The news about the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4QlRbWkM0
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62ER1JJ8KI
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwjYsflAaI
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxo1J6uWv6
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjN4LUm0xT
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI0Sn6pfIH
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9sQNapniq
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj4wdd0gSs
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZgbHG0tAe
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3KRDCBF1n
There was more to it 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCWXYeAJtv
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpUbGnd669
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaGXIVs1aL
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWRQUB3ffG
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d7LoECD9M
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNTeyLPkYf
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1adTTly66S
except from a few individuals. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgFM4riJpV
And apparently, one of 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY88hH2XBwZ
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBqhpad5n2
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDkMIMxUvo
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7D5KWix9V
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ehefHprlb
really going on, all hell would break loose.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSCQQn9YSI
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfeCoLM6iz
Rhénee dropped the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwyVOirvgM
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPszu5iWnBA
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a2hVinpzS
ear, she took a sip of coffee.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZSNp2CrQZ
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VFvJxWRl2
"Ya, its crazy here," 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSV42AyZbl
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ZSTFemte
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqx6rQcXL0
broken in."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyl2CY7Fqu
"If only they knew."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJapd9HglFO
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hC4AfaY7D
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzcfLPkc6S
"She did. I had to make 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DPOAzqPtS
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrSYQlmB7y
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAj2YVMMkS
"I doubt if she believed that."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpnwI4aOKP
"Haha, looks like you 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVq0SG50zj
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AQ1KH6t8Y
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUYQMXw72L
"True. But we did. I 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhijUOwOc4w
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIJYefcOg7
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjqBrgkyaz
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB58vxEmAS
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7atcVuUJv
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K9dNQWmXR
"Okay, bye."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDyuIVzyQk
"Bye."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SLntuPvFL
Rhénee cuts the call and709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaAwHapDnM
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuSTfrIMuA
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ierMK0su
wink last night.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4UFHpUWjX
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmpSghhjQ2
"I wasn't going to 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UG759BtQX
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoqtSAxLft
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGH5t7ZAFT
"You don't have to 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIvynnll5N
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH9UIm9ocw
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdy1URiR4T
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmUfYQGWEC
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgbU4X1ZsE
"Why Malcom?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG68pQjRfM
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVWi87btU3
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzEJU75Z4R
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Si4lQJSDt
"Alright, you go ahead."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8B2iA1hZo
Miss Griselda gave 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eODQuFKfz
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XJZYDw62E
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPhzsHxtfd
did when they talked about Malcom. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgZI2l4ybf
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa688UzoQv
The sound of her phone 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RLzaihhxQ
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlc1sNJx0G
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSE0EiWIV8
mother.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYW630UCfU
"Hello?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFhKuOsjlg
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ngBmCDU9R
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm1LuflPmr
That voice. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzPlp4I1Mj
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhyZ0v59mh
"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?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlsjFETVge
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxJFi93XOi
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHBSI13MmZ
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNagM8FLePz
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsJSIaMTAg
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtwuvvUsJu
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k8fqNyYwd
"You don't know me, 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRUE2JgLHK
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdzKMSRRuw
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNPelmMon7
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqXTZpjvWV
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHhQQ6gkFP
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarCt554L3g
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzerArs8JQ
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRhCCO6vD1
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOVVqV4QNI
"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?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC6gHxF2yh
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTgTYi0Pz0
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBWRXAcJZ2
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vCiNcOnx3
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Dw28sRDe
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyCXel3VR4
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktJUV7ciAW
"Oh, and by the way, 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUU2H7dt1l
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLxbpYMIq6
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyLq50TzLH
this time around."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp50jLB3Mx
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7gkY8fuJu
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFs1TNs3sh
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorRLosnX62
Rhénee sat down on the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8c6HCjxK1
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWYhXkge1D
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjDXRhQucz
the others, who know what might happen. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUX76pawtR
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4JxiaV8zI
***709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc07rmONko1
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCvTNz5BBi
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJL3pjLQbJ
"But she isn't hurt right?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9Y9Rc0M2K
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN2iEF0vae
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJGcbXlZDS
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYPVQRk7Cx
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UlBryycaI
"Nah.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg1AzuyZ8T
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpvWaXX6eh
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzvUxLDgdq
"Thats709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TT8vbiKw3
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeJIY3v8q3
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT31ISKCfHN
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVwzk0A0IE
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98dkJzxwIg
"Alright."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLqGqr8HC6
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. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvTFUigsIg
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOjENgn05l
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEB6Q9i3kL
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc1E6Ncppc
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwdLa6B7gm
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTmksO6Ic0
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9XYXVRnCy
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGqVYIGDB7
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpCnkdUtoK
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA26wpyhuy
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ40qfs1g24
"Does it bother you?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbttJmTNt4
"Um... not really. But.... um."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm1pcBSVo4
Eugene709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC41XUycC2t
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEBHl3QCRH
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHeY9sgC3m
"Mum, are you okay?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExmFZc8NV8
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtvtToLDUe
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6BQ1vRfEv
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYDW2oJmPB
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1UFgclAOw
Mrs709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkaynn2RW3
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRglnnQiqOJ
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q1OUAZuuZ
had talked about Rhénee?709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5U98Hndn9
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIPYcqmNvm
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHeGC8XNtc
***709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSO6hKhh2e
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEokz5D8Yem
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywdCFtcYRF
"You better rest though. You still look tired."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWVZI9wVba
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTELquTUOV
"No, I'll do it."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40Goz7PyUB
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4VUpzM4tu
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx7qM3YrWg
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVGOnPuBZI
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMleoXT4Kp
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1tg0ibafc
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvUUm7s9km
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zKVUsRCE
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdK0qW9r1U
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CxtKjMwU
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eTx8QuGIj
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol0AJ7Up8Q
"Thank709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek8ZcFgfie
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS1aYKX902
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNQOBsCDP6
"Well, yes. I still think I would."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5hKtF02eJ
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYgZ3btaLv
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGJyP5Poi5
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCPTJdSvVP
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXiG7UqPoy
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOHSdAIRwl
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRSm0TYL0w
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAsMd1SK94
"Coffee will be lovely."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EWAjc1jYL
Miss709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3o6y0UP9F
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclV1fJV2Xy
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6B1byu0SH
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXatLhJvnVT
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFmgNpFoWU
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrqbpfGKKQ
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDnjcWDyIF
"What mysterious person?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb0FcZxSed
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmvAyb7YUB
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hn8xHApKg
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhIPOanOIL
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LdjGZE3YF
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9231v39t8
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4n4wmN8gA
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCrg3XWl46
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6OvwPzUiN
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kcH07QTpF
The709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGtrRH36Cg
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjE2CBXcCw
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaWN6B6D5g
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLrjPkHCz1
of this.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ528ubdPCMY
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEeOhtuGaC
"I...709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDl6qXCV91
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23JQF4E5NY
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm0dyK8mJD
frustration. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeZBHbBLpO
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCPdzzf4E3
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbCWRFyGnH
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdPRyEqWO8
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA0vDpvZvP
cups on the tray and wondered. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQPz4rH2A4
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgMX3jGEMR
709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsbpvY7mew
As709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3EmApygNs
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslUteNYB6X
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbLtwFW8ek
reminder kept ringing in her head.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMHUFZp127
"And tell your friends not to get involved."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2Qv0Vi4Pc
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNPjhKXlNd
"I709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg7ToDpzLW
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmbqBFO3y2
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIXrUjRsX9
talking about, Rhénee?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkZWshpfkP
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmkR6tva7g
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtO00OiuAt
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BCJ7AN6ge
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq17viClKz
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8X1fLOulH
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKZqEu12Jf
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2Qv2SgEBy
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2BUMF8lIC
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15TRRhwmZn
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi7sD9O94l
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8dLHCl1BJ
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzN4h4jwun
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVKs1DE5mV
***709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8iFjDhzLB
Sweat709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinIK7Skoc
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfLKyG6MX9
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tTDuEwA1e
the person waiting never likes to wait.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aH7g6NKeK
He709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmvreoe0eT
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsLg6nsXTY
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Eo5dKr6r
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtARd4qOp71
second.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41Xl52CE1Q
He709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2krLh28yI
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLRFnK4V78
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3M9fPsXxe
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqarlPXeos
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtO4HFHudu
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuZRsb3d9G
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll7p7FUF9B
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv0jD96Jf9
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirhcZS7DEd
"You're late, again."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgakYaoSMCy
His709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG0NIpaJAX
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAvJLt2Sab
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQC818SaPY
lion door knob. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMOngEdbJb
He709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWLdwMVBrP
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHy79Bt8Sf
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQl6IK04oC
"What709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G99hmisFr
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK77v6dTwS
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB2R82EC0v
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpfn4RAJRT
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQz9ol9X6O
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWdvPgpuT3
A709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYOR61F0VV
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa3euLa1EQ
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj733fLFoI
as they had their backs towards the window.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZCVZHIAyw
"You know we need him," said the tall man.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFFThAVlfj
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjqLAnPdNt
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9xDKeDAlO
The709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZkIFLdulj
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1BQeerFLx
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhV7SQ56LP
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP19XJKFroq
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzYe0tVDpc
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOZAdTMSDQ
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc50BYpi08Z
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENrqwgIPFR
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVIqP0PHAf
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXCpeU7f2R
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9hXtDJMvz
"What if she reveals the truth?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDu4Tz0LlR
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCjEeSf9EY
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZru1ynWbG
For a moment, silence hung over them.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvybdoByLM
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu985ImI9lr
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoi6azLktp
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnXfJyohOS
"I709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilItLtpPra
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LeLjqI3zy
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUkYbrAFXX
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXft0AV5sSJ
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1mMVcn0SR
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOtoaDASNd
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHTFTrT6oM
***709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZQJzLEmBT
The709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82OOM3p9R9
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw1FTySgy1
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURGomELVqN
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXBmEyy393
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUPRNjhG6t
they met, they seemed sky blue.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOqYi78ULU
And709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PZIGeGD6p
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp80h7UZzWI
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7suPsc07cj
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOysVXDcd9
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvtpZzhSZ0
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JTxrZ0KmK
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSbaUE9Yf7
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4unrKQgxss
coffee table in the middle.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIP34YWaE2
When709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J2atV07Yv
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBduoJj11kO
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpXbrqrm5i
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWWBGVFPZW
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2LDs3T7dj
"Are you sure?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Oy10M9zyN
"Yes, I'm positive."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7fmAuPqx0
Miss709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcntYEyMGa
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfcCsrWuw9
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv44Zl01zc
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ljRfT7N0
from their cups.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIY6G0YeTo
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnPgnpru3v
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tqcb9f6Ce
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNDORhSv9k
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKYw2Hwrl4
"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.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5gWt355of
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4c13LIgt5
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG5RJC0Si5
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OsiOmHLWq
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFIcXnux9T
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj2wiZYphh
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4FY88wUXS
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNIk0qeoPc
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5gWeHNjIr
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAQ79bj6vA
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbOQWCwvJr
"Oh,709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTeimNCxKk
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VvemFFvJD
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTthuAoYDEl
who he is."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna9hsLF128
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyLB255THF
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrCZBVqkJK
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpljKtXBuj
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK5Zr1Tf4U
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjqTZSEofj
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6TwFVeYK
Rhénee709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nmkJ0UMDJ
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0C4W46DUH
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBYYQ9vPWT
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjk3ANI9yG
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68D4PPUWsP
"Fine,709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzDI4sqBA7
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlwFSXuuXV
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph184beR3p
or die if you stay by me."709Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ6Gm9Ws5O
