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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfhqX4ZlZ7
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyKUWqIdY9
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj9H0TKdn8
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JG2EXNWAK
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUSvAhmu1d
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa3SgISCb8
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKTrax7SIS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVymXQ99BUR
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt7pD1gUNk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M5ZG46Avx
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP8LBHAQyp
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6oj7C5KzN
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKaPMCJFZ5
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAJlifzBp4
"What kind of trouble?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq2sKZJT2j
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4vd1cNlnR
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMuCNC8fdt
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQpJizxBab
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IbR6qpZpS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgOT2Au82X
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM3pckOXx1
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJmRqnqyGF
"That's good. She needs to rest."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQa6l4PGjO
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c9Cyag98L
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQj8SmsIKi
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmmeNkACBl
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQTN8U6RfW
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76YCd4g55e
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBVEIskEuT
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFtnIu94Rl
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cDZJ5S32w
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C6gQIp0fN
"Ya, sure."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ESuoKPwTR
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1cABhwcg0
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT00xWvOgg
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nMwL2tw3l
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDCV1OHwWb
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pYQYDl2Df
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRaGmfGXkR
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG11wPrQge
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtP0iYAayl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKlT9UrrP9
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhqd2pZxso
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8gGYGo7t1
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FRGrqXSgZ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUq7RFWWwk
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR1Bbp7yW1
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvRg4Qo7m3
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PR1A6q0CI
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFCdY3PpT1
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG81FLL4egz
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iYqomuQPc
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae7EZ8Lh5S
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSmxcEMQyn
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG6ObGDKsM
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjftdvTGSdG
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPrZkCfd0d
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qM6oO1evq
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pVC6EyMQL
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUuXB0OCYG
"What did you say?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4LAtwUmSr
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLDlt5m8UR
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwotZHncXG
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP3kJt7M3e
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUm4mA4AXv
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBRKfDc2Zm
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzW6XenLcV
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1TPiNP6mc
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7GhJVtPP0
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WUxqoa4ON
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEEvsM4aEk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQdv1EVdt6
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M6zS4IXva
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiIUA1VnXS
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf7wPAv2Rp
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKIxB2rNsN
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGyp6q2HcL
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWpxcJTXMk
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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYIEyeN1Qh
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1Zbis4CzI
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6P1884iIx
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtoKNRLvcT
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaDRASiVKw
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqCem5dcJG
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps8Xg3c4qs
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tIjCwHIkJ
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXBvPMHnzM
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu2tHsl8lr
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWI7MPVwEX
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dTBKdL0F9
***997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKbENNDv5K
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ige9dM15S
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmsXIhU9kn
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIV4AvufhA
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlilNahMS8
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMmu3vGxjy
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6Pw12LoiK
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrXDV7DHVA
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSixL5CCCrb
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkIJ3aTCag
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYicspXOAXh
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbo4GCsSf2
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtJot4jtxU
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbO1rn2cKv
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgzHE3x7Fr
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDFbxmtLPD
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmRD1Z4Ct1
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6E1IiRAUE
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDOhSBBoWt
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsU3RcfAe2
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKYFyVs7Tz
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVF3AFoR3r
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu9tQCPoTv
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ0Sfh2V1J
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1U1id0apQ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqpOdGkf1D
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe34jEpHg3m
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6rkkidKTq
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY51WWoK0I
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6OvZNVLaI
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGXBiLxiaZ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6GLtcUeoU
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZQZvYeDbs
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvjCIlogWi
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhfa7I4ksL
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPKZt5cbUF
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4k0aTMDye
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qwwULK9vT
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjJSwlBiiG
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDusV4MsrhR
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYcMQLOgxd
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5AARfvWh7
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpc7lMxcGH
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAssyc1zNLM
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaxn7tqceq
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgXVUmNB6s
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfbeAww3yk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghQrDpY76Z
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB5RuLlLoI
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckvMYjTCT1
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiLfmKbYNi
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeQWRflr4
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPlp87EB9y
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJaZBISh3L
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxK6abZayo
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtukb14hawi
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vs7qaOYQa
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdXX9TVT9P
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA1sG3tqbd
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfS3oOkzcm
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH2iDXfNZE
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP76TAlPDDv
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRo2bhFwvQ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LfOyiE6ok
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvV5FgSygT
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsRkujA8uo
"Do you think she's killed before?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Uj9w9MkO
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn2oSlfLI8
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4qepPSZ6O
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9FiWs65pw
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMX7hzkMkg
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBCq5iG7T6
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9LfJzgBmY
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxAyL2X0Pc
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi82eig0kNy
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYW0az33vv
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSoaAWbOav
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJoMkgZe1i
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3hvIQkt0L
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfxHJFYPz
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dtr1ZAQ3w
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAN5ZKBlAB
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzODdryXe9
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2CAtB2MVN
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA05PiSWLlk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iYFLiV5Er
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdRYcixgSb
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSeBPmOL8T
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5kUMmZtpM
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1PdOlk04B
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiq7cK72jB
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaBBjYBTie
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLgXcgpYci
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG7vaPJ9Bs
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHYENfxSz0
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uUogeppJX
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLOMD4JtUl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnhZDsVFlL
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKrjdJDKLs
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uHFKup64d
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF4FRJQmW8
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7a1PbUGO8
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCPr4AtQcy
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0E2G86JhR
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8ckUGJ6bF
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVW83M15Tw
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHck4KFi5N
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V00psbptq
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mZ2I2GkzA
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9fzOlAfMr
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPCIxBncLI
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvXMWRsriA
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJSqeylOWU
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVwqJvWl7c
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0PvLn3iic
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDXmPIDeTJ
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTigdjpyMXQ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPMlNBF0OS
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ3YlXSukm
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsOW4g7tz3
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JIri1m02q
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiXLI6Bx4i
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vKlrX2bWB
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3PSRu1Agq
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWFdz7Wyuv
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRLeHhPWFx
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2m6iv0DKQ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK3Bo5v9Cf
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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcn4P5uNCN
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuYGvDuqAp
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwbramThix
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yU8wSJUAz
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVbavfao6Y
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJQf3DsDOF
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNmhDQxCx1
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3xtdcKlx6
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfzZhBwOL5
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyHPy4xZe7
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOw22LI8ja
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnyGUm4aS6
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40oF4STVcl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6wr1cENtE
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttxgKeLYy7
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjBgfcd9aS
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlThZKuQAsA
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1Mlrq0La7
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC38Le4jKf
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUIvCN8gc2
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFr2o1MsIr
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL204UHImI
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoC7kUdgdH
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw4k9HtQPO
"We will," said Kevin.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCzOp74iJA
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtueOTkZV5E
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJaMG992m0
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KR2cmAQre
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEJ8rKPhqo
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqErziN48v
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHahFNlGA6
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQfJxW0LTN
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85IU6h3Ul5
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1umOnvRQc
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbkY7SwLxZ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hbO19lZm5
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:997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUktzm5wV7
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HIPlHWbSk
"Rhénee, wait!"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcCMq4ZEQd
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5buH1IEZv1
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn5rCrfcnP
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldzhkmaXdp
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bo4NQLb0d
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXrKWC3WDG
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nkFjarmTw
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qg2Zyh1c4
"I'm tired."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiSbi8hJ89
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2DHoMxBv7
"Really? I don't think that's it."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNXQA1VGCk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudvr3pshqS
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N9FlGAsnT
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvdFbZu6UT
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIWY2eYQz3
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWegPUMyvK
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttIQkUzDbz
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qmIPtXtpO
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPRs7w5zBX
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe3ral1mCG
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxJbFMqg6G
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQYakL7JML
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f42YKTMTT
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BxRJA9W52
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzBmJfKNG1
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TuAxiGTU4
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtJUc7zmq9
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLap52N0GT
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmv7RMBzdm
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvmmOIJ5TT
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMyc9F7qSb
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69atpFi4cZ
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzl6m9thCX
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqohAGqkIR
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxlhO3MjjU
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZkmhpKQ2t
"Good. Let's go."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS1A3n2GxI
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUx8Ii7Hz9
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCANhQfLrR7
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsDMINxt5d
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DUqWBjbrf
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4o8p5CHRD
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76k7S3n9Pv
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nfSvhwkIB
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVAWOB6d2h
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfvIyv7tON
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKL3B2Lb85
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHcBXKNlFq
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vhnSecQVo
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsZ2x72wyL
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxYfFVzsAD
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiGQ1lcN5G
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DiiMnCYUu
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2mDwC3ILs
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu83E1FgXbc
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURywwdvRIN
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eNu7zBdCx
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQoZH7YA2c
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYYnbWqhCD
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7d3pjAB2C
"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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBXK3GCYFo
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhmGztZKsL
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98qKXnVVPs
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05PiTLnSI6
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubS0Ameo6Q
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L5JKmJFFb
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN4ncGI7LU
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8GJ40eS0g
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg7QPZFB7U
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2lubp78SZ
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMockajUspe
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaA26o4fjd
"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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlJbwBKQ40
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9z5fFSYdw
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRX9lBniue
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVXfFjB3xX
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOiz8tLP3a
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzmcJCy7pU
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbLWaYVbwS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYCn4JWeCG
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNYDi76oDK
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapfMFIVL2Z
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOq1oL1HbA
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBppyZOcOcO
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNyNsSUOyo
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvBG4OdRGX
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRRnaKMcsl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNZSxtlsuw
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4zGaUkq6n
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkm0x9Vbjl
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrar9B3XClc
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4mhZqTXxs
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY4BVKuIG2
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHGIazWiPo
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gIKm1WKDk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLiDvZBRZD
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9th2msmIHu
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbpoLv9pWa
"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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0C0uRtxLO
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37JfqyhWTw
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBlcpFKGfF
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QoD3BRnzC
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:997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDdX3atIaB
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZotqHYXCT
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfbzLO3lKd
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YG5tO8FjD
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45TBd5E9GE
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjAGZcIhKr
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAfv6yYf3a
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1HpVH5WMc
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoOOZamLPn
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSts3RE1QFr
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zHsixWE08
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMACXSD5zeJ
***997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hB1Nb6o1c
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhzVaTSkzh
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JkAhZUHHn
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53MIYxYuUf
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCZgu48714
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVP3dJTIFu
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkghcRvYFJj
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVrAJyqaBr
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGF2sZBzs
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQm55dGr9H
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT1tRn2TKr
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9cqQYmJ6F
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0diG2WedRH
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5exi1kVMu
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaFS2xaseg
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgckjEJLDcr
"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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtPBgXt1TH
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xTYZfkkF5
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthUG0CyUPd
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOfQXpGboI
"Really?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCjV7bkmGJ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMxDgZUHKX
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETzbqrafaa
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9NRJyEV0p
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kAANRJZGl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprMxxpxMub
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1BqI0Qg85
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C0Fbcs4qe
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hn7zMGBEL
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He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUJbx4PqGR
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBG876776o
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcuq8Ob7BS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMAczyNELx
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfihiUVVSx
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJZvRscOLN
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSymHMxEUP
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4PAdarxaA
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB3WSX8EtW
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOzhIrqYjV
He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiBxtNeUda
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7WyPhvmsY
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf1urv59j9
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbpxGLFJ6y
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGKDt4PtYS
"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYuw6v8YOa
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0LjJAbmAq
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMjToObc26
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBG7R8FKaV
"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsktX1l3X4
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhypjqwpiCs
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlJ1TXbKD2
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyWHFKTFza
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUmmQyA8Hk
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Yvdae5TP
"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?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6Z9TgauH5
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKakNKeg7Al
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTsfet1xsM
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULEMa5dMkO
"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcMmGPcCHl
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSFBikG0rL
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7PVUW6RdS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5YDWy7NIt
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iBv6Zp3Lf
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV68E39RTv
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoWbyVznci
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs46ppF02o
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0rN4l4kV4
"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOyI9H4Jnm
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqrRsSItpp
"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt1J2tZU06
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetKozn6k94
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfhKs1rsME
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeNPficX2L
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgsWDirxHa
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvJoFITlPi
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHtDLfmirw
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkse8J5Cbhz
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmHIv0mn8v
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTxPXe58zN
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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEby0w8tU2N
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdAo9p9shE
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnEKUeeC2Y
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFPdAMUbJg
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04O4OdITDO
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSqfl4bGq5
"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKJ7eqRlQ2
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgoykmcCXm
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMRf7bzj3I
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgToQ2kAwcD
He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm0aSwjfmx
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULMsLJv6c3
"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJWFji9l7R
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YfgcPDxdH
Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcb6UeU3K3
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"Oh..., nothing really."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIQuA4Z1fT
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqagFOg3x0J
"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOXjIpIjmK
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxSPwHsKD3
"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9bXYLT59k
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6g9yd853f
"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYIYENaJbP
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEthvQKJd5Q
Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFcZZlI440
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc9ZSkslIs
"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIpKSC9yQp
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtMnOYMP5Z
"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT1dbk8LD0
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluIdGc0bMn
Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy4gHvjqXJ
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AtD61JsLU
"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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVRD9s7JRx
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJKUv7WqR
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafSBbldRBJ
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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."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv78xvwMd0I
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtcxyexHBI
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyIl1QLSeH
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2JAOqkATo
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? 997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1SDO2kEuP
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrbqzBznjI
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmJI2504rn
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PKvvixEbk
"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaorVnQmbi
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg9Etzy1Z3
A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFZ9mTlLvh
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9r7NOrgwi
"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZPwg1NVG6
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmSVFeQaJ2
"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q640tgThS
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoCo8ukt8i
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.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJnXO0EO3R
997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaMppomOSM
"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.997Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKl7cz3oC5
and then Add to home screen.