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Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwkim0gath
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUk3wu3bFi
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ2tFL45so
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHTc11JIpW
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOxAlp9s2n
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHE5fcvE45
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUkWZf6nUN
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThcYLb6zTc
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4G00DtyaQ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIixxOrrqH
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObhYe7xAxL
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Y0VhcEnT
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t73YQNUhS
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5aZc1MMxZ
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20Lx41a7Io
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg1y3k9sYU
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mm9lIDUWd
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlpAiVLTDn
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJXomA1Apw
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM0jcuKada
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTGtVg49IF
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***553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKY6oOgIz6
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn68QJyo2y
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzEGgPwLdX
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL3nzvGgOj
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqbNRquzMu
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHHzuxPIEH
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURJb0w4Au9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf8OPtRu6O
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCQVxVHRSP
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq1Q3rsSwa
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmja3oBRaOq
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzwxHzOU8p
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoHTo09M8Y
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxElPmYEN1r
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDaNfhFX73
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She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTVm0AYtNC
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"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgleP3ywkX
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rzHINaNl9
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi47HcNJdrX
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTcSzfCkIJ
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhjlXVBLlw
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUERBMMbyg
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGqtgwdjI2
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28fhl7CHNK
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIuofv64un
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNKWGJuX0M
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBm38CrapV
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYkdVrO3vU
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZqQVinBTU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr4wt7F4mB
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBmGlfsTfk
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB47MQmtq3
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyhnYanw56
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyw1NYNj6b
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaobgMn9HB
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknLCcSB9ZC
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2QlBrbhkT
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTyyWVwgbd
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ddGrhzJXA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwD2ZhdXgX
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbywFn0mnxn
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbIoXc8prn
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqJS3lB04l
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvZX0JSGRj
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXeqBY6R7P
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSLuG35ITX
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUI9a2LQ5o
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZLYZYLEPP
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteubLDLLPz
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2afPhVJ3C
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZWeq8MDRT
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMs1MgOc2y
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2YysItYZf
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EhNZO7GWw
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajOelnxivr
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC698vgH0M
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRKDyM5omJ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJAxwTSisG
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXI1POYH6C
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0wi0gOaMk
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuta8B2F3f
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iDyEO5Lfd
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmsgTMX0uu
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcdnao0XCd
"Do you think she's killed before?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6QVjxriB6
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrwutd1srS
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2tO5lFbfj
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDhNhkUyHv
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEENnikOCo
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wjzktdfcX
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQsaK0KCwO
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeFxXilpwC
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzLNJD6LOx
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9j4zLeTQt
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8g2QYrF4A
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAd9EQSpQZ
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4aYHMIYh7
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72jeLBVy3T
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4VnDMt7G0
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaOHXKyjLm
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs9dknJju5
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0BfybsShv
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbz27WA4qv
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF8ytpgT4U
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwVnIQlt0R
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP66V5yw9Tn
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGWj7TQsk5
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83VvmayAWy
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsMt2DRWP2
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIWKTWpmmo
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqb5hQrcbR
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX7KkMETII
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf7lLEb9Lq
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2HzARVH9h
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkZtckCp6j
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vsD0UGK6y
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjUc2EA9Rr
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKmX3rBfeS
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZtMgP2tBz
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No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhBOnR4b6a
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd9YcDJeNK
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycEd3phn3C
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9cpsJMl41
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbYhezxd9d
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0Ujiti36z
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpIaj4ZPo7
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FJt3qpUg0
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB8YogKiod
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cnJuOxRCr
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Yzp7ilat
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NF8GM6lMA
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MqZ44UXOO
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQY4AP7RH7
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv92S0rfWEv
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmcji4ZYIP
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb1fJxqntQ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSZsFTvheA
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Ry2mVRMO
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtx47YVaGB
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuajCftS8G
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP3B7wQoy3
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BbMnObiaR
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rCvdEhv40
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHbMFGTMi0
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooJPY2EgRO
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXbX78ycG1
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurElGPpgMC
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7dF8jLCMT
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg4uXPJtGB
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tbl9vslMn
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMNUQfUhLV
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlZg8M4kTv
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlT8eu0qZi
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBENTL4c0bg
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbqoWMWAT5
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3OZrQMoET
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3qkMQE3Cg
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSKY0O1ei4
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Iisf3GVDk
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97DD2GWtIb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r4nffPvto
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifM6t96DDA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmP6kWM3qq
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScGBSRebuO
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NLFTO4VD4
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26eia1crKD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9pNpNHXut
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pNdi12BEp
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnOnW6m2Qg
"We will," said Kevin.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU86ZIqipf
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmT1TjTfQ6
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0S3O3q4OU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvZrWpBOd4
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPJtTjJOu9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYphAM733ki
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhF6nNe2T9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eNzIMSr8q
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpflh4iSlMa
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOSqLZnuXx
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYpu8r4NPL
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCXXuxjIVo
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLbNDfd7jV
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76NiweETnk
"Rhénee, wait!"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeE1FM1t9x
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW52glpNU41
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7xGKRWARX
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0JY7di6SK
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzNceTpOXc
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM383dyWvB
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZEYCJa864
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3cOAs7DEA
"I'm tired."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7SbqOFNe3
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOysF0Lsg3r
"Really? I don't think that's it."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFlqF0K6ap
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSQNe6n7ao
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuEGVYiHHR
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj8tS0SDpn
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdFpbk2pFc
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4AiDP9l3T
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfw0BO7DSP
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYkpjPncKs
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZZ3bWgQnV
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXcHURe1OY
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tiCqkF9mY
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVragP1hC4
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3OmEJZMFD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2QqbtD8pM
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj8nbRUxgL
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2Na4jVxOg
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs13kARVjwf
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5AM17Hcte
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSM0nTU6Op
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dgh1ll0xP
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL6CWJUn8X
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofvnhrC5h8
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenr81Caj4T
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIhutSLBky
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVvuKmhfnb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUarzYXNvb
"Good. Let's go."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRtVIlA3fk
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4EUeZ6o4z
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPctNSeXFYs
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw82jkv9TJe
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalJRozUeJb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzGJDW8zq1
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wi2m4ggu9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CssQE54JI
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS4FpE3oOA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrOfxaQbHs
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGJSbTcPFp
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwn30gZl0x
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYYaZ5jrcC
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wG9SxcQ43
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3loHwy5ZIg
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHhUn0ghxB
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtIW9LcFzx
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxfXN6yl8n
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmFRQZRwQs
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiOyHgzLGF
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8C1kmmd6r
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h3Dv60PJa
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzWUUd4EMU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1ChI5lGyF
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGzAUa6WrT
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbJeMBcZZV
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GwsjTeCuC
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEeWdyswyp
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXEj8THb2a
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh22ZTY94w
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYsDmZGBBn
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELQgfMauYt
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJEP8DyNgw
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxkJKhVXHy
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr3RTKgwqT
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwFtkjMERj
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04v6lvnb97
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdJqX3y6sK
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsNZvXfbGv
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQihPQnvol
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijffQSmdzY
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OpmyNoiCt
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuj1gbwOzE
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT1LJF3LP6
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiccWbLyD0n
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA16GFyAMN
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVljTaANFjD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13w32OB5p9
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU01fjXZVV
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuLlgneypG
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqhp4RsGt7
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4r9DpZyt1
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnWnDHMHQA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcKK2K2b8U
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLQcK95DPg
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaJnYBPZY1
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV64xU7DHL9
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNAQDAF0G3
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0EBEmyjcW
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3IOja2n3i
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MITemdHFf
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEcVN0CXlq
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37fShZzFXD
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNX1HfXQxU
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMzIT7elv6
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWk4JE31YO
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWr1Brblwe
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXpPO4oC7r
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTgB3tATp6
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBClxfSNfs
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktzyN7KJv5
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmj86qcFQv
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFQ74WLrkX
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9IbiYBMkv
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjNTOHOsdm
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy1ynrGgta
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr74zACYfNl
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwyzJmTDaY
***553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPeKneT6WA
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pnxjRKyWD
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWrBprxrxZ
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz6yXIAPv1
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuxSyUcdGj
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ022Ri75AHz
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesn4vmFUkF
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k6goFJ4cf
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLzzYUlGV4
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCF3n6SCZJ
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpsWSV4eny
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZCiJcLzWe
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj2WhcM0cU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9aenuHxOz
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyBDWlVE7I
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYrzclGwBu
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeGFX0Mfs2
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA6mkm5TAp
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXP6yjmUqU
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsERmek6JwC
"Really?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6oU9hItkb
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPWsQ4wADo
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWffJqfnJ5
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQxWAWWw8a
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3j8LrOXoC
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuFhbCrTwH
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxT85gnhSs
553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFVULJuGOL
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1ltjfzaox
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He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hxcs4yWV8
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85DX6j1rSf
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM8qAn4L2Z
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYILNyS2ucq
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWBQTtZ4xS
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSMS4RY9oc
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxetYwyPAPI
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExIUQvtKc8
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgrtGNTbNN
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRcVzaixEz
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQCDtVmVa
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG02Ro27Anw
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQyZzKlAJt
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"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu5qYC4ptg
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"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcXRQ7yDKk
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3Ka44KzYV
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGZWYC0SW8
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Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYropsU9kNZ
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkgHY38Xdl
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs7tAdECxs
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZcwu4KxlF
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wtGdDyIMQ
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY74cXONoN
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFcQLaXzKm
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTtps3Oqv7
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k89HdNYex
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb6JnyNLfN
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJRMitnZM1
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3byj85zDl
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHFLxgX4Td
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Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtJqqpafYP
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDakrN24qxz
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUhE2vgrNR
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWezIiwMOXa
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"Oh..., nothing really."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwQ7C5orWk
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFE5Mh7oWK
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn3H1RFAzb
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzAcdoHc3R
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xD4nlTFST
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xZRULqqki
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK62lpqriT
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BhpKvOdNP
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr1UTsC5KR
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbilcFZVlj
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiFkNHBC1o
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmXglxsTfj
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkqOVPKdOw
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fBqWtgVVJ
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLULnGVF7QU
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOYGCkqXyx
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsXiHe0LH9
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WmJIH8q6X
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9jUmlgi3q
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.553Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQbB5sMuqZ
