The news about the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK3eQQGri7
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabpUdamQnU
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkweFdiTJar
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKHhf5KjLJ
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaKPIawXKH
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡertJRNcLBO
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXgDrvUE2E
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0qbA9h1ih
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8shcCkrmA
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT467iIREXw
There was more to it 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjGd8iJ9Gh
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRNeQ4t50S
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOf6JQXche
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhraf7WQHcB
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWe0TNAPya
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2J5gk1IDy
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1mGEAhmpB
except from a few individuals. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJIqmBxss7
And apparently, one of 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpyyY5xGVg
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr9l1TFIHe
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNeQauemxl
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9M9M54Lz8
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jy9L2LFOY
really going on, all hell would break loose.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSg5oeXXqN
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYjaApynzg
Rhénee dropped the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Gydf96u1Y
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHDJ5AqBOM
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhh9v21aOM
ear, she took a sip of coffee.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfnUannxPL
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ225FHzCLzs
"Ya, its crazy here," 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmM6Hbf8mX
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABbNAFsEBy
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJACsQNuab
broken in."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO52pIilDJ
"If only they knew."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO462rDbue2
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJwydgbWIf
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvHOcjLrmq
"She did. I had to make 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVwxVBf5OM
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT665UZNLpG
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLtFRtZAbT
"I doubt if she believed that."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZHVzKUxFd
"Haha, looks like you 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8xxIDGhnB
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDvW3g0bLH
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidPYF0tPWz
"True. But we did. I 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx0XJ5znO2
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB5RcJ4LMT
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgsRqEwFx2
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunEKyNCP66
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bjhQ77JG8
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp5XNeYnee
"Okay, bye."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIR2VxRqvo
"Bye."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqPLHcz5xU
Rhénee cuts the call and676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrI7dbHwX2
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwrW4S0wIS
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2xoaXtgmb
wink last night.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUV0hEzBco
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ4VjjXQMV
"I wasn't going to 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUNbLnggHZ
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mbmNlvxFk
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeIT6a7Zas
"You don't have to 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AzdeglxlH
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZzEsfHMqo
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eZv2PS28L
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytsRBh5rSl
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0alEoL8nvU
"Why Malcom?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBqVuZDb58
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHEcZVvwrk
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9asHBWnJ3
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9z3ii24OH
"Alright, you go ahead."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7G81sIbbk
Miss Griselda gave 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGWLpsw99
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd6XHlI4Ft
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RZjQOapXT
did when they talked about Malcom. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH44RmBIlLc
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiAbSonZQs
The sound of her phone 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fMVKQ6U1D
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXO5brIXjN
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Upt8MgSf0
mother.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48QgjyOmUc
"Hello?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm6T6ShWSM
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh5IEsruXX
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR6AqBzuQT
That voice. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIzJdpJahn
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy3ElzjQMq
"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?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQwasFZtHq
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoLJnRk4Ju
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASPMLO3A1V
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OtNC0zyWz
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy4besEMlf
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR81yH9XkB
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWA0dEP4RA
"You don't know me, 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ6Wke4zhv
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ788uCADDsX
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wyS21euir
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjRoM449RW
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBG8yP2lNi
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZQZ6q9rwX
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodWJzTx6Ia
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT7RwccfGt
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C50LBZLiT
"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?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqx9G8tn1d
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa9typXVrm
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxw1a95fre
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKGMYCenKD
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMDJcX5cm9
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62C3SnWurF
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6jP7vZi0e
"Oh, and by the way, 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy28FyOAxIY
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDl8pJ8GKX
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmQodYL9K0
this time around."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNOopBxf81
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunL8B1Phy3
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiwanGEB1q
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboZJKaEi5L
Rhénee sat down on the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVbIch9fjR
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCDL07amC0
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TqltSNXVV
the others, who know what might happen. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSw2gNcslc
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qjTgGiwoL
***676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12KGlCtsb4
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBRivP1Mr4
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdnpYI6J45
"But she isn't hurt right?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaepLsIklt6
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAptm7fJB4h
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jlQ8HEhhv
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ661b1A5MEa
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrVnFrPSCE
"Nah.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGBp1WIcee
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmx8EfWwXW
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm11dQNLlnt
"Thats676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3xvbCCBIq
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz9LWbqhsI
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7XNi8xKpu
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmVRxSbHRz
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSLhQ2eSGJ
"Alright."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWmR9cESa
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. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwhbAJZO3K
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMzqJtYHez
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczlhV04qGk
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPvVpYmxLg
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwONodDh18V
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NhdziqvYB
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBnpRQ8XLX
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIW7ugXmlx
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjibIxmHUKY
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1VaT7DNcR
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBkQhrPGo3
"Does it bother you?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERsnus0IeE
"Um... not really. But.... um."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wt7FzJe0C
Eugene676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MvDOZ7XKG
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcVeUrUKtA
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z4JdO7zOM
"Mum, are you okay?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuags4KHvxw
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gNkv7wvRU
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULdlMq1LnE
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4GhdplCva
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYrHAagUMr
Mrs676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIhHjuMX8S
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk6ksR8MWY
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UyGhD38JL
had talked about Rhénee?676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWwvIY3cTw
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzezFLAs6B6
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dkAGwXqeb
***676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxDJLMhRU7
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFCPpwrZPu
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJDT0uugxa
"You better rest though. You still look tired."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcOGOcvN3Y
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLoYYYn7xF
"No, I'll do it."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SUwgFNABL
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuEwTdYzPA
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q9wBh44WI
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYfWTdsxxJ
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxlID1cUjh
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e0kSCSB7p
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanFDrLkAj6
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrwt8uEo7h
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36yOxqkaRA
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KBf1WG9rG
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrqShev3ho
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEdGOW7kXv
"Thank676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWc56DEufz
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXx4SuTs4q
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTojtaGxjU
"Well, yes. I still think I would."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMYYZq0tpf
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv85pDXFvM
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ijDMWeJi5
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHrBGz3QWn
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajJdAlTr8G
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbIMNOLoDC
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXMsTiOJIC
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrDTZvjEIm
"Coffee will be lovely."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMBTDx3RbX
Miss676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPuS3kXmUQ
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlCxrpwVf0
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyrjLf15oG
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq8tceK9NC
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPNNnoF2Fy
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB5OE7serV
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjqaf8qsaw
"What mysterious person?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0wMVU5717
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g6XiFx0Xp
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeACD09dogJ
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk2ZPzulCb
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5ykAkBNmN
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxCR6QAM97
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDywUyqcqcz
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49PGsp9aEd
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWqEBgLUEX
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB2X8jfoha
The676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0rbAE8NGo
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zdm8wHANm
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkKND1Ds63
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaF0kIyx8U
of this.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyRYwjLybA
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlissV0cl1
"I...676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFrGOkRYGR
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoein7gO5BP
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0WsLUEbsX
frustration. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsNbtEoqEb
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOqUfQF4ai
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8la2dqf778
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbafyAWkmz7
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXryOgur7rr
cups on the tray and wondered. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVaLTH9Z3O
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02fMbRC1zR
676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYf9UerNtL
As676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdIIh4CwcC
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEFtg8nAAz
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEPmKrd1k
reminder kept ringing in her head.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0fFyKiIcG
"And tell your friends not to get involved."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefEOUhlIDq
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qgXJZiUFa
"I676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQZMCyhi4k
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqjKkIJLvX
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPNrUStRpu
talking about, Rhénee?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6j305IPu
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcLHFwvqFC
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyu40CreIe
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVagyKnLKCK
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoLMDqaV8g
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8HokfGoAX
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N4zocFxJj
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5fx0leQs5
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7fUPq0IrA
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BZjwIFUKQ
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WVRUeLuYp
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuIIZhGBNr
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1y1JWZD1W
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnR9k8oq5p
***676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mlYSJEWpj
Sweat676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZODw0HMM2
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4O73DioB7
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfCjFfXcJO
the person waiting never likes to wait.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinrG9AzfsL
He676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMwBiOHfCE
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7PWPixQzX
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADXLEw0uuk
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqj7s5EhEc
second.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVJ7WHyOfi
He676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TrYfaQmV3
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE961pRk9IO
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6ZwnWn0BT
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JqJsXTXoT
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vXRkd3gM7
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlzZOfdTrL
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76o63DPSAo
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFfXkRcFqJ
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHU34GKi4r
"You're late, again."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcK0hwCq8u
His676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpZftpC4zL
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskLEKOT8cM
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N72Z1Pqvl
lion door knob. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdZrh85QMb
He676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN32SvLrvR
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL0zsiUrgt
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67D4EwhF2s
"What676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9awplTG1cs
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9KfHU0NSw
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQzcpQzD23
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXj6WO9xLl
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDuG8IWrSK
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjX2zlcmXE
A676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DU2hKlB3P
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRwVCddwSv
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMawdHE5Ybz
as they had their backs towards the window.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQxatmnHjk
"You know we need him," said the tall man.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJTfmkWtNA
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm0VH63T6j
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDFviYZokW
The676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qv8ncJD8I
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs2j493xEM
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGkGKNO8WL
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhksveUbkT
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXtmaQpc7V
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jObjOqDj1
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7qrmGuOtL
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMcXftaDx8
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphMz4eNssJ
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zmHE7glnV
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DXYto6Mfv
"What if she reveals the truth?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0wboGkdRN
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6S1zUi9GP
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjxjvcCtiH
For a moment, silence hung over them.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLlT3nS3PB
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQfFaBQMcC
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHqwoZi4EF
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSN4c5OUR0
"I676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQBAPrhxyq
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHZ93k4BSU
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE6mtGQXLO
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJxuQxXNVw
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcvnUH8f4R
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3Vxqao8s3
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZQrmaNCAF
***676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluplH97VB8
The676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv81MrAMqU
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgjUC4t0Lx
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTZxxCRmMb
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6BnUprRs
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ848EeuLb4I
they met, they seemed sky blue.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbRH3Sk27l
And676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz8KG3UTb0
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4yWQoe5lB
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstl0YWwube
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUMbYTk8le
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAOH7IbgqZ
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdheJJU7F5F
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpSw3MZlNR
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaYCxvPjth
coffee table in the middle.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2pqz2mJ7A
When676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwhLctL3iS
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb9NGTYvox
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR68m9ZHWEW
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnmVdk463z
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHraSw4RINy
"Are you sure?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIms607J49t
"Yes, I'm positive."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79HZVd9FpG
Miss676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G0aOZh5aB
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM1BzTdWFl
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKnr4h0aCW
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukFCpdoJXv
from their cups.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8jm0JXk05
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL348Dp0g1g
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jxhU356Qm
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VjaHEh0gJ
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAwblY3ixU
"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.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGexnIimSU
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgukrPovEYt
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjxDNhCij0
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJYtIrxJgn
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikiN2hYnxn
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UTjM1bilQ
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J1ISifNvz
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUpg1x3GQh
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ryKJYJO7s
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMVf2bE7G1
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI4Ucs1bmL
"Oh,676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIvqiuHbOk
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLFM09rdo5
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFIiArrbCW
who he is."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1AVHfyc20
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEvjnXchTV
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP9GlYK0yA
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UcLLjgBV7
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWBPmu0wNy
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rb5EXS0tJ
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQxxB2Qjbb
Rhénee676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkkCeac6kL
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS1RkULOlE
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoDvs4PVCI
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMChYopuLq
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbzYi2Ielr
"Fine,676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWlFaVAIhc
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsnyKfOekH
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQT0f05Ygw
or die if you stay by me."676Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6emYFSonX
