x

The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipzrMJTcfu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL8En1aPqP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiZdy8rChS
He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys4UOau2nM
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE23MIJQPx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPxYX51dzd
He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxNXJRJH3L
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVHvJe5nuA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF2C76g0Xm
The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw69AdGmin
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBNmVN6ISf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXffVWUEIg
Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CACRYDO35
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjjwRA9DrN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28LxxTflLy
"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHH4ZiViq1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGs2Yc8KHD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR5ElVr9K3
The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8jjXehfyt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGAHfrngkC
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGHnm1ddxd
The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGdWUAdYAT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6owr0tNmf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEKmTaqIsq
Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QGCmaDJdA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHToyvW4nBj
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnFqLuPNzD
"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdlyPm2IK2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW968Yrfy4X
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqcgNxOFTo
Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVlg2R2PK3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7rdZt336e
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXdB4jeO1K
The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKgHbjTUFQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJabSYYv3Na
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp4ptFrAxm
Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A8G9gHw0j
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IvvsPHCFC
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zOr1OTxV5
"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUGUpFWQF7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsljfHne1j
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WhRz6unT2
"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ewtSl5bsB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AXBBkCGm3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEMf2toEDB
The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8cxMspnBF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdS3RqQs6r
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL8bDuPj0Q
"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQsMlE9ah4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SGFpxzmdX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSUKVcM7dy
"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4BWxsLAyr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaxiuJ7rTI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0YLP5IXYT
The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN1DCkIgGS
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS88pr3FwnH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos4f3F7DWx
Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJDSqbUMMX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4pBb9PjJB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1e9FUK9eV
"Should I?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBOqlbOQR1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn41CcaAzx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVuxixkumz
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkWroAgQcw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnd9U5STwa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0lpjdWIdo
"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5tVFrCxh4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6vbuffygI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmGk9NDBBT
"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05iPg80dfu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5bnme9mAp
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGOeHTo8ka
The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYtwOAyilT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWmyuxPJW1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPHFK9p8f1
"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH650xRendv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bmYoTAcld
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdlHKTbaMp
The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0z2sYoKy2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSDbgkLRdJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA10y8vOYX1
"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyoJC0XR0l
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyphobepQAQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaCMrSkT81
Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZvJ4PehZG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYDpYvlMUG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdH05865vJ
"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFsLDy53i3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37A8f0Wuc7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGqtQrN95g
"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSSxIDfSCc
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUhzUPRfD3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKlEGjFqSg
"Is she?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcfApIwWiQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FWwqexjHp
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA7jLIFxAO
Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT71hqjILHR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPICDFPBNSa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtqjfjt3HL
The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgaqEkVCuB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdJbxpDYnJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dvrBL9U2y
"Do you think it's because of her father?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5K52lWrL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTzN2dOX6l
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW9B2yJEkq
"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFbmbq6Bv5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vrODxeqL3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA78HcWqtHZ
"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH8yOmJXGo
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrtVtdN3oi
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCRLhGfNkZ
The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk1rtQDKjy
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyA7SKG63T
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucVBDVz5RH
Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhKBhRgmpR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn3laUQKQR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9DFjiaiK5
"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0J2lHC1GR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDjrmWk4HK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcNQmoUk4b
"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0PlFaWYXh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmUEZUJjUd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hDpJkmZdr
"Maybe they did."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlFWp3epcx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRq5Ywxe3e
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7GWJhpl8c
"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbghlKjO6rH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GuDFKn6dA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBu5QgvzNE
"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LBiQxexfh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfmusE2cqQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo3DQF76zE
"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZjbIo9N3I
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEzmvHHd0I
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw1Jzy0iws
"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qg0SEMQz6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4kAeuuN11
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpX7ue43XP
"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdSpAkQvw4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHhBqb7d7U
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCpfGdN9LI
"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL7nhGiD0I
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37FgXLKunP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd7adXH85M
The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztJK2ol7Qw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyxwOradsM
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rdwzf2CmF
"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNBJVjqOHm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaCz0h4oob
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6eZtBtXsH
"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHyFl01XAe
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k9rnDYlRD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O9Qgoi8d9
The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77EtGwKOxx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMN16k3EYA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lyK0SMqy4
Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtla8rwV2E8
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXZRW841z4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2V8VaY3gI
"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVigCuPKEtK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdRZYbE510
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3Qi4x8W8z
"Yes."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoYohCJqi1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJj838kwcN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9vRWFw5iR
"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu8ZE0iz0c
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tfPBty5y0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEKxpBSlYn
"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzHv8Jkd9s
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVtYKt0aw9
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwYT4GMgHh
"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBmpl8XHHv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlOyHhyEfj
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJqadWo1Vx
"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gZ3dkoyIy
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDCieUTqJG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRcX7MTg4B
The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpoqNNpaJN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs5LO0Uly1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10KEX515tR
"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvMv2Ft2nQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN5dLZzdJw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LrBT0zCfv
"Is that why you called?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxqGYAH8BJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5yCA9IAj2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKFPuQQ6Rk
"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiGCqxGbty
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWODewA7wX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNhRqqIoMw
"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZTxWkPSET
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQPuyURZbz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPBhNb4rR9
"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MNlMV9ytk
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNA8hrBLWm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmzFCXoXZV
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUqF4Ub3uZ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo5qjGOn3s
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFYXQZGk4c
"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wyOcAG48I
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaG29GqTgD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOG8Mw3QXl
"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorEOk2afxZ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJbdlqxZ62
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvrQjdGaJ5
"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ553MNvHIBR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv6dvwkiVu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGELMp2KiRy
"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwoBjigKqy
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXv22xik3T
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCFewEb87L
"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ozc97l7J
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXihTyFcuc
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjldpbcwjA
"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt35OPNDDaU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V0GrD0Sc7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWZYXFbbit
"Soon. Very soon."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShLMJqBpc8
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ597neZBcaF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtzJLxrvnA
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97lLMNEr7A
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bLo5w5slH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfiBxh4SQU
"It's what Emelda would've wanted."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAYNxByBlz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLz5safKZs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bv9jHEbsu
"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3UWez7Xvm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHccbHcRTtr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUpaZTfh5o
"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc80JBLhAl
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZDCQZYm72
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZyL0WGm4x
The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8IKcVG9Pq
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs1hkqLv6O
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjroIieRw0U
"I'm not. Why would I even try?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqEGe8bD1G
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOYYmZjZOB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB9g5wMvQ7
"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ0CYdh4b3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJVmy9Y6cP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU1r2KaCvT
Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBiKtWybEA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJgkInKzHb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv5Q879rA6
The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneKSvymDSO
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcVXd2hHiJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqBQlqMYPf
As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKFiTlwQAR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4YkyYRGzP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDkjNwPC4c
The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQgpzOKbeu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3TSlRP40n
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN3ohQbom6
***427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOzsfBPS0m
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct7K2bVM5z
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA7Vin613H
Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDE6i1tnDQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf7AVvPwf3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmUI8tb8u1
Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4UhTltEe4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25CnWQY4Q5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lVlFHn8YL
She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bitjGQSG6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeW4dkiKCJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpyl2fdbtl
The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB67CyLDO3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJnN82TMf0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQqu8awjEf
"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KlocSS73F
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptxKqGqOlS
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0JjwqMGlg
"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMo5qbw5rD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM3JoeAK6V
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX9ZpNpKT9
"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkcDxlFQLB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L3JBue6qA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wdpKUprC0
"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3LBZZJe2d
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnjUL0g9FI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhg33FuP40
Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyX57wFbjb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75M5yfrrhb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeKDBqh74a
Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PxlZyEngz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rb3lt5XK8
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqAxR5OIMX
"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIes2UihgAZ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiOdgigoOy
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhW4bZ9UqC
"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPkjENyUjm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf7mdgkKnt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs03oUkI4ei
Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbSHtMQp9S
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKkwsT4pyO
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1K708lYp0
"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaFVirMxvz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHXsmfsBWw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wIg5kD5Fj
The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2LnLtvx5D
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxySZujGtUs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzzNgy3Cjl
"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs994cITgp
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUhfetHd47
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRid9z3TdcF
"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXkgycY8r
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsixHTewsF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA6VZJ7Dv1
The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnntyh730b
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsLrzq3Gue
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3MJpz8MjN
They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrH6M775yF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi04QxybMe
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UtX4oLJCY
"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4xldmj8QP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh4VM3hQkm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMHPiuoFnw
"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHUuxarloJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUCl8V2hmv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp61QifKy54
"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaNuR27nIm
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSQnNIBqQ0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhdvi3FKzs
"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRCwiu19Km
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6VscZE2xe
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX7ItBmOzw
Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5oHjPlLvD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitryKAuhgL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDJjfCyL9x
"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGu20w5cI4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvXFO3DyvP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKzPzqUl7p
"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoozygTcvkF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe185S3SQt0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5hyxvjcE9
"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSayv9FBg40
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuUvVPLmNt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnOfalbyJW
Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6QBKhEUR6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8kvpP8pdW
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2v3exruq4
"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdCOHmkGDj
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22NqNUQF1Z
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nmZqWm3LN
Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xDOqqbPsb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmAMfVHe6i
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU0h70EVTV
"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH9rETMQaA
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX6MgFwn9n
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz14UGxZPE
Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRFNlOkI4k
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsDtpf0acK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZX3u3lyqg
"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0EoGOJsyD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHwJNgy32h
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj23JqlopL
"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuyvqK8WpP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLjNZSPfVF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPeu38gmBc
She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI8UiUkXRb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q2C9FPjnD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkFF2fHkFf
"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54xe8mHNns
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHEllkXWd5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FoQd9dvmT
"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7UNmot8O5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYx8KoEX9z
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iQTgoF0sy
Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs4Rlldeb9
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sfn1ORowT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaqOuEMjTP
Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaLwn6jGFP
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydMLH6o2Oh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsoObeY1xp
"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mCTRTa6gi
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sqro7UJ58
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKiXHN0lBM
Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdhQvciBTQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVNrAEqbEL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjLycKoKqX
"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPlc8iW1Zx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIZr1nRsW6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjTpTnBxSj
Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwHphbACXd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop6BaeAA2p
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRSNTwqhyk
Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj5l50aYiW
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbdoj3rPx5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJRMXFwL52
"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBc8BC7H2p
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFaba0qhtQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3H4GCkbXe
"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfqCyzfrQI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdOqueFc2u
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDbHfT8GTE
Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMcNFieX7D
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqkpdig1DZ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMRvJ1o16R
"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrveFv8wSNI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZGa9n537G
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdu1nlZgcc
"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGIJDSu7qw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZHvTkkHnL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7tkdeQKDx
"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz5uYiRx00
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwOCGAvQ5J
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseOouHBPp0
"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBhcNHolu6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2fkuAY4cl
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kxaK4SKs5
"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblEMfCxlua
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktOx24L4AH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7iRbY97al
Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oUqwZoDDz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHNhsDhQBa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v7dpzNmqw
Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPD3T45CSQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNs7cDAT9e
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8LrdEqtN3
Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YMnzwbu5m
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD2uW6Mt5M
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOsbVGAfeo
He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd42rN5j8CM
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66JZzknZzj
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXF7sgt9EE
“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ459DboC4gr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReTzITkcQ8
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZcfChoreW
“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFic4w3q87U
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxHlZYzwkJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUswXLFJBN6
“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkWmSlYcVx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bGRW6Lkt4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw7KLDFX3C
Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsV1ECVZgl
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j9xuFTKhX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBsFedufL8
“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8gHg3PkQf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIPvbOMADu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMfY8sPGYE
Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6ZTibmUA3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZecGQ0U6U
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrktawHXD80
Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j3OXY8fXN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxGapNtxBf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj8YXdASrB
“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9AkcBIBrV
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjtNlJVBUb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MMQqH0drl
“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdXGkIACyv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsBKW2D4f2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUP93rhG9z
Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOdqsz1EA2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMEAZr8kFi
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OTTWGdvbQ
“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IgpM4IlHd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXPVpKz2w6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6VW084S7H
They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAUJCoxtH1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLnTi0xYEH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKyfTWBVTF
Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEcC2Wiljh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHvfLQZTkG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy007evOqJw
“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPeFVfdosN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjmZ0ORBbU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjqpFIqI3B
She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO45kmlqod
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi4tGpvvJv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxKkyuqhdw
Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXRMrYlVeL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcocb7mvCf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eeg4LiJc9
He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfN28Zc4ER
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIaBwm3luf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU4IeMV0Xs
“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfSU8V96r5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U1E4vtS0X
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJQUdDKXFY
“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOFgkPPZU4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxLPreHSKr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AcbyPkPww
Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T3L59igeU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81aCtRUmlD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgOLK1dD0I
Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzfRAJAJIE
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaotJInlQ0a
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Q8nbQfb9
“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDCKXNtJ56
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3JIiaDniF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFptJMlI4t
“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHjMsKGsVb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPsaYOkNsx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsUx0z52GH
“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLEdEBG1ea
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2yKNYCBaK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLR0zYCb1F
Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvJyDoxePk
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVun3RtIJDR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJmVzPISZU
“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSySwsiX2l
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7amA0hB0Rq
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYRqOtycJX
He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA98LuhZkD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9kHPjlV8i
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2tg2cr9Bi
“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PSin9hkIt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx3Dd64KkD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KJtI4S39F
“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX40owyHuK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI9LkCk2du
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtx5coQeqo
“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWkJediPLN
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3sQ0qLQy1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ0Ra8ZraJ
Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAPUBmBg2l
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7LSleIlZ0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHyxav5h0U
“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAlRf5uUVV
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCQyx5GzHw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fPloFsK2a
“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKcIZAz0cC
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZhRoeQO3e
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBMRTledjr
“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx3JKMVY17
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uJTtDERY6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwmf3paUkl
“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wiJ4oA1LK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznbBPQXu6N
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ONpYYCIet
Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf48B4yw9A
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCz9CdVdQg
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gH22SxWi3
Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDx8ElI8U7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1amRIVOdd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuxwYGtikm
Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IG6NLy5wj
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRygW1dqmu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp6NaHMVMu
“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOAHd2Ypap
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzNmU4JHx1
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7e4p1IxyY
“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcOsGXFHxM
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUuXuGrHub
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HWcJXSPXP
“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoi4Iy4uzK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa2oAfioPY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zh67Mo7pK
“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDR9u2EUne
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBLEmCpvnT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tXuBhhqN8
Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreNMXTeQjd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62nNBJcZkw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfbs0qQuUu
“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJreLTwkjW
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYF23nahji
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZSikQHyqo
“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Ckza0Zsl
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDAT76QC9B
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGVqFLN4Pd
“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNOJlWcLTS
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeul4dTx8tg
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0Efo6dB0v
“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PZdoAdebD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZeDmn9EvV
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEopDnAHX4
“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQfHpPWzu0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KpnfdV30F
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PxnnfOnfN
“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORmDd4PG9p
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8TwgyDEyW
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9LoZK2naP
She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJdBOF7tZt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNKNnWArDv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFOEEAzs4w
“What is it?” he asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMuh0ic2GU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbsEeIlEMv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmF1tPDX7C
“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRVPrSDRvJ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolOBEvrJ7Q
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hy1zKTHoA
Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dTSpvMqmV
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81d3s1gry5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh3NWZvylo
“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqhqtzSnHR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xS7NOJQTt
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHq0u6YIOL
“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1frKzLkj1y
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oRcFAI39M
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf7RntdOav
Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYAbGQttvX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOeG7ezb1L
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQru0QeC96
She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLzZC7TYWr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2UtyDHqCq
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0HQO0ovXy
She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATmyGpudTU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrHW9UWEHl
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zPeBrp36Y
“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6plJaX4ag
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBOl1qGcCw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcodcqPT2F
“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5p4BOhcRs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnH4BexV5V
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2CNA1uOxt
“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvElTPXqrL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcEM53qk1b
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYA2GF9gOt
“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqi6HPZuWH
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vIgtsqlwk
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9EuDuijf0
“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfU5UWbsDR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3fmciO3a7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xIKUoTgCk
“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw6l6EA983
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi9x5b0S6E
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGlDMBb4xe
“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tl3sYawgd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtq58xOXln
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcGhW9Z2sM
With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggy2lxuFSY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aMPmnT4kh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCDTSD8mby
“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzeHq79LN0
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjTfNGz3wf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZRoAeDMqp
“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdFvRoIP2C
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcR8FvNHWu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqpd4UteVQ
Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dx9EdJ8q5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLymChIt9a
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7WktYckE8
“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s9wYDWJUa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1TrWSOdYE
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijyz3MEnE8
“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAB6osaCce
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz0MpbtNGO
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJIWSsD6lA
“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTsY4KiCVv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xlxfuYBm4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ASuEVbOcg
“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqJj3dYWIR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVHIJhgOQT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5w9a1CzI8
Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJyomJ5Ppc
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8NeGFcuY7
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x7fjX113c
“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sugCDHpTI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxydiZB7oeR
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIM2ZTOsVi
She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2G2aCckRg
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx2SNEl70L
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia7NiheYN6
“There’s no phone service.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakNzgQrwRU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwEgFQXOWo
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwgpaHu3Cd
“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqku0c3EkI3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG68pM3e1p
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlnujhyDrs
“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75wo3HtFgq
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEDM1jaMUn
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggjphoKSEd
“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP3zQO4SSq
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YyQj7pwWw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdbMFBjazZ
“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DnIdGOW9H
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttd1VuBrLs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ev11T3Rhm
“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg3DwHKNHL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ70mYJSui9
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxka9zvflSU
“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnDY8EhwJY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkLyxAyz6L
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJjMexeSeC
“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67YbMO5ZR3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ317cOOZlBr
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0LiZjXnOl
“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Y25cXrV4
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPqGc94K6y
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBbeHsIVUU
“I’ll go check the kitchen.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBmEWlmIHs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhnzzLYHJU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5XWaCLUue
Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDnOLwss3Q
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYElRgjHp5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKC7buQwiy
She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOTmRIkx1j
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs4lNSKV3h
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcxSLACprF
She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuCciYUZfI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqg0LOqwta
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjSuRzjgkH
Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRp2HNNNC5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVjKTBrJbY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPAUiKUW19
Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zSFsGYFHO
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HFtFJI6Ou
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTQOGOZpmN
She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgHcQnoN9V
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKaZchDrsa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEhFZnlXO6
Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mbluj9dU5
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nvTv7gQVz
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6y1erjiBR
The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.8964 copyright protection423ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MBtknSXoP 維尼

18.118.105.173