The news about the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qANgV5JtA
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajlgqcXBkl
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzoRTdXoMT
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU664oGfEKm
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNevct5gPq
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfp1BcRFwG
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr5F9SiCZT
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA4GDqkWwC
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmqJiJNZSP
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApTXyoKegq
There was more to it 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQVicdqGJj
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtR9LjZbnw
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f0w5QDULg
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDn1YeEiHi
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGjajoczZb
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrD3iQ4DkG
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sum71RkfZ
except from a few individuals. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg1sJQjh7c
And apparently, one of 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbhkqqhlTu
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PtMg8ZhdC
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZhHd0ilv9
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBXFFm271y
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l8FBTXuoT
really going on, all hell would break loose.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYWsiTeQ7C
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzwvLkhiXb
Rhénee dropped the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS9sNhTEz3
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70yhCfkF45
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnLKDnDdG
ear, she took a sip of coffee.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJoVJIMf5W
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQyymYoJYZ
"Ya, its crazy here," 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmRbrujHOn
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4I6UvNoll
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivWMRe8nxM
broken in."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpHjBRdXBD
"If only they knew."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY8cLPn6PD
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvAPAqeSaO
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMygzhDHJkt
"She did. I had to make 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTjNwRujv0
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaBiioKSuw
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFestcUWne
"I doubt if she believed that."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFEbgc8Ztw
"Haha, looks like you 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNNspX88Xj
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwacl1r2Od
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQrifCds1a
"True. But we did. I 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqlkdZDVcy
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uJcxtdA2O
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYInWXFlpoI
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2xMNd7XZ4
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTkvekQh2z
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lh0xF9fK0
"Okay, bye."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6nnwb6KXz
"Bye."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9YeYDrBY5
Rhénee cuts the call and673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iWMG1iRJP
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKuT2fs39P
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3VdHgyNyI
wink last night.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Ma2fcHw4
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa4lVgJHvI
"I wasn't going to 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs1S2BmkgB
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvccjRxJTM
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38hrgZvipD
"You don't have to 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGzvXc3KEq
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kn5Z4guT4
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9nM1kVmty
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfPTEoln9T
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9aUtMVjPB
"Why Malcom?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3naq5An7fH
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvPbQ8G8Qc
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRqLSkFhlW
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6JU4ZM6lg
"Alright, you go ahead."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrmLNc14JJ
Miss Griselda gave 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIYiOwpNFl
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb1ZAPvO9u
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcAMkzC23H
did when they talked about Malcom. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W28xhWjfT
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzGOB28KKY
The sound of her phone 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnR8hAXXVe
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFM3oG8a2y
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXd7GituSO
mother.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX2x5g8t1G
"Hello?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYfMpkgOPN
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEtp11AyHH
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFWVWb6asN
That voice. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxPLRmUtlN
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6rd2IQmr8
"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?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuBRPHJ4lt
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkY4WcTOt6
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi8fUP9YwO
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tEUnLJkPg
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiGFyqBWim
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLyrJSTKJ1
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr58ZXh1g1G
"You don't know me, 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLr6aV76YL
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDbHP9zab2
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fOl6eBaFj
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVItinrDlF
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9ENAPmXhk
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJadszk2cDI
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDtfTo1BhD
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZd8HLv3WX
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfppX1ZT3D
"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?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFoS9ICfna
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrHnMhVBw1
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozS3EwJODq
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV1Ub56zh4
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKteqJBbhC
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhXjozWPOs
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgMJBcbcwo
"Oh, and by the way, 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxF2dhhxKm
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EITpmBwiY
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RFF9DjlAb
this time around."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2EgXjGBme
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq6F5wCHGa
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYQmolGKO2
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qU9JdIMyP
Rhénee sat down on the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFZpgYSHHk
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWTey5sGhz
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaulVVEhjo7
the others, who know what might happen. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMmV8O9fz
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK218AK1Ll3
***673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHf10lcHY9
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HB5MalNfh
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ88xIC1fL
"But she isn't hurt right?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVj0IKeR2R
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraYp7dzHA3
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ot0C6GjPU
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZQPpx3eLc
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQfDHNLJ6S
"Nah.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevc8Z7yos2
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqdYy5viru
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKjZNPPpSw
"Thats673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhHhIxKyBu
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn1JXR4cIl
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo6KvJYgyT
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9lajeYjjE
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAamYf5AlG
"Alright."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGoDVJfdyP
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. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdfLpdY3C8
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWpsl6pWF7
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT8UhXxfFn
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r5BrVFufw
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWlbWLC260
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FqzlyjTUv
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkKYW0rDjJ
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCefe4w7lTO
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR5dYhYbGc
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMjaZQig8A
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOQD8lIshY
"Does it bother you?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfiydNBaKR
"Um... not really. But.... um."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC30OlpbUQ
Eugene673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOseg9PmCC
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdRmIzrj7h
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGt4kqVmc2
"Mum, are you okay?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUkbmolvGM
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNT3NC1oO0
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVBTl4C39U
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPahEF7wOEG
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIzuA5Cscm
Mrs673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphECOClVhQ
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQqpt1FcCC
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkxZe9eLwf
had talked about Rhénee?673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJrbtz2bmS
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq40ejrpn1
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZSCOlK5Xr
***673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTHJT9mf4S
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVnXqig1wO
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvshibn72S4
"You better rest though. You still look tired."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDiNhvFmID
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMfkNj7lsH
"No, I'll do it."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWwVrEA38c
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE5eDxt5eO
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrsLnP4tY2
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHRrlnsnw
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9A76vtbsM
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKQzrZqPq2
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPehuWPCIft
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR4lhR2FxI
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQTPWBqO6S
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWfZgThqbp
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcTht51K46
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTdbSCiySw
"Thank673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO2IbxCTud
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiLthDd5yc
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rX0rJFOtS
"Well, yes. I still think I would."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ddXMgN4f
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hlqvTFvzp
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gQ0ur6FzO
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL4oWPXLNm
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwC5pmoQVz
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcnggsMooN
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8kGd9u4zK
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VScShyCHI
"Coffee will be lovely."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73sF3m7fBG
Miss673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4L8C9QP60
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojStr41gZj
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb4iTm7xtB
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSODledZoU
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQUPMAno5
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6nmj8mJKi
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKF0lhBli9
"What mysterious person?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi9loCzHAq
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6cNgiEdWM
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WnMskMnNQ
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAK7CaBefo
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYWC5AUzHH
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYZhuWJwjh
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAWFBxtR7s
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAWdYMimy6
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkEljmZixb
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vQOFygbuQ
The673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnJLygYIMZ
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB37N8QwQv
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVAthVJWyg
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5pd9qQbwR
of this.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eIhdxCuxs
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1w1lpbmS3
"I...673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX3wsUSefb
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs7UQqxvsY
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IpjOtzRZ8
frustration. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pSiuy0JHV
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYF8GPy7FW
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Rcjr4Hcz
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU91zvbcuWI
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2WYtQzYsd
cups on the tray and wondered. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPjdJqXSq5
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03h7mcLUyB
673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgnVgVouPc
As673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83HvPbzr3N
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t0YpoJAgC
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeOxgubcUW
reminder kept ringing in her head.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihHUW34Xps
"And tell your friends not to get involved."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3KoOWoqib
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXGKMyfO9o
"I673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukgKZur6Ke
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtRATlBTza
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXisO5xizqv
talking about, Rhénee?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqTGdrJLXp
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZBBbkuuON
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT0rogS7ZU
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFKGhZVv8n
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4ozBCWNpM
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuYsSs7Iw4
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsji99GnAyg
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3uvNGxTFm
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx16E3iQ21
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC3TKaz7sW
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszjtTuVGiJ
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBFUhEBb3e
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DvOf9XeAT
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC03nCXdIA
***673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q9I47KI6H
Sweat673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07QwnTF3ct
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtCqi9iof2
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXsWaHhtMQ
the person waiting never likes to wait.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcKqRXyxCh
He673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgiAOlpojB
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKuPqq2ZD
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ8HwGJCMC
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2N2yr9sDq
second.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyV2S1KKYh
He673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl52FSZu4g
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmprFW2Xbmn
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVafJAugbH
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblHwwPSc6E
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzVzLE8LT6
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmxW9c9G5Z
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRI6wTQQT0
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8dh6GuFzJ
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzrS6WAgtW
"You're late, again."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk14cVtSbcU
His673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hyDD9sGlQ
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHDZIPkiL2
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMtjpD4285
lion door knob. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JZmldyjK4
He673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4jNPeaO7Q
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopDSAd5hZA
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHx17bdtlY
"What673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPYmXGqVM7
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLHBWRBzeq
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQCadKfo59
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RPk60Zx0A
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddgJSPALrQ
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcvvxiANn0
A673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zMwKvcyYE
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqcS0RO6yl
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzbz1ojjTt
as they had their backs towards the window.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrCagFD4Zw
"You know we need him," said the tall man.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqHinvBLqc
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE5InH9vMO
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15KweoiEz1
The673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1RYRqx2gq
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6rIxXMs1o
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOsuJzIXwG
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg66YiFv7Z
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGBW16EASH
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp37eRHthZ3
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOVoGaqe8F
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFcP7LcsEJ
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7hv6NQWNW
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxCsZYH2B2
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkFzHauFM2
"What if she reveals the truth?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5YXbTiYfD
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5M0SiMXaX
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ790qdVQ31n
For a moment, silence hung over them.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuH97GYlRE
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFi70dBg3V
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9se9xbrzG
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBJMFUvyyC
"I673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsWN7DF8Z7
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoofEHz0FNE
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gcID5NnXm
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6DSpbDrPE
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfzLHDV0T9
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr4VUh42Kx
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kdHzSIHJG
***673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtD0NWCLGD
The673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIlzmWiHoN
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoPDEKanxs
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAulaJjWHz
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kjUZvhJUE
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cjM6gFXo
they met, they seemed sky blue.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqh06dLOAh
And673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeR8W1qdv1
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKnbB5QeMz
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ugduZmkpF
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0WC8wTREX
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtgXCbgs7c
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBLWRLtg9I
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFMjmyWMXv
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvEMd4UXx5
coffee table in the middle.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLmMqdFmtV
When673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAbwD01vZH
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY0ebNDQ1X
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX36d3x61iE
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgCU4L6fVX
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WqVssfJi5
"Are you sure?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMzDdcDVzj
"Yes, I'm positive."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdHsYQK0Fk
Miss673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixejj5fQPI
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHdBxRm7RX
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5RFRCdjDe
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO5DOks2MZ
from their cups.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfESIJ9jf
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dJYo0Buqm
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmywElM07aA
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4GtRQFOoQ
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNgs5BYqia
"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.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyGYxg8Nil
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyodmsZZtK
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOHbJ6wDFD
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPFp7KskBs
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAd1XHZolP
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZNGU5dBvw
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmUhov4aPF
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPhN77jzxx
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAmsR8RL7Y
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94sninaunW
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLRlIeUCkd
"Oh,673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl24HUjFNNa
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALU9oIwUwH
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdkgDuIaCk
who he is."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnYl61qLHz
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIsx4Zomyr
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAuEL8EX30
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IS0bGddNi
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsuAflsrzA
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdmDmay6TU
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG1ay5EcSf
Rhénee673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4JY8aDNcH
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpgdNcg5CO
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lJOlUt0qA
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeAehLn5Lj
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvKPrvBX1G
"Fine,673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV7s2k11lh
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkRE5UeMKz
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrPe4mfODn
or die if you stay by me."673Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodFnUHxUVx
