The news about the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgqb6MXefB
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DMgFAo71E
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C6UdeiRvs
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEf18l4yRE
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSNEgUkJ73
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiSsgZ1hM5
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsNRtJ1Oti
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxJhgbBtl2
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k2JQb9ZPK
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF6BkVdV7E
There was more to it 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlWfEQFu8M
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQb20wkarO
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXkxWNoxwA
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBgT3Piou7
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJTlsAFnMK
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb2BEJqwjT
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXb6vr9BjE
except from a few individuals. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY19pdVmRW
And apparently, one of 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX4TvqV8w0
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus4PWzHTkW
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbZTGFI9KU
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzokHaDWFPM
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRYTaIinlY
really going on, all hell would break loose.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW90DGLRlp
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXImuVZL4EV
Rhénee dropped the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rP8gfiqLv
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE0alMxOpB
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcepdAx1xIv
ear, she took a sip of coffee.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5Go4cheTT
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD8Wt1lkJ3
"Ya, its crazy here," 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97PBABYMHm
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3pa5fnQpB
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0ICdINiR8
broken in."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmZ6UFIyyD
"If only they knew."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTKZvKJChW
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwuY579rKB
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BV5dncBbX
"She did. I had to make 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KqDFUesYB
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc12q27Vcn
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yZIyt6Etu
"I doubt if she believed that."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi7HhJddxJ
"Haha, looks like you 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjRtuNpCE6
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa52ZJwvOS
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVxjutw4om
"True. But we did. I 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWJfUIIJLc
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI2KP0Gybo
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGHjGfnROF
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjinj8H0BU8
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE3WJlmUtx
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWvJIbyeI8
"Okay, bye."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNXSKadcjq
"Bye."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IFVpRGlWB
Rhénee cuts the call and732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQttWdx5uvt
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCI4jLLAi2
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfAEQZ3ss8
wink last night.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0MS8sHZfv
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGzBvgEIsm
"I wasn't going to 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGLXQBvg7Y
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoFTjK9nEh
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCvCVJXLQ6
"You don't have to 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEuRMOvswV
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKxeorbJ4z
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOy900llpH
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMgU5yKaMo
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaoAdHkujv
"Why Malcom?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2L2U2T2tA
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uqz7ssIZw
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFatM4gzE6
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQXJyhMkwD
"Alright, you go ahead."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcn4PZkZEV
Miss Griselda gave 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiWN4yVjvq
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMowmFtMxrx
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb84Eq8LfJ
did when they talked about Malcom. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHinW7wz3V
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGnAY666oW
The sound of her phone 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQiSwTimvB
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtSdRYnDbj
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0AO88svP1
mother.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdyUlSWXUh
"Hello?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenTGMeObXO
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsEf8Aq3dr
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtcu6mo38A
That voice. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nDjqiKrRA
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oKXxATkjv
"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?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbGAmcI7i2
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hSlNgxR6N
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveb6EH6vwB
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9isIzi35x
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQwQNBnfRY
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoib11PvkXp
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt09x5EBamd
"You don't know me, 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ6KO84sOk
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy21X71GibQ
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ITg9s5jYc
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQnFYscwCa
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1RSZpn1wy
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzxb3AbI3m
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbDlWYNz6u
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBEW7ZZHLe
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUcSUZTBoO
"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?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9gbPbUVMT
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D2q0LPPOg
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NfmoZubjO
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O10D7VKC9
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aqEgNGgYr
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkKlzM0be4
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgSUpn0o5U
"Oh, and by the way, 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TRYRnXE30
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL5XX67yjl
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ONE6LSgte
this time around."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9H1l5uBoZ
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjcCf0dVH2
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia2hN5hQ2W
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ970WnmRvGL
Rhénee sat down on the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEoVlWIhpH
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxWNrl5mHL
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8xdhhxnWS
the others, who know what might happen. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOSLrSFfWD
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k7iZUXwsY
***732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ05SKD9CzS
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TDZUvbjF
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ6ftwqjS9
"But she isn't hurt right?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKbjGA9RFk
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrVlhr0QY9
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1yJ4ECmkr
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzZMVoAiPk
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxoNAyRhoi
"Nah.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy6mPWMfom
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg1R7SnmZs
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW6OILV3qp
"Thats732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBySSzMexPc
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHmsGImpEH
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ2tzQDwTs
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gAJMnjb4H
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ98ZYBRTiP
"Alright."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNRg5VpgMj
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. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvuEpebwi6
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFQDIbXEP9
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsi2VCUFEB
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OkbByzHef
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQANwMwv8B
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd5o9uJjgr
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ng9wv7rJo
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ771FBJuupN
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU0mI6FAjw
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UDND67J4M
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoUfPFpw6K
"Does it bother you?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDpToR0FML
"Um... not really. But.... um."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nEkJzbsVk
Eugene732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhFOA5eiMd
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua6ZS1L63j
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoPqgt6HsU
"Mum, are you okay?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQQoJ56rT
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZNaKD1zUN
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ1Ev89kK6
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1he1cZdXcj
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzDVN0jqWg
Mrs732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lCByLoFnF
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i5itYOATw
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs2YbBBhAB
had talked about Rhénee?732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7QclonyII
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxw85bUoT6
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk7b9vSzpw
***732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyrmeDZb8u
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZBqylA1rv
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrgs0P07jk
"You better rest though. You still look tired."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPYVk4gk7W
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ouSmTdYBI
"No, I'll do it."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIQFDmET6f
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kWPkq3HR4
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY05qMIRORp
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrdqGPAqsQ
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0U9VynCfL
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CVdhdqmgB
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rwsouqXyi
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVopobefQZ7
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H7mmlft9v
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMYT4YLQpL
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nbndVkfvh
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88dek4MhUM
"Thank732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGyIapkM24
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61QkIue30h
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOh4UYShO0
"Well, yes. I still think I would."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst6TpBNeEy
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL2ZPWBNDr
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K1LdXyQS4
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxJhi2vXp3
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38jWypTYw4
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvr582tfEj
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoauoI2gLOm
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YiWRjOZ9N
"Coffee will be lovely."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMKiVMAZeE
Miss732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGSZsjkplK
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECMn6ylTN2
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoUxCKN6Ny
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQrAdkvtJD
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunANDJYd2a
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JXcpEGNnB
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyzIfKdUZ0
"What mysterious person?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ku0lmPBud
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY8hMMxSeN
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SCUNoIMUE
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaBxp9HLol
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJKE7mipmZ
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSR5MUebfT
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzAWkT8jU0
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhiAvYd95V
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuOtrLmRdQ
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWgeOsVew7
The732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SzxsnDK1k
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fxjC1TG2r
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxOYIp0GQQ
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoEnwDiN3z
of this.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApz5GPcfuQ
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO3DWVVTut
"I...732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd8qg49vje
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql0Y1zc7ZW
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0M1520BLJ
frustration. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfl0oEfLNU
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCNfnyKMfz
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCrnYNDF8u
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheeXA721bQ
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Eo122Z57
cups on the tray and wondered. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjKQdGKXjo
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzEM6hy5hq
732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyvx3WThPL
As732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZHseDNa2Y
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jtPNeCtKg
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mEAyfGcr9
reminder kept ringing in her head.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqLPXooQQb
"And tell your friends not to get involved."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHOLrtpJdn
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nM4iMDwaS
"I732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p2l1W5LyP
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyiWAwqMp8
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCkj1mLTVg
talking about, Rhénee?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfejQhKJgp
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rhb3czHKF
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dEGU0838z
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56ercEO0wb
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcokjqTFFPQ
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo5IjjZuZi
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeut3PC7glJ
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj26chg3hZR
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfOBSowOGk
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMwTXJRuYy
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYXbhjmgun
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GXITCmWs
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRagz58Fdn
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1dL4lUYCO
***732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogztVWjLaV
Sweat732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplmC5zDJaL
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXuyXF4Hpe
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyF0hyekc8
the person waiting never likes to wait.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNULXXZ3ny2
He732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtFWdG2vwh
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFORlG6t5S
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OFPZFNpsj
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U4u82irUx
second.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwccVqjDvi
He732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jPSFai4ms
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gDxurNrgc
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2boAvjnoc
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQT9gbC64l
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLhnjdY1IV
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOic68FdJnE
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxf7neZkEt
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoEQi6rjsV
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAoHb3AOjI
"You're late, again."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFRfcHzI05
His732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo2GNLctrc
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUofYpzAQk
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7WJ11UKCR
lion door knob. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGVD6Goa2c
He732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT50O4IdOg
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10RRrKGYmI
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS5MNgvxZo
"What732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13KBlEtYG3
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96iCytd7Ql
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPhZHWgPJ4
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5uCpIjFRw
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDlSfMOIPl
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjlI3QDFFA
A732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXoqp0E5bh
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOoYviwhwz
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQus62bbMP
as they had their backs towards the window.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIxhgi0RXq
"You know we need him," said the tall man.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Xm23T3mb
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVndljgZWmz
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYBHAGMg3l
The732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVEKitoGxY
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgh0ftQvw6
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrUneQFBKC
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2l15HyUUq
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXH4MQ3emD
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCPEJPdu9F
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZEpTg7DhZ
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpM6aXz596
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvm6UU2K5K
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXNrIOQwoW
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ9LUbZS1H
"What if she reveals the truth?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ot2YVqpMO
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiSGpJFUPd
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeukoyJiWwF
For a moment, silence hung over them.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRWWawWmAq
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc436S7X6Z
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllLm7Aq6EC
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZhhj6WwF7
"I732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9A4jZXKe
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8h04GXbsr
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV3gTpuHIv
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqkcrg7zzL
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ4YqnCXHX
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMOh6phW6x
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGa4pZtl7g
***732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4G4teKBJO
The732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtwKsweOlD
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1p13lIz4R
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ32l6QbU4
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEg4Sc3MoJ
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApLWmamrtn
they met, they seemed sky blue.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvcxZ1uVky
And732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2guphsr5TZ
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ByuhSqB5
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwAGMjsrgl
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44GtzZsede
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz7q9N4hVe
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIIvEnWTCS
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W9CmlOXN0
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pyjZPGR55
coffee table in the middle.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr89mnA7jl
When732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrEjSSeH0S
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IjDASecDr
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcVWDdZxkc
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NoMEF9WfZ
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfYN29an14
"Are you sure?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRjXyAaoD6
"Yes, I'm positive."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnLyAj8SJd
Miss732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2MF44KBvw
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV8GgFB6nk
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8qkgryEO3
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrEWu7iMMS
from their cups.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOOvjTMOmS
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvxLyrPoi0
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZJrzgv1Jr
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQi62IXTZm
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuJSav1wEc
"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.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ98ur4mvWT
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCq7wmG4NK
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCLr1nIGk1
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47nle8vHmO
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxbZNLnPUN
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz30H3QyjSJ
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf56VNXGPE
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNPxzlBVTX
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy9KW2hkHf
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4LBFLWdqd
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aT9atoPJS
"Oh,732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R9MwJehE9
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhgp1pC5ck
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1xWGySVGx
who he is."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKJnpbHqDN
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0yOj0DdHl
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSChztoIE5
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp1vR5EveD
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPxwqbMYPE
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pepscb5mN
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53LT3DlrFM
Rhénee732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB0b3z6dxw
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTr8EqB2Nk
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEqPzsH2se
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dfir0JWpS
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNsDS1CGWL
"Fine,732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MizqLFFHV
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dcEnhxaom
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fNbsoR7sD
or die if you stay by me."732Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmlJ3rkouv
