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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAoOoeGthS8p
364Please respect copyright.PENANABWDT90xhIh
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAJLZWvDaeDc
364Please respect copyright.PENANAiv48gkDLEO
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAyEpfZrtQ9U
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbV5yBlfDNz
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.364Please respect copyright.PENANAaF8UC5Py2p
364Please respect copyright.PENANAdOdrP44RXX
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.364Please respect copyright.PENANAOoOUAzz0BS
364Please respect copyright.PENANAEETo1pyQy6
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."364Please respect copyright.PENANAE6A1Jl9C3U
364Please respect copyright.PENANABEtdv1PkcY
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.364Please respect copyright.PENANAGFZI1X3Mc9
364Please respect copyright.PENANAHGABhQTveS
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAjievZJbQw5
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKVMxiUnNDT
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."364Please respect copyright.PENANAzGpQq2gWTc
364Please respect copyright.PENANA6h3unKyeP5
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."364Please respect copyright.PENANAbrqWTVShOm
364Please respect copyright.PENANAzkwhcDtw0R
"You'll be surprised."364Please respect copyright.PENANA0xdje3ZkYM
364Please respect copyright.PENANA1a6SKLrBP6
"I need to talk to you about something."364Please respect copyright.PENANAXRA3G4U4o0
364Please respect copyright.PENANARwyolrrCVs
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.364Please respect copyright.PENANAEzNYqxrGwj
364Please respect copyright.PENANA8lRrNpOMV8
"What is it about?" Leo asked.364Please respect copyright.PENANA6AFKW8Eyh3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAlXaYN8buAP
"It's about Angel."364Please respect copyright.PENANAmyRahE4jbi
364Please respect copyright.PENANAmc59z1Lz6O
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA2kJ6u0yY2U
364Please respect copyright.PENANAgEJ4c1cABK
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAQLVEnmP6Jv
364Please respect copyright.PENANAywKsItd3xP
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAPqYaJRSmN8
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwygiJ7taxl
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.364Please respect copyright.PENANAe4epqKRImb
364Please respect copyright.PENANADxthlWFgE1
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAc5afBt0K43
364Please respect copyright.PENANA1A9gpuJEKc
"She did."364Please respect copyright.PENANAQDt3AhIpc9
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKPsLJCvx0q
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.364Please respect copyright.PENANAbV1jglVYyn
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKtQZgPE5R1
"She agreed to work with us."364Please respect copyright.PENANAws3kj2Ugjs
364Please respect copyright.PENANA16svwv5o5f
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAiYSspkXVLD
364Please respect copyright.PENANAa0rLqk6kKn
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAltnUziebLd
364Please respect copyright.PENANA7ySvNvMrcZ
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.364Please respect copyright.PENANAsDMwGt8CUi
364Please respect copyright.PENANAnMadI0HFbK
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.364Please respect copyright.PENANAKV13OjS1mK
364Please respect copyright.PENANAeDt6IOcnay
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.364Please respect copyright.PENANA9eAtHiUTmN
364Please respect copyright.PENANAK13ZxjJL2O
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.364Please respect copyright.PENANAZscVMcp2dD
364Please respect copyright.PENANAgMz3xHJnr6
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."364Please respect copyright.PENANApREf5ENoGl
364Please respect copyright.PENANAurtboClHLV
"What about her job at the editing company?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAbfWYBWdd4H
364Please respect copyright.PENANAi6BgdNpIlP
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."364Please respect copyright.PENANAlVxjghoXb3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAI0QEhmKcAC
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"364Please respect copyright.PENANA0hBSIsyWFA
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwnqZ8h55jK
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA6IBq7mpoP8
364Please respect copyright.PENANA2h7nXkBIsv
"She doesn't know," his father replied.364Please respect copyright.PENANA4aj5H3GMGg
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWJqFgGNbrA
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"364Please respect copyright.PENANADCS2CF2ifF
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbpAPsCgLaq
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."364Please respect copyright.PENANArYRAjxdZxY
364Please respect copyright.PENANAP7KxfVlmPy
"How are you going to break it to her?"364Please respect copyright.PENANA3GZa9rXGXT
364Please respect copyright.PENANAB5Fo1a0K5d
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."364Please respect copyright.PENANAxTSPwk75qd
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwITFLClkNF
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAQnRPoeF3Es
364Please respect copyright.PENANA1WTxS32yiE
"You heard me."364Please respect copyright.PENANAk5FaDxn6Em
364Please respect copyright.PENANAPXVbgul3Ho
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAn2OtO0s80i
364Please respect copyright.PENANAOf4jtnkuFb
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAjuRwsNjjDG
364Please respect copyright.PENANAYpWoOPGzry
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."364Please respect copyright.PENANAQcUO5zi7Y3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAlivvjxIPA8
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAEMzolFOCpW
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfVYWxoJxJu
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"364Please respect copyright.PENANASqmUrFDDj7
364Please respect copyright.PENANAdf8VlG13Tv
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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAcl4PD6UGAE
364Please respect copyright.PENANAFOeU3KFM4Q
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.364Please respect copyright.PENANAQX0rcXdtIi
364Please respect copyright.PENANAseuryD2U73
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANATtSaygI7TI
364Please respect copyright.PENANA7a44iQsb0d
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.364Please respect copyright.PENANAU7Jc7Mkzym
364Please respect copyright.PENANA7MfxTGdtdw
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.364Please respect copyright.PENANAjjkFczxCYy
364Please respect copyright.PENANA160DvSZWo2
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."364Please respect copyright.PENANAL2PRryDUG1
364Please respect copyright.PENANAkex7egUGz8
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAzUIUhd0XJn
364Please respect copyright.PENANAT7TxRwThcm
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."364Please respect copyright.PENANAqTNuc6QapF
364Please respect copyright.PENANAr72STzaxe9
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.364Please respect copyright.PENANAQejoS58mDB
364Please respect copyright.PENANAvNQmQqe5mB
"I'll see you back home?"364Please respect copyright.PENANACSrmDK8OKB
364Please respect copyright.PENANAiDSl9pjjNx
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."364Please respect copyright.PENANAS4CEFnZv3t
364Please respect copyright.PENANAkI0G1hhlMY
"Sure. See you later, then."364Please respect copyright.PENANAL3RM8IdOQj
364Please respect copyright.PENANADPQY2ic1GM
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAYALuNxbiqw
364Please respect copyright.PENANAdyEev77vwC
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAY0Nz7ATsti
364Please respect copyright.PENANA984NBY1K3R
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.364Please respect copyright.PENANAsnKjIGxCw7
364Please respect copyright.PENANADIjrmzj4UU
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.364Please respect copyright.PENANAB0qIM67gle
364Please respect copyright.PENANAG3epqaqHjd
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."364Please respect copyright.PENANAyOAN8G0o0v
364Please respect copyright.PENANAXhyLMoRb81
"May I ask where and why?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAjYlEDSvQ0m
364Please respect copyright.PENANAEZVlGAkjDs
"Come on. I'll tell you."364Please respect copyright.PENANADlHNxPOcv7
364Please respect copyright.PENANAeAtdxZtSF4
***364Please respect copyright.PENANAoCSExxS02P
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKTRO6ygvpy
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAkC8EhnNkUb
364Please respect copyright.PENANAyLzp12cdju
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."364Please respect copyright.PENANA8mfyGUDiJ0
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwmfV2IPc2B
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."364Please respect copyright.PENANAijItfpX5mV
364Please respect copyright.PENANA48OctqzrGC
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."364Please respect copyright.PENANA9vywjpaojH
364Please respect copyright.PENANAuGDCB4VQ2O
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANADb3hUNX3L7
364Please respect copyright.PENANACnajO5Hrra
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAtFspDrd0Yo
364Please respect copyright.PENANAoiEft7xQEa
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANANYAZ618qWT
364Please respect copyright.PENANAHaYgsEsrwH
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.364Please respect copyright.PENANAtFQ4l795AJ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAd1r0V0TjrJ
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.364Please respect copyright.PENANAUbcWOVZDUR
364Please respect copyright.PENANAxayr8CXU6S
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."364Please respect copyright.PENANA3Gm0tsb4vr
364Please respect copyright.PENANATriW18mu5A
"Who?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAKTLswCpQwt
364Please respect copyright.PENANANjiQdFCYjx
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAX5BC32cXoz
364Please respect copyright.PENANAjmRZprTMQz
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.364Please respect copyright.PENANA8kzPHBFVIa
364Please respect copyright.PENANAcLur7vPqOW
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAuS9yBLgrjE
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKLTOnGEI8P
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."364Please respect copyright.PENANASMkIfQo1I8
364Please respect copyright.PENANAgzo0bf3d44
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."364Please respect copyright.PENANAAB2onBn4B9
364Please respect copyright.PENANAuRBEXOluOa
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAlTp9DeFzRb
364Please respect copyright.PENANAFIXgCW9ua2
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."364Please respect copyright.PENANAclbCZTpY3T
364Please respect copyright.PENANAVZAYEBT6OL
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAigpNm1fWut
364Please respect copyright.PENANAGFxF7kZzAG
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."364Please respect copyright.PENANAqnePT3984M
364Please respect copyright.PENANAOsGC44A5W2
"Ok. Just be careful out there."364Please respect copyright.PENANAT5m4FBaUsR
364Please respect copyright.PENANACxIItcOqgX
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."364Please respect copyright.PENANA7il0Becejp
364Please respect copyright.PENANAjQxkgjMsoN
"See you later then."364Please respect copyright.PENANAQnNCVgxByn
364Please respect copyright.PENANAvmZt5zzpmU
"Ya, see you."364Please respect copyright.PENANAxy4k3X3j7Q
364Please respect copyright.PENANAYbdK4EpDCU
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAhJck6ii5Jy
364Please respect copyright.PENANAAweJZdU2rP
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAMWoE7QqLmO
364Please respect copyright.PENANAE8Jl79c8At
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANASChyVYbsR3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAvzo5BeXl7m
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAW9MEWsHBIv
364Please respect copyright.PENANA3SmHBDqGv3
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANArMkAVY1NaW
364Please respect copyright.PENANA4U6qOeRAj4
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAzUR2j550H4
364Please respect copyright.PENANAM3HWWJDnUR
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAjfvBIW0Zp0
364Please respect copyright.PENANAuSRTjgMssk
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAIHXC2goHrr
364Please respect copyright.PENANAva6vmmvIeZ
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAfzUwXQVd0f
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfwwnw6CpNT
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."364Please respect copyright.PENANAEmbOtO3o5h
364Please respect copyright.PENANAqT23fEMIeG
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."364Please respect copyright.PENANAssnI9mjAiP
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWqVx2lUeG6
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.364Please respect copyright.PENANAv7yACRO05V
364Please respect copyright.PENANAJk8frTpjAr
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANA9KdWiwrkLq
364Please respect copyright.PENANA1bho4vMsC5
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAXJh7dMlhej
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfdFp5qYaWw
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."364Please respect copyright.PENANAn7NezLoLQI
364Please respect copyright.PENANAsVByjWVEcg
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."364Please respect copyright.PENANAflsnanyQXO
364Please respect copyright.PENANAOWHP8G59X7
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.364Please respect copyright.PENANAAaeRgUFQPY
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWSy0hHS4Jq
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."364Please respect copyright.PENANAguGTrNGmXR
364Please respect copyright.PENANA3YUtqT5LQv
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.364Please respect copyright.PENANAjI8Ddb3Vhw
364Please respect copyright.PENANAM9JeJfkpEY
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAJG3rSLxC0o
364Please respect copyright.PENANAgEn2XSEwe7
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANATNCzkS9enD
364Please respect copyright.PENANA7gIfHd0F7y
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAKeDYXob91l
364Please respect copyright.PENANAxo6AMGRv8L
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAOHckfhicgH
364Please respect copyright.PENANAuSS7NvSNPO
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAZKl8MzqjHN
364Please respect copyright.PENANAxT4bUThAju
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.364Please respect copyright.PENANA8Sal7S9Jaw
364Please respect copyright.PENANAUinLR8MPhI
"It's done. She's in my car right now."364Please respect copyright.PENANAq14K5vqc7m
364Please respect copyright.PENANAHlhCSDQ8qr
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."364Please respect copyright.PENANAnp53io6M0P
364Please respect copyright.PENANAK1XNM3rpSh
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAa9YHoZDZC4
364Please respect copyright.PENANAjBwKLh32O8
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.364Please respect copyright.PENANAdeoCwKruao
364Please respect copyright.PENANAyefKUtNzqI
***364Please respect copyright.PENANA3zL4njJ5Ex
364Please respect copyright.PENANAtX7ysMkGE9
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA46wwT7zeC3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAZNtokBnT2v
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAhJN3BWh5r2
364Please respect copyright.PENANAlzWbqUOIOM
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAzg78X1ZoQf
364Please respect copyright.PENANAa9PwYfoOXz
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.364Please respect copyright.PENANAi8em2e9c6E
364Please respect copyright.PENANAvoqMev5VnL
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."364Please respect copyright.PENANApPA8GOMqV3
364Please respect copyright.PENANATQFVPQnjGs
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."364Please respect copyright.PENANAd0EuhhecoU
364Please respect copyright.PENANA5o4dnAAyNa
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."364Please respect copyright.PENANAuQpbSOWLpX
364Please respect copyright.PENANAElPMK0TjlK
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.364Please respect copyright.PENANAWPf95dR2cZ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWEiFv41ZeP
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.364Please respect copyright.PENANAzZHoSfREF8
364Please respect copyright.PENANAhbZeIXPndL
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAKgWbdptjzO
364Please respect copyright.PENANA6RpvJVAMVY
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.364Please respect copyright.PENANAxpXPoIJJBJ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWj0ydgmHg3
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."364Please respect copyright.PENANAvRloDOuLhk
364Please respect copyright.PENANAMvP5HXpJgR
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."364Please respect copyright.PENANAB0WfwXYCMJ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAUKN3Xbjajp
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."364Please respect copyright.PENANAPcgFwy9yJo
364Please respect copyright.PENANARCy6U4pkbo
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."364Please respect copyright.PENANAaWpxYfHWHT
364Please respect copyright.PENANAU2KIQ0fNpC
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.364Please respect copyright.PENANA6BBoJ5CHus
364Please respect copyright.PENANAdjmtBG94uI
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."364Please respect copyright.PENANAJTmsIW5Vm1
364Please respect copyright.PENANAFVCBEAFJTr
"Ya, let's not."364Please respect copyright.PENANA42jsgJOh1k
364Please respect copyright.PENANA3POMrfqZMU
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAO6SVMzI2rL
364Please respect copyright.PENANAa2BAAYA78l
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANALdyPR5UxIF
364Please respect copyright.PENANAtQLqdzFF69
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAja7tB6GxLI
364Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3V0jNo7SC
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."364Please respect copyright.PENANAqcwShNXdyG
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbuD4QwEQsc
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANA4tX6RvkGHa
364Please respect copyright.PENANAXgUPLAXFo6
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAZju4QeECXu
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKzeu7ewc1e
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."364Please respect copyright.PENANAwLJ8SSUran
364Please respect copyright.PENANAXLlfRGFF4H
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.364Please respect copyright.PENANAqcGhT56rmL
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwtMM2Fnq9P
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."364Please respect copyright.PENANAcgsktSwzPw
364Please respect copyright.PENANA4BbiZwKKYY
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."364Please respect copyright.PENANAi1tCQqt39S
364Please respect copyright.PENANAKNCmM3cWgn
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."364Please respect copyright.PENANAOuplsRDGlQ
364Please respect copyright.PENANADOzIOcf96n
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"364Please respect copyright.PENANAv5os7KxrZ5
364Please respect copyright.PENANA9X4RsISLpW
"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?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAcEO1aKXVWB
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWWK5Vd8mR4
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."364Please respect copyright.PENANAE4ETLEVFNG
364Please respect copyright.PENANAcXzVklgsa7
"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?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAhYxiVonWw2
364Please respect copyright.PENANAP6EaL6ec61
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."364Please respect copyright.PENANAqjdXelqDk4
364Please respect copyright.PENANAAshwcwllJB
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAr8nJouY22r
364Please respect copyright.PENANAReumPoK5LM
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANApIigewpe7s
364Please respect copyright.PENANAut1ld8pV01
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAZQ72cj5T7v
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbfiyJ8ZyS6
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.364Please respect copyright.PENANARAmM4JimzC
364Please respect copyright.PENANAmbwJTGd8BL
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.364Please respect copyright.PENANAoO96FYdkm3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAQb9gwCgxVd
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.364Please respect copyright.PENANAnsfADuzWsD
364Please respect copyright.PENANAv9mP2yzFnY
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?364Please respect copyright.PENANAkZ5u1rWIqP
364Please respect copyright.PENANA381ZE2TDB8
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.364Please respect copyright.PENANATFVEqPzVoe
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbCSPmZsMo2
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.364Please respect copyright.PENANAepNj2VYbj9
364Please respect copyright.PENANAJeU6tMw8CB
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAuTmAuVInlk
364Please respect copyright.PENANACjiOUWONa1
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.364Please respect copyright.PENANAXvQYSd0DCi
364Please respect copyright.PENANA3cgkBKHz3T
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."364Please respect copyright.PENANAfZctl1ECfc
364Please respect copyright.PENANA8JTNvzQpMj
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANA6SnbbhZn2j
364Please respect copyright.PENANAnTpisVN2rT
"I hope so."364Please respect copyright.PENANAK9IxltyZDo
364Please respect copyright.PENANAHNuTRC5ZXv
"Come on, we better go inside."364Please respect copyright.PENANAdkU6wYsvjj
364Please respect copyright.PENANAmDuJN7ALpZ
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA0pER97JPkv
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbvoFotWyfL
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAefHQjhygKS
364Please respect copyright.PENANACWoLGc7OZV
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAIJh1CQrnAg
364Please respect copyright.PENANAzfitkhUVug
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAwb0LQRFx2x
364Please respect copyright.PENANApO47BgTHfl
"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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAcX8XItzoH6
364Please respect copyright.PENANA7b6riijfjz
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.364Please respect copyright.PENANArI1vXQ0Rn4
364Please respect copyright.PENANATN5ZobdgQo
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.364Please respect copyright.PENANAEwsgQrcOdj
364Please respect copyright.PENANAYJJY3yVDbs
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"364Please respect copyright.PENANA6BB2WpXVz8
364Please respect copyright.PENANAOl1MefxuA6
"Not really. Why?"364Please respect copyright.PENANA9vazvTxQzW
364Please respect copyright.PENANAGxuLfDt9zM
"You look really tired."364Please respect copyright.PENANAZ49a7B1SP8
364Please respect copyright.PENANA3i97dapjQ9
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAW95sSCneDW
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfAxhn5K3CI
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.364Please respect copyright.PENANA5B1pFVY0DC
364Please respect copyright.PENANA5nCd2LLYX5
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."364Please respect copyright.PENANAX4tXzGidCT
364Please respect copyright.PENANArF03ZklDLr
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."364Please respect copyright.PENANAD2V2vn0T1h
364Please respect copyright.PENANA92pBZqw64P
"Sure, grandma."364Please respect copyright.PENANACpYlONkVFM
364Please respect copyright.PENANAijrGT0ta8L
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAqbT8m7sKyA
364Please respect copyright.PENANAsYE8Dn9I14
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAwypSbPDb5k
364Please respect copyright.PENANAsG6CyRAxoa
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."364Please respect copyright.PENANAV2x46kejiW
364Please respect copyright.PENANAkuLcu5a2dZ
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."364Please respect copyright.PENANAl5stz3DnFl
364Please respect copyright.PENANAPcIFOP6pRD
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAMedpEGZZrQ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfLFIcZQIiO
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."364Please respect copyright.PENANAE5IPZC6Bz3
364Please respect copyright.PENANAESL9y3iAWT
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAX7cc3sSHg0
364Please respect copyright.PENANAhRjBwSioxo
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."364Please respect copyright.PENANAdCclddRBKD
364Please respect copyright.PENANAbTPBpWQ9nD
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.364Please respect copyright.PENANA9NgW3L0Uav
364Please respect copyright.PENANAZAhOXenli8
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAjmYx940NeF
364Please respect copyright.PENANA4ke2AHVl9a
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."364Please respect copyright.PENANAke2AxuP7CM
364Please respect copyright.PENANATDqqeEwsoT
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANA7krwTNl1kX
364Please respect copyright.PENANACpb3OSXNI7
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.364Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6bDxD4Zlt
364Please respect copyright.PENANARmAkGZrEaW
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANA6OKVUyYpyk
364Please respect copyright.PENANAWPKjxv4Mzj
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."364Please respect copyright.PENANA2dI9hmxCXr
364Please respect copyright.PENANARKqtuJpI52
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.364Please respect copyright.PENANAzbgueOGWmE
364Please respect copyright.PENANANQ4nFh8zUT
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANASQ959q5n1a
364Please respect copyright.PENANAhMFbNRpPUd
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.364Please respect copyright.PENANA0LBq5dskZZ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAVOdKLHXd9N
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.364Please respect copyright.PENANA5IgiRqQE2Z
364Please respect copyright.PENANAPbnVG0b6kN
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."364Please respect copyright.PENANA4nzEDNqKdw
364Please respect copyright.PENANABuTZOiILq2
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."364Please respect copyright.PENANAmASdStk1He
364Please respect copyright.PENANAcL8vGaCyU6
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAadBFp0HMWu
364Please respect copyright.PENANAfKRoUUuNeH
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA3BO063PcTl
364Please respect copyright.PENANATu6CNjoG48
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."364Please respect copyright.PENANA09Ge51sNEp
364Please respect copyright.PENANA9rfxkkEdtw
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.364Please respect copyright.PENANAiiY5vLgt9k
364Please respect copyright.PENANA6S6CK9mRqQ
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.364Please respect copyright.PENANAg42ye50cgM
364Please respect copyright.PENANAwaqZQM6XwP
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANA03VE1oqWcW
364Please respect copyright.PENANASCkdtdY058
***364Please respect copyright.PENANAZOxRFtoaTu
364Please respect copyright.PENANAPpNfMnXz8t
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANABCPZU44zCl
364Please respect copyright.PENANAZbljGitEEN
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAN7kf0yEOw1
364Please respect copyright.PENANAnhpNe79Akl
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAqh0V4fhIVk
364Please respect copyright.PENANAsyVNYoSv3F
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAKTBBGUuqWJ
364Please respect copyright.PENANAqCkCUU457a
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAdbRr3mFp85
364Please respect copyright.PENANAsbuKcOlp4M
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.364Please respect copyright.PENANAym8DHm6B68
364Please respect copyright.PENANA56eciOtQpL
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAw7XdtBBSxd
364Please respect copyright.PENANAdzjTV28gFa
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAcC2YqrZCtw
364Please respect copyright.PENANA5C6KUZv8mK
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"364Please respect copyright.PENANAhaWnktbf7Z
364Please respect copyright.PENANA75V7iPbNlc
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.364Please respect copyright.PENANAg2cpImWzic
364Please respect copyright.PENANAaCJKoK4E0Y
"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."364Please respect copyright.PENANAchxaahH4dC