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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfAnTS78RS
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOpoxGUZQU
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNeiavIKlm
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhAHhaXCG4
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDn1lIFZxU
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW2LU0Zi90
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Cqh6a8Hzy
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP8Uyn44E4
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUx0AjGXKa
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU2buLjrDv
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbbdXgJ2qm
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtH2wjTzdp
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmck1ENKOVZ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseeNqlXYAA
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7anHMfaQw
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ewdIiF3Kx
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNvkj2YVcc
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJB6HDwfD6
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJykPJVmfJ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH88TLlOgCa
"You'll be surprised."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6QPs8FGo6
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pd8VzrHqA
"I need to talk to you about something."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OROzXecpy
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSENItfYcLX
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rj3FdftXF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWiPUPZXL5
"What is it about?" Leo asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0va9NlrgHA
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAEhCdEht4
"It's about Angel."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbv0MYuSQe
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGei2b7t2Wy
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB5jsjo71l
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiLzlsvgkr
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHuXxIjQVF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl45pqAuONW
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAuUdLooXp
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhzx23vFKV
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vBtkz9CN8
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8HMWq06Jj
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxnTdgOity
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2vLLNhD5Y
"She did."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcBYXaa50R
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTxqxJsDgB
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BfFY4ELG3
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB4gKCTibB
"She agreed to work with us."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFfVa4Hi7B
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOJ32AdrPs
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX8vshzlR7
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcEDqNQ0LW
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ312vjgH9oi
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwuOr8krBM
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r9Vi9bN7q
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNWBNp2vKc
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSBh0ucNUi
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W2EPy0SaQ
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBKui6D9rI
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiytr3OPH0o
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZOumCAqh3
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFmZyVORIF
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKdezVLTeA
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOZ9GJmap7
"What about her job at the editing company?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElWgNSIadV
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqvsoOjY9g
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5EknzdqOP
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMOZzdMhNW
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXwn2EQXks
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp25e22K1Lu
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtREe8vyYef
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcLEM2iNSi
"She doesn't know," his father replied.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X8St0EolY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAdekfknVY
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdPZ9cqd1i
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zxhf5DgHB
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKDCaw44CD
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8GzvCbEEG
"How are you going to break it to her?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhDsrMUZkp
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEQy9hEjXf
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkac49f9h81
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGJihFZLm6
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3CRT3zm7m
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsoQ4mpa71
"You heard me."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7mWmG3jKM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9RCQh7fcc
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxcUbhGuac
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkkLrbnxys
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD7zHF0NuV
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DEizmD1lP
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh19LYr6t0
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9wtkkv7gJ
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNnANhzVJ4
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQofVJ4dTl
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM5vKETBAl
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg5QzZnqpT
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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wy7DKvbZh
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kYUeQgQsh
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wvn8rHt1l
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOAvMzvInU
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eUQLTQdx8
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNExpE8vihV
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50yXffpect
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdR4SKJlwy
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIXLU5pNjH
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8MtT8eu1a
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPgXQ64zv5
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8ozhrKp4Z
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9xtQRBshA
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK1WYC22pR
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpx0tfTmxO
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ67U5oo4a
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSIBJJKRVr
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtR9caekT1
"I'll see you back home?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlhIOJAj7E
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyzyp2EN2R
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ850l92Ae8W
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHpI990LVk
"Sure. See you later, then."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzBRYHIQe9
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNCVFjFo4u
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jqi8488RJ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdjG7Qfry9
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8rImiW0zW
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAK4ghvQ3K
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKMYfPbw40
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDJu0aNmca
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2lDlQFnQ1
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj6jMOp2Z5
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5TSVzlEYq
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTte2LzRkQR
"May I ask where and why?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo6qZHq6a7
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgQQcF94e5
"Come on. I'll tell you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAWra2ggB2
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zKOXMxP3d
***522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnJQ0nn9Gk
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6muxUKb04b
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlvobJNG9Z
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpLuIbGIAa
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlobDrHnp3b
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTUaXRYl3s
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X4cYbwNjC
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbu8UOdAoS
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprJjQygGAh
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8qVHHsTpS
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRj4KBOwK
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zyuXFwIQu
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8TIg7m6AM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8geahfKKE2
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQba7WmsST
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bSrEjm1Tb
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKc6k6ZIG9
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWF1EBJcSt
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQwkrmv1g5
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHg0PNIIPL
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhgQ2fd5PZ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKJzBwvPBH
"Who?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb68uCWOax5
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2sWEApmve
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIEd7SPHqY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcMAR5HAjd
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVjifGagDo
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeRvhoN6RE
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVLwiRYo8g
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvPXQDSKqC
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVkwuOo5XU
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEAfbSjyzG
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCslu34Lk0
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahxZLy1L4R
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVyPt60qpY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVARSh1n1Bm
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTObfWcoY5
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoNJZsWhdC
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8KCvm2exP
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT7e6rxXDn
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOuXy5Ccwy
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgqRMHXuMV
"Ok. Just be careful out there."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAlu2cjpJD
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaI9xwRhxY
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxg7GDFFno
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWXPiARpcv
"See you later then."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN7k6LFSCQ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KZAr7sRfC
"Ya, see you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLnoVRjr5N
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4GWIwKmsu
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr27gW6rCro
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgGHbJW6Wq
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNCNPtJgMt
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pyleEaI03
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8KIw92OTJ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsYqw6vfw0
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjA2bkMgIQ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYdSg5zcdz
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44vUKtAf5M
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4foG9UkcK
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mvZonTojC
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9YEEfgyaw
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qtEe9wJ2b
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOsuc6UiHN
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4tGNKP91e
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7EoNr8L5d
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNLJUeA9VH
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmUBm6E5uf
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSFEtoA4G9
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40udLCaiVz
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XBLeVo2tZ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsUhF6mV63
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc0v9Dm8IQ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jV3mBsmcj
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GcSlkIJ48
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmJaJVoD89
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6BwOXjLjo
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevQUORyseH
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3KLzKOl3d
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqT41pVyuy
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3moOdwpEH
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMaGnKotm8
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNKMSVtmAW
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWC66g5bg1
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVHUbm5RtB
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeedz37EnRl
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL2uJ0h5uo
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs22wTgcVBp
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHhwGvq9jD
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmyJ7cgeXj
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIIu2KJEk3
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2iVektgVS
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08PoERqHCt
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YDuZ5Odsc
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuUxtlGXwL
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOi6ShUHoc
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcksxC7SXWg
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HTUCWP3Mc
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuqfF2u0Pa
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIWJ5tBKi5
"It's done. She's in my car right now."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrv3jWOD54
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRl49bbka5
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI32p8skNG
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcYXxdaLDx
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlu04DVvSp
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMQgA8Vx6X
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEQTCgFjso
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZcXss5uyy
***522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlXxcuU6kT
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkAEukpOy9
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVVz8Kq5AM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMVDOoicm9
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItFdUIlpHe
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc1lKBDexW
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWu0BxVeYe
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLExYrgrcL3
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydE5mYEZcg
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdBkQIDEH9
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKArHS2v03
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJA3QgfXP4
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MkhDlyOFC
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTBiTqu8Xe
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnaZI9Vnox
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvc9f5E3yo
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeOIOXe5Bi
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMdmizorQ8
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IvDjbEFcz
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPsmbD1UaS
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SEPNUvXI
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdO4I3bhC2
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbtTZ8Miq1
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzniXbUOkvY
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8LybokDEj
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoNNAlzkyd
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5upKV3o8e
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvgeM7SRwY
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz27zimVl8
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfmbY7HKQg
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMtvLZlLsI
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CN7bq7bKI
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWSa0fi7t5
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4yO6XAbi0
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxTpNEfy5t
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziFrYClPvd
"Ya, let's not."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckgxmG5XOY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGwCWU2Vxe
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoQbMHqTUk
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsA6Fjt886
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F9aT5Wrav
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUfHPi0gxn
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQFDJbMHJE
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCYaM8ckSd
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfYb58QqRO
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYncZHto8h
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilDMshWJTX
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSfsn5kavt
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWenoNhwxcn
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ibQGeB54d
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZVdBwdhjx
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxDOwCCeoA
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhVZYlhBls
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3YkrsuBcF
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjyjwV0rrY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE31Gx33il
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVemwvjn9ru
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRG3sP0fJE
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzJ60kpB1Q
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yEShP87C5
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2d3BMWy17
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZRlGva3Pf
"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?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLZrRsmX93
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyr3Dz3bSw
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkHkUCStbM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyVJmtPWeI
"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?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KL3jHOzal
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprId5ZgWnv
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeHcrmu5QP
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRIrfeoHow
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESWLk8uZgU
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZaYfMFeUs
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy1ABYvp0S
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tYYhmXToD
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAazZY8djx
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXBMlCsUw5
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXDLAIQwTB
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qMa6bI44U
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XlCW1nj76
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W7h1K3ROt
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFKV1RrZ0C
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf7lFzSo1X
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?522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdgOqIN9gc
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUckPnNTJD
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTIyF4Wstx
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxf4DxsQya
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErxaaeZMPH
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP9c38Xpru
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsFmmBMm9R
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhXydS2gAO
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdthEJsvoI0
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkirFvx9uBB
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcwxBf53eO
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9kM9LHETi
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhnwNv8yQT
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44OVYe4WZ8
"I hope so."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHbXwtgeaf
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXblgeKWP5k
"Come on, we better go inside."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuvfVicK7b
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcv6oNHAjh
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRqEuOsqK8
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjO0ZLTql3
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhVkSFigQu
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wrnijvS4j
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqO3JSn2OW
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQywifPykvU
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e6sZABnxG
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjn3Qobvmr
"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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv6vGrvTsh
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDh1tQctnD
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkIlF3aN0p
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBRkx2aOpi
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbqWs8E2fF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2cmza7wsQ
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1B2yAFsBs
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7qtULAwDc
"Not really. Why?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rnqlwyZOY
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JrbTW5Ycz
"You look really tired."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27EUuNXNYW
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaopel2AvXl
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxgaMBSDJk
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUQcNbKBbh
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt7k97MiUn
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBbYYzd8RE
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa9jQqHNlz
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiFBYDtEyO
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDzYqybNnh
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmklAAlLEsz
"Sure, grandma."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJEIiLnWS
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJva3PSBPno
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEZzfoAT3N
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnVE1wgLR9
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KSwjkd1en
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbm0mu22ye
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLlEHFhKkR
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZQ2edj6wy
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbWXolh9ER
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD2S7iEtPg
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hVaHDuHL9
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uYqtn8t1M
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwrjVKW7xo
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUbehehNzF
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTudokzSPIM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1REnbEzGs
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApR2kwcgJF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnhVo7oJQp
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4BeXgpGB2
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOlOuD5JT5
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iiLHwh7du
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztAE6EwJqF
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLhppDqFSF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlGYXqPe8W
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCIpxqRxep
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PvA4JqadS
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKwmwNc8PH
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBn34hN3OX
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSeAwOiE4L
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t9eIfUp15
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiRrJy6E1F
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Rndd7kass
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL0L63OvkF
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtogkO9lDNh
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhInDxwlbEV
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9S9aJwRTI
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP7xvFkyT7
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WeaUdV2gz
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQSeFa63Uv
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cXL5rmlw2
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbbqPIUCg4
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHDBRCQ9jy
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQzYmesbjK
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow59XSEucQ
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNxo3GjzYQ
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWq5MwIaGd
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBBqmQ2dGM
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ok4jY0dZ
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmPtY6lCeV
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB2sU9UOLV
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWrmXr8iDU
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5vB33aOgu
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJCwuGz4gz
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIefksDFmk1
***522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQCVlWOIzM
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAgPWBVyoT
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuzpa1ylqX
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0GFkeKUhv
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHLkE7ld76
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Mte7YflR
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90wqrpe25B
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvMhAXNh9O
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATUyTZbLtt
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMCHPjr6fY
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yvo4AMf4O
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZMPGeWF1Z
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOZOANJWVs
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmb8GlpDDg
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXHWU594U3
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xM4uDXoSD
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK22KZlz1IK
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xfns1YjlC
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQiKplFMK4
"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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw6AXtVjy9
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