The news about the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3PWL0eOiU
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFddWHcuzk
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRBy7qBoQP
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD1hWkm1pn
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Cmx6OImq
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzizDsjYMJ
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvvoQwnLox
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TADf0qxoZ
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIu7agHWwg
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w3WjxA78z
There was more to it 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoK0oNe1H7
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoQFaoFOd0
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIGlVaBhuE
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjXDdQk28i
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bJER4SarB
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Z2hDNEs0
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvFop4Tgqb
except from a few individuals. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEEFPaZULr
And apparently, one of 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JrdfxyaEr
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ688dpWMcNM
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0gZtzBt3N
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXCoIJXdd8
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPMEMpD4Nb
really going on, all hell would break loose.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpXBCXzcQF
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn7agVakQG
Rhénee dropped the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lksbDNhXb
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF0IQ0EEgG
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOzomFqOBl
ear, she took a sip of coffee.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ524jMt2EBT
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1JToliuVc
"Ya, its crazy here," 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zWmc5hbgK
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BROBdcprR
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqmNoSyALp
broken in."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLQcOG9M4Y
"If only they knew."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4iR2EHzSx
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTJ1rovsZ8
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8EQbbG8lb
"She did. I had to make 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Hc3EqodS
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0BsIfsHsc
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c9bLEB4Sp
"I doubt if she believed that."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENf27Lk1FM
"Haha, looks like you 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLSELhSWPL
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfjDeqpUKT
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YM5FlDcIW
"True. But we did. I 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rCqVxsyTf
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zk4055u13
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o2XOKRit3
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7R4gFG1j9
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCz2C4Cs02
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchWZyJk6gL
"Okay, bye."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAJnlnxdrn
"Bye."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5kiaeRTnE
Rhénee cuts the call and735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt5mti2aP8
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Uw7HYLh21
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kn26wxfFX
wink last night.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8Cr6n1CQW
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4NyX6DEbR
"I wasn't going to 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj0eSyDgND
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHIEnt0IAQ
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ805r2OB5
"You don't have to 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDE783VRPD
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEdldDSMzp
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQcAq4Jnl3
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy7dQ0OkoF
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnSMU2fqyJ
"Why Malcom?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyY8rlGZrO
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cnjwpLZON
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7alCpyDedl
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgJTzuLQuR
"Alright, you go ahead."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcPolYdQsd
Miss Griselda gave 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVd20ZTgk6
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmeOgmPtxI
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jWoiFSQKb
did when they talked about Malcom. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHNirwr96A
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgDYVT1aqK
The sound of her phone 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV8jcsmwvd
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jF0cAkxyD
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5LaOVCvBw
mother.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1WA5zhG4a
"Hello?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE5f7IZVmA
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymD4gtATOy
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy85C4DJ7Rd
That voice. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoIF4JYOMS
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkslBg6KkP
"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?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B2wIQgiUS
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkpvR5rAv7
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUnVZ0lJZe
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5My0LDwGc
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW1gF2zvJ8
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC1Bj8gq0j
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkBKLq9WFr
"You don't know me, 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCIN5yqYYE
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tRrrNjka9
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh3QbZx6ni
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSYuyCgokM
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG874XYki4
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5cKogEI91
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYDE8N7Tp1
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTBjaJIfYm
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0P1xox0tz
"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?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMobPp6dbkC
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHJCplpF2Q
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvwpJeU8cD
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wX2rTJCp
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcbSyg279I
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50TxZLPkSJ
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgHcwu0KkT
"Oh, and by the way, 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswYnqNzRR4
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEcYpH5bs5
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKoC9b2b30
this time around."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkA2pzHSJR
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB8PJCggaM
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUazqKV7pp
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMuahLPq4A
Rhénee sat down on the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokkDX87kLS
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fScapkXwH
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY6xobx4Yj
the others, who know what might happen. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq2JnYO7xg
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD3ZxoXueC
***735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKMa4T9ujH
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSLY2ShE77
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsNL9zAasr
"But she isn't hurt right?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCmvyYzTEF
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUhUQOG0TA
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ278jYIUi6x
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeHne0M0xm
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3U6vaZXEH
"Nah.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrkIX7MBba
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeDd1EyjYE
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvfPDVmOEs
"Thats735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpo758G0EN
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8zKZi54ox
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlR3RLdWM3
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8qHbQWpTf
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf96fJVnrkS
"Alright."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAeZQBjuJM
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. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY90NB32R3
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv4H9ULeep
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNwpB43dLp
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb5xeUpbdx
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68DOproLmp
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuy5cSzMND
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1woF5FN3N
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcatI5HssU
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWVZfVle2F
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbR5HZP03H
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWdvMqs25J
"Does it bother you?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7z6PQuNEn
"Um... not really. But.... um."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXBtpoWidv
Eugene735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU5ZU5oBXa
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF7rgnIb4o
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcibaDZZim
"Mum, are you okay?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvVIj6TM7g
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tW2AUvMVf
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqQ0odlh0p
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTRrXalS7r
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4ddxKrjGW
Mrs735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJT3Aczzh1
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekh5q0sbTu
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLMtIKKs9U
had talked about Rhénee?735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsjaPWuQfG
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGwZqc5gmE
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yy9S4Wo1H
***735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A2UgnVEaT
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ903K3EDvp4
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO4IlGnd2Y
"You better rest though. You still look tired."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDjD1oLSem
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QEFTdg6tM
"No, I'll do it."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBVjKna8QE
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxWbmz8Ghu
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0x2jMCyVL
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKDwYw3ZEg
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXcvRFZlmR
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09ZyvDyzMW
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yZGgy5Bq1
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF579Mvy4yM
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG2NMF7Lf4
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf8hFMzW5K
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t6BgZdzol
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn54aAW3v1
"Thank735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkan6wXFPrL
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrQOn98Ay0
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnklAD38Zg0
"Well, yes. I still think I would."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTVsouSPeL
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qt13SHdIM
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQLlSxmDKk
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1GOGsa15l
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzL9k5MwRF
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS5XU6p9AF
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVoFgeGGTa
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dxVRhF1Lm
"Coffee will be lovely."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9pmI1wK7L
Miss735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPY3nKPbvI
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEIj5xB2Hf
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqZvE0AwPl
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3o0Kfx1dk
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6becGKc6N
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TrJX0B3DA
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jS4E52m96
"What mysterious person?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR21Y5l7rb
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi983JvLSZA
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDnwPXBQKF
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW2iAGk0Br
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTza1PIT5pu
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVGqCyl2lT
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOFff1WUMA
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72zH65a0xT
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEhDJZ5V6l
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgNo05ipOw
The735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8hZ2iDo8t
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5XdzTPTcq
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMekVGEynB3
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj5ju3WLTE
of this.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdNYX2IJyR
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DYAAHZdrs
"I...735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJUfEY0QSl
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId3E8E1AFt
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNFjburRR8
frustration. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEtksyFhGc
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtAcnpXnnq
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAZGNUhMiB
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mcU9dsddN
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rev8xZv4s
cups on the tray and wondered. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQEsFnOJE1
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh76TVV33q
735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPJ2ad3GcO
As735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1KJEthl9j
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMuKkUvRGy
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkOerwq84C
reminder kept ringing in her head.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMOjkRx3x3
"And tell your friends not to get involved."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpePmUaYhRw
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ueXDj7CW
"I735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGauNjZwaQo
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgAaeylE54
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5fI8kBVuf
talking about, Rhénee?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xLgPh7Ch3
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l15gw6H0n
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4XUtqv35w
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Tf9k32Yl
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJoW4eZ3yX
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ375uMztphf
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gGGmDSnfc
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP2qgv2zIl
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIJ6lQ40Ar
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVSHSofajj
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNSOxXJHGU
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDb5Syr9m1
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97R7gSqTok
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhrjm8T7Yz
***735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk97BnWdGFc
Sweat735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A12ZUI3Gy
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY0JPPzK0l
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJEHdXEDaC
the person waiting never likes to wait.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKXlsGvKC3
He735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33ULaljAn
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMaijADTcT
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQisGrX5rG
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p1yDrzP9B
second.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgf5EtA6L8
He735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuFuJDdrs6
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVKD5t7mtJ
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGasf42U3U
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeG5qoS74g
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPASfw3kwex
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9coN9aE312
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusTBGwGbhQ
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5HWRIwYe7
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal69FWATk7
"You're late, again."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0veiJwIWKQ
His735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYSjFqfxWI
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RdjncJpeo
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrWg5oOGZA
lion door knob. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChzKcK4vHI
He735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fz5BiLCxE
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a9bD8kloD
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4txB9MsMR
"What735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Sc0Otdkux
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy8ckiUDZa
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQUHd8Pq9l
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4TIpc12c5
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DF8O5UOeY
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP3NlVyeiF
A735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDyIJbjDBP
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3bux9iVMI
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbd2MxKfqs
as they had their backs towards the window.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJJOsncrKS
"You know we need him," said the tall man.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8YPaXTF1g
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWuvdlbpqa
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvzt2awqV0
The735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39G52g6UbR
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVQB9ZdcXD
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZjBkFZveG
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDdpHn0Dmz
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCyEVRqZz8
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuToTTlkxh
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1dNLkJ3nl
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8xRbXs8m9
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzh4oD73gT
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbidgyduFP
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDoRqMeSV3
"What if she reveals the truth?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpPfvYCiYS
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSZZ6i78XF
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzqYWL6Agk
For a moment, silence hung over them.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0hPvLjzKS
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki5AAB6Bmo
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94dhA6pcqb
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvihq5B9zG
"I735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX2MJNGfuq
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8ezcaEGLI
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENOrmw5nvy
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GjLRvFydP
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MV9jDkA6A
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KD2JYGMiT
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpufrLFzLgK
***735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wAIUsMIfS
The735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq3IFPDoQh
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUeeVQhAhP
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqwnb4Sp1m
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRw0LQj2Ps
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk0teLKrJU
they met, they seemed sky blue.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCFJM977AV
And735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1wHTinCF1
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMcS2pBATq
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHc9zGocIk
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJI4EewjrC
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A5cDTf8sx
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w7q4iFA2d
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5utIfppiE
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMaVMmSuUf
coffee table in the middle.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGigqLiunuX
When735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI7EaaJXza
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeQKwfOOBK
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCQ3NfPsTQ
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvzH7qXe9i
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Sx4UiMhw
"Are you sure?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyQ1sHjYnk
"Yes, I'm positive."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj4BGErr52
Miss735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oiX5Da3EV
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgAymQZMP0
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2SllbYM4f
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnXD5vwuzT
from their cups.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCzjv5xYRU
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWFI4BcZUx
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQqMPFvT4m
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CYYdwBUql
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXdlVKmsL0
"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.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp83PNEVeX
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLPc8wpPqH
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIQSlaeVwO
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSBGFIOuAk
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBrBs6B1PY
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5uKEDfP4J
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YddffJS5X
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeP0uvsrf3
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2OpAp79fc
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3boHF6e2O
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuJ1Y0Pzrz
"Oh,735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceyAqQsQT7
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ho6f7ajA
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxz8viibpM
who he is."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs1mGG6HvJ
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT24a0ypDT
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OLCoK8uAV
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OqGFPdGsP
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79LwZdWoEv
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMuUXlzHte
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGbEc3xZZV
Rhénee735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme87qN81Lt
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbSDqDa0PM
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVbDyjziZ0
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxNtqX2mJ2
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnYhtlCD97
"Fine,735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEus6iTIxOa
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg82oq1Hr9S
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1kjz7CzsU
or die if you stay by me."735Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdO7UpprAF
