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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4bIov5ndG
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuWFXCyUDj
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgkw5vjUui
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFg1LuqPFe
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogmj0CdYEa
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wxm4ThoMA
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEktBgseeds
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n8mnlgVu2
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7sVOmMe2r
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VZuBybUaQ
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCI4mPKJ4n
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFkVotn9Bn
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeKoIjgQg
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAC2ViBF1q
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZtpR4yvF2
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4BxMd6Cwf
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJZVZ8r6so
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcelJIjsSW
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7xYr9G8EQ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7kngboYbq
"You'll be surprised."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjY6LLvc5J
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwEk9lA1yK
"I need to talk to you about something."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROIrLPoVrt
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjjprjzcCv
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FUN2W4oYu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB51hMNRLj
"What is it about?" Leo asked.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEzKPRGHha
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93EoWht22m
"It's about Angel."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFfqFLFn78
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV9IKhA5sP
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kJi5IyA20
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZyHYqFADS
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkwVUWsEYh
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWe301g3bN
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufBlmWUTPj
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMfMbu4yM5
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8KKT1O2Ym
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3yQluxCgO
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJG2qdzIAB
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EVPcVxphr
"She did."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD6SfpDXJ9
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdic1e23lWT
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0t4cPfQCi
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pholBeWso
"She agreed to work with us."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LhLndkMHq
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXovmPXfbrg
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwdRvF2aVD
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvW0clCpeK
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAorbsByb1
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7VfAuEttt
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6BuzTYUBg
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou1YApegtK
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHRK3Ps0W1
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdsaGvcxom
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeSZGvSkCk
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2ufI4ukq8
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLNEgVk6dS
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECrN1ev5Ie
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksr7TI3vE7
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuHJkJmJvm
"What about her job at the editing company?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulDjdaWhWH
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLtDvtnnIX
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5asw4arDR
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINCeipSwW
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliKjlLInc5
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHSZdH0yhM
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EhBnE5b7T
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxWS45pHYJ
"She doesn't know," his father replied.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOnRBsG9wq
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMSSvOyMI2
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6NDq9C2ng
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSPN5IPEsF
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NUkmLr4Ph
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ExIthll5a
"How are you going to break it to her?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXQkBVEx5C
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i9PuyXRzV
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaPxcblYet
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvSSixqYrN
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBCebEN6Qy
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GmFk7b0Wj
"You heard me."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9t3InHNq5
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpHjJ7397W
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPyhkgWTFn
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pGu6fod2e
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s5waxEC8c
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2QWVlHuOl
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbYOjVgLx4
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmuwGBZ7rZ
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyfUFl70ev
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUV6r26Zu5
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8MUO8M1Lu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDeTUhGlFs
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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4LReAaicV
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJYNk2Pc0i
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpr79uVWpu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux5WAsOQhL
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mdmFY8uNQ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN4ipy1hZ2
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hEvbvL0yQ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYEfPxzqRK
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRQvwbK2iv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2WU99fMo6
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8gp7JyBWK
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYXMLBEuqU
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0bXxENIp5
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt89ZyWujS
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolRfMBtqJR
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gIT3i6Gn7
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhgblpoN85
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVcIF6plHb
"I'll see you back home?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S3wunZ0jr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkjxqHgvRu
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCNHBDeNot
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN0KZzNcHE
"Sure. See you later, then."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAT5PxaRqZ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEEvJeh5OS
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhFoOqTruI
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdyHJmeMBr
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqprwbxmZs
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2SnZlgCEe
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHcJe6r5Vb
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbL4bJCzlK
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR6BW1mTR9
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmQjclJ6Q5
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTr96ahCfA
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyJTjw4S0Q
"May I ask where and why?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0ReIgFzuL
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIYR90xqFr
"Come on. I'll tell you."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviI9adh3Ku
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ9xOCndgp
***580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEcISOvG3a
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79vSnKxymc
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Yyj5WcAl
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjDMehVVnC
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ew73voW9x
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiSNPxSxex
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CnxjQ4B0g
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fQyZpV8cS
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXRG5SWjjC
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIukxxfUYj
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqhnro5VXa
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJNZ7VsQPC
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOM2Bs4bXy
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsNLYfODAn
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHkP92ZYlT
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7veKwP21O
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16HrGmKRyF
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u5vJQfPJ0
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj7Qie1WaH
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrcX9kZjcp
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNCy7ov9nv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVxvIzr3mM
"Who?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCIPyL1AMi
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JJNU7f6jG
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ301G6YoH1A
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpExMPzxAO
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP762sFkBf
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUPImHcndO
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWbVoyBShU
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyty0z8Xsu
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeFJiT7GQj
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHIRO45dza
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR5RykzmKW
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79QRfEodtG
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx1SAVc3Hi
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC11QeGuTxm
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV7uSTPirK
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NEN8W4nPL
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxTxxW8hEf
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF12loANxH8
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyUuNhWYHH
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCukjXx4H2
"Ok. Just be careful out there."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdCzXROTR2
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcpNeNT4sn
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKc9fhZfxT
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnCdOeicz1
"See you later then."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW4Vzkd1lB
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcKcLVwj6w
"Ya, see you."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRobACNKF7P
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DYXyw59rT
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw6meGyXAu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXL9lSJR3k
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SdQRAph3C
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVWS8A2Dcs
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjhQMxUipT
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlIIIs6nbM
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjZtHFp60p
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf1YV5qoAX
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaQWQccSKK
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLZe3ArpGp
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKunPLXjdW
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKNI4idEOe
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMqBc8YTJW
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnIlvsNLT7
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY8negYrSx
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPt9SECmfO
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriWgNvYr1y
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsolUIlbjH
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa7tupwMVD
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s9gwmREiI
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1R2pwnqmt
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOia1jkvVB
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S7Vbx0QTp
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhujsyq01SP
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LhYln33sV
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjn9niyu4U
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffKndUbwdG
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzXlm8Tvk3
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDHzbZ6Wnz
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhljqnvTsr
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4HI7xLUIc
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iL6xgIYtl
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0GZF2qY6N
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDrMwDtDHC
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF3gLrqZV6
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilJdYciMlN
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnldIuuySn
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTaTgSde40
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwza0mELPY
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhIKkOkiPf
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXDjlWlc3H
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGqUefQQJv
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSQF9TLMRQ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJVPp3HDzD
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8RAYGv35A
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnS6mohhQ0
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q6BVBpIkf
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNJcwRby43
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d5GXRIlWt
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOcE4i71bs
"It's done. She's in my car right now."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1orqlbxw4N
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPDu2WrpqD
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAXHN7go22
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmfzVv2Brm
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHctFV4eKr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCfTaeELJ
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFkTwe8q34
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDwuuK2SgZ
***580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7mrogD9Ox
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXF9ICHBCk
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysP4er2Zri
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq4qBWoxpP
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKJ91s34p8
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29lY3gUDSi
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMdYED5nw8
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehFBbB0PAc
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrDyOdhyLz
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSYhPzxaJV
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk6N0ZWbpX
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFtlKdL6tv
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qLaq7Xz6T
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCHNOihjUT
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzjwajtSf8
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju6fsqQQXh
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXhvZvTApd
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp31ZjGRzn0
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtOYWNXL8u
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ952GD8pj8K
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EXHu6r0NK
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VnzXO0DYW
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWvFT55jgz
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRWPcILSwP
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEepmrJ98W
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NNVGeLCrw
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX0XEthHHW
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqzFLmL9SP
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT2dJofbxv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrOB3Vn0Px
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJsmsgISDt
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdImBxPCozM
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjykwvTVIIv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8PXZUpz6x
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq5aIvUBGo
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYyBaDPY0H
"Ya, let's not."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWw1RSjSBu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrh2cCW3L5
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaHdrI6P9R
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8htREtkf6E
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4gLydzWIh
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoMvcnOsC8
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGTcA2lGdQ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV0ShqRzka
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzsOx18MCI
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qfvg6E3gz
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0am1GDQMB8
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbsCXTAsTw
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ispLEqQQu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTXrTl7dcx
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEgxbs044G
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULljYOGiuj
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMsFWYsRlr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97cGJ8QGAT
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqK0TnrPMW
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YQxfxynNh
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLL6oDLG33
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwucsGsE7B
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarGgZiQlds
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ8lZnq5U5
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeVBh5P9fd
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2PSBdyxHZ
"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?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE7OOUSjb1
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEKzOfoSUQ
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Oq85bMDcY
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCAPysvBTc
"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?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQKt4bgw0i
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEANHS6yad
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQZZBYo0Mb
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwYARfROZg
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9KVKR3JCy
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkcS47jrZQ
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA6En7skjr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNntPIkY59
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9UnbxvzFv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGzxOHo8WL
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMtiqaSmuZ
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgBKlU87sL
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafZ91ttpID
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxASKlwZat
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaeFKC0OlV
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu432mpxhp6
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?580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47aUUr9L2a
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2Ia83rnJ
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPY5fqADNn
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6DUsokma6
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy5UVQ1Eac
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSNySTkhkI
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhlG20Z4hl
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAPWSAAKGN
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Y6lGBECF
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7Em3TLEQY
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hy7oE0qF9
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJvagnZJVe
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEuxbkD9Rr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpCtEiaNjo
"I hope so."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H58HGBPXn
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJypKktoPwE
"Come on, we better go inside."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIziCMokXkN
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPNRiHW01m
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNArdMDWfqG
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnGssIuVB4
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFXz9To8UM
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fNwGdZJlL
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2lYtGiHFz
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhpzqyzk2x
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMDCNr6229
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEtvVGBFca
"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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QRnNHKIZi
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucuiKjFHgK
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa5Mc1bxQt
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oD9Z2jkzf
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkDWVh3wUc
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYJJa136h2
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6LM0zALAg
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjLxs7wvjM
"Not really. Why?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOBGyKFvS8
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGivx61Et
"You look really tired."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtmGDgx7Wq
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13bMHWcOPj
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQc17EPJTg
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6TB6hZ47f
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4hLW6AsvU
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D27X8EwWl
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNaWEJaYvc
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUEHfZf0Ga
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi6K519aKx
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0ruL1rFHB
"Sure, grandma."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihI9bXbWnf
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgIv0kRNdD
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg6QpJwsQf
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr5aVQ4ggT
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgxKGHqx4v
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcg12CzCR7
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnntfInGtn
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMLRM4pxdX
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7gmVZDcVu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjT2pbH3Tw
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSDVPV6TbP
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUGUsduOQB
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoKts43Cri
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThn9aOBFBL
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGru3BRHF6
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgu5WC95sB
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7J0g8apOA
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G1iSIeUWd
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTlj81WyuH
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnSnx1Lrj7
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO48UDEAuE
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6wj0rLmYY
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCEGUjXRnR
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyZ18lDODN
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2cnNrXi95
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK8dbg8Gkt
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtieNjp7GL
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcja0GCcNZq
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPrzHzSsGx
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm4Mbqo9lQ
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu51KkyEPZY
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZPwcJioVL
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbpSsdL7cu
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi9uciMNi8
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzXl2R55dh
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXbQvf9DCV
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMteJdiXCzp
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag6YIJPPo2
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"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh4PhYswNL
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0FKKbvd2A
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9QqlfonLr
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qNk34ICIK
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2oe9v7ncx
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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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OUeWPi7EL
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi6hlbZQ2R
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKmUn5xZ3Y
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1QhHxKa1l
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtf7UqJc7N
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg2h7GNT9D
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlk4TtRhDk
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlp0kOCaPl
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***580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5XGIzZEMn
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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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmjzBFwW2N
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu37UFCwYC8
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE6woBOTfe
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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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx2EfucUj9
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoZ4FeuixM
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzrkuYmn4H
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA0xqOy2hY
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHhoqu5nlh
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"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt1wjJTIJE
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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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1VjG1xuEe
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTnlWkQjA1
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EFiLG6qQv
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMGHID58cu
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDMTrrM7jG
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww1rnhw18o
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.580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGzSoTUidT
580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL3k2kO1uu
"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."580Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S3yH93Y3B
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