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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7En06oj6J
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAen53WR0L
"Kevin, did you find her?" Greta asked.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkqpPbhn1N
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbxOjtr4lb
"Yes, we did, no need to worry," Kevin answered.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU3fuTH2pm
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKykzGFLYk
"That's a relief. Are you three all okay?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVemVz0UUAK
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHa5CBdqJc
"Well..., uh...," Kevin hesitated and Greta didn't like the sound in his voice.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdXpqftDGk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKiDJ0cMC
"Kevin, if something happened you can tell me," she said. "Is anyone hurt?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKGjHFbMfa
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTEuogZrjP
"We are all fine," he quickly answered. "We ran into some trouble, but we're fine."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG4unbqwHK
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa2hTwcr4g
"What kind of trouble?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uqOlGSltx
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84a4W2thAb
"We'll tell you everything when we return. How is Miss Griselda? Is she awake yet?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uLcXS3rJ3
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvknbArbYiE
Greta looked at the bed where Miss Griselda lay, still fast asleep. Greta smiled.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveMT4wt1Wc
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtefDij5r9o
"No, she's still asleep," she answered. "Whatever Rhénee gave her knocked her lights out."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg7ck1d19P
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNz6DHhC8G
"That's good. She needs to rest."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqowtJjYex
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7u8ZQJHgF
"Where are you guys? Are you on way your back?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBkvtUnkL9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimS4wxCiHf
"We are at Miss Marie's. We won't take too long."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRID4ixM7J
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamK1TyJf30
"At Miss Marie's? What are you doing there?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mLIltdVSF
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAYtWYLSJS
"Like I said, we'll tell you everything when we get back. You just look after Miss Griselda."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k8ceh2uHQ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcTTlfgq9O
"Ya, sure."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQxGYNXbzU
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGybBKG8lgS
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg07APHHXj
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2YlrXE0rM
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgcuHb1anU
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGxwwKMAS5
"What am I going to do? What am I going to do!" Greta asked herself in a panic.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBcKkDk2we
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZpfRujLq7
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEBHHTyXP2
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfvmAuzhYd
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxvQTej8Fw
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUb6yv5YsB
"Come on, mum," said Greta, sounding annoyed. "We aren't little kids that we have to tell you where we're going."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qibejg60e
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w1z4N3vij
"I know, but I'm still your mother," Mrs. Derrand answered sternly. "So, where did you go?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvyjomtDQh
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNGU8NIpSC
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeR8QRYEuq
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerGfB4zIoi
"We were hanging out in town when I met one of my friends. I'm just looking around stores right now."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATW5T0sMQk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrvV2c0IlZ
"And your brother? He isn't picking up my calls."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7lKJsDv60
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNvJNeibcx
"I don't know, he must be somewhere."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqzgQhvN6r
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPFnY0xJuE
"Goodness," her mother sounded just as irritated as Greta. "Maybe he's ignoring me like always."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxdy0amI5o
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AvtBRnWGI
"I should be doing the same if you ask me," said Greta.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28EmEMuP8y
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYMUSTcud6
"What did you say?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLSiisuLZa
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhCDY7Oc4W
"He's fine," Greta answered. "He can take care of himself. You worry too much."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QQtm6sJIk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOyPJUZIbH
"Of course I worry. I'm your mother."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw3iKT0ZHh
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTvdAWQmDF
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnM0NxWXEj
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiQBD2skgA
Mrs. Derrand sighed. "I'm sorry, Greta. But I call to check up on you, that's all."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyxfQbRp2Q
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx2cNA0PJk
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrV8SohVaS
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRkHcqTC6H
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxAKyuxenu
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPO1IXBRJh
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzMOP8OYts
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTFPoVvhL
"He better be on his way," Greta said to herself. "Or else mum is going to go all psycho on us."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJzRDFL7cM
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9oGY9AbNy
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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnQsYZPOMP
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhj0wkw1br
Greta wanted to curse herself for finding herself in such a situation. Now she had Miss Griselda to answer to.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4chusRlv9H
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfppLUDwcbN
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pWRZxcMql
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5R9ha0kkP
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6bq6wxHvC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbdKASQEAc
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63KuOHnc4M
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMeKd7g1tX
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb9HayWPm5
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIye4OGIxLB
***998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwrGfljSQZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSfY5IITJq
"Ouch," Malcom muttered, trying not to scream out in pain in front of Rhénee.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1mz2ikX8J
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LH3dtTBIw
"Hold still, you big baby," Rhénee said as she cleaned his wound, dabbing the wet cloth around it.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EFOkq1zZP
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cGp4MNJJy
"Huh?" Malcom couldn't believe that Rhénee had just called him that.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFkOSh4KiC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmfpU5DnHM
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQQjzSVQGM
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4ywrXZ2Qz
Malcom flinched a little. He looked up at her, trying to catch her eye, but she seemed too busy to even care.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkOXexNiyo
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoA02VAJoG
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k1dVHXG1H
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ0AzulK99
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUBpCOBgvu
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTZb76pHUm
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoBUJZE5YR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFJar0RRF8
"There, all done," she said after making sure the bandage held firmly and tied a little knot.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe5K5gG3YZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR9tVMlFlr
"Thanks," said Malcom as he looked at his neatly dressed wound. "I never thought you had such talent."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgaIDbuHSf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZSJqChlYh
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡergWEwBFBk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBGEGGteMx
"You know how to use a gun and how to treat a gun wound. Not a lot of people can do that."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeQtQBkXek
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcHF9WzUjR
"Why do I feel you're about to ask something?" Rhénee closed the cabinet and looked at Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSXqY2FRa3
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31JopX2PGi
"Who taught you how to handle a gun?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhEzvnflZz
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEUnJHrk3P
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMKtrbKEYU
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCWG2BcjIN
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came Kevin as he slowly opened the door.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rsdRBteo9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJosO11RMo
"No, you aren't," said Rhénee as she smiled at him. "I've just finished patching Malcom up."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYHzmdCY4P
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M2G9PRTnn
"Oh, you've done an exceptional job," said Kevin as he stood in front of Malcom to check his wound.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDQsDSmxeE
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoINvjIRhFq
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqdEWOYJNg
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPqYYlQzik
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JbBSk0SFA
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS9re7L02L
"That explains it," said Kevin as he looked at her. "But what about the gun? Who taught you how to aim and all that?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlYDkLTUSd
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxums1OHxX4
"Good question, Kevin," said Malcom. "I was just asking her that before you came in."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBuN37LbIf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKazs24b5H
Rhénee scoffed and at the same time, shook her head.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTd0h3KfrX
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJb5DP7O6b
"I don't want to talk about it," she answered. "Can we just drop it, please?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeSdl9NNWK
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ2EJIcF8O
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruTA1QI8mO
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqRkOQioCF
"Greta called," said Kevin, after an awkward silence. "We better go. Miss Griselda may wake up any time now."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIZe2fpa61
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuRq3X1e6X
"You're right," said Malcom as he stood up. He looked at Rhénee who hadn't said a thing. "Rhénee, are you okay?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmyhjPGT5n
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuRP5zQ25v
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0fNQnDeoi
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmQVfksRhl
"Did we upset her?" Kevin asked a few seconds after she walked out.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ab4ZtNjs
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmCrSHfXPS
"Women get upset over anything," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWNChKoBa0
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwnNHqKZtY
"Well..., I mean, she just killed somebody. Isn't she bound to be upset?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24KthQDPNC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4urcJsZcD
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU1abQNqA0
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsD9hQ6DZI
"Do you think she's killed before?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRNWC86whV
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk0HZeFVMa
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhBCJFqwWU
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzzwzMkUWo
"What do you think?" Kevin asked. He felt like he didn't want to hear Malcom's answer.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTUOqOCaYQ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSwlABt4WU
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheM5zUlCjZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsMNQ8tClk
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRJLU1Pyfl
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjzLAa3UKI
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS9BItXJBR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrvhO8jDD0
"Come on, we better go," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzgReIgX7z
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQrSnX9wco
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsaoLzI73Q
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBlqkkUxlv
"Thank you, Miss Marie," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS75iD9Z9qe
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDgmusueSW
"Where's Rhénee?" Miss Marie asked as she looked into the bathroom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEiC6sExdZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCRpfPMs8b
"She um....," Kevin hesitated, "she must be downstairs."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEbiDw8LJ7
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia7ihQ56Bm
"Well, she did good on that wound of yours," said Miss Marie as she smiled at Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4YklhikU3
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgDnSBZRPw
"She really did," said Malcom. He painfully put the shirt on.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEOuev5xQl
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B1jigmZaY
"Ah! Fits perfectly." Mrs. Marie beamed.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwS3tt0m2u
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wz533zyfQ
"We better get going," said Kevin. "Thanks for all the help, Miss Marie."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylUKd2mUxP
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwcIQe6pWd
"Oh, no problem," Miss Marie said. "I'll escort you outside."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnOeLVpGA5
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIP4UhiHIY
Kevin and Malcom let Miss Marie pass in between them and she led the way down the stairs and to the foyer.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sO46a1K8s
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZcPmiWzA0
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called out as she reached the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuluLeiB8y
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzobxcjPb7
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK3tiN8tZc
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEIW6lTvAp
"Huh..., this is strange," she said. "Where could she be?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO18SnQNgtB
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZROYAY2YBR
Malcom and Kevin who stood in the foyer, waiting at the front door, looked at Miss Marie. 998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY2kNkz557
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR9jfqv3Rp
"She isn't there?" Kevin asked.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33akIyCMY0
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sFF0TWvFO
Miss Marie turned to look at him down the hall and shook her head. She had a worried look on her face.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvZpQZcIhy
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgtHfL4AnB
"Goodness, did we really upset her?" Kevin asked as he looked at Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbklBqCGGDM
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QHGOx6ujB
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mREezaMZu
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV5lwzKuYj
"Oh, thank goodness," said Kevin as he stood beside Malcom. "I thought she ran away again."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWIwPV8RT
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQFttYlNCc
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCFui75WRs
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpGqEp1As0
"Rhénee, dear," Miss Marie called as she passed Malcom and Kevin, walking down the stone path.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkcJekvIC2
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LraNxqct9
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7eu2OuYQr
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsL8iXInEG
"What is it?" Rhénee asked when the two met halfway.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTQuvWdIte
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplMhOwMdYJ
Miss Marie held Rhénee's cheek. "You were so brave today, dear," she said. "Your grandmother would have been so proud of you."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikVPl2yOuK
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfvl5LRAf8
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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGvgclrZmR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MkmW6yBek
Rhénee contemplated on that statement. "It's going to be like this from now, isn't it?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTxPGCqnwe
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrCjRdqXQg
"Just make sure you take care of yourself. The world isn't safe for you and me."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr8hCqwheR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP9J7ZXscl
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnueeUwIFwn
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdcEj8f8PJ
Rhénee felt the back of her trousers with her hand, revealing the gun. She held it up for Miss Marie to take back.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAICNmCGKw6
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8PD2ugKG4
"No, dear, you keep it," said Miss Marie.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK2ubxRnRg
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2UeJRAzu7
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawWsHMM490
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrFlGcfNLc
Miss Marie looked at the gun and she looked back at Rhénee with a smile.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQES6GhdPd2
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigGe5teWXQ
"I'll try to, dear," Miss Marie said. "I still need you alive as well. Your grandmother would too."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrTS36tCi4
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPulaW346hj
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vj0PKUged
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO88PcnVcA
"We'll see you later, Miss Marie," said Malcom when he and Kevin reached them.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe2njKucyy
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqFHJr68Ko
"Take care of her for me," said Miss Marie. "Make sure she doesn't run off like she did."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJCQLbbqhC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFR5frf2cq
"We will," said Kevin.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PClCu87Ms
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0URYLbvJp7
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL90SKOYiih
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ImFCf20GM
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnenQXTkmNf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7GfFpwywM
"Oh, nothing," Kevin replied. "You look really tired, that's all."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AeMEf02S2
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4rEn0gCHL
"We've had a long day," she said as she looked out the window.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0BajbahXc
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXBHvlWn4E
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI45sakm65I
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFGIqCBYE1
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:998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrhRkwbaQL
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0awon0Qxsz
"Rhénee, wait!"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfsbCaP3tW
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShjKrfl6R3
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFny2bT7HqY
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M4cklJnK0
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MJoV8Svag
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ruWyHHu3
"I feel like something's troubling you," he finally said.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWeInBZDUy
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe81NAszoY
"I'm tired."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKuSEAnP14
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcrjZkKTJ7
"Really? I don't think that's it."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc1jfAMQen
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3tEPqKolS
"I don't want to sound rude, but you're not my therapist, Kevin. How do you know what I'm going through?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX2isj177E
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPkWFyIZZ3
"Well..., that man whom you shot in the forest-"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2sadKgH3b
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6aK59LlSA
"-is dead." Rhénee put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm a killer, right?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHtlziHZO
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ByAfsNED
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWGRWc4vBM
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TnxTHA0Ar
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ3IGwyfEE
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RI9DvzYbn
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseXbd0prr9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpCiQf9cPf
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhps9VG5Da
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaxgrWk9RG
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcblC3yjyV9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbssNRCAKWg
The urge kept calling him from within, but soon enough, Malcom came right behind him, saving him from doing so.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vtEVSmUQR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzXEEb0Sii
"If you two are done, we better go inside," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPZCNMANrk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FV6TTpush
"Sure," said Rhénee as she looked at him. "How's your shoulder?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrvPCZBbAK
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraXXiPDsSm
"Hurts a little, but it's nothing."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG6Zjv6BMC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgYgzsg1VS
"Good. Let's go."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBLWhXkhED
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3lKHktNdq
Rhénee was just about to turn around to head for the door when Malcom said:998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxX32YvD92
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8n42rEktY
"Thank you, Rhénee. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcS9U5F3TV
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dWebjslCU
Rhénee didn't turn to look at him, but said, "you're welcome."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVnUKOAVEr
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjodCiCKKok
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N1gngdJAt
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1UYMhabwS
"Ah! You guys are finally here," Greta said. "You got here just in time."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbLWn3cZ41
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWQ3eKdQDR
"What? Did something happen to Miss Griselda?" Rhénee asked as she quickly entered the foyer past Greta.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHV2ecSWh9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjcnKRmvLv
"No, no, no," Greta replied, following Rhénee. "She's perfectly fine. Just wait a second."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Xd6pSCjp
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ht6g8DTE
Rhénee stopped in the middle of the living room and turned to look at Greta.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiGiE43elR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUgvtqrG32
"What is it? Did something happen while we were away?" Rhénee asked.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLPNMWRbZC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp86rqLwMf
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfCHE1fazT
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquH190Aqt5
"Okay, I'll go and see her right now."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX32XPWAzGs
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy3a9IfNVR
"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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡartlXwBARo
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtPl52UIrE
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF4YZEYyyq
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjakJBysvr
"Huh...," Rhénee hesitated.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFFZRnsmGZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJdGRxXnz0
"I told you that we ran into some trouble back in the forest, didn't I?" Kevin asked, drawing Greta's attention to him.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLzgnP2B9h
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps1cHD0mfM
"You also look a mess too, Kevin, but not like Rhénee. What happened to you guys back there?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkOn3ObsTB
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUkZB8s0R3
The three didn't know what to say as Greta looked at Malcom with a curious look on her face.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gFwWNbukD
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnww9SbJwBq
"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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPolK9gaKl7
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWNxn2n8o1
"You're hurt, aren't you?" she asked.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLCRmb5qPd
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0suhzyGA7B
"No, Greta, I'm not," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVdKe8VPnC
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm5gmCtall
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT02mY0Lxz
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTHOykkAUv
"Greta..., what are you-?" Malcom avoided her hand by slapping it away.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHRwEL0HaB
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2efOMOj5pO
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFCrBokUSn
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpIBplU3BG
"I'm perfectly fine. You should've seen the other guy. He's a lot worse than I am. Well..., can I say was?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBoXyO3wtc
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQk1hvL17P
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZBZNSo8lx
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8dxR2Eu7D
"And so am I," came a voice from up the stairs. Everyone down in the living room paused.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQEzKE6RjJ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ7wWLGIPu
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKoqERfEYr
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkSiULjEwr
"Miss Griselda, you're okay," said Kevin.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhlkKg4X7w
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIkpWg2zDr
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o3LiDiW0S
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX2ProSy2J
"Yes, we did," said Malcom.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUtvbauhRc
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTmdhBIJ7o
"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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGqbOiywTh
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGUM0NZUGL
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0YBygmyG
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l447DdsZo
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:998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoeqm4Xq7F
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifRx94mWmG
"I guess you found the cottage, then?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupfuitXjNQ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5n66YXgNB
Rhénee nodded, surprised that Miss Griselda sounded so calm. "I did," Rhénee said. "But when I got there, I found people waiting for me."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBvFJLC67n
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb00dn8axzh
"There was more than one person?" Greta asked, sounding surprised.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jkzPtJTYG
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YscpFO8Um
"Let's sit down," said Miss Griselda. "Tell us everything, and don't leave out any details."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhC5Vbi2Uj
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi0fYduf7F
Rhénee nodded again. "Sure."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoI2hM0rzn
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXgw8rQJaM
***998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MwuM6yi8H
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNojB6jybu
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg88IG2u1T
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExWslXz88d
"Hey, earth to Eugene," came a voice, as a hand waved across his face.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ2LVZSi9g
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8raPfwvtwz
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see one of his colleagues, standing right beside him.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgKlUnmoHo
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE8DVdeEcU
"Preeta, hey," said Eugene as he shifted in his seat, feeling a little uncomfortable that he had been caught off guard.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiXDkYhWLh
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdVrJwS5yf
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkrjZZZUfP
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11679UdCBE
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked, her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynjj4sP8MV
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTxXA6pXSQ
"Nothing, nothing," said Eugene as he went on to stare at his lunch.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBhTDit2NG
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVuztUa6nj
"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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Aqu68JinF
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjfAuUXBbe
"Yes, I really am. Was just lost in thought, that's all."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitSxvgIasZ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91d7mzFMz0
"Really?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYORi88zH1b
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan5erO7qv3
Eugene looked up at Preeta still smiling at him. She soon stood up from her seat.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aW4mgS2Vm
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhpuyoRfAx
"I'll see you around," she said as she raised her hand to wave at him. "Better get back to work."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuCsHPRqdH
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFalbbpk0wA
"Ya, see you around," said Eugene.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmFVWXQPiA
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAPo0gHk4r
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCCpC3DbUD
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPFcoz6rug
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2joMO3HIE6
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl88kxonVI
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpPl6yoq5E
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdnHoKhAJb
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4SMhiHClJ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcgw4T1dIu
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNhfh3hriY
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNhXuq6KiE
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUoRplsYLm
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F3BeWuwvJ
He stopped himself in the hall to answer the call.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNZMNOP0Jq
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7C3NSa3vl
"Hey, Mrs. Clarks," said Eugene, "is he in?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnupGoSuuIR
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph97C9uBSM
"That's why I am calling," Mrs. Clarks replied.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8GvQtA7ev
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcOEaeU6xz
"Alright, thanks, a lot." Eugene cut the call.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6hbkGwnYB
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVgaxbVB4W
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWkZx3j0Q
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1OdejBQ6A
"Hey, you seem to be in a hurry," said Preeta, who's cubicle was just opposite Eugene's.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakgMoAqW4p
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPVmh1aWi3
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied as he had no time to chitchat and he quickly left the area.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYZj9YBn9A
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPnAfKOcnp
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7pwNOJs8O
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcalZ3EfOw
"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?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtzp2XdgJf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwxcYJLR3P
"Can I go in?" Eugene asked, ignoring the question.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BceWlzdxF
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoiFnCeed5
"Sure, knock yourself out," Mrs. Clarks quickly rolled her eyes and went back to looking at the computer screen.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhKK5or1rL
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51NuiRs7Ud
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HNIhyyltW
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p9TSCPjfV
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlUhkCWBmr
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23EbcWzUn5
"Mr Sinclair?" Eugene called out as he approached the desk.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBe7UN9Ot7
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YEuFDCiNY
Mr. Sinclair looked up at Eugene.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SSvcIO6Bz
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NBAzVPjb7
"Ah.., Eugene," said Mr. Sinclair, "what brings you here?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UNNEn0obP
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5cQ5GPRgO
"I..., uh," Euegne started to scratch the back of his head. He felt stuck and he completely forgot why he came.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbFNyD2u4x
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtbFgKBuRf
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R5xzNfOqD
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu0OSUM0dS
"I just came to check up on you, that's all," Eugene answered.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMByAGU8a9S
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjst2SaVuZm
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvFH6VqyAx
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlwbr0SpUq
Eugene nervously chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope you had a good time."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyFgYNzRh9
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOPRUFsxqm
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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJYqVvDgG5
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaBSNsfuMf
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkwvCRIR9G
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UFB9t2id3
"I better be going back to work," said Eugene. "Sorry if I disturbed you."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbkZ6uuACz
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ5dvSR4Ar
"It's nothing," said Mr. Sinclair with his eyes still fixed on the newspaper. "I'll see you later, Eugene."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgnq7KLAES
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMhEyeE1WS
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF31KQPwTY
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR5FwChxkD
He walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Mrs. Clarks looked up from her computer screen.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1yYQnfs8q
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo3VgemisF
"You're out of his office faster than I expected," Mrs. Clark's said with a smirk on her face.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jaGGwByj7
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrjjk3Xsvc
Eugene looked irritated as he asked, "what does that mean?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD79HtoKTtY
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39BETjvv8S
"Oh..., nothing really."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrTh1ew4A7
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFduhpp6kb
"I know you're making fun of me. I just came to check up on him, that's it."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9yqSzsTfI
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4A78EYXkr
"Did he tell you who this friend of his is?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DvMwwzpEW
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUMTMaMXUl
"No. It wasn't in my place to ask."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGtML6ehf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5arhmwKPMd
Mrs. Clarks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your boss, you know? Always so boring."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzHBBDhUuY
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdmS8Kxol2
"I'm not boring." Eugene blushed. "Well, at least not like him anyway."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnaZnOTq1B
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOno2JmCHf
"Mmmm..., so you agree that Mr. Sinclair is no fun at all, right?"998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWypf2WXh2b
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTEk657baC
Eugene didn't answer as he thought it over carefully. He quickly shook his head and said, "no, never mind what I just said."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr52ZCU9T9y
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA4O9Kdr7J
"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."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMuIv1hkGr
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuozHI0GE5L
"Huh..., what did you say?" Eugene couldn't believe what he heard.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7WxbBDEwQ
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqSwZScVmq
Mrs. Clarks waved him off like she was chasing away a fly. "You better go back to work, Eugene. Forget I said anything."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsNBolmHbU
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55KexF6gxn
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHwflOKAKk
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9B6mXjz5m
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? 998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78c1av4iSb
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VGRbmJ0M1
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpCGg4Au6x
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡochD1GYYiy
"For you to call, then it must have happened," Mr. Sinclair said to the caller.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAWXrdRmBq
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolxivO8V19
A female voice replied on the other end, "yes. One person dead. Other casualties occurred, but nothing serious."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfczVeNHSTf
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2qACmSGbv
"And our prized possession?" Mr. Sinclair asked as he looked at his fingers.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWlNkkiOs0
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZD7LhqP4d
"Nothing to worry about. Although, there's something you must know. It might surprise you."998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRBGGbD7gT
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp76qDKRsDR
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.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDetQizA6R
998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9BbTQnpKK
"Please, go ahead," he said as he tapped his fingers onto the desk.998Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBN5rZJDjt
and then Add to home screen.