The news about the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK5ACZZP8D
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaUitEdExs
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9RHSxh2j2
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcyvqroJXT
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT91IAJhww
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohQuQpBvE0
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RayPdTqpj
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwou74XqWHh
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rWaAEyEEC
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EEBJ7OVl3
There was more to it 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsKCWdurcm
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYulNWYVF1
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mA6GAQ38b
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3v3NCW9WU
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMME8MOscQ
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UoszmoBOw
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTINEqBjwvU
except from a few individuals. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHuHf22HMd
And apparently, one of 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAwqFgfuoI
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HV0DrIUrW
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHkTD1tZJz
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nKanR0EJh
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2UySokjEm
really going on, all hell would break loose.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBB4xxwSC5
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIne8rUw26J
Rhénee dropped the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT6tEu7Q0i
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim9CBmx4sL
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwquKDBomcz
ear, she took a sip of coffee.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPko2EOxzX
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQFsd8AONG
"Ya, its crazy here," 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuzx0OZAmJ
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQwTdLMTMG
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIWnmAUpSW
broken in."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUGh8ELdPC
"If only they knew."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOnTyEZ01o
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTZC3hFC7k
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpLhsQWc6T
"She did. I had to make 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mNNsh2PoH
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPXLuDFsPj
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEErC2RAMO
"I doubt if she believed that."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GDO3vKir9
"Haha, looks like you 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE9tuUufHn
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbLAAUA3xz
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcenvoMB3nO
"True. But we did. I 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw3JAmn9qy
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvuyavA6R
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIzciVc2cx
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNberNcuQJq
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTPhkM9uvC
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWxMxQodtF
"Okay, bye."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNlj5StpxQ
"Bye."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KoZvzrLWt
Rhénee cuts the call and703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyspbqhmfE
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qYl33ct7m
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTaVt27OBJ
wink last night.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYFCeTeIjl
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjU2mfdysY
"I wasn't going to 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmojONKT7De
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttXiVeLqBj
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNO2mkVMC0
"You don't have to 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BU18kK8qd
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rz75n78oM
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuhuXFYm3A
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsuFZECT9j
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡladZbrUfCI
"Why Malcom?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl1RkJo8bk
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEyejUy1e8
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKaCCV79EN
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfArc5ylrwb
"Alright, you go ahead."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkqqwh3R3W
Miss Griselda gave 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWreB9yYJ0i
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQLAf3z7e4
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5xxxq9Tz3
did when they talked about Malcom. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPBEc3v6SF
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYVb4w65jF
The sound of her phone 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxmorJ5Ej2
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtfwcii1E1
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeIsxysr6O
mother.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSenzwg9zeI
"Hello?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnACrsPRzJL
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2s2A2TlYH
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8N8IrAnZ1
That voice. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj6vV2RhWG
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hNW0xWZyc
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRd5vQYi6J
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mO5b1ZRLL
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6sKjzJ9yd
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTzlmOfcQS
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOY8bjQnc0
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCj9UNyKb8
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQTjcEkZQ5
"You don't know me, 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWODBHdWXq
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce4hKt6gZC
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RtVwKUCzl
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC9H5WgROZ
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcavRnrdLQh
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0mVnIr0LK
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7OQNREBW2
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVNGJlZEDi
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P58l2kmea
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJVkG0d4vN
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrzEpUZe9v
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWJh3BZGDZ
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0rx00Ru55
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIb6V4LylM
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvpD0BbVQf
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoD0lNYDH1
"Oh, and by the way, 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YzYoXDH4D
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqWOq7j7n1
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XmrH4gEp2
this time around."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3QMhTr92p
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaIjLgAFhF
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT9oZK5Ran
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbwkYlHRQD
Rhénee sat down on the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0C0JR05WJ
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg5mk0vBAm
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tIaMREC7o
the others, who know what might happen. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKanziK3QCy
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPpCGmdBTo
***703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEpPBdddc0
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jifYFUC9O
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPqe6dWlNy
"But she isn't hurt right?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYPeNyqLz1
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs2o9zY1eb
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4VuCjV30o
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJn6XX0ZQI
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ0KKo5DvU
"Nah.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8XAQVLJre
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbe6GUecKK
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnmXaajrlm
"Thats703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rsWVv5ChB
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMt3KzGerA
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZqSFdAb9q
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQo7NFNgKM
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0791yRvQLz
"Alright."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUhx9bcnY6
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0tXRy9GrV
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKadriXsjay
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tKcO3tbxq
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqgEBvqOGS
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAzfpcqJsJ
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm0O8guiT3
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavBWM6Ph4U
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNkDn94DNv
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcloVb3BWG
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BokreUi3h
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc41ib5pw8H
"Does it bother you?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrURNfjV1BZ
"Um... not really. But.... um."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1tNUf0Jl3
Eugene703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QCHYtlYJH
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwo3jGtCRx
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYqo8jsD3S
"Mum, are you okay?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBUGDJgG2a
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmptja8wLCn
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGySNkv9ghM
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxLX5cYBV3
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywMaaZ68bF
Mrs703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjartcO8A3
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiDvscnM5U
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn0higlgOp
had talked about Rhénee?703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTtHmyWPrX
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7TsWu9xWr
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9yFy6188p
***703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy9D4pwzgn
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkNX9dsVLS
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYgqWGYwJx
"You better rest though. You still look tired."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z1Bu7xRtS
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqPvm0424a
"No, I'll do it."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcdayBKvek
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn6oLFwcdC
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl1BmfW1sp
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpsedhbYSm
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyRhC5FxkK
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1phU1pYzSb
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tFdqxVPRF
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchWfCHGRFf
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgF11OSGcY
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vLEQ2bNEK
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59voKNSAfZ
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCngrYWJsqv
"Thank703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsOnPQSeWg
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrJa768cbo
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvgAKheJ7i
"Well, yes. I still think I would."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpftEaunO0
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73HIClMfnr
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM8kChfpbG
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRIRIHU9wu
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLJizKiUfe
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFOeexWGsO
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yzNUM6QnD
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLVNtfwP2a
"Coffee will be lovely."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85qOgd8z3l
Miss703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD6ef5zQ9a
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LGVKcXcpK
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08rPIqXVqR
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETRP1mQQdf
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCraIaEvhB
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLspbLsOGz
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R2oun5P5E
"What mysterious person?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCGDy0PXQa
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoVHDxyAiT
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlUKowpPkw
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYk10rDVX7
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Q6w0saSe
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3aSG8GixM
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzE6ishimd
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETGKrH2HA8
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr2Y1yH45P
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgupEzvNTsf
The703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFetL8NjdHt
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AWfgFXqEf
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2fnqBo0qk
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYIH8xOPNh
of this.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NcPeug2su
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRhJEoAfzu
"I...703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZC2Bg1V5x
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHU3CKAGc5
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMJBsk2Bd5
frustration. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFjUe7bKz9
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtzv3z28vC
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uYFSRljrL
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUFVizOqPX
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMjQptUqi6
cups on the tray and wondered. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmw44B1BA0
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbhynzEfww
703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KlmLYi1v6
As703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7XO6bPb2U
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCMTX16con
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY6nksijA7
reminder kept ringing in her head.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWEDEySgoq
"And tell your friends not to get involved."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbFXOmp6xL
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvbiuBDtnU
"I703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm396onONU
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTjyiygtdW
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r2AK4R4Ti
talking about, Rhénee?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR2y5L4l1j
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CqyxkZ9bU
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgkSZWVb4J
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa5jxCgcn8
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXyGB2Spo8
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykNZC3A4Rf
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGbiox93UL
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoguyepjNmP
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngyuVPgUjO
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEtDQZItTz
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZTGwqtFcn
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GTunNBPXu
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiVNxL4wpZ
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQJ2z9N9u5
***703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKhm0oc9eD
Sweat703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzpsH0TMDZ
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy6R20zqod
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2wTt8WZ6N
the person waiting never likes to wait.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJpqhwr4kt
He703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8PAcZWTV4
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobVyUW5yjp
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRyrGqD2dI
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xYvbwpz1i
second.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7xKTRqHj9
He703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaweA5Bz7pU
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENPglRkro8
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqVRZZmFCw
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjh84U0VUB
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq0bagNbyh
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhpN5eYkGR
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM40q0xvrB
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeQ8iP8Bj4
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3zf1AuXd1
"You're late, again."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUM3nnmfn0
His703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKnErgxKJs
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW23t6lKlj
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6sSFPuhlL
lion door knob. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD8RfD2RDS
He703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0X8rIOKyi
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV0tPKTS6l
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zyspWStIn
"What703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ShY6yibr
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3PaAHVsWX
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizVn6Z030K
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHh6zF4Y5B
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJBN1mIExm
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO2Mt5Lotj
A703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEGkMpvaB8
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoOeTzNk5w
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGYL3koyjC
as they had their backs towards the window.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi5bsj3ATS
"You know we need him," said the tall man.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIhtR71GX9
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERDJqyGbx7
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksH7NkMSVT
The703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dV6A6AMet
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrCuNKMGGC
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKbRtoo3j7
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNEUfmxW4A
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDCJTanCkV
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s4E79pJPa
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk25dJSBvr
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfZoBzx5m7
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsfogzsMAx
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFPIarYhGB
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6yd7c7bni
"What if she reveals the truth?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuAZpnqBDC
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM1GrjVtRj
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ8gxh7h0d
For a moment, silence hung over them.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvHcS7NG7w
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0KV4TggsT
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxguBiPBzG
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Wxtognj9
"I703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp56SYT2Tp
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FjNlhoPem
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kSCu8chfA
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrxDRbmu5H
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9kOdf4lQJ
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK0jeQOPiD
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9wKOaeLRT
***703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXLnDFWw7h
The703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyF70p5V2g
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAPHk7YFdf
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuICgbhP8Yr
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKDzOZd84J
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmqgA5nn3N
they met, they seemed sky blue.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUgTHws7jr
And703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHbpJZsDrU
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibWkrUP6ok
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlV29TjrtC
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6GLktacwc
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF405Wmxf4O
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtQVPH3NAx
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViCKzZVL8H
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0wWxtfpxr
coffee table in the middle.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A6aTsUNKw
When703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq1CxXm6P5
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyObt1HflJf
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0EKSet621
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC9wYmQm0W
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzertU4x6d6
"Are you sure?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MkfNhqfZQ
"Yes, I'm positive."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa2iiaN97c
Miss703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oHDHbNgn3
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MyGyVUs9h
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cCmf0XS0u
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LRfahwW8h
from their cups.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87wwxkm1CI
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwuIxWT02a
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCacvDS8m2L
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdiI0b5Nfp
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlzDbQUMkt
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jvIiUSVax
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfvqX9xv6S
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B8boUG5nW
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5NHpQ413Z
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX7pQWFz5S
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphAVqmy2yL
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn1ULz4P1n
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTu0gvIDOg
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYSl62ewcd
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJFK0AYl76
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWGEbarIKh
"Oh,703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzFewqJbHj
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVoQ2l3c66
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYx0CjfJkk
who he is."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZBn53Zst8
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewNUthYWxA
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAs5wTnGG9
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3g2qKrTYn
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWB7laH8Df
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8u8hhtFE1
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfMXhz39Wf
Rhénee703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11xOs8zULH
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknsmZvNnnr
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc6Nj2AWSH
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RNUI96SKF
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuNxp1lYru
"Fine,703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghG5YT7XtK
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZBdVWMk10
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrylmGGWY0
or die if you stay by me."703Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJykD5AwM33
