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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqCbZ1QgVy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOIPy32MRu
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb6PCXej1h
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ezN7L5GnI
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEBqQxfazS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriMODMWUAx
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmYh5BNOQG
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyycHFyBEOX
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqeEl2kEOk
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfB7vWnlCL
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNimN4Gz6Gk
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfo4GZFML0
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA1L5V9gjq
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpihXbpa0Ia
"What kind of trouble?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMzwVUrUcb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMZzsc3FJS
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVD2C8Wl6K
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X9PHFVksf
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr436hzV6d
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IZLfwpRdN
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlzQBDcDbL
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWRwGzGxsw
"That's good. She needs to rest."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9xB7HzZlh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkCsoFPAsE
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCC5t0xwYa
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtezaSWSxAG
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwLOdhownT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3nB2YLS0L
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlofl9m8Vt
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJllCx2UM3J
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgPWae4JmZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWCEM0ljrQ
"Ya, sure."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZIJ5YPxpi
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSInJNYdccD
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.
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViNn7lBsuV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWpWZE87x9
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIYnydSa1d
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi7nCSysxw
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18MRzcX9pr
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzryaAnnr2m
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCq3BKUK48
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflzfy9FNhY
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3woQxpaHC7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsPtMaExGb
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqycI9U0Kvw
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8SIa4Qn8L
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR16dkNG0ZE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh27rksPugi
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwmojtTMEP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj7RanziA0
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1HzpAKpx3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXJSdo8wHG
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8mrDMCaYo
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXrqi0QoFg
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTm9JUN71p
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6GH9LRuH0
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ20Y1ZDdg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneQsZpO7Lg
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV5QWf35lp
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeciH2WaoCo
"What did you say?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSLEHYbUxE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVEmp2grQt
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtUDeVpnPk
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrovuLI1u3
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IFMolfhpu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxy5ne8PpH
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOOSxje0rT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPacU36NoV
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGc7QmRnLq
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUYeEpzl0F
"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."
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtTetKWVcy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN4C5weyQo
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtOqkKwRGy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zlwVKmi5a
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.
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qQIpAHlvi
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgUoaLeq7e
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKMb0Se6bh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa8J92nPWk
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IG0AcVD9r
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPls7oiZGQw
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi7DmagcW4
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQzj2FLqit
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUH1ZnHaSR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzGOj70j7J
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvVvoOfkJc
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEMCJEbSXv
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa22phg4bMW
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFEHKg1vlM
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jHNufhgcU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mg6Rp0Xa9
***744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL3yw84Adz
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IWQlYRS2t
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVU5r3RuiU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlTjuovpjk
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLYsRy6V9O
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPqR7gZqZC
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw8MArkrAy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBPikdfSmj
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSMp3777lX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPC84jHX2l
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpIY3UqbeA
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWjSodvMvf
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡierWIwWe71
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX49p5ak7PQ
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m8E97xZos
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe2o2MS7nS
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScPMQLbYPi
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1uul1mzHI
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW5xSwfC4C
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9TJdNhfB7
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2XTM4NFAb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZpm4L9bz3
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg1A7m77xv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZRozKKI6r
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hvwZHt1Gj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZVTHLiPgM
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7J3oqI3Sx
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl0ZOQFV3A
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuj0hSaJvm
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvj3qp0qx0
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC05IzUKid8
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlJ5Nqz1gd
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08XMIZmbZx
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9witrV0mZ
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUTCFGNVOa
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C7hAvm7Ll
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eobEnp84w
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgXoXSJhVv
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX5lWlOZu1
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMc6geFbK7
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9fs17HOQA
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKspf3702b
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3laZTTQmW
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsPpFxU2HN
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4kMd9tBjP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcMjv7arCQ
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkekxZlIqI
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2CSANxF3Y
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVFTFWFj7D
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa9nqtI0qz
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GnJoemReu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIezYvzYToS
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCo0IYrZiu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1X2yCrRzt
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqM06YFTGm
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcn20KEFRN
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL5Yt0IngR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccG0yj9xLY
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPKTrH7bKP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRYFiaRL0C
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvg1QD5nXw
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WeVqY7Xlv
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb5ainfYLB
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75T8xLDbDU
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ9Zqd3ex0
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWn7yWVVTy
"Do you think she's killed before?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1T51iNDaL
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVk7PxZOpZ
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpS6TV8pVv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTCA6HwkPN
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgubmx0gx9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVWkzHAAaj
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrrsANNd8x
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIERB5S49CF
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxZwzJRx6u
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5pfQNySWU
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuHdoEae5Z
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBAB7bRx92
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTo0eCHoK9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpA7PIBmOM
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.
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTDdzAVgFC
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63FcueQgeX
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObnX6XT8fm
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEFhicWGFd
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGoUg2S4cd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbt0vuL9IM
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzveohb1wNI
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj5ei0QzkF
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrTJOnPz8u
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRQuajr0cI
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5564SVvzQp
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0qe3KzVcb
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85O63W2XpU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaerKGvutZ2
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH4PMQB2Ug
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoBIuGXTfa
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDeaVP7R12
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KGZVOVBPY
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoggYRnOwr
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjo7aySQaF
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul1nmlkcgl
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkhFqOnUoN
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmn2D9kV0c
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAu9bHxiVO
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqraSRsOLi
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq6URCJ8dc
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29KWbhEK2x
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOAOJMDIFJ
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlcotHbr70
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtocHPHfoR
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dz0wMy8hT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODChjzh1IN
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWRUSoNlcd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmpljGCvod
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17UdcFMLT8
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnkOwAlgsr
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMen012SP3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSgMq8mKGD
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlH15zfBfN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DtvShaOYF
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3ZfQdmXiN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFSN2CHLeo
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl7JDdzg5k
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayZMI2JtHD
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEQTNx2tu3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf4LH4cBWf
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq2gG0DPNd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsklx9Z8snk
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8klvmmvGB3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCSd5wc1cy
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0ZSHGw95w
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy0muC0wS1
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEObOPvG6o2
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4iwgzgcYD
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoFbwH0JTb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9z0tysEc0
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ay9H4OPP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXzEv6aPJf
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl8vN7SUi9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqLQK070TB
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzmOwGgoHU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjzPQPOCjT
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HNIhMrv8g
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV9SBcr4hG
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYIYHf1zQX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9wou3hWDs
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ711tO8pqlf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSLGYKOgtz
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBQFqGOHDV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTmtoq3fnr
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c9sdkGpp7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZULepoKzEQ
"We will," said Kevin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvOdq8jrjx
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUFhXAJfBA
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFBe5pa7UP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9PXrsYvGU
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.
"What?" she asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw6GIwVxKM
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHDHPfngKR
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH80Gja0JqQ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4b6MzZnjC
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJLPUpXjlJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c119Y48WI
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8zC0Pf5uu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMgpdpb99x
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:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeeSm98zMt
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX9UHYbt1z
"Rhénee, wait!"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Twi8kIOi5
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5KwxJ0ndG
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbkuVWC5X4
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytKA211KOp
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZg2K84zF7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY7Tyoav8e
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPNplKmXXR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAULiER4Zd
"I'm tired."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGuNlWfrQA
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFWq5IcgkL
"Really? I don't think that's it."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaCfFxeAmh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43F8aba0Od
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlstDAwxjxV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLebGtmH0Yb
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy4Pl4Hp4c
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmt27zwlzx
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETxR77NbmZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3o96FrwfU
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeUUy6BYcK
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx7edztI7S
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAyKGhfS5l
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqDV1QrsiT
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3mucR5xYa
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gyCHKX3qq
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimsVfJ690I
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDxlzv4wlj
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JQiaben6H
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwylMknUAI8
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYlYlKIXeM
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDSX0WkEGx
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwxYDWp61e
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qe59oIgE0
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y4bi9o2Lj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnsurRqzmm
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbuOp6ry4H
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpuPlimir4
"Good. Let's go."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKaFcALvYf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ky5Yqa0uG
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2NQNrsEg4
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQg9XxDRkQ
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh9IhfACqP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi5ueYPwsr
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvtH6g3wOf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk7TQiYWxk
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPnU6gy8qb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXHhTnkcUz
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQshC8uQrWL
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9zSfLh2MB
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4BwpgnPjs
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwula7oTlK
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0wj22Nm34
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8SMz2AwFz
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMQ6ryccUK
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa08NCyIgwZ
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX3240da1M
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTix1IBWftV
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTypMbgdgZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJsGIkzWNF
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGLmfQTo0r
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m5Jlxq47P
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPZRN88sgq
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K0PgmapyW
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOHnH2uQVB
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RuqWYVF6X
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1REDopJC3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBkpRrLnOF
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtZjYHTMBV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC3AwNGwRi
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHS4m1VHG
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY2tuWjg2K
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pIx2e1T7z
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclgF8aWApU
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT1B9SkRQj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jfNKiTTqH
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIvNYpqRVe
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLW2yNJ90p
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjWNy2XcOF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2fCMh0TKX
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvO7u1KgoX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkygy4jHoxV
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXDDf78FiF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdubf5YELPk
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ1l5d61uy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMldU4f0YUl
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJq0Oxkw3x
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EkRsoygw9
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNZuhY0AhV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kNZZOZ60D
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaRL39kYVf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCdX58PBy4
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqT87zxtzJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUrB99YtzM
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgijs6Ccsou
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpNE4mXzfy
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV8HcfCdjR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJGC7egDJo
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlOdpd1nml
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOsQfLBVf0
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrSgtj8rCA
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVjLI7c26x
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDeSo9NMmX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlixPTd3Lj
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:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZQoI5IaxY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY5RCW3Cg3
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxTYtNP99z
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVRW10kjno
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlJ7oAwleM
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCkAZERSTW
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78RKtQGlNU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPZqVoaTyR
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0lS6fC1Xz
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBvRksqv6S
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnQdd0gBwh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjJWzhFw2K
***744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGKyQRhaCN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYocCm1z0Cv
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIlD06R7mO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tH6hM8DQ2
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaZVYlVJon
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGXEQSvK0K
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoCzPIYKlG
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxmaHP6Tvk
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FE4x7Kx2o
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ8sHzkEUn
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrSyEKMkJM
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmnSQ2lFs5
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomeeVZ2UkZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPeS24XE8c
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37h68B2XXR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVupxhKz1gU
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JEqH1U3rC
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3L6Nii1VX
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2mgU00nx0
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFRAE9ufBt
"Really?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCkitGWvWD
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n4a7I7vg8
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEYcEQkiQT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b5Js5ClB5
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm05YSazaoj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT8B0jT9Bv
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrpwSYZ9Sy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvMBifsfp1
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRfypsaeie
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nyz3WNF6M
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK36p0eqNJ4
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRVhZveYZp
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTyRbpO0Hk
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUXZ2iUcq3
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOYAf8mo1z
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNwPpUcrqv
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMOb7ydOjA
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlzXrCGeWV
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtllRleGPUt
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kgDAAzZ7v
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKiyPQ5JPt
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQiwhhjff4
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdckvUvbCS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItsHdoNTtS
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf47mguWmgl
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2KMpbss3Y
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYZh967uEx
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzxUU3ubtN
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmGhnmR16z
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko8ZLEl30O
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzqxFD1GYW
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCjvLE9fd2
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ump5SXgJ
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7wEsMN9Dw
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw338WQIKj
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiQUIISg5K
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfM2Jo8USk
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGC6fLe0TF
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpX3ySCJmx
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I4CMINkp9
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfNbRK4zZb
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69WZsFUtQv
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7SQO333x3
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85NMzyNKRt
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVXnZEOtVk
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOnuubuXHU
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"Oh..., nothing really."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwbeyOHyBm
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod8ewsxSqF
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoXtzfnQKo
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPF01DSpBI
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwTMPly3m7
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLmYqQ2zo8
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeaXV9wAi5
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8fbNHOJLj
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjt8slfa2i
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0eD1gkdEj
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1mlUH95UP
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBDf3r0qqi
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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? 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBd92O9Rsi
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTwxgwrTOD
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7ANF6841N
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBRawcrpgU
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bgSoGAGbF
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAiSgVcSxy
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1YCIbV9z4
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrt0coo3T1
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