The sun began to set farther to the west as the last of its rays hit the windows of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings. The sky gave out a soft yet strong glow of orange.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a1j1Z5oR1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNZmokUclq
At this time, a lot of New Yorkers were knocking off from work and heading home. Some headed for the metro station or used whichever means of transport. Others stopped somewhere to run a late errand. Many people, students and working class; school children and those young enough to be held by the hand, were also heading for home.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1p2sS0mLf
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLFfwzLEt7
Leo stared out of the window of his office, staring at the sun set. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the door open behind him.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIu07GjjOa
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi7zeGUlnt
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr41UAJp4I
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliSp7h9uaU
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiaxjlXhas
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIUY2LyRO1
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUgC6erC2M
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNst048B7v
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuHkFD7CrK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgobULOUmYX
"I'm surprised that you haven't left the office yet," said Mr. McDonell as he sat down on the chair in front of Leo's desk.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBkSShpLQ2
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmdHJkSxCT
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXTtrTnf06
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQrnOfNgn6
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdOdLlllrt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhvTfggqFm
"You'll be surprised."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEvUyQqTL7
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmFGswpBhN
"I need to talk to you about something."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfimqlOPqyq
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdy46dQQmY
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9a9zop8rm
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5O9pMba3H
"What is it about?" Leo asked.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzEyn7XWKt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSYlseOlLY
"It's about Angel."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wMwkEe3vt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUJ2XGPyMe
"Great! Just great!" Leo said in his thoughts. He had had enough of Angel already. First it was Eric and his paranoia that Angel might end up falling for her boss (that's if she hasn't already), and now, his father wanted to talk about her about who knows what. He felt like looking back at the window to continue looking at the sun, but he didn't want to seem rude.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS1KcNQbcD
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bWsPtOs7P
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZTp1pxLWI
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrXGF58OVD
Before Mr. McDonell could speak, he noticed something wrong with his son after he mentioned Angel. Leo could do all he can to hide his expression, but his father somehow saw right through him.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQWFrCmiUA
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMozWjvOhR
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsLnzAFmU4
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnPhkQRjMU
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8miZOABKQ7
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhy5ibsGEn
"She did."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzla2misBd
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Wmk5g98E
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrekAORk6D
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8N6xfPmMA
"She agreed to work with us."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMoGqmXFE7
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BD3DlZCau
Leo almost held the edge of his desk as he felt the floor beneath him begin to spin, but he tried his best not to. His father was already giving him a look and he didn't want to seem weird.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYt7AWbBAi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnEX2GTXNi
He knew this was coming and he didn't know how to handle it. Right now, all he wanted was to be left alone and do God knows what.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb6rj8qVMX
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqv9nyjKIr
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2KmccsOqR
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcJKLGWTxZ
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviZT0mQejT
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE8PWMhiVC
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU4kV2olAu
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJgnA1lhac
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a4dDboGG2
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnJBKIokll
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5pS1BqaiD
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeVdABg6wU
"What about her job at the editing company?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsyPAc4Xcc
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Ars2n4QV
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DYR5HDP0f
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq1dT2vtwk
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyavzfRDXQ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFUjXyJk3z
Mr. McDonell leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. Leo knew his mother was the only trump card he had to prevent Angel from ever stepping foot in the company. If he can't have a say in this, she most definitely will.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN1a268nxs
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQlNnQPEiU
"She doesn't know," his father replied.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr3uOFnA8i
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1Ufwrljyp
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s2elRNmij
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeK7v8ziYt
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3MuvQSRzf
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq4m75SHJd
"How are you going to break it to her?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYMvDZ62Lj
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3u2lJWzMl
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PiKOLrEDi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYC2hOngh
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWjogcHV09
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7MNMf5UN7
"You heard me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW0uwoeMv8
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkpPj6fvc9
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUyxAB7SNr
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT69YWhCbC
"He doesn't have to know right now. And if I do tell him, he will get excited and blurt it out as soon as he's home."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffoJ1VhaFs
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocHilC4iY
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQCfbRxMZp
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHNhv11jqg
"He's almost like my son, of course I know. And I know he likes Angel, so I would like that you deliver the news."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2yGBAwkOI
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziPoCOK7mq
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ2aMsieGq
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xNU5FOxtC
Mr. McDonell shrugged his shoulder with a smile. "It's not that hard to miss," he said, "especially with how he used to take care of her when she had that accident."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE6ZIPFjtr
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzwFB6DMxk
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RBq223yII
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ALai4wrdO
Carly! Oh, goodness! Leo forgot it was her first day at college and so far, he hadn't called to check up on her. He felt pathetic and he had no one else to blame but Angel. If Eric hadn't come talking about her in the first place, he wouldn't have been brooding about her all day. And now, his father just made it even worse telling him to announce to everyone back home that Angel would be working for them. Angel continued to ruin his life even if she wasn't physically present.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNBFLIe4Q4
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8bPfUTiqs
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0KHMVT74o
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD1Syudq1y
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwyskbk0L8
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS0mtpnqEN
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gpSl3TgQN
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9mfXFXkb4
Leo hadn't noticed his open palm upon his head and he felt like an idiot. He did that because he was mad at himself for not thinking about Carly when he had to.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f8FK4YTf5
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPlsalJLAY
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULoPIhnqCd
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcIPI0NTBI
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS4cKELNZr
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ29MXU6DTv
"I'll see you back home?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq780lWdk41
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qoj8kYzfr
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXeO95SWL3
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEDBusZuAu
"Sure. See you later, then."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaogfe2TWu1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKggw8pqzrI
Mr. McDonell gently nodded and made his way out of the office. As soon as he closed the door, Leo quickly stood up from his seat and got his jacket that was hanging at the back of his chair. He took his phone, the car keys, the keys to the office and left.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5McCctrY1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTpuFATpKH
The hall was quiet and the working cubicles in the work area were almost empty except for two employees still at their desks. Leo passed the cubicles and went down the hall to Eric's office. Before he could even reach the door, it opened and out came Eric.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvisHUAEYZ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ox9BQDLPW
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLegh6yGVp
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDakvJQEyU
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLeTrJCF90
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAwxpBBulW
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUnyz5EK3t
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV7XA7OinK
"May I ask where and why?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU31UCNlgF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIX0ANpdHR
"Come on. I'll tell you."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKPjqwQOSZ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn446GWj6O
***432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHOsHtKBGK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mmHXtRcgT
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUG8nY7c0s
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡienKCs48Yj
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq5gZu3gsG
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPTXRMxgq1
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtGahwR0Ak
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtunpj0cJ7d
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzc16PrgzK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qjsxu8glM
Harriet smiled back and quickly walked away so as to catch up with some of her friends who had gone ahead of her. Carly's first day had gone pretty well. Not only did she meet Robin, she also made new friends, Harriet being one of them. Her day couldn't get any better than this. But sadly, it was finally over and it was time to head back.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKqCrGlZoq
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptlv3DpKQc
She still stood in the hall outside the lecture room. A few people who had stayed behind soon walked out. She checked for her phone in her backpack and removed it to see if she had any messages.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJkVbEWZKY
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNNxwuqznY
There was only one message from Angel that was sent to her almost thirty minutes ago asking her how her day went and if she needed to be picked up. Carly decided to call her sister as she walked down the hall.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcg3eWwxUh
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkt2YKH7jX
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeaLWPb9ex
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzLIP2HNJn
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qm1FPolR1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIFmfbvlZG
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMrHGWvmwT
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgZb34O1j7
"Who?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurJYUzgiEm
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZzgR9cyl6
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBhprcO1Y8
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lgaBrbZCX
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENJiA4sMVX
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRo7o0QOFU
"Oh, yes, I do." Angel answered quickly, knowing very well how it made them both uncomfortable. Just talking about it brought back very bad memories.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmRXNgzlyY
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGHIbHcVFV
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsNlfoZDTY
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lBADGrpAL
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXep8hmLde
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SGeXiNL0B
Carly turned round the corner that led to a open corridor. She saw a few students talking on the open green lawn, the sun slowly setting.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOi2XempSD
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh3lJZCM5e
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSMFs6INvE
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIarRM2Kbh
"Well, that shows how much of a good friend he is and I'm glad. I thought you needed a ride after your classes. I could easily ask one of the drivers here to pick you up."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOReMaMbyF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUqFfY2Pv0
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bBYneL04Q
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk4OwtKZBD
"Ok. Just be careful out there."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBjiqpdm30
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6eiLJ8gCC
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURVq11Iu6T
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtOEs63ZCx
"See you later then."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKPy7dkNj3
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkELQUpLAK
"Ya, see you."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPT7K5s0qg
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVAiZ9b2ly
Carly found herself at the college's parking lot. The place was almost empty. The last of the cars leaving the premises probably belonged to a student as it was an orange Lamborghini. Only a black old BMW and a white Cadillac remained in the parking lot.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3XPJ111Ki
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFucb5IPKh
Carly walked out of the main gate and across the street was the boarding campus for the students. Carly went down the street and went on straight till she reached the traffic lights. The traffic light turned red for the cars to stop and Carly gladly walked down the zebra crossing after the green pedestrian light turned on. She was the only pedestrian and when she reached the other side of the street, she continued straight on, heading for the bus stop in front of her.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vNi65f3Ez
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XFPBCgyKU
When she got there, she found no one waiting for the bus. She shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the little bench. It looked like she was going to sit there alone till the bus arrived.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepvG9Fjo1x
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwXeNOJdBt
She brought her backpack in front of her and placed it on her lap. She took out her phone and still no message from Leo. She figured that he must have had a busy day and probably forgot to call or text her. She decided to send him a text, considering that he must be driving back home from work.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR6px80U8p
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVN18MBSGd
Carly was oblivious that a black sedan that had been parked a block away had been following her from the time she left the college gates. She continued to look through her phone that she didn't hear the car slowly approach the bus stop. The cars driving by on the road, drowned the noise of the sedan's engine. Besides, the man behind the wheel made sure not to draw much attention by not turning on the car's headlights.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCzpV6YZ1v
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuXxm2dvzq
Carly grew bored going through social media with still no reply from Leo. She wanted to be pissed but couldn't. She had had a long day. But with no sign of the bus coming, it just set her peace of mind to a whole other level.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCnC7gy3fG
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVKwkBmF7n
She put her phone back in her backpack and strapped it round her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the black sedan right next to the bus stop, a few feet away from her. She looked into the car through the windshield and the blaring light of a phone shone through the glass. She caught sight of the man looking down on his phone. Looked like he stopped to be on the phone, she thought. She sighed and wished Leo could do the same and reply to her text.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MNmBKYxMm
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGjZihyDAZ
She turned her head, looking down the street and across. A few people walked by here and there, two couples had walked past her. She started to tap her foot impatiently on the concrete. The bus was a no show and she now felt like an idiot for not letting Angel send her a car. Maybe she could give her a call again and tell her to do so. But just before she could, a sound came from the car. She looked, surprised that there was a car there, and saw that the car door had opened. The man stepped out, closing the door behind him.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBaPJmPbJs
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp01iwNlc76
"You don't happen to have a cigarette lighter, do you, miss?" the man asked with a pack of cigarettes in his hands as he approached Carly. Carly realised how tall and well built the man was. He wore a black jumper with a hood over his head, but she was able to see his face.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNwLb3LSev
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztPpZyTsY8
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B9L5uk7ft
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oVdWtpZ44
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjFWRPYupr
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pEdOkDjd7
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMae4byExU
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBFiuf9JL7
"Too bad," said the man as he placed the pack in his pockets. "I would have enjoyed smoking a cigar and talking to a pretty lady like yourself."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkdJcePU6m
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8JAQKxy5B
Carly felt her cheeks blush, but she tried to hide it with a chuckle. She knew where this was going. She had met a lot like him back at the club. They were the ones who tried to attract your attention by small talk.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye0gD49xr4
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv7SixmYd1
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JmhnhZoWS
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOltr8s34s2
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVfo77Q9vx
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr39zUFaVyi
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvj5qsul0L
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZGNIhSdco
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n96j9277s
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqPCzkTiLg
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cl5QGodbw
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfn3bqwH4p
Carly read the man's dark eyes and she knew she had to get up and run. But just before she could even stand, the man took hold of the back of her head and the next thing she knew, a piece of cloth that he withdrew from his pocket covered her nose and mouth.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlnC4Vsg6y
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TLBDZxcLY
The smell on the cloth was intoxicating. She tried to fight, clawing at the man's face and arms, but he was too strong for her. It took almost a minute and a half of struggling when her vision started to blur. She was soon losing her strength faster than she anticipated. She soon fell unconscious.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRhomQ4v5G
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ0rfg82B5
The man removed the cloth filled with chloroform from her face and held her steadily. He lifted her off the bench and carried her to his car. He laid her down on the sidewalk so as to open the passenger side door. He looked around to make sure there was no one around watching him. To his luck, there was none.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2FMPQdCR1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93Kafp3eZU
He lifted Carly into the car and laid her on the passenger seat in a sleeping position. He closed the door and went back to the bench to get her backpack. He turned back to his car, got inside, closed the door and threw her backpack to the passenger's seat.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ9ueDLWxv
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY5byrt5jf
His job had been much easier than he had thought. He couldn't help but smile when he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Walters.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ9zmqzQ8e
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75NFxlrONt
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQoaq0x6OI
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AcoL9js0J
"It's done. She's in my car right now."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLMj46k4F2
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn924bzq0sQ
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLicTmoVOdK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKDd8EcSie
The man cut the call. Seconds later, his phone beeped. He read the message and knew exactly where to go. He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He looked at Carly lying unconscious in the backseat.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagBgcgxADv
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZSX3TGf9u
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlB6kDIxjA
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDksNxlN0k
***432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzknj7MTfNx
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuRbR6Ez44
Leo climbed into the driver's seat with a brown paper bag in his hands. Kevin who sat on the passenger seat was looking through his phone.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnROVSRUamf
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPemh6lwCM
"Can you stop looking at that darn thing?" Leo asked as he closed the car door and placed the bag at the back. "I left you looking at the phone and you're still on it."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXSzTsFVoK
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZa1k8NH8M
"You were only in the store for like a minute," said Eric. "And it's also thanks to me that you managed to make a last minute call to Nate to get you a present for Carly."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5mEkXUMS9
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszOgI7CxoD
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96saftRka1
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEslGUNjdHC
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31pqIctwoi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7442xumFw
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiaP4ogK0E
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqklTyW3IG
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl1veLpAR7
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQF9MY76CU
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kiboWOpyX
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPDtv9TTJ8
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY01CHY0ech
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVlV2nJocn
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Eric. "You have a message on your phone. I didn't want to read it because-you know-I might be invading your privacy."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK1lBfhoPQ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrqHKHh5rq
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYDIuQX4xi
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcAogea1TO
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04z2A6p165
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qHsbuRR2T
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASD3bvVNK3
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOrypo99Kv
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH5SakTd2X
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BYkFWKMjk
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4SuhDedi3
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7MZZGylNa
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEGBTCy0id
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwv3TnRF9a
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzouqTFHGQ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM0drpYqvc
"Ya, let's not."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy1joTsfFE
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa9dlYBOnk
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSk0jXu7Fl
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL9SUwWgDw
"Gladly," said Eric as he almost jumped in his seat even with the seatbelt on. He took hold of Leo's phone on the dashboard and he didn't struggle with the phone's password because he already knew it.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfaSWWuytd
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD6zILW8PH
"All she write was hi and asked how your day went," said Eric, his eyes on the lit screen. "Huh..., I was expecting her to write how upset she is that you hadn't communicated with her all day."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgGGRQOCTF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm65HBu4yz
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcMHpqpObD
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbvq1XnfvI
"Oh, please! You weren't meeting with any clients and you weren't even busy. You were just sulking in your office over Angel coming to work at the company."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUJ7Vpu4sM
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDKjg3wm9w
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," Leo said through his gritted teeth, holding the steering wheel tightly. He prayed that he could keep himself under control and not cause an accident.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzI1jgOBUU
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1HI4ioKsz
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nhjwBU1wk
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINv5nNFwZ
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRimQJnRig
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGiZVZUYK
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtegKS5tTBF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfgSXo1eWg
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNguT9PThG
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPacLoYhUjh
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpi4cBUtIt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaLTT1to5g
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhSDEfXeWX
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnzcr5Qa4U
"That you can't tell her that you have been thinking about Angel the whole day instead of focusing on work? Or maybe during your free time, you should have been thinking of her instead?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd5mNrC9Qt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboV3Wc0rbv
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua5o3nORMH
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PGI40R2IL
"But you can't deny it. I still think you should get help. You always think Angel is out to make your life miserable. That might end up being an obsession, you know?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHnrH5eiGt
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tZ58tenuC
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvA5lvb2kF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKXsMVNZ83
"I know, but that was only because I like Angel and I was telling you as a friend. You took it to a whole new level all on your own."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzahAxhN85
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI22VSToUOU
Leo shook his head. If only Eric knew that what he had feared is about to come true. He would know in a hour or so.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyQFKI4u2V
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbgrybtcfv
"Anyway, you're already in trouble with Carly over not communicating with her. She might sound sweet and sincere on text, but who knows when you get to meet her tonight."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk5nQFBtgd
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGQQHkzq4v
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeNi2ufs3f
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotomPwkR3J
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZxAdmfWiI
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKJssKwbxa
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyes7T6o90
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uNAQB7xMM
They soon reached home and Leo couldn't wait to see Carly and apologise. But then the thought of seeing Angel made his heartbeat even more. Why was he nervous all of the sudden?432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yLitInUde
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jzIuh70Pa
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvtRNVkxKM
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiieGGMJrB9
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrAhpCvC2X
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscbhFPbW1L
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2lHPUxy1M
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn61M67mCe7
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8j4eDffFc
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wDcBKBMZk
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLSElcpw1K
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TnOIMZ1jK
"Mmmm...., not to worry, she will love it. Besides, I don't think she's mad. I bet she's tired to even be mad."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbdZFR5TKk
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJTACkLJdk
"I hope so."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGPnLtb051
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0G7luFSPo
"Come on, we better go inside."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YLZbyHrkH
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNkaNu1LlT
Eric got out of the car first. Leo waited for a few seconds until he got the paper gift bag at the back, removed the key out of the ignition and got out of the car.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPfC1DcN6N
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk1DhDRRnS
Leo walked up the stone path to the front door. The outdoor lights on the lawn had been turned on. He looked ahead at the open door in front of him. Eric had just entered the foyer, removing his jacket.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGqcdlMnrn
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0gq02pWIY
Leo joined his cousin, closing the door behind him. Eric carried his jacket with him to the living room. Leo heard him give out a cheerful greeting and he knew that his grandmother was there.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtVZiYvfq4
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTy598R6me
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElY1aIsoFf
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8UyCpqqx4
"I'm here, grandma," said Leo as he came into the living room and found his grandmother on the wheelchair seating close to a chair where Oliver sat.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgfsV3kLPC
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfkGe5oB5k
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TyQhmEJIg
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ113fS50xAI
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfAAdMuDDh
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN494SyEdj
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWThhpc8zB
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6ktntNCqb
"Not really. Why?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSccA2Nb5X
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZUDrfvB8x
"You look really tired."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5kwGHvb4W
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgn5RmYOhS
Leo gave Oliver a smile and cleared his throat. Eric, on the other hand, joined his young brother on the couch and chuckled to himself. Leo knew Eric was only making fun of him.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YN9aEQYiz
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAabCoT2y0
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxFr4Zn9FF
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DOS0C6R49
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYci3RZMfr
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn7qpjfrrE
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBqIEdVx7h
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJIEBqzUGL
"Sure, grandma."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5KJZdy3uP
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNryb3d4Kb
Leo felt relieved that his grandmother didn't ask further about the gift bag. Just as he turned around to head for the stairs, standing by the doorway leading into the living room, was Angel.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA4m8Hawoa
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNubw73GJF
His heart stopped beating for a moment as he looked at her. He was out of breath too. His head started to feel a little fuzzy as he tried to say something, but somehow he couldn't. Angel's appearance had somehow left him dazed that he couldn't move or even speak.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKIDDV8DKl
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3o1Hucajw
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhpjLGiGLm
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMG8a3AjS4
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LN1L5cM1B
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7r1IrnnTO
Leo felt tiny beads of sweat appear on his forehead and he prayed that Angel didn't notice. It would be embarrassing. Why did he feel like he had just run a marathon? His heart still pumped like crazy.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbNhH2gFsP
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOolNjNIhP9
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdiJQoSaYj
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFO9Yb4o2w
Angel looked at Eric behind Leo who stood up from his seat to look at her in her white summer dress. Angel smiled and slightly blushed. Leo who kept staring at her also couldn't help but blush himself. When he realised it, he quickly looked down at his feet, feeling angry with himself.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfYQkLVm7f
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5DIaiyVSE
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgQEaF0sd3
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SlYxoGwig
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOnPfgFHuc
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7KF2fNO66
Angel shook her head. Her eyes were now filled with worry and Leo knew how that felt as he looked into them. He quickly looked away.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfgcRh4NXP
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QyosiyLYp
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyzWUPVkbq
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs5gobScg9
"That's what I told her, Eric," said Amanda. "But she has every right to be worried and now I am too. She should have been home by now."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AKtyq7xFJ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDhWCaKT6V
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxDwhxeJp7
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA2va8kd2Z
"That was close to 6 PM," Angel answered. "She was done with her classes then. I offered to send a car, but she assured me that she would take the bus."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpkMjbJbhn
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qvqgcEeLr
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh3Izl0P04
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnJeO0JPuW
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqr0WajZCV
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wUZcDNea5
Leo hoped that Carly would pick up. But from where he stood, he could hear the ringing tune from Angel's phone which she placed on her ear. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration when Carly didn't pick up.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bipi6Mi7O
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnD7MLhrwO
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqJZigZb66
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1udRxHK4Jg
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3liQCXVwG
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA9Xk3jpuk
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQNGx02ZBJ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivHw2SiU9Y
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeOgzo7SGv
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZRuEsGBP6
"I'll try not to." Angel tried to put up a smile but failed terribly. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLHjIrB12K
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxVTdqSOqX
Angel turned around and left the living room. Leo looked on at her as she walked down the hall. He almost got lost in thought until he shook his head.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jzGXKUCg
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpUSCcnS9O
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieiGNp3f8T
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBGX8ZJwNa
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZM17LMlrb
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU53co0AFFX
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYJTRp6AwU
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6rdr3OmM4
Leo couldn't help but worry about Carly's whereabouts. Now he felt even more guilty for not calling her when he had the chance. He would have been the one to pick her up. As he headed up the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if Carly was okay.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjignf6PUZw
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9L6Gn5hun
***432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPacbvNLo2
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BHc0FRod2
Carly groaned as she felt her head spin. She tried to open her heavy eyes but everything in front of her was a blur. She tried to come around but everytime, she felt like she was slipping back into oblivion.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSulP5wIIXC
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ttuJnGFJU
She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hc5OpmWoA
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwdJEeeTkZ
Gentle taps on her cheek made her nerves wake up a little bit. Her sight slowly started to clear up a bit. She made out a person in front of her, but she still couldn't see properly.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGEJV0DYeL
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpjhkUfKjp
She heard a voice, but it sounded all muffled up in her ears. She started to black out, but again, she felt a gentle tap on her cheek.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot82iyboQU
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNEZ3yyeIT
This time she was wide awake and she looked at her surrounding. She was in a room with grey walls and with a fluorescent tube above her. She wondered how she got here. The last place she remembered was the bus stop.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfEHNm0otC
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCwLfSiVPA
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRulGFQocu
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxo33DT0Vw
Carly looked straight in front of her and there was a man squatting on the floor, looking at her with a smile on his face.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NFXHOCtLT
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5wgNTi6H1
Carly felt like she knew who the man was, but she couldn't remember. And then at that moment, everything dawned on her. This man had drugged and brought her here. Carly started to panic but then she realised she couldn't move. She looked down at her hands. She was strapped onto a wooden chair with rope and so were her legs. She tried to scream for help, but that was then that she realised that she had a cloth in her mouth. All she made were muffled loud noises.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaihATH1hJ
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlp3apkfHJ
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64arkY0PE9
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlcREGzKRi
Carly started to panic even more, trying her best to break free. The man stood up and walked away. Carly heard the door open and close behind her. More people came into the room. She stopped struggling and waited as the man who had tied her up and another man came to stand in front of her.432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPq5oy38HY
432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxVjfQ2Hu8
"Carly Barclay," said the tall African American man as he got close and squatted in front of her. "I finally get to meet you at last."432Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTewMKRLncd
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