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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AFK2P9yLS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MZh6ghlSF
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcu2Ich5EU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8k749YqaJ
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1wrdeJEpv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0LY2otJJ9
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6xxcmUdcQ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ6J5J76RJ
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYablxCwW5
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ijC9hQTeh
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv2cfqYmHC
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzbHnVsM9t
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmUQFvc19P
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlq88aeniU
"What kind of trouble?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse76SQbsQp
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6doorz1Tv
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc689PfDgv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAlqQ1N5Ow
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvM6GWRP48
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYZq5Apf3M
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr18Y63cIy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoagbCJhZR
"That's good. She needs to rest."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb5EDaX82R
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZghOulSl4m
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwifxn4Vkk
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRawsWfGHMT
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFfHjhdNxZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtfEQtwIHs
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZHekIzdme
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjaBjkEI6e
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqle6ZyFLu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViMlQWTcGR
"Ya, sure."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNnedJ62tg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNNCAPZtO1
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43pmqxe6xb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC32TrjiA10
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tMFQngNIV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F2IFbSGIK
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmeUyorr00
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenPsV5ic4r
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5aodI6Sgu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ky4lAyC7
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3JqNvXpnE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KBfa423yC
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjqgVqRuRU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dQVhgmHa2
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBbMh4UhMg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgTIKBwMoB
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVHPkbJKbr
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ9kdEzlRf
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSkNPekekY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwew5AFcxtH
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MEvNoLJB8
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6orsFbzejS
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUXh8OaPda
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIPPBwT5yz
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIuImIO1WJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPEUtAPvPf
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO8uQIztfd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDvXGSCQSJ
"What did you say?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GovrMB42Z
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy3qFPOxRY
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyStPzaClKO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNRLGmc8zD
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OBkqkDeuf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMdlcNGm9p
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1ZpRJh5Y6
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdjqMX96rw
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpCU46mMEZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPO5aaoBzk
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd93R7CCtNS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgJTlGR4sd
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aFpJ5QKBg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ9xDBJbjU
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpe4MEH3ks
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxj9qF04ns
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8XW1D9be7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3IBrXmRPy
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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4zGUs5Nws
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqe57IFArZ
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rwN6DwuMh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4dJQ82KlH
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNomEAh3ol4
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GGYtJXn6i
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGfpPzc1rT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IiwmRloPN
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZtPS6Bo2N
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzyIqfGk9w
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEI5uZd4ee
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFTZXEChRT
***744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9afzXtJJC
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny05obBEU9
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYAxJYHq4r
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnGhA98jhs
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh6WH2Z96x
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin6WRc8dTU
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtLs0TPP0f
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOdnGGzzhE
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJghraRO5T
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlJtkH0j6E
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo41BdWA5Xu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxYfrj9gI4
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LAq1UxcPF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDUO7myVTF
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w48h1qtn2
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhErIDeHvO
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEttSOKAaPn
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVC65w0kjA
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPFFXGrdh0
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKutOEb4po3
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzWoJtgM6S
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkkbJ5hxnO
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X3orsV9j6
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67hTA2wBWs
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCbe5V9fZg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgXqzh1PDu
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2fbcN0kdO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06SNtfPWJX
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg1D4L1rmN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8Q1cq34Dl
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEYgxLhB84
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgDmCHFBWm
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKNoBp6PKU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGiQaiUKyP
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yZhTysRRC
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e7L7H5Qrt
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FHdzeDaGF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3xKx82cG7
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR04Gl7agJH
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadCVaYGHh9
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxulaK0nnJV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcRXmt8xdz
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7jODeihlq
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8EcSW4PLb
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl95qkBPtd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jrlT9qbM1
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3e9LNYM5N
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhauI8OYN3G
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVkJZp8dFm
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g1PbMfKRK
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvBN2AwaqP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2CWQcXBQw
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihofVNkHar
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVGFh2mCo5
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1xnaVgwc9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctVv23Ir9Q
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVsOqpOQdT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ315iOyyQTW
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNft7RmoCYO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwJPSp5o4E
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv4S8ZWaIk
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm60OZ9EJtq
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6b4qGQKok
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsizEBZlABg
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UMFB5BDRr
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKbLannFbh
"Do you think she's killed before?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntjlxbCM5S
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtSu7fg1oA
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZfDpc03iy
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d4ZiiL6di
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOrxNjQf9O
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhQfn6UIqw
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9OeXljxUZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaIfA52ump
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldZRu9UCVh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8hYibjFs1
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFZnkBmYAD
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ra9Mv3CDy
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UCNPCPy10
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0riwOcBeDP
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaTUJ0onGe
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rUmUDyMv
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIx8WmHn6O
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbcVr3hCj1
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSjb9AeVOg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsyWzlhk6k
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWesIJwTFS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHcJCtJos
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCuZura71p
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uW8TSi1hd
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA977SY5MZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtjx8FbSjy
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6NbhnApVn
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZSGKGHMkB
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD7jtg2wN6
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXidjY0SB8
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNze1WsOBqF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1rKduii4E
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj0vZvRnAJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT6MykINuG
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9XnC6Tq5d
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgjt95VeRE
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqOE7mF8xa
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaSLek3eu4
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYHC1B7M9T
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1rNqRpMDv
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWo2c4hw71
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzEtF4fVPW
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u1V7v08FX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp6dCgkYWA
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayud27brJp
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YeEJM78aX
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKhvw71CUf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUY2rqyNI3
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE12RQdtUkv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXAjCgVkN7
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gOHms5rD0
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm2608yq3U
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF4CvbHr1u
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NUdm8RcrD
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzrO3HagJA
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXSoxCSjED
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkNRMXrPwJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL7YjC8Sso
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn175XTskH
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxS6arN4EI
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHtod3BaRE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhjnPaH39q
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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgZ36bYwEO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeBOOHIPWN
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jYgvm3J4y
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAeS6HuRyd
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgU8PsCO59
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7dwm2V9J6
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC40nvDpFr
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHtRwtPhNB
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvn58Xx6Rf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9sDBtvlAZ
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oowg06v88
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomd3iw70Da
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUJkD03zwZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlO41Mxkai
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmPWvz0v8Z
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjapz7eV8g5
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVKyHFFtRq
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnndGIWTRnZ
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXm5b2DvzD
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GsqAMGLD2
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQJDbQGbE1
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxG5XhVnhj
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbYa0IpzzG
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRGL8dawG5
"We will," said Kevin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bmHnNxWLR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBFhS9DfW7
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34rThTNUaj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AiTURrBY9
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw4IAfuQSZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQTJ2roZI6
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofvg2vVeec
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt8BpS3g0m
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF5F4AHHPS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3aatAwkng
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEi4O8wXKE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyWeClllI7
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:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yOMk4Rmdc
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0coOYvwIvP
"Rhénee, wait!"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipG53gORDE
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkmyKlmVDZ
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HdhnZzMQm
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqefhRQmJF
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19H1HnmQij
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNx9Hm9Z1A
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO3rzCjoOj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw9m9KUGux
"I'm tired."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLMVLqAos9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMxNWTXNt9
"Really? I don't think that's it."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOSESEOYTY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KgMjZ3Psw
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosp7s0dcaF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDekkfoRyk
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Ycm0UBt7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWCF0s2Hno
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapl7ucutmi
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HjBpN4cnf
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Q7HFw46M
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbIGwrbkyq
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvOMkWm6nT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMlE3GDNP6
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73fNKTidje
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEMf4rYekK
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KE1Yql9O4
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXytH9ihgK3
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8GGShx7rb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi3QlcWVOp
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rjlu9KhsJ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwgaHvpRht
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IiLUtQ13H
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20pYWmtDBR
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUya71jqBSu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBufYWB9l7
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpTRMjveoj
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbInuXh8crX
"Good. Let's go."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlKvnojzGN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolSsJVBBxh
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UDXbsZssY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsipvcEkIIG
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcTpSsIM0T
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGEbCRSi3m
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmao3JW6oB5
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CYUIIUyqt
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wyUBWGiYO
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPLzATfouS
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC2fJY3aea
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUTsKk2cVz
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWm9PPB96o
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdffrDo9EW
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIEyRGo8a3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CnURCDFcw
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNU7yCd5OP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSwDQeDLbH
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQhKtPLlNY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2D4JxUFAg
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB3U1csI5s
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuSWjsvpVw
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIUtL2s4eV
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8reoqz4B3g
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPUX8TK66H
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYj2U7qoiR
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7xJ2voHXv
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHaY5J900b
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDUOMSmTsB
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJpub7KyvM
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs6unlo7SZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19HTl8PMSk
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDIqEH1P0A
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UvvRNqoyV
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26wsRtGBwR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3BfkCxmPu
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gbWH3Lsw2
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEL82nd1lb
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bAVY0t7Q3
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sK6djYWJe
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJrkVktd7u
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvZOBt26DC
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4JGtQNlvu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlmMmyeN8m
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoxcD6WP3u
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnKr1wS8rl
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnlndUM89W
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQZwWVo2sE
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ej83jyXT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMK0rf1BTQ
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8myQvhZa2B
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaDz8WcRid
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR0H7v8lWU
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs37GAXWX2x
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4reuTnrGeg
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGVo0MU08K
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGavcFLpiJu
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEbfav4JxU
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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvw1Th9Txh
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlL4PoMyMA
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLQBqTL5qF
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ08wNHh0Y
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3NJadWoYZ
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn4sKrtpaO
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY8l46TyVd
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBfhP3D7Nd
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:744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfsD5dOm0A
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWGZfKZRTx
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFP8sSiiws
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRquqHglbRd
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4uFvAYHwp
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjAqum4w8t
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjJDpoHjtS
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GhyV8hWiU
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HVhRGkOf6
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4tF1i7Ky3
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Tx0mdxoc
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5afGnK837n
***744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwj2qK3MXK
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkamRrQ3TDk
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSEQt5AEgN
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1frPP9hG3
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjwSZy2SGf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwybWxBDCp9
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8OWNzfGhw
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ9xCPHo90
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgmgbAbVHz
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuDetew4U0
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7k6M88zrM
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoVEfVOR1W
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkVD6IRVqP
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42NrD2xhoU
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc8XgC5fvT
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoP7uued0M
"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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcotyJQ1QgR
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1pAH0rYCw
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2wfPFJHB6
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET42kbrxmb
"Really?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZoCbCykTf
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMV9atdNwT
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPKlQOPhWX
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT62qEorNO
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR45NjrLT7
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pVGEdLI0M
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk322yXcSb
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rEmssF6h5
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEmXsK99aX
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe2eaonHQM
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTooFmsp6v
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2MXg43NAm
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DN3ZcHiO5
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHjq8PzyFK
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He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fvy2MdM8y
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"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLJijDOpdH
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"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcvInRGhwl
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"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74BfX1lqea
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiguE3ZwVC
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"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2URg0FxhtR
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"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26CB90WLEo
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuc4NDnxar
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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?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwn3379wu9
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAGaqid7MO
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtymdc8rlDn
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"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihxdK8Bv3D
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGxgndFLfY
744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h2FihBIPK
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhFLJLt82T
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"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe8ryaj3lE
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Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK1dp6T1Yy
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"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DeXHAMWGQ
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwwqOKL4on
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZfVXzB6iD
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"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAm4GPmExZ
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIGusvCoou
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Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLocJ5J3nq
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rE7tclss5
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFb01usksn
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"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aLEYEcwnP
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"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerJjLmsKAi
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfQXPZWReF
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He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6JNvT6mqk
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"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxR0WTbheE
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Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQRvE38QhE
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"Oh..., nothing really."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPQ4mnNQym
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"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPgckWaQAx
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"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R0EZ53jxr
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"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBe2WAbCPY
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Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0WA2WO9OM
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"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM3cAK1iFh
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"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiua5IF34d
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3hTJsfW4j
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CT0zWGRiD
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"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnGY4wMr3r
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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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PswgilP6b
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPnKb0LA7R
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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? 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCCcZHBr0n
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNnXP8gQg9
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"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SQVmcwtOb
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A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyQHfUmy2v
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"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKy2uoCC40
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"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhvWhwlAEK
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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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVo94OEqgq
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"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LogDZtFYO
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