The news about the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAymGE6oO5t
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZAZ0mcVRK
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrY1BOPCzx
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVccl9rFXf
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXduIV7uqd
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgYDyv91k6
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy7eA0dI3Y
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0hQHRvX7B
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOZuJHJ0zY
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldz6uuCMz0
There was more to it 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBPwSmffuK
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP9cHRDX1A
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf8lj3jVlI
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG5WpppMkv
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpvLMFi9KE
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0YZGG2Zpj
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMUwQScRBL
except from a few individuals. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncbBqXYVsS
And apparently, one of 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Lh2d28hg
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2T3xw9naF
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtGAB1nHmv
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Br5deFSw
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLUUGO0aEH
really going on, all hell would break loose.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJpUfN4cJ5
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5GGC6ji8E
Rhénee dropped the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1YruKVUtk
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qMX8Qo4fG
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSFOHWKPk8
ear, she took a sip of coffee.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62bokS1cTn
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT4AJyEQuZ
"Ya, its crazy here," 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpJEkV6CcB
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Tsvq9tu9
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkYJjcmQKM
broken in."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVsA9Hy3Vs
"If only they knew."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP7oGNtIFN
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMvYYzIDNw
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqasXhkIvAf
"She did. I had to make 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG955gtschV
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1MHRvMzos
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflq0UFv9mo
"I doubt if she believed that."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBQ7BoRXfi
"Haha, looks like you 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL98vG8EKEK
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpihjy0QXFp
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaePRkY7SK
"True. But we did. I 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEi2EKbbRr
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rcW3kepgG
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTUtFy9CbC
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk8VLrSYlS
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTxBPUVlAJ
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpiX0DEbZI
"Okay, bye."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jC8yCsPUR
"Bye."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvTp6IxKiY
Rhénee cuts the call and626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMXpPgPmPg
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsqvi8BLuc
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDbV8x6fLh
wink last night.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UmE6wfWwF
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLei2XqvGJ
"I wasn't going to 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLrOJN4cbP
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0qGN0dP4Z
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ST85JTIy3
"You don't have to 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoerX7Qita
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6hygX86wf
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYlAD24wWb
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnxSvBVVpV
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBHncVK92D
"Why Malcom?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZzc7r7kj4
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6r2uf5OFA
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mqqfnZrge
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bH3XpLMHT
"Alright, you go ahead."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5bkM3TxY4
Miss Griselda gave 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOuLQGi9iC
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxK2rFmhuL
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9XsP0G4Vs
did when they talked about Malcom. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV2m4Koesc
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXFmfMhoY
The sound of her phone 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0CcY32laZ
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DTf3wNXlK
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Lo0qn8CG
mother.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwfRxyi3Ya
"Hello?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw3dlvRxCL
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeYqNpJSNn
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYR7ngUqNT
That voice. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCUsCGMksA
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfJqwEFzBI
"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?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vrYsP7fha
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6hhyq3ceo
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFCq49uqMv
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5LKybCPnI
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGpxrO063z
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG3gks5WMM
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ubs0ApLsX
"You don't know me, 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYblhmq96v5
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wN0ZNskBo
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTwaxHMvrT
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7CrvgWGuV
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePcSmUDGD1
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BSf8Usbnw
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29hXCOIAeX
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J8kennHgZ
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjCIwiMHX3
"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?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywPMIXD4ZT
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvykIfCl2m1
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTe8JouYwE
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupxYLTPKK9
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIPBWl9YP0
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqT5nG36b
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpvySbmRH6
"Oh, and by the way, 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9imXtaOuPx
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5tDc0rPLj
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwb3dYy9n3
this time around."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmBiTSel8Q
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjqO4fwsiv
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLvMNZeC7w
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZHOuoWTU6
Rhénee sat down on the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokyeF6HtGP
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72EypGkblG
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Ro3NZCCC
the others, who know what might happen. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2oKG8mvwV
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx176W7LlKq
***626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXR8843icq
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG56lZsokf
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS9VSuhaLT
"But she isn't hurt right?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOO0x62HjM
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T1pSOWpzN
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bD03uE5fT
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfqMXXfvWj
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6jJfURN68
"Nah.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg3mMcLamv
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa31mYih2w
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dh62zR9wT
"Thats626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM1tKGouWP
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYGEjjwWLG
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqADdKaQT90
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ134c7d80Ij
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cf7Ngul35
"Alright."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxk9ZzBlJC
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. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjIOEuDhtd
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC4lC9nDCT
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcAH3qXXb3
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTCEgjfIAD
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRxdYU8HmJ
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3feWrFYgoi
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZBfStEnkg
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ714ABbuefD
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu8j0Qkcf5
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M3s7Q5agV
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUWkZHnT4I
"Does it bother you?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01GGVX4sMb
"Um... not really. But.... um."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlJvktos5H
Eugene626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRMajeAabs
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg7cS65hnE
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUIbPLxPl8
"Mum, are you okay?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4AsVaQLwl
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzln575OHmt
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpwoKxTfX5
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a7I09kwv4
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqONnH0UXy
Mrs626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArud7wpTF5
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2SBN54qW2
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIN17yuvWW
had talked about Rhénee?626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCKsGz5BKx
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoWrJxGASo
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL90ssmUC3
***626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJsM8wBwZf
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNlv2BbyhI
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYUYkw1HT5
"You better rest though. You still look tired."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHcfDt2L7r
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uGhScr0R8
"No, I'll do it."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLuyeLpktr
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtU3MIFw5m
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE64FaEN7h
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PKJVmSByz
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ09ce0Pi5c
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMou8ZoCWW
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SrqifKhK6
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrZ43dIZh7
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa48XoZ1DN
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Di7m4eZs
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwyU2M17Z1
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbnBPyLaCc
"Thank626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3wAVnNDWk
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCJBiidfvh
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubCEUCzmd5
"Well, yes. I still think I would."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkbp7nNC2n
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8TIgCGt84
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fVnBuQsYy
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjHf2qZEZd
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQgr3dSj1H
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw7Z9uCV40
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUEeZjlrom
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIrJtzrL9J
"Coffee will be lovely."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4mdX8KK7N
Miss626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rSsH2evF3
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixRQPtEZDu
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aRrNLMYaE
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL4okH2tK0
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1dn0NZqoZ
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7BeZl1j29
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFyzRBvRop
"What mysterious person?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQSuSK5Psu
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWFFvBdRuM
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mAMI1hPCq
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvN5LCFrgM
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnnbrBMBh4
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjiW9QZKwd
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EcsQNBG67
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNgtVzvGPc
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xRW9ZlNky
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwN5fDagg0
The626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYuc00VRFI
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZQSLnMMqJ
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUL2BB4J4h
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTExzoTtFHQ
of this.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKXoCJ7SmJ
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOAd8OSiQz
"I...626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG0MYrJkp6
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTnubwXDNJ
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSx0srAZ3G
frustration. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5iEHFIPxr
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRbIJowwGe
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW49imqVha
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzop96zRLT
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQaVaiUbc1
cups on the tray and wondered. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOwXTXt4qp
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnltXzbap4Q
626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPssvOTZb7
As626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfgGmjDc8C
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgToCXXyca
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X5nPfn390
reminder kept ringing in her head.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i76VnjQdp
"And tell your friends not to get involved."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDZv0TLz2l
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu6hl7f3QF
"I626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJApvWDfjmv
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fK4O4xBoq
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3RLiDjtIF
talking about, Rhénee?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtlULSxctN
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9zRXNAhRW
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8P8c0LkXD
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOoBmXm80x
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT2Pn33cqC
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22pwRb3BdA
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxOv4fNVFW
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwPlAMFX4V
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4WMvmaqLR
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXRLT6NF3B
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBSFikPDtZ
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwzWJfJhMf
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplR0TAeKs2
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeomMFo7hWk
***626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LJql1tsnn
Sweat626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrZOJvRe3D
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvltbRgGDu
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiRd92qprQ
the person waiting never likes to wait.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ALfyDLYs
He626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSE24iisxz
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGLipv7Kp1
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzAbFPFwu7
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmNsqNlMOQ
second.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUhsxgSz8M
He626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75OnbAB36c
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSepIHujw2
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqWqcddxi3
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZrLHyJs4u
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt2nZO0SXf
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJG9lGdN6n
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYOKnOjsr8
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2OvbchRKP
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuEVhD4V3P
"You're late, again."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEMq55hroa
His626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmMnbzAP3
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqJMxBnCL3
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiX8igv2zU
lion door knob. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j2Mxjw9Hd
He626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzErmmpYY2l
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUxSHkfuQG
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgsXjdxIDT
"What626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI2kDJz3Hw
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTROanD61yM
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWIoopkbEM
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB2qLWEn4K
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oAYt6SVGv
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9nNOaF6l5
A626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkIdgjNoJi
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtmvxY90rU
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV5t0whuN3
as they had their backs towards the window.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA8q7AJoqw
"You know we need him," said the tall man.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJrDquUjcT
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zqFdP4LoQ
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfPKbWrTiC
The626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo12i93FtD
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOAYrGDIRW
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CZVtE86sM
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYy3JRrDxt
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZjO6aGBmB
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZG4H3o48E
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKWhxADX0Z
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNiPs1lmXA
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMGzA5F6Cf
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAWvLGj8ZL
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3D41SHZYw
"What if she reveals the truth?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEfsRFKo0F
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah9Dd1G1Ss
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVHLkf2GGl
For a moment, silence hung over them.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4WisOtF2p
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMypY4t1C9O
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsh0UPX9Hn
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMbThBZRtd
"I626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7YFFWnbih
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrrCMyF9Vy
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrLgGQEPzN
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPHxgLraGq
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4761zOFYsh
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFE03ziENo
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3VbKQSdV
***626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt5h4WIoZL
The626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFxwH5DW6f
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lt5AS1siu
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE083gXWFt
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFGGYJwqcI
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu1QGGabx0
they met, they seemed sky blue.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnygK6IZ2BI
And626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6duVwZCYfv
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LsSp0aAX1
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxVwa6ah0C
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDycODj6k11
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hrikQjJ5L
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOUWJG1Bqo
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdYT5l9JC2
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgCFSbFZj3
coffee table in the middle.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Rn2qg3j1
When626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLWplNcNIR
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ONBiJJBIg
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi53uvbYnt
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeJsUjhGXj
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bqwtR86Ug
"Are you sure?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosuL9xPksG
"Yes, I'm positive."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzMwiz4l0t
Miss626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ovoW59t5V
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS9sC4fs64
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJ2TS1P7w
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJubnch7cP6
from their cups.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXlItbBQ1e
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qWb9LGF3x
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoKGs6kPO5
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw2KcQ6fhe
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAT2FmRZJJ
"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.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrvtBlG1kG
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKypTlK38fQ
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrcqwHouBY
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWoUu6hlmj
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIHQs5kX6S
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaCOCM2FST
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBkOQINylH
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AXeIbUMAF
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZRY4yLLsB
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFCSog1MeN
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrYO9oW7zI
"Oh,626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYW3MkiRM1
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIMkKt965b
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEP06aOjZQ
who he is."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIqxlL6oTt
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDxhEEj42B
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJj3i12YD3
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uBiuK7w3n
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeB5cGtCSX
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQI1rbZiNE
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe7dxG6eOp
Rhénee626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhAYZfYG0H
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDhQ35GZg0
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNweVR69DPJ
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco21TKabEp
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIYyTg9IKW
"Fine,626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbCmuIYdZq
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYtQAPRYfh
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeGdI4WMaS
or die if you stay by me."626Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5kAIGkv0E
