The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dFHFsEyQ4
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGglTZXaaq
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl8tbIzTn7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJHVhkpd4y
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvv5WXkEhv
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy5vVaW9jo
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR8n1MPCOp
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVf4Cyb1ZT
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIyuljmqyT
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzLiRzLb1z
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6Jf1eprKS
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdfzZ1ifh9
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsns1X6mXn
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXqXTbBkq9
"What kind of trouble?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqH0Dx3Y5y
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplglm5Ai2A
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFnxxIr53x
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuXw69uGAc
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZk2KRk4Pb
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpXEzZJWKd
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvGkJ0CdGN
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PWNEqKo47
"That's good. She needs to rest."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz3bUsqaUk
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s6I987TOn
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckvtmTnMkt
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqiDDp9xl3
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2ovNJdXrA
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcKFYU30TD
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxeUkRZupH
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo03LLR76c
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7eDMqQie4
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFffbarpX9
"Ya, sure."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBak5fyu7W
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrnGkx7iEN
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetiqgHLLlP
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Bs6qtBKX
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pe1V6mIKC
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsQ7Thv5QN
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYJQjlaLgB
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeLl17hsUD
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqrTiNXsis
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UTlO4qy4j
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsotKl8Iyh
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLOTNE3eqf
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaThgR9uqer
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwbMgPzO7i
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKIdcMQqzX
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP2Z7Ao5xN
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFCsSZ4uMB
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSzvMjdgJM
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyTZNhkVEv
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEyv040UpN
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXlvGOEtWj
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJqHz3ix71
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk2YArnr7I
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnMmJ9mw4J
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzn4rAHuzy
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHgmsZuiZJ
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIK8wBhjB3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbsJ1vGtb6
"What did you say?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEemfhBOf2w
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBwagfN5O7
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DC6xQBmsO
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6QqSlvkDX
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82HaxEm55b
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILPT6YccXj
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuOMVThNI9
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHGSmB9CUf
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjFCY3DrnH
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNiNqVT488
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxE58Qfn9D
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F2aAGEQi9
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlPo8exQDN
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLeSALTppV
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsrWFpMQuN
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcohRYI0Sm
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77lIy11hJy
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7zHzstgJi
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4loOFFrkNS
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwBeJOZ3Xu
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDmFfr3Bzs
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaPCSvbgnU
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq5o1zYQ2e
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ILZHC4RA
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QK8FrUE4u
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TSsmcgC5O
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmYIAMJndi
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ayR8JHv3T
"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcEYceydk7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSNw9EqRPF
***552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikvXwtvFeF
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAycgCWAo8
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnjYy9lSbZ
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz7VdQj46Z
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV7Kpq6wfq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroItV2swNo
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1xuFxS1hV
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAQVPlQ0GS
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WHV4iXBE2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwyc6tElGx
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oZTxdgF7f
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyHRSEpCvi
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6zrJ9fkGD
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc4nODMY8i
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQDpNWnFFk
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26SYOvNiVY
She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8HQZPmW1V
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZKEAEYKJ7
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeDcDSow3j
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0W5JgZs7
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLnq3bDupX
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHdS5D7ZrA
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7xKLOhCuI
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o9WUgbeYP
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDYXPPK4za
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHXlx4VPio
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB4vFQGKpi
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD0t718fBE
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W6VI6xBsT
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy0p0qfGrP
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKmL3ztsJM
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SLjioJoeZ
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArk75w8Pg7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZrYIYzxBy
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqp1rcmDkf
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRitDSsXM23
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGMGuudOxb
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0gNETIAwf
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiEkA9HeYJ
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyPRZ0tGPN
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU2Bgxa4uG
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg2j1XL0F4
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJrZbpAiWF
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutWefldXy3
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCfGjVQVl5
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDAZCoveex
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL4wgvhD4R
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGm3hXHqpC
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lS9hwkM13
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg85mgOEi3Y
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPGbxFw2Lr
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkQtoLOMG1
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCsYck3KHL
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LnZJZZ5yV
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljqcxWfglc
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7Ia70jIUH
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKsr3AdZED
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LuERFcwoP
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnAqa5pSpQ
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKebsSMvmP
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmEOCjNvCo
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFKLAac8cQ
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzzYbnQiX8
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX5OrMWzpi
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoHOksjPAs
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJMw26o2Kp
"Do you think she's killed before?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYGJ0tyTA1
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBkKOKsM6h
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BlIpLLNmg
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfeg9LS8oI
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbyZfSrsKk
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBravDJQnn
"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Y2lt9g96
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YYhk0oDXQ
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Ni6ZhXb6
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnchpEDuZPX
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdseRAMKKVe
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUynlSgen0
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBMaeqTf8X
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkbNOMF1o0
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78vXrd6Lac
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGPzP8ehFX
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaT7m8nfo7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBddXHLYnD
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2hdmgNlJ5
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWje8lNZC8
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x2bhOuKA8
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xeDYOblhr
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfvMOf7MB3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsO0Mkcjvl
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1GHfg3SGz
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneorRNY0BE
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU6ewA1fFv
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTlrrB7t6e
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSctkzuo9ev
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEVXk1xGpN
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu9eQTqzPN
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BKaHGjUMc
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2DjpJ7FAs
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9f0x6IHwS
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBwzuA2FJ6
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT4vBhGi4N
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsIs6Mv4E5
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3t73MKn1E
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLJlrXR8xm
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eFOsAeBHs
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmets97VMo
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzieNTsA864
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4E7lmeotS
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XbAZ0TRI6
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNr8vtoxBa
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0UP2tkYcC
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIlf0YAYzp
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEScNfQMEqq
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi72PoJgeA
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy191JDvFnE
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGweY2PI7X
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWBOxCabL8
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4hRyhFoB2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD52lYPyBj
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7IL54wMrj
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj7sSu1HYc
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUONNhco1G
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHydLjDEFA
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0yapvwO8R
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbUMplJhUU
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxru9EFJhB6
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza4hl3V7Ob
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIGh9YGnfb
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBj4ex4LrS
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYyogjuYP8
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkjZ00lE49
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMx7Z8m4V2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphe5p94CQa
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe05h3oZRp
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13WwRrU5dw
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3iuFyGeht
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Njl1LRNz
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMp8V1ioOq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGKVoUUVPx
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2tiXDoUcP
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30w1uzbnMe
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuKU7yvmY5
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mUImQZQCe
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWcjWL96x3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUcrPDibjn
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTxndUziHi
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA7mUodUgI
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGrcLFaRLr
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVSBfB5c3g
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3AwjAlzzn
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76XsJpTw8c
"We will," said Kevin.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzIF45D5ME
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQQHoY3EQ
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKzXNGNnX5
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqJjwSz9PA
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK152dRJiT
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq9nOfoWfu
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNCRrZ08LP
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z3gU95HWM
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs0VxmRIcq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33mFtGlWMW
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA8hmBxddQ
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmUtcoDEn6
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhtSGBS6mC
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMX12M9stn
"Rhénee, wait!"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiDRH8utXl
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokyQUTfr1k
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNVdI6iEbB
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck63CpPvBn
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWqvENbqHg
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcDpXWReyb
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWZe96vwVc
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX2NkIfeSv
"I'm tired."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnYMrdrrbq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye0K03FFbs
"Really? I don't think that's it."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3YrZgcGb4
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y0aIzpgrq
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGnd63btIV
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U0keOquci
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciNYNYntd7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnViTj2UOnM
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uj4nX5J0L
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r7BhsmONq
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK52T2N4fy
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ujZpztmDB
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvBUvAk9TV
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dShsPeoPv
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCJ0An4QPq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHNwncRhTp
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxxsn2FYkq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4r8PswyNU
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuNo4x8Qt1
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDV6VJCqls
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrKumWjN1S
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIpssDrU8k
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MwSyw7rjP
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1r6L9xeBh
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3dGaWopDT
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML3kc1pCyH
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJgJCb4gZK
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6VdZiMbgm
"Good. Let's go."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAtrf62aoX
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlMkcgDVnj
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uq1PC5BF3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7eDTJpCjc
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPursDo0KG
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0Srt8TpDb
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgDylGEr7Z
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH8Kykn4ri
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGylmwyWVx0
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L7t36eRuP
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lSuiTntzw
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0knfj6oTw
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNcx5A9E52
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTndRdbfp4
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LNl3mL6ka
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sv7yrPwSF
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGvj2bNppd
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqA5Oohs8s
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qBozmsyKV
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmAeWS5Vzo
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkcJm3FFFd
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtTPB76oUK
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLV9fbfmKN
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM8k6or9B9
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUKOF06dlG
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7YiUc851B
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptl4RGbYc7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ45yyhu76t
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfkSe5xBsC
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vLzaoxILM
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCGxdQo9WI
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjCGTRAUFR
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNDW8UBRai
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnZNKkliQU
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYMct2BRSL
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ697vgBtfiO
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iQHS2wviC
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDbywiBRad
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtuCk6PRQG
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5IYrTXCbH
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLGShAF1rp
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNTA0kPrEx
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaawo7xQKp3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3w2s0qB6N
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjXsbYkMGI
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0SvrVSuWA
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UXF12ExBu
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX4DP0NCLD
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMEs2MkoqQ
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx53wcmnSHB
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1YN3jlb5E
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR2W3Gn3sL
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKsF6FUp4c
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcfXfZu6l4
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKssCC0X8ME
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZgSQO7L6J
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yokgbhwwf
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcdxcaa6Fd
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKBdDpB8J7
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACkaHSWDHe
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiyt4NSRor
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToxUYUit9h
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovhCJ5cRDU
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U9IttYAsD
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vODqJAn2z
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5flvYGQZe
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM0m1pBz3e
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZNw7fGcEv
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy5fQeC3Pz
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iUOx63PNS
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO1lVIkjg4
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTqu6fUAUf
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl5i0Grw2P
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJMJzKRvkh
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP5leAnUfc
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwxSphAfdE
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhDIEFrhrt
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD5dkpdBoZ
***552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95n8zQofhA
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZlMEz9rH4
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrlKAHcLQm
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUexpQZs43E
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJbHeLSOLI
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQWbilgk0o
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxcfUgoFn2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM8G9X5d6F
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FyZzUZ9lv
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigXBZ8nCnw
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3n1uDMoP3
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDSG7SDf35
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQy9uQn1hp
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKJWByhTlM
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLYlYaf7qb
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmTsAFri32
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEHxx198po
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x0o65DOko
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTq3SMzZl4
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzyKeADzJC
"Really?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAQLyttni2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw71cI9aw0x
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9sVs02pYh
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRfGVURNeU
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI1YUCVyaj
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWnY1oC2ZX
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wLsG3zBkc
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpBiAGNzAr
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv5vgQ3Cww
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jKCt0L02l
He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEDs5T4cnk
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP3n8Rx0kk
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZOL1o6rTg
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE9epKOyCl
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3z9BxGqGu
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3RDfxGmUe
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNNyKvzni2
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWz1RlKq8O
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7dhT0SmrS
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA01DUH7vW
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlInjot58C
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WaVz0ibCv
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb560CCHtN
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoujZv5iHiY
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIh0EJxYce
"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5uqGH4zRT
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ncpmc89BM
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa6YNVvgMG
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T3gRdNkUX
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjdsFFomJq
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpGyV1L2ly
Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaCtdA5rZt
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9UPsBGybv
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWsMLtg5r7
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ym3MBo52K
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTgcJaWd6S
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGmjfokpSR
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks5VG99Yli
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JGNevlra1
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuNxUVn2UP
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzdKRwEq0H
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJM90V7nLl
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81G9kZu8Gc
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmC1xKCqgr
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JjSJbDU0Q
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPA616jIlV
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdzbUW0bSy
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuPQ2dAVn1
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoKgbn8KE6
Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLHYaROWKb
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9oklwPGlw
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XYQ27vMZT
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhnR4q7AWP
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"Oh..., nothing really."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIywXYDPZ55
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3Dh9mTjDS
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ3dcu0EEO
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58viT2aOi3
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS0GEcMC0u
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvpj4fviGY
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGYtlr3lqE
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlNSAlRefG
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAG8XMVTXY
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSQHVf8KIK
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbNVAZRo3z
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXEWO0On5z
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3aKJxuyO3
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WwrQwcyTC
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJuR797XA3
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLCRWKSk0Z
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd4RZEivVX
552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6proaxVMPU
"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6cdxalUOM
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQGf2wfIyF
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c3W7sUHpb
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.552Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOvprDRjUj
