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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PmJ1rJBNe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxByleg2zd6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6jS2NNGrv
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kTJSm2TsS
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWBNjav1vZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdSxdUO7xw
He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldxeIOvTH0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd08apJ8BP3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uKGgPrYiK
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiPYBAhoL0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPcXYH82qc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBv3h74z7O
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aCV9quq3H
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YkOgPH6kc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlffyWwmZK
"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbUXZwtXpQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1UvxDPx5J
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTqhHs0ZPZ
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLseklgrYdG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qcyd3QT6z
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6s5kneply
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IXVcvsBVT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p0ooPBFCM
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQMOEKmBfx
Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFZuB3CfdP
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72faAdgDnq
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0xoB4oLKI
"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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbskQJeeiz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHL1t2L6xN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3hbX2P7NS
Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnToDwRB1ir
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGjZY9HZ3m
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qb2KcLOoi
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfUoMMBgqK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq9bxXjfKp
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2PV6yXAAB
Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVfYt65Vp4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bNXXLz6L7
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhZvy3HIDk
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ0vSDwgqQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SDsrQf5Zs
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgeBtvzJ9f
"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvp24BtBRX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh914UpHeYZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNRcqURU0V
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP35EkI7ldU
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJX1k3jAGi
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc03Yj6YWP7
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN3lcITTIE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt09CZ5zsIu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPyPIRWqIa
"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNCCFHSok3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP02KYUFhoa
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhra722hosV
The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOoeE2RpU0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmozSrnKPlX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8BtylJ4OD
Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl5PqZLZqz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSpZEZZQ0A
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFi3Nue0w6
"Should I?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBtzEmpnN3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzu07i8Ai2
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrKS6ktCQD
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OXq2RWvfU
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qceMavNuG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp974cjWO3v
"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZqBWaXdhV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMD7YVXjU7
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzTTnCLoer
"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14vv52iNyg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9du0RzD4Ug
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyCyr6hC1n
The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZMJ4JDc7N
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlutrw6ipzA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iSfQnVUIt
"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOunulXF4j
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gjrjgBp5u
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2fuxzkU9s
The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ953EQJxT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9J9rHT9AZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jBiVHRoO7
"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHkmCwnV3D
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIsUdnUbC0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjAyHzjaMC
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3VoU2oGg2
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kv31g5AjR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p68DSuonF
"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xbI572qCN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCD9THeA8y
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXt9LqcGya
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69uVdYye0b
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8lMfiGeDM
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSTxWRjFXx
"Is she?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrzp0zRGGf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfRoN2YkPS
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsQoqOFO9W
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?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXklc1Mh6DV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5KVabyYr5
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMqqzEQNcC
The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEJzlNcNkW
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFEXiQd9Mr
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6oljMAo3V
"Do you think it's because of her father?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG8IxSEZU1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTtQRKyKEP
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqsDwlooNe
"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzObGN1kKag
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7OLOrU6La
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54ZMK3ySrx
"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDsRpL5wZY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fI3x19kG8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTnJkd7jyD
The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ziBATFmx
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiYxrvGw5g
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlamIZfb5HB
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFIsQV92nE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq2wGLE98l
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmMQYupp6s
"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P7DnzEOvl
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHyl5jad7a
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2AnNWOu6l
"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3uD8uwj4w
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P1KhkbsoN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm0IAOGu4F
"Maybe they did."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUqCD1xYh4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWMOfs8qmt
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTavkvky7t
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dPmiTz9qc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SAxU6B5Qb
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEddPgvWYf
"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ERYe4k2vN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr3FEE1kkB
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGOkyqBlZx
"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fen3knJch
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt21t4oWB7
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcPxKoE7yV
"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiHgPVwGH4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdVwgYUETk
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJzcOWgib9
"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kfx7vcksl
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2WoZpUHHM
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqc2IS8JQK
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaAXC6fIIj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjIm7ipAqb
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7swNIFmAXf
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RdoJgpbfT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNHStGy6Pc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuDsKUIK3C
"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc8TWxTDwk
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzcXsBxBhd
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTzPvfiQtR
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtw5kK3XvV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDJvmpnndD
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCp9jFzrA0
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?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmC9fMQKNL
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdIjnkiWTL
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu6iw9iP2J
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn53bC6Ztu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuGaIKBzYG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfbuXAURfk
"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSnH90tYWz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPEPvphVob
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeN0MnWWDm
"Yes."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cMWa89uOY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiB7rSBXjC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB7gYuuTg6
"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocNMDv14OI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQdkVBDOxe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qUtQM0zO6
"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCOc0yDZ75
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkrHjGgNOc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8Bz9RgGgC
"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4uiRNhNI3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVXAR8r3kS
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2d95hdcKu
"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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhygetdgC2p
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWkqET4da4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkmkxKem64
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3B2Tk89BK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iGfFf7KBR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlJUx8CByK
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKMg3Wz4ow
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCuJKwy2yQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUpftyuAHo
"Is that why you called?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAqrdGzn7l
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWULAkh3fI0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL4KU25hFk
"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDHYM7PQg0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O543yMOOK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCStMFRWBr1
"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvPAgJOrT8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWSNyyzz2W
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhgV6nYKDq
"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVPs4OAj2G
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSNEZYLTux
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfVmfeL83c
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK1ZuDv4i3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoN6IuxiIH
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH7JGn8R3z
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57EtzWlTYs
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GsqIGzsI2
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArFdb3BXjb
"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmYrrXpHGM
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeoYel1DYF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqcIl0OwwW
"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuDzEguhco
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpC5RVrQgk
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgXHZx62GM
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjYvYh5wW1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrUBa7Wtti
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr1CRe88Xs
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RS5o3nqL5
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks4YZkU3sT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGpy3hBD67
"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97fFCfkuwl
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhbNYnrOyF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBhfPRc42o
"Soon. Very soon."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVrWsbUvbZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjeUCoke69
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ewf6fkm37
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaWKgx69NA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7IiZe1JX8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMb0NW1dQg
"It's what Emelda would've wanted."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTvDsHhHyI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pw23Ej2Tv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOaehYSlAb
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O2Mi1FUEo
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV2nnUjrXg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh74vP9j4Ju
"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6THRZLRdh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3zv7pZyLE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmCIAvy3D5
The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihPW9D5pbU
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtm8wPsi85
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuF6tdplxF
"I'm not. Why would I even try?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ941bOxwt
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtMODTVs0x
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0AWitl4X0
"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq3mScb5t7
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeL6s4SGtR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMQLP1F8W8
Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBHTg9CCL5
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTE20OkOnm
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjurtka7BLV
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9COBgE4qG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6PdBG6I2y
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8AEOsPppf
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEGgqLPLz0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlSVgkGmCl
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40bObxHk2g
The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN8u6fOJFe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq9GTieIaB
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivY3Ta8tFQ
***394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eppnswBQg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMt5k9ZhiY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JWlSWFCxo
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcF8kUrnPC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdusYugdu7i
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPhSKiEUMZ
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqkNnLE0iC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rSbkZaDAG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybApbDobnr
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAc0lFIxfw
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFVi7f3Oi2
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n1JKXjrdW
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJGperMtgq
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHvPSHZTMH
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHX2L31VKB
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ198lSzKz9L
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrEGUq4aWh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP5wUOJVvs
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKFf19wNi6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOubm1c64i
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHC2SxtIOZ
"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTRWn8S0j6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd1oVPGzBC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmNKYUEkhz
"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6OTep493w
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsG8RcCKe3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ha1QwxOnm
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw0ZOTNDXs
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0TXHE20Fb
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyWNMx4Rt6
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?394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFrmDTx5JN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA5sXOiGmJ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkSZBPMwI7
"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQVssMIru6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWO2B66YBC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV6bc1kX6l
"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBDuCvuY4M
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXF41bulP3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyua8sTw31
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO6Z0LXUFm
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u3LxjJGYh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlOrXWs5ki
"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwdEDUj9xv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD8J88RhrA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpcgB05JLB
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5VtTAoDj1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47HnsXvD4A
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycDU6Pi2J4
"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRdzzV7d4Z
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsU1c8T1Aq
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr89U2A5m0
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYB7pugAWu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgDuDVH9Ln
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqqay3AKRI
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5G86IQBQu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHiyWVIkAo
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN76SDL2ZEB
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnNATxwQre
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHgmaKnGlu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWbW9QzeGo
"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfqArC2wFm
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcfWMSmyjt
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46axHJ28BH
"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25V5tW9EMV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgtg4sxamD
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyumct3PS5c
"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDXjgmgP3C
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZwOl0l9t4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmrAPhkbCj
"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vblTUC0xL
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIcgynaA5P
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEySzFUMl1
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29mZgm6MTi
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QPbg38OSF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCheQZ7ZJ8f
"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT9wBIRjgq
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDunaIiZKBf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjsyo2SSl3
"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqVO5w7ghi
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaYM5FZEU8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICooMQ2nvL
"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd9KX1SBny
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvuGy7mDvQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJu7YriGXY
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq7RIoELUk
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0I26aIx4N
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CLEcG9ZyF
"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMauRTvmVG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1jORXUF12
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkY2afhpYW
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg6g82bNNY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Gp0Ydo42
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwVlmhn4NF
"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0DYgtuje9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0ET3rQAZj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzcX8gNDeA
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDBPZt1NFg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPoGmfDSo1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPELB0DOryT
"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnimoPHPtq
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rlMmJShtL
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqW4ldx5D0
"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPQpvniv3I
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCb0omL3kK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPaZT5cgcv
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBRmpvL14x
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidnGkzV5XA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU5bVwcoQN
"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaCydkUM3s
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t8zpa03hY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKWqZIXmQl
"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mjp2sHgaa
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQBis15ooA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8xFYZhDt3
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDGZm0jWC3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt2ZB3fyif
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwPyt6O312
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwANtGftUtp
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMHYTY8Qyz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHU3UMO0jO
"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCNJRQXEP9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu3jLtrCcv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq6jOS1TjE
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGscOQoTwp8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQphXxYICI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm07QCs8vog
"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhliChHISh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX60Neu2Vj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQajaQQqewO
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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Ad3BIF2B
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Py390MRf1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDgQRfepxU
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX5HvmFRJT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZasx11Pozy
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpPX6HTO99
"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUAKATjgAL
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw186GG7U8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iJYPhBUF2
"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqmxR6eqFj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHnsEonFZO
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYhcDiSup1
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYzkFXwmzN
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvXHtC6R9A
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbLX49ijyq
"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR4rbfGLcD
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7CCkeurhz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJPjIqYetF
"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabli9pSInr
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpNVHTWj4g
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBWsWn1EVl
"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTCC3IL1hr
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMKTSrU9yz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJBbOEilm1
"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX8dxKQY8z
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKVmO0Sxlm
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAtAsyHx1Z
"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."394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN6PUfJIIY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCekvGpqWF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzA6U9uPLb
Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1absy40zJC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOAWr8EbjC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiI5bUxpHD
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8Uwl3PqoQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0KgRcPTYT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVpcS636Js
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZRQQyJD0m
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3OlQAzYJz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyrDNSpfcp
He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor77b1R5gG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkez006NE9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhv1lAivZg
“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRWPPD9KxZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn69nZeuDt7
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nNjTrIDjV
“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmEuIjIw6e
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSURlDq0sw4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaONt2XdBu
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh1ByF6oCV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS5qJca2l8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBbWbye7tN
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tSyGpAUGX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKQVMMNM38
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0j0Uo2DO2
“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1MC4Ua1au
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7tNiXPYwe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuSPlBNRr1
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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDrtBx6554
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDavN45Ydpw
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3fNuVFVwZ
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?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh1nsJmzd9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnib4fKR8zU
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfrdsnxEAk
“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L1I65eeli
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwB4HDyWBG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjUQG7B8MR
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvIRMLmfte
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4Kn5l0Abp
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHwia4zAAo
Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoT9YoHDNT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDSvhieByc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrOZUlwZXa
“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMv036bwor
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SJTPYlCvX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoJmvnydNB
They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlePnuipor
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNJXdOCIEk
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qZH7P4LNi
Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE1AjrUmxC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhKmdxM4i9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3dKXIN90W
“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv9MKXfLn0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSfaVjdXa9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpRgwvBe0o
She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFFIyUlIpf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuWZTf1J6J
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7kkhuJEZI
Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QzvckIais
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8nW3FKf8c
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qHqPuQI3t
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:394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCp3ePdq9k
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rq5WzN5YG
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmUBSB2xHF
“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk2lxJdZ3w
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4VIjaGDd6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NRwQBPGbe
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSQ6RS5Om8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWyZGBuLcy
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGscDxZDgR3
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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUNW1NbAZV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLAIoub1c6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUdvqh0CUb
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3YAZJTMjR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ApKGThWmf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg3OgnpjOT
“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyafSBRcMia
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzgjPjq5GD
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP0iuZGxql
“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAlgzHBisu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuRRBkOFRu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRv531LQLk
“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERbsvA2oFY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEvODJFiKC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerd1aOBjiP
Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdjZM3ZmK1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8d08fKaw3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9b8gMGtS5
“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq73hTpINPu
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13zTD4Opnl
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oQjWJnyCw
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUVxMiefvA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXejCEfoF9
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk0xH00GEh
“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht4w3v17Ah
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ANzf9PzeK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFttsvXe5oB
“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD9N5RCvIY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FxXsup1JC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni0bYOf2ts
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yXrrNADXg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHrizERJwd
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlzqQSxdaU
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL3HeXkGKy
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWvpAW92eo
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGXmi5b324
“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!”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTPTeSI6Xv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0fhMtYlQp
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghDosuUxGA
“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrh9wikjqE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuOoonqzgK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfFmeup7Tk
“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLPyCmXxoc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGeyjRzA0a
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4l87AphPF
“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZmpM0UHyI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4lzsKGuXF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDkhunYbuK
Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGWxsqvpi6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYihITRIRas
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZl7NmXEOZ
Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN4rgFPTaR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq0JVz2qES
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY414z2Myi
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22QiCqvRBx
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8y9TEJuLy
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTkJWry7jQ
“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nnp2jL1GR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvyyeNLL2G
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxZb1OfkFg
“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmp8fFCt5S
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XAX6gGNJc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHRw7SAHxo
“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9mdbXYXM4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jrPgGt4jJ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIViy10jfv6
“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmiHJWHEyn
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTOlLAnSww
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbNFB7M4tT
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeXViskGkw
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvO2yVYPx8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79A9ZlzVyk
“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT3WTbw6YY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9W7MGHr6d
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9RhIaTLxS
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk80zL4sfZJ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZgO3igrmr
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSiciG53b
“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLZJ4dqK3m
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKbWPyl63t
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4jlEhWvuz
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuGxmsLwgn
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvdOUWVkzo
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRWtQR39cj
“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGZcxZroiX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UMQD45z1G
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65rhooNAIX
“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zuywl4fwI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0hu4oUl61
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCJ4Z7docb
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA6TeJNKZB
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS06kWI6t6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvIB0e0Ef4
“What is it?” he asked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt5luG6lm2
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCoSBKSTJ0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8CNaIuGCP
“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10Wr3f7iSH
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sDl4An1g8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2QjMijO8v
Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8OHVOE7yx
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDP6eVYGJ3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Wii9S0bw
“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoEnc8nuoZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwvI9MNHhz
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQDlBAG0fk
“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTuSHMMG8i
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmt6nVIzEV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVvToLeMIE
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?394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CkXqHbWOA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh5343mteZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiENyhkd8tP
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk9Qd6SGQo
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXcoD1VTRv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHDaBsfn6l
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNlulAstCF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3ap5Xhaoi
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmghAeYL3F
“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumrSJQpzHQ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmH1fJkKtH
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlKfiTcUIX
“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaNzHsJPUi
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff0NHFzBPs
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwe4necFlU
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCWolAHctf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerQBX3dIdW
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8AgZ1LSqL
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GveTTWfBe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovH7po4Ijj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7NXkHC9Lt
“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39nteOprMS
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT5LRrw4g0
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eFvGAGzAd
“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvzbbHNwZE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwIafgrzc6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYAGRQwOEi
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH7shhxxgj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCuncHKYKj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWcAAAtwC6
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84AwYkJVwX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT4zshbMOE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXCRvchfAw
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrIpZMxv0b
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa4BIMW8Vn
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2PU3SpyK1
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd16giGVsh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRXtQ1miQc
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub7V3JAlQA
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XJbhgdUQs
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sNpDKgy2O
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLSrpSSNg9
“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVvkiNnfYR
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr94EAK3to
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjcCeTBc2d
“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWYd8cCeAb
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGErkNZGTX
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IPHWw9tW4
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapVRP8Jwh3
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYGEewg56I
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBQR5EZA3W
“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe4K0wjYcZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcOomSJtvV
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoBRnpCcEN
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk35LNry4ck
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP8kg4KWtF
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mOVbe4Xjo
“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtTUBB661s
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0X8jrcXja
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWdTnQIZxZ
She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMQzygzwNK
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIlnuxhyAE
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPT3pqIXSM
“There’s no phone service.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKcm9XB3lt
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8wQ3e0Khj
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB8NqjpyFI
“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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVT48APhJT
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8t6qlFYr5
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8zeNANdEk
“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7GYvOnkre
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79gGVk3dTA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOdnAkyC2x
“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx0AsqLAG6
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XxXyKwe0x
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SYa48zQFq
“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKqVOjiTg4
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0UL2x3zGC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WhpmueSrq
“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wpQ4C5SFA
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6mKvkacyp
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPztpxaPFSY
“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.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0upHUJmfEY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj8Y24fPOC
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9lncoTRPo
“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6RMwU4Y0q
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qfxxkox5g
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3iKIlr09f
“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCwG2hcOnf
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjkVjnfyA8
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIWOvaollf
“I’ll go check the kitchen.”394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU52rizby1
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaoR3n2TOY
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWSnJJmRdm
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHQO16FbXe
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGryEBEiOVv
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewW6bgeGcu
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5URG0kWLa
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6xbo7ab8H
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlp8M6ztN1
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC1wCAb3tZ
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhUCiKgLUa
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PFRj5ug9p
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTL5vfvhOx
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUS7KdUwfg
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNGdZsQQNl
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStqV3yjyuI
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI6bOXcL15
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz7rWB0NVN
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaplmRKcxt
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8baxvXBWKh
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KyqzZjZci
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.394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY2lg9JpXU
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wtKEyrGPS
394Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznpi52lmCG
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 protection390ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoT161GCzP 維尼

15.158.61.20