The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7hVDyeKiR
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkxjwXqjge
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qCU3Y7BhI
He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUcCb7J41E
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpkyEhuSxG
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRQMH8Vjrq
He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkigw1UB9Xq
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6ISSaULoJ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0T1xRFfht
The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRYCSV0s1t
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjyoYYbP3e
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhdR0hP97B
Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qVyKflEpd
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznfrKPOEWr
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5zlZP8Xhd
"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aNazIAmCw
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHigo1icqwM
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACJNo0REIO
The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRcBD9CpI3
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKHKRBtVRj
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4Q8bK2KAp
The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYRK0YcVui
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufyR7KCuT9
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd8dLm1Hfr
Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw9J85Ta5E
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wTNSP6cpK
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrQCCQTpxB
"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsXnvzRbXM
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLxY2DNdKl
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj1byWCECq
Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aDkvehUy8
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtun2I6p0O2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBSEBzMGQk
The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdvXlLdsiN
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVyLIWsGeL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpMPGT1DB3
Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOicMdASvf
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf0ODyRWO0
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSb2Xis9jO
"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYsFaCKF8l
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtFDDb5X57
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhikEKQDYl7
"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuce8oFQbO
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTTfgBukkX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOXaDsPTQE
The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbn58uBYjo
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbgRMrtkrJ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54K5qgC58Y
"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfWNEDEzss
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAFuXflcAL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB69eYf1UKF
"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvl2u0tsO7
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxflQpbSdLQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurRcblWlOE
The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Xh7iYuaI
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVjTg8TZoD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaQg5wKYdU
Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCQPP0p62a
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbmvATfqMy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhtTjskdz2
"Should I?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmStu4FEq5
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QVWUFe1EB
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQm5p32LBR
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3pw4k5HtE
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCf8juLGUp
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxshwigDhu
"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrl0V4IylP
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD580caxWLg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYgYNjHnF6
"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcn2YvXugv
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIiXHAJkEl
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgWA75ljGP
The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIjaR9sv9D
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfL4SISsI6
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PwYW7JJJ0
"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuK1GHCMSw
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlollKBdRxY
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYvhqxOGrC
The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGYbfhBkEy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZR0iw6Lnb
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygJmjPVVms
"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiuLrtSIbL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYs1wkRi96
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCzrfyWBtM
Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ac7txcZX2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2olRMGKXA
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0H4VG6laz
"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt0u7WwENf
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8eFKff1XQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA6Vaq6EgM
"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalwL0MdwXz
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn46L61XpB
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1SvE8eGa0
"Is she?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWERviTscy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX3SSpBAYQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Q034VJCu
Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjQXY81Y2S
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mvAsy4T9A
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqYlxzDkss
The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaeqkSStDo
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXcL1YY9p0
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm33eFHmDp
"Do you think it's because of her father?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocrJSIMCwp
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOtp94hGW1
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DHe4HS1gi
"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZRRTJPVAp
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnCfodMCJY
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBa0T0wvGL
"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsm4Ry8yum
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnwQz3ZKD2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmTWdP4Fvn
The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD3d5yu67j
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF0DDXuQED
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0BQhYk4Qi
Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L2gObT3qW
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpHLfufTrf
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSCnXpWkTZ
"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39vWRptCQD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DepYp2rPe
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfypkiRRP49
"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgvQxTzhkI
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfGTfnULAF
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpFhUVx1FG
"Maybe they did."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3w1rFEBOu
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvj1D0O5Dy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOu2EQVKQn
"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4vq4drgOo
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y7oBd3Btm
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjnvmJrVuz
"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoEBXKEhfh
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi6y7YIeyx
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF31BMSJuj
"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH2DwFLRNI
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BxFg1wGVE
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRpoYT0Uo7
"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj8ZEnyUX9
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4myPiumHoi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks4lETCLnj
"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6iWP96M6m
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jYE8HX5nN
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cWC22oMJC
"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieucBYeFb2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDip1Shg9U2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZQ4qf6fJs
The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOuk4Nosyz
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb4Dn6OZTP
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm31k1ttsD
"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXffqDyjoi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe8uJ7m8BR
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfkujCrdFv
"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwjZXgxY25
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrIcf8X3Tx
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqZ7p62hJz
The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1A5pKVTVj
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeoJF5k2Pd
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrx09SIMJY
Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQB05DL8tO
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUWi8Gt52Z
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ0pk2eHqm
"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDDtsrt8FL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kSus9lgqr
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPjKY1bC41
"Yes."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7MoW2lKKe
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7m4TKgagK
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryvnSnGBI5
"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuXmWbydOC
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjRedfQpvD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85DHpHJOiH
"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8tYXgc7so
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXI5vyzb0D
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFktW6pqNr
"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwuHvJP19f
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnpJox7CDG
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN9FL5nrkg
"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAGyjiYP56
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmcvcwpDsU
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LG9ZLctT2
The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi9SwUswE8
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspGG1umk22
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM9Sz30juQ
"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YiUWu9Jvx
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudYSRM3qnJ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdVhnhDZlX
"Is that why you called?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9pCIEXJ8J
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeileUDMgp
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVFFDPSiP9
"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMD1bDZdAF
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVyyLeshmg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcQRl6V5nV
"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNZ5dcXzAo
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpRx9qCFHX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrp8lgOsX4
"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAsN3Q8nGC
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisGMyHSOxz
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIQZsR6bIi
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hf0SztNwr
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObcgLb9KcM
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdl5EKCois
"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PgjaoVoHe
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekz59fTJXh
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsQABLPBaA
"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJbqnwAlFn
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqJ5hyoZci
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpqO89TRVQ
"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo63CRD2skv
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZyl8cR1gz
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZX2Din6Ka
"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6atTP5I2Um
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItQxAnVSS2
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrpwmeepLg
"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC3u7BkpXi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmofOaatKg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtBNNdBB3I
"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WxTRELJn3
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPGtcP9KlX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTLdem4aBW
"Soon. Very soon."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dFRPA5edb
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VvzGIExSG
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX0A1JdFvx
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyy7VYPJ80
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK3Gr9uP8W
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE8ZUrVGZU
"It's what Emelda would've wanted."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIU97ScsqH
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAjTLMSLAi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh0aIC34N0
"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExJfqZw5UT
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh8ZLDNCjt
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIebgPFTVnR
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIh3nggbHi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB4ocD0m5w
The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdAuEaN9ZD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VLr1V68IN
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegdLogOtYv
"I'm not. Why would I even try?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwTIuKFpbL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c6me5kUjD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEks4RLryqN
"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKGoGItwPa
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVA7JnRMQY
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9euR0JNiMq
Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwgkTf5Nwa
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KiwCRf14Q
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyuAUDmP4V
The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNOabmJunB
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv03I6Q9eeU
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEhKZMBcmC
As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXTQ805qSj
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63Xt1jTCUQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CBpYdswTj
The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDzCPUoFF3
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCK4KTyyCp
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8LD1Iy89D
***849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC2i9zNI1g
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mm41YAOHa
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQm3hxWdHq
Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnySV4Kxhpy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0zEQRTf9v
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIq1v20oNA
Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBUOK9dmTH
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE73ENcmH7
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She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzjm9CIIyw
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyKsVcklmX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pJ22jjNbs
The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyRXS4qz18
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsj2tlX7cf
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZkGA28OEO
"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF9UQgwuvy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeo0HNAv0P
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0CznraeSk
"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrWHxM2xlu
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBgtzINOJc
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhhPh1vnyo
"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MaBGoC347
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnw91XTCpx
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5HoXJxtDq
"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wAay3Db4l
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdmGJlh59O
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdixfnVi9QG
Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQcu7ay8U9
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaakTXQWCyz
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkLpkXRR76
Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSts8iBfVFw
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEJRSDiOe7
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHUDdQiedQ
"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSlhVV0doo
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg564cvawko
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqeqa1Kg6l
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW1DDDoqFq
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ053aEHIzdB
Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuWnCfrz6b
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB3Q2l2RMg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCuR0IQb6f
"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs4DMDkuZU
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlM7aSdEIc
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajxwfSV9y3
The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bkcCnqoLX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjng7f8ltWw
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7m0bBBOPO
"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEgSTQ31Vy
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnQsWvITay
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"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTlp51BdYN
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4qECdyZzi
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The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbuSgbsdtr
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoZ6PE2MZC
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They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa05IkDriB7
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS6ctGG4ut
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8hLlXpJBX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwP1wVzXkK
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfg7Zo3LzJ
"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWQ90EZxk6
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxiaAhxFbL
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlODerNa0gT
"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEUe6FeEpl
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVXMSKeuBg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMNsRqxa4L
"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfUZ0AMJu1
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcdhecGWRR
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxV7CexifG
Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkBPdnj7ui
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2osCtvJDaZ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi5i8DESif
"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUDNzGGZFg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQfkbgEdKV
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hGjh1TRAV
"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMorLxLWQk
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9hm9x5dVG
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGMwd5tUg
"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXvL930lNm
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx6H7qvZYs
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YisBoMEeh
Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLqDG0IBhZ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P9NXh1Czt
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TZaJrojoV
"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH13eDRAmpQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6CcQJ0jHr
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPovVNQYbs
Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItCaBT2wYc
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHJAF1J5vG
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsXv9XvI9Y
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyQun8KO4r
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMjjEj9gk8
Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWftnv2jAir
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnajZnDy64v
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AYeR5FlzW
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQllx0hDi0
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVd0lMM6Hk
"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgss0YgJW5g
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr4DR77ZQh
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QSH1DG5Ot
She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFOJCZiu6L
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Zr64gSdS
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iBfCDP8LT
"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYayKNk6asF
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUDIhXVzLD
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r3HiNZHrJ
"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7DCh6Q1cQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRgG9iBR6p
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxciOznLRuI
Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEVrh378T1
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolxcZUUiYJ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2ZSLQft7E
Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEhIeuSIgm
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7WkwQ5Ojg
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXyxnBUejp
"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5HEt8X0HT
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPP3IAAa1z
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mrR8RYYSi
Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QLDWKhltS
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKqWmqFL6v
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsKxsNofjF
"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8kXsIN4Li
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZPOONeME3
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNNnjIZGN
Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYqdNly3Fl
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHv6Kfvvof
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pmrbiHDRa
Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTYQ3bGDzl
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HaeX88oec
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASBTN6slxd
"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNKFuO1lKO
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw258wXfcB
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL0YoU1o9s
"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBP0uMUjR9
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tKkcztWNQ
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OeHzQa4Ii
Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0P6cApiX4
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Rsd3BCaV
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpidREdcEfi
"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc19p6ZHmVM
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeExaq9SKnk
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTUGzFPGaT
"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk72QebRyqY
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXcbBvhC5c
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp3Mz84YaU
"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEcyDSFbDi
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxDly9QvZ3
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYQSMTEp8S
"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NemsSZjJu
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4WwgLWx06
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRylsS2hsx
"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5IamvZkql
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPkm1artS4
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYjFHePCgB
Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fHjbwBpJX
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhp0xj6j1E
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyoQ6cN51K
Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi2OIyL7Rj
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvbcRE5vLG
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVFXHFnF1m
Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4HWP0ctWe
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UzgV84CzS
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBXapUPuMY
He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS8QZbmR7Y
849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxE8rkoOJ
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsye2NHZoi
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“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C2ZxPk8sR
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“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIIVSeeofL
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Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle2hAUORqV
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eHYZSmngr
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Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMXgG21o5h
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Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HoiQLGnSD
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMnTObRx7y
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“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNsuWAALO9
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZduSf9iH2n
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBquOwQLXST
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They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIbXgmsN9X
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr3GzWiD5a
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlsAaLYkKn
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk4G2OGaWo
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b4Mt3VWvx
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He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAUxyIxGwq
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00RdzsMRqg
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“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75UIdNcyna
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Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSJf5orDeO
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Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR7u7uBSX8
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCZYGghott
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoT8ohSf5h
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi8zb0s7jS
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Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA7kdx5XgL
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtAyGklgb
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He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATsgXnITVs
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIW9n7x0m6
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkne76gxGh
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“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCnGT2mIO1
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Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIuWXGKxfa
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“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWcADDQ6zV
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoR5zZeqZ7
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN75Z6O5nV
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“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jpDVJH5ld
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Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdEyaelDpM
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Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7lfIJY4ry
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Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmv3bHMSHP
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVkSmxClxr
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3IRGjNeEa
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuipnbMvBY
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3KbXhhUXN
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Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5odf8FcyM
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“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYoRk4n1sB
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“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wNSxiEjhB
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14SKvmBugy
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“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf7FHaUpQ2
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgZSqAMJ4W
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“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82R6irKhLC
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She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSE5r1av0m
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“What is it?” he asked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf3orK73So
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYWH6JmrSB
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Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tVyNkwinl
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA0smDgUoK
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnS4KZXZN2
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Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCf3stzGzf
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She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPETk4gzYEY
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She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J3X5k5LSt
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLeTx17wXL
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“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ivhP9Ghov
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“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BV5Pd1Hr6
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“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW0EQNkhXx
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“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FeSFQuSIi
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspIi0mc9uq
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“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzJ74pcg7h
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With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59psQLCAbH
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“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPtXJoSER3
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“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEtVtsP4jX
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Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ8Lome3YA
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLkewE3v5G
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgwg6gp5pA
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“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWoaiHVHgR
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH6JsFHjW6
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Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm68RMevvB
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaryxlIfjP
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUymwKfrgVt
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“There’s no phone service.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0TJczuVV9
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“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWvybBIjz4
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmRhCWm4N3
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTsWMYY4mA
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NuwydlrTR
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowSrc4UMo2
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“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXf5IhpskW
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCNtXcmYEJ
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vOljaiMnn
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJCo9KgQpY
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Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51NTIZXsqP
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She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILzNitQ7ke
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She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Lnu8MVrIj
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Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p9zc44LFm
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Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q7YC7cP1C
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She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIsvn960vR
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Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.849Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRkSHalA8J
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The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.1234 copyright protection845ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLljMES3td 尼

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