The sound of her phone ringing made Greta jump in her seat; startled. She quickly withdrew it from the pocket of her jean jacket. Kevin was calling. She quickly swiped the answer call icon and put the phone to her ear.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS2g4cOlnw
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgYoM7gGD4
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKu8chFkQT
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"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY06SMFILzn
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"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbQng2gYbZ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY3i7nWVxD
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWe85ma4XN
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Rtx3YA7o
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQBoXHckMr
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7J3lceyMy
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg4aAHLfKj
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHeWYL1Why
"What kind of trouble?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoEi9Y9JMR
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViTcU8zPkJ
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wSKW8nOpy
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0ULkhHvFc
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtdxcNc61J
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5Rcf1yfW7
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GjVyK2NHE
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCDZcZygGU
"That's good. She needs to rest."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzgz7w0eZZ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MQIGpFHGX
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBuktunTxf
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81gTPbht1x
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9VuIPsURb
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsjjvq9Uqf
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCfOsV22Ok
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeWkB9Lkmj
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYTJ5XyHnc
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys6Cq20DY1
"Ya, sure."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEwAXMG10Q
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQb8jkMbG5
Kevin cut the line and Greta placed her phone aside onto the chair she was sitting on. She really hoped everyone was alright, especially Malcom.
Miss Marie shifted her body to the side and for a moment, Greta thought she might wake up. But she continued to sleep. Greta felt relieved. She didn't want to be the one answering her if she woke up. She wouldn't like to hear that Rhénee had gone in search of the cottage all by herself.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2EDiLevkf
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJNTjuNeFs
Greta stood up from the chair. She was thirsty and needed water. She made her way to the door when her phone started to ring again on the chair. She quickly went back for it and almost dropped it when she saw her mother calling.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsFRyTQTO0
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD7WJbBVv2
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvpuqTchcM
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgGwJMqJnb
She had to answer the call. She had a mother who is always suspicious of everything. Miss Griselda stirred in her sleep. Greta knew her phone's ringtone was disturbing her, so she had no choice but to answer.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wubBhCts8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdleQg3sc36
"Hi, mum," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Finally, one of you answers your phone," came her mother's voice. "You and your brother left without telling me where you've gone."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnvTzKszus
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WR9d3cBKZ
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAc4gUvqzS
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PlIjJoiNx
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquwRqJ86gh
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhrDbGlUJK
Greta's eye twitched in irritation. She wondered if her mother would still be calling even when they decide to move out of the house.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmOvgsRwFn
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhuJJZOL1F
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMvwxfVnP4
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRbigf9Gm7
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2bUXiGLnn
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DZmjzhpxb
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEgiVo3n60
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHoH0DpXy3
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpm93prCzM
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUtx2QrDbs
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe006IWRY0A
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOKdamWrZP
"What did you say?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MMs7xF432
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkIHkcODGI
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwuLeqpTfZ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a9Obyache
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0AsWRJ4Su
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NBEeIApuw
"Mum, we aren't five year olds you've to check up on all the time. It gets really annoying, and it's embarrassing, especially in front of my friends. Whenever they see you're the one calling, they make fun of me."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uzc5q0sQV
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREyyVarmCu
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGPY7RpMb4
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7AH468kke
"Sometimes I feel it's more than that. It's like you check up on us to see if we just dropped dead or something."
There came a long silent pause at the other end and Greta knew she had struck a nerve. She will definitely receive an earful when she gets back home.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6sr6HhjGk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrcYuXWcEq
"Tell him to call if you reach him," came Mrs. Derrand's voice, now cold and grim that it sent chills down Greta's spine.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClD3xEprBr
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkKlehSMll
Greta didn't say anything as she quickly cut the call and squeezed her phone tightly that it would break. She's really in trouble now. She knew she shouldn't have said that. But sometimes her mother pushed her to say things she didn't want to. Now she's in a hot mess.
She hoped the others would show up soon, especially Malcom. They would have to try calm their mother down. If she wanted, she would go looking around town for the both of them, and that would be a disaster.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PAdRa9tLu
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2EnEuRNCn
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ3ezAZgWL
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TF23iZ82Q
A murmuring sound came from the bed. Greta turned and saw Miss Griselda slowly sitting up.
"Greta?" Miss Griselda asked with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing here? Where's Rhénee?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK7jurcQPH
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdSrNwuFRP
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qDZtlDg3Q
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4VzcqwlPY
"You must need some water," said Greta as she started to make her way out of the room. "You just stay right there."
"Huh? Greta, wait-" Miss Griselda called out to her.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAM9kbNYW3
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JIMhAYCfQ
"I'll be right back," Greta said as she stopped by the door and turned to Miss Griselda. "I'll tell Rhénee that you're finally awake."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4WO0Z2ulk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRWBGjr33c
Miss Griselda didn't say anything else as she leaned back on the headboard of the bed, looking a bit relaxed. Greta quickly left, walking down the hall and then the stairs. She knew her little lie had calmed Miss Griselda down. But when she goes back up there without Rhénee, she will have a lot of explaining to do.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvj4RZs84t
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"Oooh, you guys better be on your way back right now," Greta said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the kitchen. "I doubt if I'll be able to handle Miss Griselda alone."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKsYG1vJyZ
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***615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YiSqKuamc
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"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ05yas35Hv
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRbZ5t2ZC6
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdnhzLkDZx
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLOH33xHOe
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I0wN23Sv9
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkv7bU1NIk
"You heard me," she said, not looking at him as she put the bloody wet cloth in the tub and got an alcohol-free wipe towel from its box on the floor beside her. She wiped the towel around his wound.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4OhFzwgss
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Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xbtNt92ry
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mPYKEui5B
The two of them were in Miss Marie's bathroom. Malcom sat on the edge of the bathtub, shirtless, while Rhénee attended to his wound.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl65GWmpzs
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf0cUJ0xtz
She soon took non-adhesive pads that laid on the wash basin, laying one on the entry and the other on the exit wound. She was glad the bullet had gone straight through. If it didn't, removing it would have been complicated.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsh0UhFSoy
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She took a bandage and wrapped it over his shoulder so as to hold the pads in place. She continued to add more layers of it until it felt just right.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsqNa0U7wk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiCAnvXHC0
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sd1EUy6YZ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mmZWqNxYt
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfywyD1wdK
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7F09D2flG
"Oh, it isn't talent," said Rhénee as she started to clean up the mess on the floor and putting back all the equipment she was using in the tiny cabinet above the wash basin.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxla1nG9Zy
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"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwH9D4GgU1
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtH4UV1PC2
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP07C0mUKwI
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd065be6XTX
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6y5bDiaKT
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOtUOPB4be
Rhénee didn't answer as she looked at him and he looked back at her. There came a brief moment of silence between them until a knock came at the door and Rhénee told whoever was there to come in.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGlOjsZcS0
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"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KBes2dRQO
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwUVGi9fsa
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMILQviHMC
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxGhBbam9u
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygZe155Xnl
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47ZgXWFvdm
"I know," said Malcom as he smirked. "I'm also impressed that I couldn't help but ask where she learnt all of this from."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfF6R1ktTb
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvNayeNvyO
"That question isn't necessary," said Rhénee as she threw Malcom a look. "I was part of the Red Cross team in my high school days."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiDuIX17Xu
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJe7XIeVMT
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OE7VmAI1V
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsI2NVKKt0
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtgv0TYbmx
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsAnG0ypdn
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZrN2VgTyh
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2QCSsB8pi
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6rzYPY8Jw
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL0pBPIz32
Kevin and Malcom didn't ask her any further. Rhénee turned around to look at the wash basin, avoiding the mirror in front of her and their prying eyes.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kTCfF7w87
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahHynofN34
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ctg7RMwW8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAeiIm4N42
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKRrzbxsiM
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iyEb0WgbH
"Ya, I'm fine," she answered as she looked at herself in the mirror and then turned around, heading out of the bathroom. She almost bumped into Kevin who moved aside just in time.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafcX34kTHM
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNLEQbVcNj
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ck3PnD9I7
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6PTvNzL3e
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARRp9VPVLk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSntgPTeKj
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiRq0X98dJ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfysMFISqP8
Malcom looked at the open door. "Most people who have killed for the first time usually aren't themselves. They tend to be all nervous and tense that it's hard for them to stay calm. Rhénee on the other hand, has been calm till now. She hasn't freaked out or did anything nerve-racking. Even when she was patching up my wound, she didn't shiver at all."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpQTu6Z8py
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGsoQr26Xt
"Do you think she's killed before?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpruMbaQa7C
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJent5jEiwj
"She doesn't look like a killer. But it's either she has and she doesn't want to talk about it or it really is her first time and she's pretty good at handling her anxiety."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi11OZz8CQ6
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6htcmoh7f
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrBtjUfSHE
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"You saw how she shot the guy. I would call her a sniper if I had known that she could handle the gun so well. She made sure not to miss. Or maybe she just got lucky, and that rarely happens for first timers."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsCAksJoZC
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26i75aG2Mo
Kevin clenched his hands into fists as he also looked at the door. "But Rhénee isn't a killer," he said. "That much, I know. She did what she did for you. You would be dead if it wasn't for her."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsoMFL5D9j
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aCyNIgYqv
Malcom looked at Kevin and knew he was right. In his heart, Malcom knew Rhénee isn't a killer. But the display she had shown back in the forest made him curious about her even more.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybYFloNIYn
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"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzeYICgCvI
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YkOmHgDoV
Just as Kevin and Malcom walked out of the bathroom, Miss Marie appeared down the hall, approaching them with a grey sweatshirt in her hands.
"Here you go, Malcom," she said as she handed it over to him. "This belonged to my grandson, Miguel. He doesn't wear it anymore."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz7NZYeVNN
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F3C47dCdR
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbHu1RQUIp
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8xn8sdeF3
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULGrnkFYzQ
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RPjSs7K4N
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0usZtkTY77
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RZnoOiyw8
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWK2FDPGuH
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3vGmk9tZ1
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTZXrR0qoA
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T6gjZcchA
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdVcc4MIAC
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtWqnwS0mu
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfisWxL8ZRr
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJkFHDAS2O
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3JWexVqKe
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YwuIca745
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuztOtHUGtz
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp5RsSXTpm
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmA0igPtr9
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWR3m0bCTK
No response came from the living room and Miss Marie went over to check. She stood at the open doorway leading to the living room.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWjCBCcJZx
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajsR9cgZdw
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4EpQR66v5
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOCKeG5uyI
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLKzoCf0Kq
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"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMgEqULl3m
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvGTAvnS40
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Smrhutw0
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR0IdmZh9E
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqhykgBTbj
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjPoJ2SpYW
Malcom didn't answer as he swung the door open and walked out of the foyer. His heart settled when he stood at the doorstep. He looked at the car parked outside and saw Rhénee seated on the car's bonnet. She looked to be lost in thought with her arms folded. Sophie, the cat, sat right at her feet and also seemed to be staring off in a distance.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWkOezxd9T
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFhS7OhVk5
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pwNonH7M8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmneltYXlN
"Me too," said Malcom as he continued to look at her. He noticed that Rhénee looked all worn out and tired. And a little sad too. He wondered what she could be thinking about.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjErSlF0hQ8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66SnCSDSjk
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwD88eZlyO
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZXa8zaXma
Rhénee turned towards Miss Marie, lifted herself up from the car's bonnet and walked back inside Miss Marie's yard. Sophie remained by the car.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmM3RPQCRW
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2pCyxxP9S
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbYMMgy4nh
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIp3OTa38a
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp7Ouc8l3i
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwX2X4ypbI
Rhénee scoffed, then sighed. "But I took a life," she said. "I don't think she would be proud of that."
"Her life wasn't that perfect either, you know?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKp3bK2dgg
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY1hAMGVff
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8G704bBFk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq8QbXOI2v
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhrCywFdLc
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkwTtDfUtP
Rhénee remembered Miss Marie using the exact same words when she gave her the gun back in the forest. Except this time, she included Rhénee in the sentence.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSnPrkScZ8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ggoc7sCQB
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP1zBfAs9g
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYMxFdMYG6
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqpnJ477W8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgOZJ7b4Ji
"Don't argue with me, Miss Marie," said Rhénee as she took one of Miss Marie's hands and placed the gun on her palm. "You need it more than I do. I still need you alive."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXAsXcfsA3
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0ZxhReMDv
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1J5tJLfar
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45jryU3Sp6
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2nhibVf2A
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3jLuwEdJf
"I'll take care of myself as best as I can." Rhénee looked past Miss Marie at Kevin and Malcom who had been standing by the doorstep, watching them. She gestured with her head that it's now time to go.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQWQQjDf0e
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRomHluqLcd
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOqSjdQqyy
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwzYE414Wx
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZvFd2a8hg
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePpR1RF7ly
"We will," said Kevin.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEBnEwpRBk
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZmugTLcGt
Rhénee, Malcom and Kevin made their way to the car. Malcom took the wheel with Kevin right beside him and Rhénee sat at the back with Sophie curled up on her lap. Rhénee looked out of the window and waved at Miss Marie who also waved back.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGym0zCHw8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUgyYI4QGK
The car drove away from the little neighbourhood. After a few seconds, Kevin couldn't help but turn and look at Rhénee. Rhénee noticed and looked back at him.
"What?" she asked.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBhMAlI2gm
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD5RBlD49l
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWg1IyzDNR
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Iq7WwE9t
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbi1Oas9j7
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3BO3khbQ8
Within a few seconds, the front gate of Rhénee's mansion came in sight. The car went inside the premises and packed in front of the fountain.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a9QJ6rg5v
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt1ABa8KmX
Rhénee came out of the car first with Sophie in her arms and started her way to the front door. Kevin came out seconds later and called out to her:615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGC4U8zhSo
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBip1v8CzLe
"Rhénee, wait!"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhuZNCNlMB
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85AKOGuH1Q
Rhénee had almost reached the door when she turned to look at Kevin now approaching her. Malcom took his time in the car, waiting to see what Kevin was going to do.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jUzbT0M8U
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVflQ6rGMS
"What is it, Kevin?" Rhénee asked.
Kevin hesitated for a moment and that made Rhénee raise an eyebrow. Sophie jumped out of her arms and walked away.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj3p1uQynY
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Va7mO7221
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr2t2YP59H
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGBQoryixO
"I'm tired."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXZksWcvjj
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq1y4Cq8qF
"Really? I don't think that's it."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJqa56LvHB
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnn8cKvcLs
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB6w4vFRFH
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA3z1IjECY
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPM4QXoOnL
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrcEkwAhOO
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cxBMQS6eR
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsPJO5Cd1w
Kevin got caught there. He opened his mouth but no words came out. He looked away and scratched the back of his head, feeling stupid for having started the conversation. Rhénee sighed deeply and looked even more depressed. Kevin looked at her. Her eyes looked like she hadn't slept in days.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXHncNv6y6
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGEiUU5WJo
"I don't think you're a killer, Rhénee," said Kevin. "But I know what happened must have affected you no matter how composed you're posing to be."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCUs733Yvg
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavaK4toVN5
"I'm not ready to talk about it. Let's just drop it, okay?" Rhénee's eyes were fixed on Kevin's chest yet her mind was elsewhere.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR3zfnQjWc
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtSCf0Gu9H
"I'll because Miss Griselda might be awake and seeing you like this will make her sad too. But promise me that you will talk to me about it."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XZ0qJ8UZm
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cMkRfXzGS
Rhénee looked up at Kevin and put up a sad smile. Kevin's insides shook at her expression. He didn't like to see her sad. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her to show that she wasn't alone in all this.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnPTgh6vcb
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefzQuKPs9n
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDmWgEcmbY
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBOKKaR2vs
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuDKtZB1Kg
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQG2U2dzfl
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SUzRBE8L4
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16Ds9IIXom
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8nMofxv0K
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuKIcH5rx2
"Good. Let's go."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ1BUjbBsC
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYENMqSFX1
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeccOuUe1Y
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8f4hORyOb
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioZXSuvr1S
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrekBm9GPP
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdGWIXMuV7
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcdQSOSZr9
Rhénee led the way to the door, the other two following behind her. Just before she could reach it, it flew open and for a second, it looked like it had opened all on it's own. But soon enough, Greta came into view behind the door with a glass of water in her hand.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyYVdkRF2Z
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VXhNXr079
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSisW05KRCi
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLRHbLBPkR
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr4dyzXeaD
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYJumLgsXO
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGytvj5ScVj
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96tykhaNMY
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXPKbivwrf
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5XK1uR0Xm
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3L3vcFLhS
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hXOqYEQDC
"Nothing that you should be worried about," said Greta. "Miss Griselda just woke up and she really wants to see you. I told her that you were down here. I hadn't told her you left."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aBLUGYQDh
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzsWnex9fn
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL0omH7jlu
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHWf53CJeo
"Wait, you can't see her looking like that. You're a mess. And whose blood is that on your clothes? Did you get injured?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkmnM3qsG6
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw9UxANtb5
Rhénee hadn't realised how messy she looked as she stared at the bottom of her blue shirt that had a blood stain. Her trousers had a few drops on it too. She had been running for her life back in the forest, and not forgetting the injured Malcom. Greta is going to freak once she realises that it's his blood.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmsmWgdj1x
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOKQXttAJv
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKy773qsjy
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k8R1Nl7Xf
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcTGH3gZX2
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE7PX67bQ5
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX4ApRzW5g
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelOWsUzgUW
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1qyMEB8Bh
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpcpJ5ZUpS
"That's not the shirt you were wearing today," she said. Soon, she gasped that it surprised the others that she hadn't dropped the glass in her hands.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnkhy1cQk1
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzTD0II3Ni
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DLFwRiym0
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyhbabCOg6
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ1wOKU8aS
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYUoZ7l6E7
Greta gave the glass to Rhénee to hold and walked over to Malcom. Malcom at the same time tried to back away, but Greta got to him quicker with her hand stretched to touch his left shoulder.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iE8wdSItV
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3XjipESYD
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKkPgrRtHn
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPczjC9zRee
"Are you hurt?" Greta asked as she started to check him from head to toe for any injury. "Oh, please tell me you aren't."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKph283C4R
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxLTJ3Wv8C
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2yqOAvfQ6
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWoTPmdcPD
"What other guy? Is it the one whom you ran into trouble with?" Greta asked, this time looking at her brother straight in the eyes. "Can you please tell me what happened? I'm curious to know."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SnJYnwQ2h
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiam7l5Yad
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExZPdYTQNl
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZkrLg9Ewz
Rhénee hissed and slowly looked up at the stairs. There stood Miss Griselda. She didn't look as weak and vulnerable as she did the time they left her. She had a grim look on her face; the type that a mother would give her child if he or she had done something wrong. The look reminded Rhénee of her father.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRsgsvoQkG
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbferm0Dfb
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cLwptiP70
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeIJraZubO
Miss Griselda held on to the stair rail as she slowly came down. "Yes, I am, and I see that you three went to the forest."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BENPFPzp0
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrLrWEGqRf
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfQhfx6WSd
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t1TPCkNcK
"Why did you go?" Miss Griselda was almost at the bottom of the stairs. "Look at yourselves. What if the worse had happened to you?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fqWuFRizn
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvokGbbwKu
"Don't blame Kevin or Malcom for this," said Rhénee. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. I went there alone. They followed to try and protect me."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G6lU8HoPa
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYaajNZLEX
Miss Griselda reached the bottom and walked up to Rhénee. She gave her a look, almost like she wanted to slap her. But when she spoke, she sounded calm:615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYNw1pY58z
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqUDoOO41S
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSBKhLGgP8
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvyXuE8slu
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zHP4qukAf
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeybSOw2GED
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFH2TM5Srs
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DugWTz1T1
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NFXEDjSFe
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBdMpNiEk0
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwsoqHiU9c
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePZyvwKJQm
***615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IQpm2S0rj
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPeWv7zEZd
Lunch time was almost over and Eugene still hadn't heard word on Mr. Sinclair. He had been working with Theodore, one of his superiors over a case like he was told to and he told Mrs. Clarks to inform him when Mr. Sinclair arrived. But so far, nothing.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5MtSdHLrv
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f2RWsQjhT
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2fGi2gyl0
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexKQ6Lgaj6
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18yfYwDhSM
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUCrYtoskW
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiGj4oyTdc
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5iKRXphUi
She smiled at him as she tucked a long strand of her magnificent black hair behind her ear and sat opposite him. Her dark brown eyes looked at him intently.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcxFVzcgXt
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwFIaW2EtT
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMyjtgCzsX
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2LoL521Mz
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIhxXBb797
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h6NPckeGs
"Mmm, you've barely even touched your food," Preeta gave him a dominant smile after staring into his lunch box. "Are you sure you're okay?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZgwq2cUEO
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgQkFYN1g0
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEqMQbXNXD
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1WjWVX9lC
"Really?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbNoBGHHgH
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8NmdoI2Cu
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeDZpCxkAe
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzxhhNtPB4
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT56JSaRdoC
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0J7op7YxK
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG2wibKIhq
615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDawy8gH5vW
Preeta slowly made her way out of the staff lunchroom and she met two of her female colleagues. They seemed to be giggling and whispering to her as they made their way out of the room. One of them stared at Eugene before leaving the room with Preeta. Eugene couldn't help but blush as he stared at the door. Were they talking about him just now? He hoped not.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF2xbtjFSG
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He brushed off the thought as he looked down at his lunch. His mother had packed him a tuna sandwich and right now, he didn't have the appetite to eat it. The thought of Mr. Sinclair bothered him to the core.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjsHZTUl5f
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Mr. Sinclair acted strangely today. It's unlike him to be so late to begin with and he didn't stay long, saying that he had to visit a friend. Eugene couldn't help but wonder who that friend was that he had to abandon work.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsfL748SpU
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He shouldn't be thinking too much about it. Lunch time was almost over and he had to get back to work. He had piles of paper work to take care of back in his cubicle.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweXQlRRe6C
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Eugene forced his food down in his mouth within minutes. The lunchroom was almost empty and Eugene hadn't noticed until now. He packed his lunchbox away in his carry bag and made his way out, heading towards the work area where most of his colleagues were.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWZtxBN1bs
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Just before he could even get there, his phone in the pocket of his trousers vibrated. With his free hand, he retrieved it and looked to see who was calling: Mrs. Clarks.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvER3wOM6b
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHZcnBg0AW
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAiuqCL2AY
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oRKlboh0d
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9V5CStLZQ
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He put the phone back in his pocket and quickly rushed to the work area and to his cubicle to put his carry bag away.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMllWtjfP0m
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcEquMG6eq
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuR7hgVpl4
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Within a minute, Eugene found himself on the floor to Mr. Sinclair's office and hurried to his office. He found Mrs. Clarks seated behind her desk.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PaKednnWS
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"Well, you're pretty fast," she said when he got to her desk and she looked up at him. "You must be pretty concerned about him, aren't you?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBKyEc3niT
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"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CMVnbqnbj
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM1BfKipsX
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Eugene approached the door and knocked. He thought Mr. Sinclair wouldn't respond right away, but he heard him inside the office utter: "come in."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMreFd7SgfV
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Eugene quickly entered the office, but made sure not to show how hasty he was. Mr. Sinclair wasn't even looking when as his eyes were fixed on the newspaper in his hands.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmoSH5mLO2
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpDyXipOlI
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcNfPCLfGq
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG4wTeklzO
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"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5F7yyQGw2
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Mr. Sinclair dropped the newspaper onto his desk and fully turned his attention to his apprentice. Eugene had to say something before Mr. Sinclair asks what was up with him.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ISQW9KMmJ
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwHP62ACfN
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"Oh, you didn't have to do that, Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair as he smiled. "I just went to visit a friend. I'm always stuck in the office, so I thought today would be a good day to visit."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLrcttTj4h
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTveUYqFJ7
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Mr. Sinclair picked up the newspaper and went over to the page he had been reading. "Of course I did," he answered. "It was just like the good old times."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJhZKR7MTF
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Eugene knew immediately when Mr. Sinclair picked up the paper that it's his cue to leave. He slowly started to back away from the desk.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGzDHCbByU
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxAoUlVPhS
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPJZQa1dZJ
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Eugene turned around and soon found himself by the door. Just as he opened it, he looked over at Mr. Sinclair who seemed to be preoccupied with the article he was reading. He wondered who Mr. Sinclair had gone to see. That's the one question he wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. Mr. Sinclair wasn't so open about his personal life and Eugene knew he shouldn't be butting in on such issues.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr413tMh33
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyrPd0kal4
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0V1sC6jnS
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnj5OSLVL6
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"Oh..., nothing really."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHlrJBe1IX
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPQMY0DSar
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZE29bmAjZ
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIJbiZ8V7J
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob4Bfy1UXL
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatABCN2qHq
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4npyNrSwV
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Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpqiwsjhsu
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"You're weird," said Mrs. Clarks as she went on to look at the computer screen. "I wonder why the ladies around here have a crush on you with that weirdness of yours."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkrUybZIPg
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqASalR8oHm
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Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg4h9LE03E
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Eugene grew even more irritated, but Mrs. Clarks didn't bother to even look at him as she pressed the keys onto the keyboard. Eugene knew she only did so just to make herself look busy.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLOtKfcr5r
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He made his silent retreat down the hall. What Mrs. Clarks told him soon left his mind. He had a lot of paper work to do, yet he couldn't help but think about Mr. Sinclair and his strange behaviour this morning. But who Mr. Sinclair's friend is really bothered him. Was it somebody Eugene knew? Or was he worrying too much for nothing? 615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U5QkxjlLZ
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Back in Mr. Sinclair's office, Mr. Sinclair cast the newspaper aside when the phone on his desk began to ring. He took it and quickly answered the call.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHYJ4LpQGU
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq9wl3Czuj
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkMdYWVvTc
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63IwDZSVTS
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdrTZKlwKQ
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Mr. Sinclair straigthened up on his seat as a smile appeared on his face. He knew what he was going to hear will excite him for sure.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrkTZ7OoT6
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV7SNg3nQ3
and then Add to home screen.