The news about the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80hTfa9WPI
shootout that took place at the Derrand mansion last night spread like 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvYt4XVm8e
wildfire the next morning. It even made the front page of the local 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZgU8NmsNp
newspaper and people couldn't help but wonder. Some who were invited to 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sUz4vD2oX
the party had their own story to tell, but they couldn't figure out why 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXgv5GH6mp
the shootout had taken place. With that everyone started to make their 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPINb9DbMJ
own assumptions. Were the gunmen trying to rob the mansion or was there 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTivo33LQrs
something else? No one who had attended the party sustained any injuries1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH1D1TR2FF
except the two security guards who were found dead within the mansion 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1mv41o5Lx
grounds. Nothing seemed to be adding up.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hGPC9NCV1
There was more to it 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9i9JbXhZ0
than the situation at hand and people thought it might be about the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKzIhQx2Mo
Derrand family. Had they made enemies who were willing to kill them? 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIinHS9pasF
Maybe so. As the morning wore on, some locals got to work and forgot 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZLnKQXMhb
about the incident hoping that the police will turn up with something 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkLojmQVje
but some still couldn't stop talking about. And as usual rumours started1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ACxC3LvFe
to spread about the Derrand's. No one knew what was really going on, 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q3D3pVZ7Z
except from a few individuals. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsNZnirVfH
And apparently, one of 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9MppAnG6Z
those individuals was sitting on the couch in their own living room 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvCDc89Qdt
reading the front page of the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. In1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5zNfWy4sI
the article, the police hadn't found any clues and were still 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH5lxeNBOg
investigating. That was a relief. If anyone had any clue about what was 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJjKMuDZIJ
really going on, all hell would break loose.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7OfYotvwf
"You've a phone call," came Miss Griselda's voice, "its Malcom."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm4MDttRip
Rhénee dropped the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BXrY563nG
newspaper on her lap and took the phone from Miss Griselda who was 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPutRPByUV
standing right beside her. Before Rhénee could place the phone to her 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVSzM7ivdk
ear, she took a sip of coffee.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE5u4yXTOl
"Hey, Malcom," said Rhénee, "are the police still at your house?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05mhy6Erii
"Ya, its crazy here," 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoiaZLKBqS
replied Malcom, "didn't sleep the whole night. The police even had to 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA2hmGN86Q
search all the rooms in the mansion fearing that he gunmen might have 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB0fBLOB1F
broken in."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAX74RHRLh
"If only they knew."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWnCpnNOGi
"Ya. But it has to stay quiet. No one should know what is really going on."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5frCTgdOkY
"And what about your mother? Didn't she get suspicious about my disappearance last night?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGcILwH3K0
"She did. I had to make 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC0221I3lF
up a story that you and Greta rushed up to the rooms upstairs and went 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRQOqhIa7q
out the moment the police came and told everyone to leave."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFAc2CI7hp
"I doubt if she believed that."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxoWptPUN0
"Haha, looks like you 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujDWSZLwHi
know my mum already. She just had to believe what Greta and I told her. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0cBJNIM9J
No one could've left with gunshots all over the place."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVciAXSC5L
"True. But we did. I 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6k99zAZMX
just hope my mum doesn't get to find out about this. She would freak and1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdBQdGEbjr
she might come here to stay with me or force me to come home with her."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky7Gctiaqf
"The news will obviously get to her in one way or another. You just stay safe, okay?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINCnGfp8S
Rhénee couldn't help but smile. "I'll. Say hi to Greta for me, would you?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFCJdh2wNh
"I sure will," Malcom chuckles, "I'll see you when all this dies down."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ynRz4fjG
"Okay, bye."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGfHzel0C0
"Bye."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRQ5643MnH
Rhénee cuts the call and1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh2wYbVztF
realises that Miss Griselda was still standing beside her. With the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNRdIOtxKp
look on her face, Rhénee could tell that Miss Griselda had not slept a 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrC3Ev0FG0
wink last night.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDXiwMe2eN
"Miss Griselda, you look awfully tired," said Rhénee, standing up from the couch. "I think you should sleep for a few hours."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqocKLWRnnO
"I wasn't going to 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqycASGF37m
forgive myself if anything ever happened to you, my dear," Miss Griselda1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUclczHZn5y
said, "I have always known that Mrs Derrand was up to no good at all."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRxH7xg23J
"You don't have to 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UDaYbDrjH
worry, I'm fine,"said Rhénee pulling Miss Griselda into a hug, "its all 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK4SJBeFOx
thanks to Malcom, Greta and Kevin that I'm still alive."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjqoRVDql0
"You're right. I really am grateful to all of them. Especially Malcom."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRLAxlzKzW
Rhénee furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Miss Griselda. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyZ6B8Xljk
"Why Malcom?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIbR0d491A
"Well.... he....." Miss Griselda hesitated for a moment, "I am just glad that he is a good guy thats all."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy0vVeqSrP
"Really? Are you sure?" Rhénee raised her eyebrows, "I think there is more to what you just said, Miss Griselda."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwkUogVP8v
"Don't you mind me, dear. Um... I'll be in the kitchen making some cupcakes. "1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMl8jGM61l
"Alright, you go ahead."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6c70qQeW2
Miss Griselda gave 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLHdoi2KRN
Rhénee a tired smile and went to the kitchen. As Miss Griselda walked 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfhn1ZKyL2
away, Rhénee couldn't help but wonder why Miss Griselda reacted like she1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSB0YAyacF
did when they talked about Malcom. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf5QE6LZXr
"Does she know something that I don't?" Rhénee wondered to herself.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNamV5JpGV6
The sound of her phone 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqJEioKKV5
ringing on the couch interrupted Rhénee's thoughts. Without checking the1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPpezigJfb
caller ID, Rhénee answered it immediately hoping that it wasn't her 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPw6VqGMac
mother.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYapEqxacaS
"Hello?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnpUZ1ognT
"Hello, Rhénee. Had a wonderful sleep last night?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbKoh6Mu1J
Rhénee's heart skipped a beat.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4Dh4UGf4Q
That voice. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6WMGiPWYZ
Rhénee felt her mouth run dry as she couldn't utter a word to respond. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJl8C4jfl1
"What's wrong? The other day you had the guts to talk to me when I talked to you about the necklace. Why are you so quiet now?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqRkLyZJa8
Because I know that because of you, I'm not safe. Rhénee said that in her head.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrxp9WChrp
The person on the other end chuckled. "It doesn't matter. Oh, last night you looked gorgeous in that beautiful black dress of yours."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEqlh6I5rT
Rhénee's eyes grew wide, and this time she spoke. "You were there last night?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovvd5BZE8l
"Ah, she finally speaks. I was starting to get worried, Rhénee. And yes, I was at the party last night."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ3UVsAQhq
"Why didn't you show yourself to me then?" Rhénee asked with all the courage she had in her voice.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlm6NLf2Ee
"Now that's the Rhénee I know. I like that feisty voice of yours."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqytQkPFjFw
"You don't know me, 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBELXLV6Gj
whoever you're. Now answer my question, why didn't you introduce 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAB8ajywyg
yourself to me last night? Were you scared?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLoOOZukVM
"I'm never scared of anything and I've never had, Rhénee. We will meet each other face to face all in due time."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jjmo0CnFv
"Oh, really? And if we do meet will you kill me like you killed my grandmother?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncIhEfWqXU
There was silence for a moment until Rhénee heard the person at the other end chuckle. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9zffPzb0w
"Why are you laughing?" Rhénee asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCGRZYP1yA
"Do you think I killed your grandmother? If so, then you're dead wrong."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT9iD36izt
With that statement, Rhénee could tell that the person sounded serious.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBaYUoypv1
"Then why did you give me her necklace? And the picture of the house? What are you trying to achieve by scaring me like this?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtQgVHWAvR
"You've asked enough questions and it isn't necessary to answer them all, Rhénee."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrCB9EEPqx
"Then why are you troubling me if you won't give me any answers?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmaL4BV2TT
"There will come a time when you will know everything. You just have to take things little by little."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2JhBSatBn
"I can't take things little by little. I want to know everything now."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2pMGbdITx
"All in due time, Rhénee. You're smart and we both know that. You'll figure it out."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6TCnW1I6k
Rhénee couldn't help but suck her teeth in annoyance. All this seemed to be nothing but a game to this stranger. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUMK7BYJdi
"Oh, and by the way, 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClk80EzA4t
the stunt your friends pulled off last night to rescue you was quite 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qduGqtSYb
impressive. But tell them that will be there last. They won't be lucky 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmfmw3BJkB
this time around."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqccboMY2rM
"Is Mrs Derrand working for you? What do you want from me, huh?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG014zEQX9P
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVhPPe5JGO
And just like that, the line went dead. Rhénee wanted to throw her phone away but that would only alarm Miss Griselda. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDqsxk6Id4
Rhénee sat down on the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkqyrO5XCo
couch. Even though she had just been warned not to involve anybody else 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGMZpUbXPX
in all this, she couldn't do it alone. And if she involved Malcom and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtXlr0pnlg
the others, who know what might happen. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMEwqKlJ1G
She had to think of something and she had to do it fast.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo3Q6UAyGv
***1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVznSRwvCX
"What? She's back home? But how come?" Eugene asked. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURjtylUQ19
"I don't know, man. As it turns out, she went to the rooms upstairs with Greta to hide," said Miguel. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1Jn8kaFIx
"But she isn't hurt right?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy1s60wNuk
"Of course not. She's absolutely fine, you don't have to worry."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxIP3ez9Wf
Eugene breathed out a huge sigh of relief. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIJoIr0qus
"Thats good. At least I know that she is safe."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzFvioxtJi
"I should be there to see the look on your face right now," said Miguel over the phone. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X9NPpHixk
"Nah.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF3DvSl5sC
You don't have to. Oh, speaking of coming to my house, aren't you 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWme4pM2tD
supposed to be here to pick me up right now? You're never this late."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6EtXGton2
"Thats1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3koe9zP1Tl
why I called, actually. I'll be taking grandma somewhere today and she 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuJzWdj4c9
insisted I come along with her, thats if you don't mind."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6nQ3bNm3K
"Its no big deal, Miguel. I'll just take the bus. Greet your grandma for me, would you?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IxJjFloCC
"Alright, man, I'll. Call you later."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwJPAulaTP
"Alright."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQOHVQEhSZ
Eugene cut the call and noticed that his mother was standing by the kitchen door looking at him as he stood in the living room. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTQRu6hOes
"Everything okay, Eugene?" his mother asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGVcUr9ON4
"Well, ya, why do you ask?" Eugene looked puzzled.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScwwTeF3KH
"Last night, after what had occured at Mrs Derrand's party, you looked really troubled."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYT7m0OanB
"Mum, there was a shoot out last night. Of course I was troubled."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhYxhkB7kt
"No. There was something else that was bothering you."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeZQz1jX5x
For a moment, there was silence between the two as they stared at each other. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY0PVw1En7
"Were you troubled because of Rhénee?" Mrs Chamberlin asked as she broke the silence.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YOL6wcwU0
Eugene felt a sudden tension in the air as he lifted an eyebrow giving his mother a questioning look.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo1Oha4nrq
"Why are you asking, mum?" Eugene asked. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RRace0PTo
"Because I noticed that look on your face when Miguel was talking to you about her."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2GHhZM8P0
"Does it bother you?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLYJ6r9x9t
"Um... not really. But.... um."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmWKkyHh6A
Eugene1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBf7H2dCrd
realised that his mother started to fumble with her fingers. And he 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52TYy6jsX4
knew she only did that when she was nervous about something.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBETCoxyCVf
"Mum, are you okay?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLnwNYX54a
"I'm okay, sweetie..... I'm just.... well," Mrs Chamberlin licked her lips nervously. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIVDSgv1pz
"You don't look okay. You were about to tell me something. What is it?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHr6CIf0n5
Mrs Chamberlin's eyes grew wide as looked at Eugene. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCkL8Cez8y
"Nothing, nothing, Eugene. It's fine. It's no big deal."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjEvUNuxTk
Mrs1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcdEs5jvph
Chamberlin turned around and entered the kitchen without a word. Eugene1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC283JHvG7
knew something was wrong. Why did his mother get all nervous when she 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM1Li8KwTA
had talked about Rhénee?1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ip4AuNzt2
Did dad come here and tell her about Rhénee being a danger to the family? 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzkbPwMaHH
If that were the case, Mrs Chamberlin would've told him already. Something wasn't right here, and Eugene knew it.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUPsS5G3y4
***1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlkxhMGGin
"These cupcakes taste so good, Miss Griselda," said Rhénee after taking a bite out of Miss Griselda's homemade cupcakes.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YvrXdInAQ
"I know how to make the very best," said Miss Griselda. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQLNvZKIrr
"You better rest though. You still look tired."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCnEbRlvh7
"No, honey, I'm fine. Do you want coffee with the cupcakes?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nfqh3szMT
"No, I'll do it."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpJHzEpXwN
As Rhénee stood up from the couch with her cupcake still in her hand, there came the sound of the doorbell. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XdWFMfqp0
"I'll get the door," said Rhénee, rushing to go and open it.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqM7iaIzw9
"And I'll make the coffee," said Miss Griselda, as she headed to the kitchen.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQc8NcCC1r
"No, I'm making the coffee!" Rhénee called out to Miss Griselda, as she put the rest of her cupcake into her mouth.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEFANray7T
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1cnqhGsRc
reached the door and pulled it open. And standing in front of her was 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbcX5niI3W
the old woman whom she had met in the forest the previous day.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV1n8c2GqD
"Hello, dear," greeted the old woman.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeY2z2oloO
"You came," Rhénee couldn't tell if she was relieved to see her or surprised.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0q95ngGkZ
"I did tell you I would come, didn't I?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPcA6u9Q05
"Oh, please do come in," Rhénee led the old woman inside.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH5w4x0dw7
"Thank1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZccvphzDLf
you, dear. Looks like you would still keep this place as it is then?" 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vQZgOLhGf
the old woman asked as she looked around the place. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDddvt6rSTE
"Well, yes. I still think I would."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaSZoQt3pU
"Good. Your grandmother had great taste."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QmU702h5Q
Rhénee led the old woman to the living room where they sat on the couch.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIioF40hfo8
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" Rhénee asked. "Miss Griselda even made some cupcakes to go with either of the two."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQQ7VdF0rS
Before the old woman could reply, Miss Griselda appeared.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8pOJ8HZIx
"Miss Marie? I wasn't expecting you here," said Miss Griselda. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrVFmtwxR6
"Hello, Griselda. How nice to see you again," said Miss Marie.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZghP7d4Cb
"Its nice to see you too, Miss Marie. Tea or coffee?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAqLp8sZPb
"Coffee will be lovely."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EdTWURxgE
Miss1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0nrTvC0pH
Griselda left Rhénee and Miss Marie in the living room and at the same 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo6YZxdwPc
time Sophie appeared and jumped onto Miss Marie's laps.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf804kkXOq
"Oh, hello little fella," sais Miss Marie as she scratched behind the cat's ear. Sophie purred and got settled comfortably.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LNDDuP3wu
"So, are you going to tell me all you know about my late grandmother?" Rhénee asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe96L14KPWh
"I know you deserve to know everything, but you're putting everyone in danger, Rhénee."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXDPOhfNts
"I know. That's what the mysterious person said over the phone."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKiqQtMURc
"What mysterious person?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifZt7C8xef
"The person who gave me the necklace which belonged to my grandmother and also the photo."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrRYNYe7pE
Miss Marie gave Rhénee a horrifying look. "Do you know who he is?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacnnqo51hK
"No, I don't know who he-" Rhénee paused for a second as she looked at Miss Marie.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStC3sr669j
"How do you know I was talking about a man, Miss Marie?" Rhénee asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrFgkyS3fz
This time, it was Miss Marie to pause. She turned away from Rhénee's gaze. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJqhsN5Hy5
"You know this person, don't you, Miss Marie?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77jrkmQ2x4
"I.... well, I don't know what to tell you, Rhénee."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWUkdDB0bD
Rhénee held Miss Marie's hand. "But you can-"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzl720Jiu5
"Figure it out. And tell your friends not to get involved."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpopyE7LYp
The1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNVyRIO6rq
stranger's voice rang in Rhénee's mind so suddenly. What was she doing?1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydYsx91hpx
Even if Miss Marie wasn't a friend, it was quite clear that the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVOo7fpudg
stranger meant everyone around her wasn't supposed to be involved in all1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl9i6vZ4n4
of this.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtmGAEFtmb
"Are you okay, Rhénee? You looked like you were deep in thought," came Miss Marie's voice.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmZJugs88u
"I...1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3wFQRgVMm
it's nothing. You don't have to tell me who the person is if you don't 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RJm1JML5T
want to," said Rhénee as she covered her face with her hands in 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfz8bV9DHz
frustration. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJME3yly0FX
"Who is this person you keep talking about?" came Miss Griselda's voice.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqafvyWblY
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx39ngN6Vq
and Miss Marie looked behind them and Miss Griselda was standing there 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGcyTCITzm
with a tray of tea cups and cupcakes. Rhénee realised the number of tea 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIvjLzrTwu
cups on the tray and wondered. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1la0LEQ919
"Are we having other guests?" Rhénee asked. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LQOMDRY4T
1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUKHXtDaLA
As1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvjWrmCkJj
though to answer Rhénee's question, Greta, Malcom and Kevin appeared 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDcoNyzp8c
behind Miss Griselda. Rhénee stood up from the couch as the stranger's 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcARKRWVWb
reminder kept ringing in her head.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCpKyqcAcN
"And tell your friends not to get involved."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKsEjNiO4l
"What are you doing here?" Rhénee asked. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNKSSgzSWc
"I1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtECOQKRmQ
told you I was coming to see you," said Malcom, "but you yourself 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJkDFpLe7n
haven't answered Miss Griselda's question. Who is the person you're 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrEZjT0Fg6
talking about, Rhénee?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlioQh2Fzd
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDREae5IPiw
couldn't answer. What was she going to tell them anyway? If she did, 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2UoI7Migg
she was getting them into trouble. She looked down for a moment and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVBVZMyhEL
looked up again, straight into Malcom's striking blue eyes. But as she 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr6rLYg6BU
continued to look at Malcom, something dawned on her.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9sbnj0isv
"Rhénee, are you okay?" Malcom looked concerned.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzsNaxbv9O
Rhénee for a moment couldn't breathe. Something felt wrong about her as she continued to look at Malcom and then at Greta. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP5WGL9eUA
"You don't look okay, Rhénee," said Miss Griselda, "are you okay? Say something at least."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGu3VaKDRC
Rhénee still didn't say a thing as her eyes drew from Malcom to Greta and then back. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6NTDuRgQS
"You. Why didn't you tell me all this time?" was all Rhénee could manage to say as she looked straight at Malcom. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dhXou4Pee
"Tell you what, Rhénee?" Malcom asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyc6zu8tya
"You were the guy I met at the gas station the day I was coming here to Madison, weren't you?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUNiJ4KYFn
And with that, a silence fell amongst them.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9sFP24gia
***1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3W3TUJxH1
Sweat1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpuDtVzAPO
ran down his face as he rushed along the hallway. His heavy panting 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa2634d4hh
echoed as he ran as fast he could in the semi-darkness. He was late and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjBUyT4aZu
the person waiting never likes to wait.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIAdEarxmy
He1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs5Kf5e6B1
reached the end of the hall where he found a door with a golden door 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW8fhPkRnw
knob shaped in a head of a ferocious lion. For a moment, the head of the1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKQ55sHJBQ
lion looked deadly to touch, like it would bite your hand off at any 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFfPSB1iZA
second.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbamTTtqMBq
He1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPJgyOnE88
wiped away the sweat from his head with his already sweaty hand and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBHTw3JVlD
wiped his hand on his shirt. He held the door knob, twisted it and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKtARFxVsI
slowly pushed the door open. His heart beat quickened at each dying 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFH4IDY4Fr
second as he took in the surrounding of the room. For a second, it was 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhhPWGWYz5
completely dark and then a bright light quickly flashed before his eyes.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjqDaFth7p
He held up his hands to shield his eyes from the striking light. When 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHsV3pEdSE
his eyes had adjusted to the light, he realised that the light in the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VvJCRjpwc
room came from outside. Someone had just drawn the curtain window. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgVEVNdgis
"You're late, again."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iuPVYUWWJ
His1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB71emqRLP
heart beat quickened even more. He didn't like that tone. Even though 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK00SbCjyb4
the words came out calmy, it carried ferociousness in it just like that 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z9Ogihv0G
lion door knob. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn0sCwEQwX
He1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvrFdGyAnT
lowered his hands slowly as he saw a dark silhouette of a talk man 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRDlvz66R4
standing in front of him with the man's back towards the huge windows. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGt9qvygoU
"What1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uYrwszVB6
do you have to say for yourself?" came that voice again from the tall 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJe3Qp1lsC
man. "Do I always have to remind you of what to do around here?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbiVKCPOAe
"No.... no, no..... you don't," mumbled the sweaty man in fear, "I'm sorry I came late."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoQbCMIb8i
"Again. You came late, again," said he tall man.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcUxGJJ3AC
"I've always told you that he is of no use to us," came a hoarse female voice, "but you never listen to me."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZRgRPdzfV
A1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCJ83SxcdW
female figure stepped out of the shadows and went to stand beside the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDxyisi0P0
man in front of the huge windows. There faces were blinded by the light 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfF9JYrdCB
as they had their backs towards the window.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa6C2zv2mv
"You know we need him," said the tall man.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTF2eGva21
"But he is useless as always," said the woman, "I don't know why you have kept him alive all this time."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbq5vbByxp
"Lets go back to the matter at hand, shall we? Now, tell me what news you have for me."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmluSeQdEC0
The1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI3EGCNiNo
sweaty man wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve. Dealing with the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkr6UC81PO
people in front of him wasn't easy, especially when you knew your life 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKwcRp1KiO
was in their hands and they could crush it whenever they felt like it.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqLgEBGb8O
"We have bad news I'm afraid," started the sweaty man.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡophfbdDKVf
"What kind of bad news?" asked the tall man, his voice still calm.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaqx1bK2Fq
"It's Miss Marie. I'm afraid she could spoil our plans."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXxRJpioDY
"That old hag?" asked the woman. "Didn't I tell you we should have eliminated her sooner?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafoliRUO7j
"Don't insult her like that, will you?" insisted the tall man.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI2zer1OAZ
"Oh, please! She's a pest and you know it."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYwqmKPhxS
"As much as she is a pest to you, she is also very crooked. So we must play our cards right."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W6Qh30oq8
"What if she reveals the truth?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBRHhcvDH1
"No, Miss Marie is too smart to pull off that move. We just have to keep a watchful eye on her."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH4S8BVWSI
"She was seen this morning going to the late Griselda's mansion," blurted out the sweaty man.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnRsASYGp9
For a moment, silence hung over them.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVpXapOcjm
"You see! I told you," said the woman, "that old hag has no limits."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH39Rq5Q9TE
"But still she won't say anything," said the tall man. "I know her better than you do."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPATdcMfJC
"I still suggest we get rid of her though."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3BvVtxSfN
"I1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SdLnsNPmj
know." The tall man then addreader the sweaty man in front of him. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7T7Thm9ta
"Assign men to watch over Miss Marie 24/7. That woman may pull out 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCp6B8tsuy
something under our noses and I want to be one step ahead of her."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsboRjreHF
"Yes, sir," said the sweaty man as he quickly left the room.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW7texOQwe
"Aren't you going to assign anyone over....." the woman wanted to ask but the tall man raised his hand to silence her.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HvwXzvqDg
"Don't worry about that," said the man smoothly. "I already have someone special working on that."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLBEtJgMpU
***1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk41BTufi9e
The1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxH1jPPBrq
Diamond stud on his left ear, his hair cropped on one side with the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfRJtusA6W
rest of his blonde hair falling over his right striking blue eye..... 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJYU484rMk
how could Rhénee have not seen all of this sooner? From all she could 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMjNxUdz0m
remember, his eyes weren't striking blue as they were now. The last time1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1aqWAfEZP
they met, they seemed sky blue.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7FKRZ43qZ
And1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxzbjC48y0
the girl who served her at the restaurant was none other than Greta. No1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yeNWrkuzM
wonder Rhénee had felt like she had seen Greta before.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ9ly6fRlf
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcnOEu7gFd
couldn't stop staring at Malcom from where she sat with Miss Marie. 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBGQ53uc9M
Greta and Kevin occupied a couch to Rhénee's right while Malcom occupied1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoB88lxBca
the couch opposite from where Rhénee sat. Miss Griselda was serving 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD00Alp3IP
everyone a cup of tea and coffee, whichever anyone preferred, on the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi38FbT8IUZ
coffee table in the middle.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5M9JYZSH0
When1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBLvr8Gpx5
Miss Griselda served Malcom his coffee, he looked up at Rhénee and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ZWCl1JTM
caught her staring at him. Rhénee blushed as she quickly looked away.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQXxejMIjs
"Here, Rhénee," Miss Griselda was holding a cup of coffee for Rhénee to take.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MJx2nf5zU
"It's fine, Miss Griselda. I'll drink it later. I'm in no mood for coffee at the moment," said Rhénee.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUtzWn3m0f
"Are you sure?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wo0FYK0G6
"Yes, I'm positive."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1gUoxDtn5
Miss1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlRk04iENx
Griselda placed the cup of coffee on the table and went to take her 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gJUpED713
seat opposite Greta and Kevin. Silence hung over them for a while and 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2VNRhBYyb
Rhénee started to tap her feet on the floor while others took a few sips1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX8i7myfJY
from their cups.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32GaQ076O
"Well, thus us a weird gathering," said Rhénee as he broke the silence.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbts4OO098L
"It sure is," said Malcom, with a cocky grin on his face. Rhénee I felt her face heat up.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx89n8Yo5Un
"I agree," said Miss Marie. "So, where shall we start?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg1Wv0RZhF
"How about the mysterious person, Rhénee was talking about a while ago?" Malcom asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEQiNSvsLQ
"And how about the fact that you and Greta were imposing as other people the time I was coming here?" Rhénee spat out at Malcom.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxex2UHFOcO
"All that can come at another time, Rhénee."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa7CxRxYFq
"I don't need another time," Rhénee's tone was becoming tense. "I want now."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy5vxBZAXP
"To be fair, Rhénee, we've answered most of your questions," said Greta. "Now it's time you answered ours."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg57zp2ZM8
"Doesn't all this have to do with me?" Rhénee asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCzqVkGJxV
"Yes, it does, but this time you've to answer us," said Kevin. "We're trying to help you."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUagTjW4kEC
"But I'm the one in control here. And I say we go for my question," said Rhénee.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG210LvpXg
"Oh, goodness, you're one tough but aren't you?" Miss Marie asked.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC5k9zzS7y
"Rhénee, we don't have to make all this into one big fight," said Miss Griselda. "It's best you calm down, please."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZcX13G0q6
"She's right," said Malcom, "apparently, most of us in here want to go for the first question. How about you, Miss Marie?"1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtuLaIA25u
"I agree," answered Miss Marie.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI126hj0I3
"Oh,1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡembs3rYrjr
come on!" Rhénee raised her arms in frustration. "How can I be outvoted1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WENWrveRR
like to this? Miss Marie and I just talked about it and I betshe knows 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUJRLFiM8t
who he is."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz24e1IvCsG
"Rules are rules," said Malcom, "now, tell us what you know."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZh73houU0
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTn4tnD0Z3
scowled. She thought trying to bend away from talking about the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjkFfHdeBo
mysterious stranger might have worked out but it didn't. She didn't want1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXThnpgss4y
to get anyone's lives in this room in danger and the only way to do 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiXQ4UGf6i
that was to tell them about the stranger's warning.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu13cIm9Tw
Rhénee1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70UdvEaTiT
sighed, feeling defeated as she took a cupcake from the table and a 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65Lf27VfOT
huge bite out of it. All of this was making her hungry and she hated it.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYgRepPswC
Sophie jumped from Miss Marie's lap to Rhénee's. It was good that the 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUN92BINXI
cat was on her side. Rhénee felt a little relieved by the cat's gesture.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4DK6UMpOO
"Fine,1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuOA7ePkPC
I'll tell you," said Rhénee, after swallowing the cupcake in her mouth.1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtARnilOigg
"But at the end of it all, you'll have to choose. You either walk away 1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LkMOqHgp3
or die if you stay by me."1283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJTdT5vZEO
and then Add to home screen.