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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QQtCzHOFH
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdYmm9mJbE
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVxUvJ64Sp
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbEs0GS5Uo
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjoax4tamV
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulFBS6on1u
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4STkwIgAAK
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT0DHdAJor
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS9cb5meqX
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Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgaLGJ9a7d
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkIQzDgvWz
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpBXWHpTn4
"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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5pLe7lKSy
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrRoTXsczM
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Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YEGIWl4CE
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRcV0Jmigv
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MRCnWBAc0
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Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiY7ALkdiV
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1P6kJn4jy
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdbKITcock
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGRkUmtpeG
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVKuwNWZkB
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGrqyIzLbA
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"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQddvqni8BJ
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlSP1610l5
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Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0otkXiEMX
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBcuuqXuSN
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"Should I?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FO61zyFqb
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty6y7HUv96
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y9q6X5oN9
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyWuKsd3ci
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOfLav1ca7
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"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI6rB94SsZ
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J0eoSishx
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"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ9nMcMveJ
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg6EPrUv7Z
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZQrxNmcFT
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"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtqAns85vr
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The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT63gWD2iZ
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQWAcyGCXP
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8V6mCBpHF
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu5WXkr97m
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pc2ocS1nZ
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"Is she?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9aN4APYy8
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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?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJtM4EyhIt
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdigToHQdFd
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKldnLAFItn
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"Do you think it's because of her father?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWF2Iq1JaK
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"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSQALYsxDC
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"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vIyIGmDxw
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The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY53O3CiUL
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzvUPrUAXv
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKeKQVgx7y
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"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrVEkQU2qf
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"Maybe they did."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKIbBabiMU
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ251FFgfDYI
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"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeypLfCDWmY
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"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPci24iMD7y
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5QDlWPO9W
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhm8dg0oZ9
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9qnsyBHOx
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTUkiRicSe
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"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeOXmfR3ed
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg1vLXykf0
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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?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kk5rHRNcc
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIZv8879oY
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70HuKQMuRj
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"Yes."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLgEqpMG4K
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"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflRQsO3Ris
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UyczlBDfr
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"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzA3to4LWU
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"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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3CQLff2We
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2uSSaQ0QS
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnNbGM2Kv1
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTzO1qyqMx
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"Is that why you called?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrenbYy8Vq
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"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG1w0Kv9sf
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"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJreZcMNap
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Nr8pIWwE
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"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F6ZcECuCl
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCWap5jdF1
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZFETQQj19
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwGFKaBG1r
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygJdkSLvvi
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA6LQ1kkya
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN8wcLCRur
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"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbK1KGPgiE
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hn6sEwdAl
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"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HSD1SNlcX
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds6JIbSIsX
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZbFQ5hQfy
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KWq6W2A6B
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e7aSUmKCz
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxietq2jIYl
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"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea0ednJOUl
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeELuGofYlc
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"Soon. Very soon."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcgHaSbGOh
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud4yA8veQo
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEVwrp0JDs
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRyG3RkNW5
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIfwvD29bJ
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"It's what Emelda would've wanted."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vFrEaZRUw
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8SKKngR9V
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZHaQQDlbW
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The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QpiA3ENzs
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDdya9R3C8
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnkLrhStA3
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxunpKpFQPW
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8vNOdXTSw
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyko6QWtjZ
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The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpue8TDzqtD
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***496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bK61zcjTI
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScJ5neBm44
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV8bohfbzV
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmAcPIDkE3
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlKAGlejzu
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUFp8HnU8E
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjBWi4ElSU
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgIYb7y3Wm
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo5VB6LZ0Z
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhBU1JFeMN
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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?496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tzih3vpu4
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuf0lDZXbg
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwW1zIr6kS
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B1lnaHX0W
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"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaZk5HxMVD
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmRSaRoLEu
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7nJaSju5z
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhAsXYzyFz
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdjXx3JTT5
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfS5KyCf1y
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTERWcpUB9
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLpyE6m7Jo
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QQTDxAMqt
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"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA7K6esBFC
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45SyvAijVi
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KPDJqWEjt
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"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy29F8Bhc7v
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDg2SMiBFd
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeobrzcefX
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t9UCoftdo
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ciyFqENHf
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBgI5fAL4v
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0sDL0t8vs
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73afDq2F3h
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPddPoPl9Iq
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr0tRtQAgl
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWDvfZaeuD
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC3yOUCK3A
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44YfN9LATP
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjXoQRQ8Xb
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"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AVXWbenvO
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIJRAovxBC
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz1sRrP8Gr
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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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUrpfFvC8q
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qNUrjrkke
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw5ZBaedxe
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvUKQZqiJH
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAm6sEDXrH
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4EidYi7O3
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6eSlSbwJ3
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"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv4wAE2RPd
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiAYDLoNvh
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"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."496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bnhdBVHnP
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J6AHZ85QF
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfTR1pRCWf
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUr6uLDUxW
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w4AzRMMo3
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGTFc8wWXI
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKq5PPRaVC
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdSY1cgZ0l
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUjG9XegvK
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTIcpevIm9
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLOLLRZGKq
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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?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujmNWBhJUa
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg7XdNMjOD
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRHyDxHLdG
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsQu4zrHqL
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7v8iGeSET
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9jwWU7qI0
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfanqt2Pjt
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsIhLwiOZ3
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lcIWW5POs
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sL0Y2lili
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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:496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYF4uuQICd
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2YDItvu6a
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9oUHUw79g
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroU2lfYeEV
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCvOAIX2uJ
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJpTXYpmg6
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFXMTCfoTD
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6sOg8JSlP
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNe8FVYVy0
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6fxNb8YsA
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMGC2hhzv2
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ587ghXLPC4
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemtoFAT7jQ
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelJtaajLz8
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNkjNqjW3w
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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!”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6IiiLBTNQ
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsCRtlRR6o
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR09iE1bQrF
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ydtba1m8T
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwOmhmiVL5
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2AaxtKVgQ
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsLKmPtYeh
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5KCJu0iit
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2O9c2T8EE
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOgnFfpQ8C
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW1UlQx0Yd
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KSgNLjmSm
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoYhP1qcmE
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8bWyTILEx
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2whWu9eS3
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kmDamRBp4
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T51azhTRy
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG8P3iNybE
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup85gQ5tum
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“What is it?” he asked.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE0pN2YHPX
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsQaYqKtjI
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXwEKUyC6h
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBq5z2YQ6L
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptl70UMwxs
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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?496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPsNb5ZNSF
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sIBcV1ayk
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd79snLwJo
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBDUI2dA5v
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTnL5qqyCD
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZLFoizskB
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkxsk73uYu
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtPEBvePK8
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ0tl7EDEt
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SJ84Kcohz
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMIA1i6kSR
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dg8uORpd9
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPueCptslH
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf2XsLUKmL
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEGshAUCl7
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G2ULdQGLj
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6GcNHicpm
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEhEALVe4C
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHLbG4UC4H
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2B2LCoyNH
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7YEgOu24G
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“There’s no phone service.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT91u5I7Xuu
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHnlsGIXcE
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqn2Md7FQW
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4tIePeUD5
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec63XmzgEp
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOszmr0wKNH
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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.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEir4Gkxet
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvtjP2ZMi5
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNejfMERrf
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAc2qS2d8s
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik9QjQaQdQ
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhBFxQbUAg
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxoR1qNQD
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAh5JWhmdy
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS3k03z1Rr
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEma0qCmwmO
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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.496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFzk2zg7un
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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.8964 copyright protection492ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXZiDmXH3B 維尼

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