The news about the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOu373eS4z
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2vwSeEEq
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6PvbkZtBC
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNhno0gnqF
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GgVtJDTEC
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9seVW0m9d
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrXdXvXoCr
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgE69oQcjU
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlIkfMwb5t
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAL28aFiPK
There was more to it 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtdYMiIyPN
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUIyaxyXJN
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnM35zrv92
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTHi9xAZUC
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR8M0USO4E
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQliJcanjnY
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wCEwB3GSP
except from a few individuals. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4jtSJnqsk
And apparently, one of 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzjjfPnvgv
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p8WTMIDeX
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs4ggMBjyp
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6gi6Mjwlt
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlfL2XdKxX
really going on, all hell would break loose.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyMFAUV1yA
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYp3PlLBnj
Rhénee dropped the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LVPtU9sew
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwhnryQIju
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AI9sbQ2QR
ear, she took a sip of coffee.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYWbx6Funi
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH5NMGAIV8
"Ya, its crazy here," 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMTPikwX8d
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz7KSv3EPW
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwUftojNrL
broken in."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5yXb0QRuO
"If only they knew."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd1vXOdbZA
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZi0BxaH5s
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PTTnU0Bs9
"She did. I had to make 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFLuJ9L916
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHsAqBEj5M
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQBeGESajp
"I doubt if she believed that."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQuip0tAy
"Haha, looks like you 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39GQsie9Zr
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLyVJZnv21
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiX5Tks7kB
"True. But we did. I 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObKxYzTd8T
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbRW4fIUeo
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hlvPzs9wX
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYaQLfHMlT
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpdGVUPiJz
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdkiMZTKBI
"Okay, bye."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D7XL6Nauv
"Bye."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbI8u28rtp
Rhénee cuts the call and896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbepv7kyND
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX864B27b5d
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4VckiOV7T
wink last night.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Vove0yWG
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X9bNDANDM
"I wasn't going to 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmlxfKKSsV
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5843OqDlSs
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVzxfFU8ia
"You don't have to 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDZmqurF4
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYnjciAYDW
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw3U9T1Enj
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvINU6jvHI
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy39tlMu0gO
"Why Malcom?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRU84mumh9
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj9fpQ2lPN
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiX3EKvjhm
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpraKrxP0A
"Alright, you go ahead."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY69Dl8i2M
Miss Griselda gave 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkyGsXGN8v
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakygfHmBB0
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh11xMhnCd
did when they talked about Malcom. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KDx5XAspT
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpL5LYVmC9
The sound of her phone 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hev8dF9gF
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ojxp80rIr
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlf988sWZn
mother.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluEEGJs3fL
"Hello?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mZhQyrxyE
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60XTjtLSD4
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKdwmQHdd5
That voice. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lKFzvbpCZ
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F80nNuPux
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKCbphfKDJ
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVQWBELqQ8
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy0bmwXyBX
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHtM4Opb1L
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplanuxVXUG
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvpZFoqZYI
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtReF2u3KfX
"You don't know me, 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKZaJBuu6r
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV9msYlSxe
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfLguDaGcK
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicvEMQBLS0
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzATnVkMuFf
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ2p5bzeDX
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTonrkepf2
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uZX4l3RCj
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LgeOIEmDK
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihvcWWcO4t
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVQMk775zK
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSBqnrTVhF
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnbBDlyeq9
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN7psydBEO
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0jU1D51Nk
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX31vAHmDz
"Oh, and by the way, 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9nKo3Klgs
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP4tPpc2LF
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaoag7q7Mz
this time around."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDEqR4QEeO
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZC4pLN7gN
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts4xIoGG1X
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu6n4D2SpU
Rhénee sat down on the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0iZ8Xa0oA
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmFoZloMrb
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZESlhQghKz
the others, who know what might happen. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU7qDvsWWn
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjjQODSUsF
***896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwsPakejOy
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu91kuBBOFs
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaReMD3IlY
"But she isn't hurt right?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDMRxfsnaE
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSzuWiQENI
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOo5ObCJ8a
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWk3HmTxxn
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5IcrVYLCB
"Nah.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZc2PoVG7S
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOzVWI2ZvA
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIB1VWkK4Z
"Thats896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLHg2qHbwh
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RlSL0PSly
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0ifken6AT
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3pjbPqWIk
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEPhsHNV4w
"Alright."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjWCrzrvrG
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQebdtyINk
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOTdctwb2Y
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLCZHZr2S9
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74NNfkLDkt
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDSE3E9pHr
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHjDmzABDD
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzATOSMeJyX
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iluhpCxNY
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjPEAmfKgp
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxITpmOOepi
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TyLRcvouH
"Does it bother you?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo21BB3n1I
"Um... not really. But.... um."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx8SdL0Ezq
Eugene896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlLwNEE1oR
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fVMnZl9ZV
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MDoVqyN3H
"Mum, are you okay?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sSYECr8Oq
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyP6sVqiMH
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zagq0mpn6
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dcbPnX81b
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUxjJmEd5A
Mrs896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tEvXaD5ec
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBhkVQRTaE
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpovz5eTNs2
had talked about Rhénee?896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUmuscfZlA
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v7MSFWrpn
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9yfzdh7HI
***896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jTnC9S42L
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ0SlDBxUr
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ukiSJKys4
"You better rest though. You still look tired."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf0kENjlrH
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡredsdKZUbT
"No, I'll do it."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvCwXX8CF4
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaxXsYiOux
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbYpLrLMqp
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSiLlYCbkd
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dVnSF16ir
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3G9Gb9xfL
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCUn4mHXbf
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9F34v0gYX
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UY13F2gyl
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4ovm8qt3G
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6jrTvtZrm
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYmHfgMfE0
"Thank896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtagfkS8Zma
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJBDH7knDo
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pPNk7042l
"Well, yes. I still think I would."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNcNsf011Q
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXBPgSEvTw
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AquJFDN2e
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wjaNoV4b3
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QLhXXt2sH
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN57CvkesK
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpHHn6ur6N
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzhj0fEm1J
"Coffee will be lovely."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMQ3Du7VHM
Miss896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqmkeM74IU
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVJKthLmZb
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ0MsM5Z2M
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqfemaf8IO
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ6IfT4xFW
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpuOvKWGT2
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk9rdswnlC
"What mysterious person?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmL6wyEiHW
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNZH6drN1F
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqMNZ0u0Lg
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7bROk2Z2l
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wLAkWtBPA
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDa5NYb9Ch
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOpdtJvdMq
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YEYOPojQR
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRdET8cMTN
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNOqpULEss
The896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAHC1NUBTv
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyHkJ0uOoC
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpptcrbBGp
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH5RfJLxxo
of this.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi6iZ2AYPp
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj0lP90g1j
"I...896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmmC0yIEVL
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91bOantIz7
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyCGbwXzAc
frustration. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa7WgQiYch
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbywQXFtMs
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7P1NflFzh
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWOMe1Jl7u
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObWC4O99bU
cups on the tray and wondered. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC0LcBX8QJ
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhGEVr56Od
896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYZGGp7B75
As896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61R73pYbXD
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9oQAt5hM6
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASdtqYe1Nk
reminder kept ringing in her head.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9rN2EY1CW
"And tell your friends not to get involved."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTehGNtF5S
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqoTfExVV4
"I896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZZu7keqJC
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYpDOvzZYw
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64L8zf9Yt8
talking about, Rhénee?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxKBi9Uxkl
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VVR2agS4Q
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8OseVr6G5
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJbD5Yoi7b
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlLGGTZay7
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMTwuC1ypA
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rbiYSldKM
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEWHPnIPCg
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIy65GvKnr
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjyC4HYQYx
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0lnEQoKmJ
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrK9fgUwTQ
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzz3ZjQXcf
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHQmqM2XH7
***896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7ZMqV5e1b
Sweat896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxTpSpLywz
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB9hMmTVg9
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDItNQ9GhP
the person waiting never likes to wait.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0KSyWc4Ag
He896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql4zU21ZiQ
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGB6XaSQM1
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ThyjmBgSe
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTFq5v275k
second.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyWFGPZerl
He896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72ghkbUTII
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn5vlUg44D
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpRi3EMc6F
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M41Jh1NfR
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sPlfaBOar
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2R1ztM9r5
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzADeZXrtuy
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc3nOWFNzG
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32MjhdfRD
"You're late, again."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCziDihwoJm
His896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnMajFceQV
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsajvzMscK
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS70MdtAzvV
lion door knob. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0M3PXBX8z
He896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5TSK8nrNj
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEcWH6rxZa
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RmxXffSc6
"What896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz60CmTqVz3
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKfeKUMq9s
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyzGJ1pkvB
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX2UY5RBsa
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiDZmO0qD5
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtQbllQK1g
A896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrheDQr5l7f
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokC0csYPPx
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZzzIpCPu1
as they had their backs towards the window.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qrzGy43NR
"You know we need him," said the tall man.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWFX1hj7GX
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU13hyqOCMV
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSMQoBaiw9
The896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA4gBboaMS
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vn5cylypc
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDQTKtQ01h
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHRlQ7oMgJ
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwJczn3iNK
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL0WEIa8id
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ8c9ZLZHo
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZO9WX2uKH
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7I3cKnI4t
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yYejjyIgy
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvP10IudKz
"What if she reveals the truth?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzvzwHgDpA
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0V03yvaCi
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AommXC1D6
For a moment, silence hung over them.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJVxPoUzAm
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZKbs5ohyw
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGS9fCnvIn
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JwCVpZVO6
"I896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjq1RUPbgZ
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUmy3g4NdX
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3C8aSbNQM
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9vf0LkO6r
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlDWdaaXTN
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNtP7QNy2G
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ns9sEKGgN
***896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG6fw6kUiv
The896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIeq5UD2kV
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ70SEd4or
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AqRkAqiGv
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN4yvE7zAP
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9E8mgrMSS
they met, they seemed sky blue.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjlEFzpxdu
And896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0yxQn2SN4
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLTqHX036w
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk1xjKrLZc
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9OWwU6iyV
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIegenxQ4K
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgCBuq1NgI
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndie0whMPq
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMSTwm6h3P
coffee table in the middle.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v9jUmX8g5
When896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqZNBInzjA
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27kUXVlpfC
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DdfhuYP61
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCBglGGY66
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92susPERt5
"Are you sure?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8QIv4C3OL
"Yes, I'm positive."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVHSu5ZlHa
Miss896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADB2M8jTL2
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeALNlXpxEo
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXyV9coGY1
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXVa4D0Qqb
from their cups.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFeuSW3KVx
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcehxiEfFsA
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK5RzcQrhu
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxK8m4Lt49
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkT0oKirME
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9EibR7bkH
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyTO3rmAFz
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx49GvnitQ
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCndGBzvxrb
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolXw8DJ1JT
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi1b5praqq
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj1aVX0Ogj
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt6oe6IeTi
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2edvL5iB8u
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhEE13EGZF
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcvkZMiUy6
"Oh,896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIZ0AFrcMD
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Hy8iOjBh
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZTRdudRmK
who he is."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgoAUD96lt
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarufkSA8An
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSOtERZZyb
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7g4CKTdMk
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nhMERv4IO
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP88aBF5l71
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8hAHi1k9q
Rhénee896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y8dYgYXI6
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXnUop1vzx
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmzfkV1D35
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uNJvytkZw
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgq7GDPOZB
"Fine,896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ss2N2L733
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcW04U3Lqv
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBufjMzsmoD
or die if you stay by me."896Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgF8f2tzo9
