The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7gA5HRK9g
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"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1J4Regd5
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"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QzukHIn6a
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"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QjvMF5R0C
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"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIe2SYK6XY
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"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWOzKXkwaf
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"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXqQPIHlrq
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"What kind of trouble?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAbs38vNKK
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"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySneA3C87S
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Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKNUupD1Z7
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"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol4MkpnoWv
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"That's good. She needs to rest."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruJY2OHRjx
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"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Mg0BSF7hU
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"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QT7tf4h1j
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"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfG9quDuSc
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"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgnEekl73Q
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"Ya, sure."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F5L5oD0TG
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Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡnej70eaUPM 維尼
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmsQfiulP3
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Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlsHB1rbaz
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"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ07BdlstRh
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She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFEQ9d4vpX
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"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDV6RSZINw 維尼
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzHYRzlxWV
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"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPNTFkw0P0
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"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftQmvGL91n
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Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2VLpRl4UU
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"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL6u5v5FP9
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"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6hGbgT5UR
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"I don't know, he must be somewhere."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmETT1yk64x
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"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtoi2VeJqW
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"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCUIEhI66H
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"What did you say?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ql574i5D
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"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9VkBD0rOH
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"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhsvrbj91x
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"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi0UHK7xsV
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Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrioylp4uPz
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"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0KwPVgLBg 維尼
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUJMkRZ3LO
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"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuzyCjV9SW
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Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40QRzZ6XQ9 維尼
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48FKvrJLoS
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"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl52pVlZ17
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A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94niTYYWMW 維尼
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq7sPkHh7E
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Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1COKHREYX
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"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Iyy7DlFo 維尼
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MIXTWGbQ5
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"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu4co4tsjh
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Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lYQgFbkej
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"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KHUXWUyl9
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***30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9xnEcdIaV
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"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbfEuamc13
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"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv8gjoDeQT
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"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80QJYVAC67
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"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CXGTLqQhl
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Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaU31mWcW4
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The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYE1f15Y3q
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She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbsqlx7B1V
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She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvjP6hjYmj
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"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCupDXgNraJ
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"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGJmkCcWnC
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"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW4u8qExg6
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"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywpgeeU4b5
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"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBQovmAFsB
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"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOzhJ11xbc
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Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19KTswxfVx
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"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJoxr0SemD
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"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuR7eVVRTe
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"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy2Kh9xntq
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"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63xuRO3Kjd
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"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3JYphDkwE
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"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdSZwr8oIu
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"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVCmCopbnk
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Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfVWAgZYuK
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"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKirvZR1KrC
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Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ857OlHH5A2
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"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcJn8qt4Dn
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"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBz38kWfQx
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"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrTfhGa4B5
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"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYFZMku8FP
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"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLwzLv3hno
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"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J7imvL7eq
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Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsMY2pgL1d
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"Do you think she's killed before?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfa2NgmvTs
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"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxFOWbz0ny
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"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJAlkdiw5X
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"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIRvHp3b1k
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Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOZwkeVaUb
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Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmcqd0P0jj
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"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTqnoEZHRX
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Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMtL7E75uA 維尼
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGmTMzmjvy
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"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAf1Jgl3Nd
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"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MhkCwkcAN
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"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5God7KsgS7
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"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ95B2lv9m
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"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8sXP08Yvj
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"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0zonQADDu
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"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySwJZE4X1D
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"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wqc6gqSNJ
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Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM8v3Nf5AY
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"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJqvgbInvv
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No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVYaIDyK5E
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"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0cd8Hu8fy
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Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpib63vweV
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"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbcXKH6lNx
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Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2gRscCdGY
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxmWi1tdec
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fjTCCLBBe
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Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJLItkLUI7
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfbOHunccK
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyorP9KG9S
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGUnSI67ld
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQtPVvS4hY
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjIrPomYQH
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP12qdyDjlc
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Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mya13UG6N
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QrkKXld0y
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfGVaiez9y
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Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggRIOrEX8z
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJsBD1peIJ
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrtUeCVE5k 維尼
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL9DWPX2sM
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qwAyrmglr
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLYQrOmhB9
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ03YykB7u
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96moF7kB7Z
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcbQKpe8tI
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TaqaAKwHL
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PKa6Usi9u
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2LWldu8Tq
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfWaO6nay9
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2JkgwH499
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ51W166dn
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3STuEOvlX4
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFVO6B9QLu
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBwpiEWPh1
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgykXL45Be
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pwIBZf3ws
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpZfZEx95T
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF10bQGYme
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"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINboLyCmxs
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY8YTqGVcm
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ThLE0T7ds
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"We will," said Kevin.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSkE44mn5H
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetcRC38xwy
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmTXFR3jRf
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5vd5TbIeH
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡryqajtfiXz 維尼
"What?" she asked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcbWn2dzIw
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwhVMIG4ep
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhJarBdGF7
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEQIYHOM6w
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWGzAnUfPk
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Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltyGSGdiGK
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXuGXMFLjw
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBSed9w53V
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"Rhénee, wait!"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnQcxrs4Jq
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Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SzKDCCFrT
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"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjl9FITiac 維尼
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxcYuWvVHg
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViixCCEo4Z
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCOuQYWzCF
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"I'm tired."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yHmRMPjG4
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"Really? I don't think that's it."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZFC0nef3I
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"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jws3sMTjF
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcWonfKyAm
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HNqbksUAv
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"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIkXUDbZV9
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Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ63UWZXMV
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"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kIkmKCvFg
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsi8PReYWL
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt77iFxSAeZ
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IbkXeQ9cz
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD6c9ni758
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT8GH1Eo8H
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbfRIsePnB
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The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaajb6g7ynF
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"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANf9GCV3FN
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"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3GPpGCZUN
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"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMICKseVGm
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"Good. Let's go."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZypfzsdIB
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Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtTz3eViEm
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAir5e9q04
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJrophc4sx
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSXvXnV89V
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHkCtONTJz
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Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZHW0aC2P
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"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMZzdxjLp9
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"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW39pbvbDq
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsbF8HbTdz
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pbCO0emNi
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Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS41GghcjE
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"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU01wbkaWT
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm0wV1Ut3F
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeiUxrM7QI
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"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGaOJa6J5i
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"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25qS7H4C4q
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL2xt0Bzb8
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHbz1jlQNT
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"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFNgFETLza
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"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB9mFrHm5W
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jataT3JNU
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63BTDgJEhk
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The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ux6TH9FV2
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOCKIue2Ej
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV2WUVldzf
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87NHTY8xoK
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUsKsKxvZb
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"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ171qdDGSZr
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Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurVkNIS5y6
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dNLWVelOi
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXQFqxYZVj
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDVYy3AUzc
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nwlJNgFbm
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"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JzQbY8hFS
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"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDSUw4sS8c
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"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpoeEOkX2j
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Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2d8wo2x5I
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"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSZhVrQw13
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Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5GeOwPK0z
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"Yes, we did," said Malcom.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K3z1UOIaW
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"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblAzXHD3Rb
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"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz3kMxaAiR
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Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgzS9syHWD
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"I guess you found the cottage, then?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9wqomqj8I
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Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ln2asql6q
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"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpBNUl6BzY
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"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HvO9TgXlu
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Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqifrryWFsR
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***30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJME6h37dY
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Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfI18673zg
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"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5bvEfXyZc
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He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEVWtq2abs
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"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoOKykdzzj
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She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrL4SXb3lz
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"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzA3kmbJ42
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"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mkWAajcjH
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"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3eV1FrZ8V
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"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmDN3scaoo
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"Really?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBYaJlqnK0
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Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1CbjHONPK
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"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDo0JU1nki
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"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIrlaoaidC
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Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOTsLhfsxp
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He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LzvXSvkjP
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Vxs5cQ4h
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKYCZh3lBs
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5npWxYg6p1
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ4Ka3iXFw
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVGqrMmnYM
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMtO5Pxi6c
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDauXasTbkR
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrU3CPJm9p
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlTsMcchN0
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTmtiisdkf
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6tHi9sWvx
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOmgWWCPWP
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"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NYsjGrsc4
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"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmGBYQupWQ
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNgK4c5qTN
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYBAPTWj11
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Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszx1XmC2tn
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRLVY7xJBt
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWVLwHEqzI
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjknJfL0nR
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelAduMHDS5
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNLQP8MexR
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPGceGU4ir
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChCWs6wnGr
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroLDdocLzx
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U9lLMKnpj
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgU1DaX5vW
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrelPnIiSba
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLPiZqK5sI
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Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtYz5aC6J5
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XpE2z9Rle
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcmji9ir6c
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrfuYKDJCd
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"Oh..., nothing really."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPsNUuuOAJ
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q8iBk76eo
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dCABFiXvl
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV8to995Jg
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz92Hhge1m
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodpwALmnkd
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDRnEpsANu
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ7asC9UnM
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwez9EaSYh
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9PqN4mVnw
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3WqIBUQZm
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD9YhOAVDb
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGunoN8y7ZK
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesu2MaeF38
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwluftRa2e1
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55HEm4BSmZ
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Y2L0DamY
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRR3NDsCD6
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoE24yp8Nj
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR85sE3c1V
8964 copyright protection26ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWX3gMpHst 維尼
