The news about the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeI6vXSeDN
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl0Xvl2Fal
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3FOUL7dUw
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL4mIjsNAM
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDbwlBvT0c
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCuLI3QGqO
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SfyEvSjhy
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fUxh70NPo
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RfcMXp5RW
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj7fcbuNdA
There was more to it 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzdwO4tZtj
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyGKLjf3I2
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJuHCu6yCD
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgrFEwbBYs
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf98IBwbz3
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wv13PXH9I
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIu5osx7qM
except from a few individuals. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmOv94ZOY6
And apparently, one of 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yG6rd0kTn
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaOQXO58sW
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdFTAiNyzW
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ5kYvuE7Y
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge53ZpPlHD
really going on, all hell would break loose.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwz2zE0mmy
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnexKkwMm6
Rhénee dropped the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3P4g8VL6l
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbLcOGJxjK
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPTLRQBC2O
ear, she took a sip of coffee.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZKxzlBvB
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlSpZ5gxSb
"Ya, its crazy here," 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTvICHNLSQ
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLKQ5eCb2N
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabWpHDABHb
broken in."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCidcM5W7uU
"If only they knew."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaBKtL4JyO
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YXhFf4dhu
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6emV30bwM
"She did. I had to make 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tof7d8aCz
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVMIvm8wCX
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGc1yz6VQi
"I doubt if she believed that."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpF7XP9Qap
"Haha, looks like you 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFnHvQgAdX
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQzJz0xGbu
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaUJN4nL41
"True. But we did. I 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4krWwzSdOV
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ATEhju8Mn
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRYlGfjE0g
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iKB2vEuGw
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsrEzVmoOs
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTJBFgMCS2
"Okay, bye."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cFvCm7aEV
"Bye."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpLL3Aj2Rp
Rhénee cuts the call and733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi8bRbnBnN
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RyY23Vae4
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYMTL5jIca
wink last night.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg43XP9xli
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDTNyEV4hS
"I wasn't going to 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpUTDTaBQw
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2vbY5fQCX
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVobDZDweK
"You don't have to 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAfiuNzvXQ
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjHZP85WKz
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKNgZB0weo
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDHFZhA0MM
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUDbBGlAps
"Why Malcom?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFBHKbQ2IW
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqS9JeTdfb
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7NiAE9V05
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mCfrfMRF8
"Alright, you go ahead."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZehonX5w0
Miss Griselda gave 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIljHeSV3x
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKuDjgvVdK
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV0c7WYm0L
did when they talked about Malcom. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySSRxmXvjd
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXJ5hd1hfs
The sound of her phone 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlqgFjkjFm
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzK8MN7DLy
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8GGPPBDTv
mother.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUepfvnOiQx
"Hello?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoFQXdYNzj
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcBAanVm8x
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTVofoyne1
That voice. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFFuqTF202
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oLcC7iSVr
"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?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLLINKFIGV
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqQyXMqMSS
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFXkQAqAYN
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoukR57nOr
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhFxROhOJZ
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNFBiR8lqw
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkpFVPK1wK
"You don't know me, 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtyLvWpni8
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNgBRfr7SW
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm0PuLDiOe
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6MdfSn40g
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMEEV1F7Pr
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ldr1MwQDA
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlwnx6LTmh
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0k9mxSJjz
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOavuu3Tp2
"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?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEGqbAshnj
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4ZBXeJnTL
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpGdp8Usu2
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7OvlrGmj6
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSK66rwx99
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzlQXDa6Nh
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vVqgRqtld
"Oh, and by the way, 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGygZ4q8f72
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEZP48y4hm
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCOz2dqDyn
this time around."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRqQVXqnfY
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV8Rx0tfxS
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8hB2KmxLd
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfCl2Cbs8i
Rhénee sat down on the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzvW6yK65B
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DniBO66rm
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tqAiu4PWq
the others, who know what might happen. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5Y14psxZ0
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5qIXwbsfH
***733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXcVb1za2X
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd9Bh9r0qY
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdXF86etP0
"But she isn't hurt right?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRNvpNujDl
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt9l5hoX6f
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aDPhQEM62
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vPM5SDZUx
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOkeo01zJx
"Nah.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z3iHs1CPv
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9ry79UuM9
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94XnvbFNKK
"Thats733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN56WL4YjQv
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDFwHpk6vg
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI070qsrBV
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUktHURC0Gx
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvXvotQO44
"Alright."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ1Nl468L2
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. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH942uA8RV2
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEzlC3kScZ
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDxZQ54HDO
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0NwiDq517
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcgnpyCLux
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAECLdamTcg
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKw3V2ecFO
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uKSJkSkhB
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKM7svQL19
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lkdaRose8
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEg4xCBLhj
"Does it bother you?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2E3CBqr0P
"Um... not really. But.... um."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNTxfXeAik
Eugene733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKP1eFFn8p
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgpOxH5jB6
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB7Duuce0b
"Mum, are you okay?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrPpYBv4iN
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX28JtPL9LW
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyKydKOPZp
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3GMnMtIU1
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bZFJIF4iY
Mrs733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOGbRnQuiF
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscHahbgYp6
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl4uMdfsjX
had talked about Rhénee?733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldlNC0ewjR
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejz7xH7yTf
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2113cJAmWi
***733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP1UT9IITg
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGprBvmfxq7
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4tfAIp6Ci
"You better rest though. You still look tired."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cIFipCS5P
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7O5VDkKF1
"No, I'll do it."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGayEtxcKtb
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H4c2uZccu
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3URsmrMHiK
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafxG0EpcsI
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIv1O4jDqG
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfWzgFUsZR
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRuOiSENKq
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHNEnLnpJv
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3eZsMuj7l
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqPktbSBdd
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7miXVOQGI
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcaCCX5Ji6
"Thank733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TeHi5ALVQ
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUXroYZXJl
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXl4s2uL2Z
"Well, yes. I still think I would."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVBcQg240R
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPBEP9pUi2
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YZggdzmUM
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8Zk0Fr404
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUOuCocWba
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QobjWitLF
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SYNKbjGP
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR0YMhEZE5
"Coffee will be lovely."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgz1UdztD6
Miss733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iJGWThQHd
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GBgsrPUaW
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b9XDNa1d3
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGit2HNI3b
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRC5Rbp5zO
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvprkmAwtGi
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjIA6qty2U
"What mysterious person?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqiQJ9ckHk
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbeh0IUOYl
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxKlNw1mxj
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSFrleQtC9
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS5ujE9kqZ
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdPoXImaet
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWfitkGEVa
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB44k0IotF
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGXnWqz7Uy
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWVJYeKnUq
The733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4IybCrCqy
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXkcPKlwut
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzlSHUJJnl
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEubWzO4rF
of this.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcrJQt6Kbx
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3tOvBi01y
"I...733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYfHZcFQaf
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLElia8oxiW
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKOsTNuWZ1
frustration. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu0GXO1rjm
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGRSkgQSek
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K929gu1cV
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bv5zwTzuK
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPaQAdqUJm
cups on the tray and wondered. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sr5QNB8V8
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoFuaZ5M7w
733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7I8i4B8e0
As733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp3vh0HbDu
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkwOcPDTYk
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0MvCLZmOw
reminder kept ringing in her head.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VnsDnwoDp
"And tell your friends not to get involved."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOKvj0HfB1
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfy9aiejFm
"I733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJeSoZeUyA
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JPx3YJEAg
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwHP4Zd3N
talking about, Rhénee?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDljHW46v8
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMb72VaZD2
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm1P4K385I
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiifWyOm7u
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP2EP4UGIQ
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS21yc10UeZ
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB1PPlrOem
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtigThrvTr
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjvRlMEgaX
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMEsYJc7Le
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz2sCW6mF5
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJPb3DTRxT
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzwRao2OlS
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8oMxEbnIv
***733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1c92TOZUb
Sweat733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpQ9QzRjz0
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v4CgGBAJ7
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezxmKpLgaP
the person waiting never likes to wait.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Iw9JQQ8i
He733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzooac69F7G
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJcTjL3kHz
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHosskPl1r
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsZaDW8Ot4
second.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBPEiv9CyP
He733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZCc5qcICt
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT56SVqyoT5
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGxQA7D91w
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV2lvnInRm
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcR1kcxw8Y
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65zJKF9xNs
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3LoBT0dZ5
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerLH7u5CRC
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHaQPZ4DBJ
"You're late, again."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApfykxYbXM
His733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZVnTMQua6
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S8AgOvBr3
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnzKVkStJl
lion door knob. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKUQUKI2Fg
He733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxLYgwScCw
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r13keXooD
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZTM8R3UsM
"What733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMREQxBAnJd
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDxDvY1atT
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE5zIG9paC
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccnQid7AYK
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T5weNkCWh
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGuE9U2RqX
A733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Xq9Ff6zx
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYnH9eypzc
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFqGCB3GjY
as they had their backs towards the window.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz79zHaiPu3
"You know we need him," said the tall man.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknLzgQPk28
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRp4o8mOxP
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVLQk4OB1O
The733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qgEzUazOD
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM0xd5vPzB
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitrBQMpXhh
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP5A0QnvO2
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0il9jNhSq
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScSIbyT74m
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh2sUIF46n
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITtNwyYRza
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq8kq5h2LV
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeXIwdtTeD
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaFYmNZS9D
"What if she reveals the truth?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRRW9MeQFH
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqjz8stkDF
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAwAR4fQlP
For a moment, silence hung over them.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivfbWSSwNU
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReRJxQumk6
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9qKoUSWCQ
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlWl8QzLHY
"I733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FbsylTy36
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoa568AW3p
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiCj6gt47n
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaOAtnDz0x
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN6hWSpqGq
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGccXbcNLTy
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreSmbQ9O9d
***733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsGJDo12KX
The733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUvIxbAAuU
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf6ZzzBcbT
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkfznXTwza
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglKlSfeHyS
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzDo2riByN
they met, they seemed sky blue.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5FF3wzW1u
And733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I7TA0ICmT
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyMdCKMIwI
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpCcNAcUKa
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmZuQhPB8m
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjhM6WZCoJ
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqYLRy0huA
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYk6Z0Pa6X
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpG3Nuw90f
coffee table in the middle.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAEJoB8sJr
When733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9PIDgFAXd
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DML0MHctU
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIYBQuzUL7
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMLnOP8fxc
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn4vZJN5PX
"Are you sure?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7tjVXvR7R
"Yes, I'm positive."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrEsCAcZu9
Miss733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXUKwSOovC
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc7Hy6vtQO
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFR2EXh8iu
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJN1a6BLGw
from their cups.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4yTHmgREt
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx42ULxnqrG
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS8NHH7ZuW
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8MMoZZ3JN
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu1UrqGjkm
"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.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvgIY2gCmn
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hks6faz5C
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJYwj7P2dN
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3NefuZ25E
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nArIqysC1
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLFlXwhvf3
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIxtAVFTp4
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JM741vLK0
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkPSI3fTbW
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAEljjViwZ
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tpi3pgfz
"Oh,733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eca91peVO
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ec7TNk4w
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzx1Nfo2xN
who he is."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUx8JOfOlQ
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf3larsZhV
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRfPAnGXZY
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUe5LbO8Gr
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcybmJQhng2
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyglEHLrO6p
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9wEaNKgOu
Rhénee733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2NnIsSgNu
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2iYxZtmX1
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rAPojSJTG
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkm0DkrLI9
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZkHpelF6d
"Fine,733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4urws2nvqP
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkruX1gwHz
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F6HjkxzCZ
or die if you stay by me."733Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHxJ6SKfUr
