The sound of the car's engine roared smoothly, and the chirping of the nocturnal insects filled his ears as he drove through the woods. He had left the main dirt road and took a turn down another that only he, and a few others knew about. No one in the day would even notice it, that's if they look hard enough. Anyone would think it's just a simple trail someone made to get out of the woods faster. But to the man in his car, it's more than that. This road led somewhere that only he and a few others had visited before.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWCOm8U3Ji
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRdZJXkUJU
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He soon came to a stop as the trees in front of him were now clustered together that there was no way through for the car to pass. He killed the engine and the car's headlights died down. The man looked to the passenger seat and took the torch that lay there. He removed his keys from the ignition and got out of the car, making sure to lock it. He knew no one would've followed him, but you couldn't be too careful with anything.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxY75AHjS8
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa3QDoOqoQ
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He looked forward, turning on the torch to see where he's going and headed for the trees.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7rwKeDISS
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OYFXCsLps
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z3dCNkvjR
The sound of running water, alongside the sound of crickets filled his ears. He's close. He continued his way forward, stepping on broken twigs and leaves in his wake.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJFd0MSXON
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctgPs0KECL
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Soon, he could see the bright light from the moon find it's way through the trees and the sound of the flowing water became even louder. He stepped out into the clearing and found himself standing at the banks of the stream. With the light coming from the moon, he turned off the torch.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVjoCF9FR8
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJoIzJBvN8
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"Do you always have to come through that way?" came a breathy voice behind him.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFAzKO6z0Q
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR99lyvlvIR
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMNveLXaet
The man smiled as he pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you ever understand that I want to stay hidden?" he asked. "And besides, I'm not the only one."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7ATOIBuew
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjTkw0dgYi
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The man with the breathy voice scoffed. "Who would ever think you're here? You worry about everything all the time when you're always careful with what you do."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISvQcGQqI2
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY36ab3ofh
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkb074RFao
Mr. Sinclair turned around. "You might never know who's watching."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YIm8K7J66
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG9XNcvD00
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF52jI8E7m
"You and your paranoia," said the other man who just like Mr. Sinclair, wore black clothes, except that his was a heavy, long coat and Sinclair wore an all black suit.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArz6KSsVRf
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTTCccQmf1
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhYbT8SNH4
Mr. Sinclair rolled his eyes and approached the man. "I see you're still the reckless type. I shouldn't be surprised."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMKthkH5JZ
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qSavgKHJX
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOciOkswYM
The man shot Mr. Sinclair a deadly look. Even when the light didn't fall on the man's face, Mr. Sinclair could tell that the man's dark eyes were straight on him with the usual grim look Sinclair knew so well.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk5GCdBPUI
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pTz78v6lS
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuerB9jlfR
Mr. Sinclair stopped within a few feet. He smiled. "I missed you, you old fool."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqXI41brch
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrsehLyPLA
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xgGKRBrFT
"Bah, you're as annoying as ever, Sinclair," said the man, sounding irritated. "Now tell me, what's been going on in this little town of yours? Not much happens anymore."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UuUg6vFqd
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTJwbsiK8n
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"Ever since Emelda passed?" Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRE4vhXnYo
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ293sFeDVOS
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2tMhuSOC0
The man continued to look at Mr. Sinclair as silence passed between them. He turned to look towards the stream before looking up at the clear night sky.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQEBK1Z9MQ
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Vq3t5N0U
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"It still feels like yesterday when she left us," said the man, his gaze resting on the moon. "I hear her grand-daughter is in town."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G0RanJ2ao
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7giiwkHKj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeYSM67exc
"Seems you're up to date," said Mr. Sinclair, not sounding surprised.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOUFlCYroI
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEj1Gza3as
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The man scoffed. "Why wouldn't I?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95hO5TDR59
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq4FUL37l4
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybH6tRA8XW
Mr. Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask how she's doing?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdYdMP7Yjq
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QzbfT2Wxj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaaPetdqRy
"Should I?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjXEMd1gbD
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbHOPFGhfc
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65iXgzPXOp
Sinclair sighed. "Thank goodness she doesn't know you enough for you to welcome her. She would've received a bad reception."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxlu9WBDDF
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnNbXD1qDu
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZcYfWqIfx
"Like I said, why would I even ask how she's doing? I'm not close to her to even care."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnEMDGTHzj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCV4GPT5Gu
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuKFFtDfDW
"Well, you should because trouble woke up the moment she got here."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ux0Tda4la
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAm3fnQb1y
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The man paused for a bit, contemplating on what Mr. Sinclair said. "What do you mean?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckPTCyOxqw
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KCfCocY5D
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dFVQJDwqq
"Let's say that Emelda's enemies are after her."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd1DWLEFJK
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohw4NHY3vC
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6JIBh4JG0
The man didn't say anything as he continued to look at Mr. Sinclair, contemplating.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidhZFm9hjT
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4waDCuLhO
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"What does the girl got to do with all this?" he asked. "Does she know something that might threaten them?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNluhLXxS2x
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyDX8Xj62q
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Mr. Sinclair shook his head. "As far as I know, she doesn't know anything. Not even the past drama that surrounded her late grand-mother."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg0WOnne6n
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1sr4dXxj0
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"Then why attack her when she hasn't done anything?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAUrvp23Mc
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY1oKOw8v3
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx87Ke8bBE
"That's what I don't understand." Mr. Sinclair turned his head to look at the dark flowing stream to his side. "She hasn't been here in years, yet she's being attacked like she's a threat."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVSaqIq3hw
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpMIWHLZzd
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"Is she?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft83XfEEoN
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQn95QJlm4
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwOF73bwzl
Mr. Sinclair turned to look at the man before him. "Is she?" he repeated the question, sounding rather confused by it. "You think she knows something?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mjdkNrMOZ
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakwiaRD5XJ
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The man shrugged. "Who knows what she knows. That doesn't have to make her a target. Emelda's gone."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEi7fB05NM
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAqG8WdQvF
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vSPqDvELh
"Do you think it's because of her father?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBqQyY1nrj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllqaSkPh5V
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY2a1ewKxA
"That could be the case. But if they were just mere thugs who only want money, they would've kidnapped her by now."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0pmW5e7Ko
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk8Yo5KHvO
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"Ya, you're right. But there could be other reasons related to her father that they would try to threaten her."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSACiKxAbAH
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFQ6ExQBWh
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The man raised his eyebrow. "I forgot about that. That man wasn't as perfect as everyone thought him to be."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcr6AN4VDY
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2MWYhcymm
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Mr. Sinclair cleared his throat. "Let's not go there. Let's say they are attacking Rhénee because of that, why drag her into Emelda's past? I should tell you that she went to Emelda's cottage and the aftermath wasn't pretty."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKZpIxBysA
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOn1GCvepb
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"She went to the cottage?" the man sounded surprised. "But how?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QgKOgSHPf
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBgJnRmLqa
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDw4ZQOouP
"She was obviously told to. I'm surprised she managed to find it. They couldn't have told her how to get there."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS21IMv3rj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX1H9LyHD8
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"Maybe they did."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIvKdbrLY5
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnL6zzcoUx
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxssVJBoNG
"If the people Rhénee's dealing with are who we think they are, they probably didn't tell her. Or maybe they told her because they wanted her in their grasp."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjeZ9PFXTh
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZinvym9es
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"I'm going with the latter, it makes more sense. You said what happened at the cottage was deadly. Did she get hurt?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvulU1kvoR2
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC8CXjMWax
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"Quite the contrary," Mr. Sinclair smiled when he spoke. "She managed to escape and save one of her friends by eliminating the enemy."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7goBMyEpcK
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDmnm5xF7f
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"She killed someone?" the man couldn't believe what he's hearing.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer3UH6b3G4
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWzWb2KHun
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"She did. That's something her late grandmother wouldn't have wanted her to do."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDCiTYCjQ
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK7usYC4jh
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZIRkwjjPQ
"Don't sound so sympathetic, Sinclair," the man snarled. "What did you want her to do? Watch her friend die? She knew that if she let that happen, she would be next."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ758fgKI6Qu
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNMwwg4EZy
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The corner of Mr. Sinclair's lips were raised to a smile. "A fairly reasonable answer. But naturally, she acted like a good friend would."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFOFWcOT6W
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0Ou49P5WR
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeXjQSo0pl
"You always have a reasonable explanation to counter mine, don't you?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR2BoqXB4D
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFTaBNrU44
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR38m9xfft
"Rhénee's like her grand-mother. More like her mother in a way, but you can't deny that she attained some of her grand-mother's attributes."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso2CIhuylI
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOCvLxjNar
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The man in front of Sinclair, humphed. "I can't believe you on that one. You said she killed someone. How did she do it?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSncaZxQv9
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpHn9hZxNr
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Mr. Sinclair smiled. "She shot him, of course. Miss Marie gave her a gun and she did the only thing necessary to save her friend."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuYxtOYGDy
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpHEzBPRhL
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"Miss Marie was there?" the man sounded surprised.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjhYXIPCT1
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yCVzCitHu
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"Yes."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP4YAM7Tny
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOVXKlS6b5
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PKiHh2vND
"That coffin-dodger. She needs to be in an old people's home where she belongs."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOdRLi76lg
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBffKTcuD05
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"Don't you've to go there too, old timer?" Mr. Sinclair smirked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKcklNc20t
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6WbfNXn2Y
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdigdrsReG
"Never mind. About Rhénee..., looks like she still got it, huh?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgJfy0LBXn
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUEOeJISkn
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xc7M2cyrB
"Her aim? I would say it's spot on. Hit the man right in the head," Mr. Sinclair pointed his index finger to the head, "and square on the chest," his finger moved to point to his chest.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVHO03Ora6
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwfAZmskca
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT0CGkECQD
The man folded his arms as he tilted his head to the side. "If you ask me, her late grand-mother would be proud of her for defending herself and her friend."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBbC6Ynmsg
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACXmgFCCFw
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9ZDoPJHm
"That's because she's being dragged into something she knows nothing about. We just need to play our part and do whatever we can to stop this from going any further."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtUbaGAjt7
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgiL9OIs4L
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWPd0uCCOl
"Is that why you called?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nrnOWxuiF
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kNC1WTG2b
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0blonbno2o
"Yes. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect Emelda's treasure."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U1Q9oXv3Q
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPr97KPTFq
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8CaHKIxXf
"Why don't you do it?" the man asked as he turned his head to look at the stream.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhszmQclEp
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGbTE4Ira8
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSVHEhmPjq
"My people working on the ground are already tied up and they can't do everything at once. That's why I called you."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCpXAUHF0L
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdCSuJCVhM
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ33YBOORV
"If Rhénee is your main priority, why don't you protect her? You did make a promise to Emelda, right?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfahnxgBlm
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrHVmshtNW
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit7kAGD7MN
"I did," Mr. Sinclair closed his eyes as his right index finger pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "But like I said, there are other priorities I've to take care of. Like Emelda's enemies, for example."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDKGFLtBlj
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz57vixWJf
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SjtKkh6BA
"Don't you have them in your sights? How long are you going to look for people who are right under your very nose?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeCcNawM99
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyPZfnRSz6
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIeloDD7Sx
"It's not that easy to snuff them out, you know?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5AzFbGMlP
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYCwxXQjnd
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zjQWQQkTv
"Psst. You're just weak and too soft for my liking, Sinclair. You know who they are, but you can't grab them by the throat and deal with them."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjHZDcDUzo
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRuBzeq64s
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaJCg8pmjV
"Like I said, it's not that simple. They know how to play the game, old man. It's not going to be easy. Everyone's playing their cards right at the moment."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31wMefiMmI
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGMreWJblv
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjQnRXYWdC
"And for how long do you expect them to be that way until they mess up?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKoMqdC0dS
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L2iKhRCYU
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkNOUG4PB9
"Soon. Very soon."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6SJhLmQGn
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnNWpGzgi9
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1HiLfXDEh
"And so for the time being, you want me to keep an eye on Rhénee?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL1k51qRUq
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6bmz2lu3h
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p12DVKsMW
"It's what Emelda would've wanted."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnw4Ckc5ut
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT73sKDvwQq
463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwzrjDvd2f
"Don't bring Emelda into this," the man sounded offended. "I don't know why she trusted you so much to take care of her affairs when you simply can't protect her grand-daughter."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYDKdzuLtm
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"I am. Asking for your help was never my idea. It was Emelda's."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS1vrtQO1Q
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The man almost laughed as he felt all this is nothing but a joke. "Stop playing with dead people's wishes, Sinclair."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCvInlYFx2
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"I'm not. Why would I even try?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctW4tG6kkt
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"Because I've never liked you. You're so full of surprises."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8D0uDU2ro
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Mr. Sinclair scoffed. "But I appreciate you, old man. And that's why I called to ask for your help."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7nksel3Ib
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The man waved his hand in disdain at Sinclair and turned around to leave. "You asked the wrong person. Go find someone else to do your bidding because I'm not going to."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0vnGawZol
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As soon as the man started to walk away, Mr. Sinclair said, "do it for Emelda. You know deep down that she would've wanted you to."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsFqpxJLxC
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The man hissed as he continued to walk away from Sinclair and into the dark forest, leaving a trail of nothingness behind him.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7queRtVze3
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***463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnKxYa3ypN
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Rhénee glanced at Miss Griselda who sat right beside her on the passenger's seat with her hands together and close to her moving lips that didn't make a sound. She was praying, and Rhénee thought it best not to say anything. When she told Miss Griselda about Mr. Cowell's condition, she had been like that since.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVUopjWYwv
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Sophie sat in between Rhénee and Miss Griselda and didn't even once let out a meow. Rhénee noticed the cat through the corner of her eye give Miss Griselda a look a few times, then look away instantly. If there's another thing that amused Rhénee about Sophie, is how the cat could read the room like a sensible person would. Rhénee thought she shouldn't think about it so much, especially since it brought up the thought of how Sophie knew where the cottage was.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSkdR8ath3
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She looked at her phone held up on the dashboard by a car phone holder with her hands on the steering wheel. Kevin had sent her the coordinates to Mr. Cowell's house and the phone screen displayed the map and the direction in which to go. They were almost there.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyiF5ehajl
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The good part about the neighbourhood they were in, is that there were still people walking around at this time. And the place didn't feel like anything had stirred up a frenzy, like "Mr. Cowell lost a finger" kind of frenzy.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE9eIOcYEM
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"You don't have to get so worked up, Miss Griselda," Rhénee said as soon as she noticed that Miss Griselda had finished praying. "If there's anyone who's supposed to be praying, it's me."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutYpn6SaIP
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"Don't be foolish, dear," said Miss Griselda, "Mr. Cowell has been my friend for a long time. Of course, I'll worry and pray for him."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTVAf890vS
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"But it's my fault that he lost a finger."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiVc8vp8VH
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"Don't blame yourself. Don't ever blame yourself for something you know nothing about."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkeZauEIN9
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Rhénee didn't know what to say as she kept her eyes on the road. They were a few houses away from their destination. Miss Griselda's last statement got her thinking. When she came to Madison, she thought everything will be fine. She inherited her late grand-mother's house and her fortune, so she had nothing to worry about if it came to her future. And she was delighted to come back to a place she considered her second home in years. Now she's faced with a problem involving her late grand-mother that she knew nothing about, turning her whole life into a nightmare. All she has as clues is the cottage in the forest and the sapphire necklace which led absolutely nowhere.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWAH8ei70k
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Maybe Miss Griselda's right, Rhénee thought. She has no idea what's going on and she didn't know why all this is tied around her late grand-mother. She's no more. What could she have been involved in that they had to trouble Rhénee?463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oke0hi47W
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"Miss Griselda," Rhénee took a brief look at her phone. They were close now.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN8dn3EnQl
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"What is it, dear?" Miss Griselda asked, looking at her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7jLjnbxlt
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Rhénee thought twice about what she wanted to ask as she found herself stopping the car. They were finally here. Mr. Cowell's house had a white wooden fence demarcating his house from his neighbour's on either side. She noticed someone standing right on the front porch looking over at her car. It's Kevin.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6cSvH6eP6
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"Rhénee," Miss Griselda called and Rhénee in response quickly turned to look at her. "Weren't you about to say something?"463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1ZtzH8qxd
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The question will have to be wait, Rhénee decided as she shook her head and said, "it's nothing. I've a lot on my mind and forgot what I wanted to ask you."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGx35YsHV5
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"Don't give yourself too much pressure. You're too young to be worrying so much."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN3HWYajII
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"I started worrying the moment I started to reason," Rhénee gave Miss Griselda a smile. She turned the key in the ignition and the car engine died down. "Let's go."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTdkkj3WQY
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The two women got out of the car with Sophie jumping out after Rhénee. Rhénee locked the car and Miss Griselda came round to stand beside her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaRjfxw5fU
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They were about to make their way towards the house when they found Kevin already walking towards them. He opened the wooden gate in front of him.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nH8lcp7cp
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"That was fast," said Kevin as he stood right in front of the two ladies.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFRi4c2AgJ
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"We couldn't stay home a second longer," Miss Griselda said.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnNpylt9Pz
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"Are you okay, Rhénee?" Kevin turned to her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBixCjv4ufG
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"I'm fine," she responded. "I just have to see how he's doing. It's my fault that this happened."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCicEyxrKvH
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Miss Griselda held Rhénee's shoulder firmly that Rhénee turned to look at her. "What did I tell you earlier, dear? Don't blame yourself for something that you know nothing about."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFucxwcJw1
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"I agree," said Kevin. "Why these people are doing this is uncertain, but we'll find out either way."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLmvKedz5b
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"And if we do, are we going to stop them?" Rhénee asked. "If you haven't noticed, we're dealing with very dangerous people."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03tz3ijn6M
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"We know," Miss Griselda said, "but we'll figure it out, I can promise you that."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27NYflRhYe
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Rhénee wanted to oppose and say that it isn't going to be possible, but she realised that she didn't come to debate on how to deal with a menace that neither has a face nor a name. She's here to see Mr. Cowell.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxBKBBYPnJ
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"We better go inside," Rhénee said. "We can talk about this later."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVnvV4yxk8
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Kevin and Miss Griselda nodded. With Kevin leading the way towards the house, the two women and Sophie, followed. The closer they got to the house, the more Rhénee started to look around. She had the strangest feeling that someone's hiding somewhere nearby with their eyes on her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3ivcYEPpY
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"Hey, Rhénee, what's wrong?" came Kevin's voice.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozLy7qrA30
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Rhénee soon found herself standing on the porch of the front door which stood open. Miss Griselda had already gone in while Kevin stayed by the door, waiting for Rhénee. She looked around the yard and beyond for something that might not even be there.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlwsTclh8S
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"Sorry," Rhénee said, looking at him and then back. "I thought-" she shook her head. "Never mind."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn1q2EAZOc
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"Rhénee," Kevin came to stand beside her, "Something's bothering you. Please, tell me."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqExYK4Vi2S
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She turned to look at Kevin and realised that he wasn't going to stop asking. She almost shook her head, but then the feeling kept coming back. She tried her best not to turn her head and look around. Doing that would only make Kevin worry more.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3oHfJppfW
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"Let's talk inside," she said. "I don't feel comfortable out here."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWTEUvhnLq
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"Sure," Kevin agreed, "come in."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8g7Q4DjVZ
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Rhénee went right through the door, stepping into Mr. Cowell's house and finding herself in the small foyer. A wooden coat hanger stood at the corner and a key hanger stuck onto the wall. There were three pairs of men's shoes near the coat hanger neatly arranged on the floor. She suspected that Mr. Cowell lived alone. As far as she knows, his wife had passed away years ago.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdZCYp9dlO
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Kevin closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room, by-passing the stairs. They found Miss Griselda seated on one of the coffee brown sofas, right next to Mr. Cowell, who wore a dark green bomber jacket. Rhénee noticed him holding his bloody, bandaged left hand closer to his chest, getting blood on the jacket. Miss Griselda looked at him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rhénee stood at the entrance of the livingroom while Kevin went over to seat on the sofa opposite Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgYNtESq0A
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"Who did this to you?" Miss Griselda asked Mr. Cowell, her voice sounding strained. Almost like she was about to burst into tears.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRoDo5ofyN
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Mr. Cowell shook his head. Rhénee noticed him shivering a little. He still looked shocked and frightened, like a little lost puppy that had almost drowned in a river but had managed to survive. Rhénee could only wonder what the man had been through. And it felt like it was all her fault.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk4IigcJE8
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"Did he tell you anything, Kevin?" Miss Griselda asked, turning to look at him.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QAf4rbtXK
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Kevin shook his head. "No, he hasn't talked at all. He didn't even answer the door when I first came to check on him. Luckily it was open and I found him seated here on the sofa just like he is right now."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp28LkwZ1Yv
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Rhénee sucked her teeth, folded her arms and felt like kicking something. Miss Griselda and Kevin turned to look at her, looking even more worried.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPlt6t28Hi
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"Please, sit down, Rhénee," Kevin said to her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxksxFUGcA
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"I don't feel like it," Rhénee answered as she turned and walked towards the window.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIZqsSoRv3
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Kevin turned to look at Miss Griselda and she gave him the same look. Miss Griselda turned to Mr. Cowell who still hadn't said a word.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWZTNSZKiN
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"Let me get that wound cleaned up for you," said Miss Griselda as she stood up.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR50Fgh8j7R
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"Do you think it's okay to move him around?" Kevin asked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc69tzKue7U
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"Well, I've to. I bet his wound hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll take him to the bathroom downstairs."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIuuOAZYvg
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"Then let me help you with him," Kevin offered as he also stood.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlHmN0c1nv
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"No, you stay here." Miss Griselda gave Rhénee a brief glance. She had now drawn the curtain aside to look outside. "You need to keep an eye on her."463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWSoHE3nl9
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Kevin looked at Rhénee and gave Miss Griselda an assuring look that he'll do as she instructed.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5hbWXUBYN
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Miss Griselda nodded and turned to look down at Mr. Cowell. She bent lower to wrap her arm under his, so as to help him up. She spoke kindly, telling him to stand, and surprisingly, he slowly did, though he still didn't utter a word nor a sound. Kevin watched on at the pair as Miss Griselda supported Mr. Cowell, making their way out of the livingroom, at a steady pace.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ft4KrCQA4
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Kevin turned towards Rhénee, who still had her eyes fixed on the window. She might not look scared, but he could tell that something isn't right. She had a different aura than the one she had after the shooting incident.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWucg1Y5Om
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He slowly made his way towards her. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and he stopped in his tracks.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EYdcA8ySr
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“I feel all this is my fault,” Rhénee spoke. She quickly turned back to look out the window.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLcq6qlNKk
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“Don’t say that,” said Kevin as he stood close. “Miss Griselda told you earlier that you shouldn’t say such things.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuBHaz0Twp
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“I know, but either way, it still feels like it. Malcom almost died today, and now we know that the finger we found back at the house is Mr. Cowell’s. If you were in my shoes, you would blame yourself too.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7kwfnM3vO
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Kevin didn’t argue there. She's right. Anyone in her shoes would definitely blame themselves. Right now, he had to get her head clear from such thoughts, but he realised he didn’t know how to.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO1RECXpWz
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“Do you think there’s someone watching out there?” Kevin asked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34B2OAsKMZ
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Rhénee didn’t answer, until she drew back the curtains. “I didn’t want to worry you, but yes. I feel we’re being watched.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYmiE3V7jA
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Kevin quickly drew the curtains aside from the other end and frantically looked out of the window. “How do you know? Did you see anyone?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlsojSKlCr
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“It’s just a feeling, more like a hunch.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHQYEi7Lky
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“Maybe you’re just imagining things after the shooting incident.” Kevin turned to look at her, drawing back the curtains. “Not to mention that you haven’t even rested.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh0z63u1Gx
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Rhénee scratched the back of her head. “It might be fatigue like you’ve put it.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM1p5WrmSb
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“You better take a seat and rest. I mean, even Sophie looks more chilled than any of us right now.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlj7HXNJDE
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They went on to look at Sophie who had made herself comfortable on one of Mr. Cowell’s sofas, curled up and purring soundly.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFSCVI6nBt
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Rhénee chuckled. “She’s a cat for crying out loud.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4mMfOR8QA
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“But you also have to relax. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1JlOuVpza
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She shrugged and sighed at the same time. “I guess sitting down won’t hurt.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAHRVQm6vp
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Kevin smiled and held her hand. “Come on.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmE3xOyzIm
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He led her towards the sofa and they both sat. Rhénee still looked a little uneasy that Kevin had to look at her and say:463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98GBgKPs33
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“Relax, Rhénee. Nothing is going to happen. And there’s no one out there.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstU3HcPCIH
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“Well, that’s what you think,” said Rhénee as she folded her arms. “And I feel uncomfortable here. They probably attacked Mr. Cowell in this very house and no one apart from us knows about it.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntbA3JMe4C
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Kevin started to look around. “Now that you mention it, the place doesn’t look like anyone broke in or there had been a struggle.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnqMazZTEa
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Rhénee also started to look. The place looked to be in order. There weren’t any broken items on the floor or anything that looked like it wasn’t supposed to be where they were. Kevin held her shoulder and shook his head.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xewHlUmVR
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“You stay put,” he said. “I’ll take a look around.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqFN0Y5A6G
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“I want to help, Kevin. What if they had attacked him somewhere in the house?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c64o4bfwK
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“The only way we would know is if I check it out. Let me handle it, okay?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI03NjIWBx5
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Rhénee couldn’t argue as she nodded. If she tried to stand, she imagined he would just push her back onto the couch.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RZ766zMR3
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“If I find something, I’ll make sure to call you to come check it out,” he assured her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcp3DwtMAe
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He started to make his way out of the living-room and first went to the kitchen. Rhénee watched him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door. She had a strong urge to get up from the sofa and make her way towards the stairs. But no sooner had she thought about it did Kevin walk out of the kitchen.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstW28Dltk9
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“Nothing is out of place here,” he told her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAObybxlaZ
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“Did you look thoroughly?” Rhénee asked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9r6eTcRHF
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“The place is just fine,” said Kevin as he started to make his way out of the living-room to head to the stairs. “I’ll go check upstairs.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3prA0feix
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Rhénee watched him go, seeing him climb up the stairs. As soon as she was sure that he's gone, she stood. She looked around first and soon felt something is wrong. Could it be Mr. Cowell had been attacked somewhere else? It’s a possibility. She remembered the bloody cloth that covered his injured hand. There would’ve been traces of blood somewhere on the floor or anywhere near the living room area even if he had been attacked elsewhere and came back.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmVkHZ0a7T
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“Kevin!” Rhénee called out to him as she rushed quickly for the stairs. Her shout made Sophie wake up and jump off the sofa. “Kevin!”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY4tJaNM2Z
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“Rhénee, what is it?” Kevin asked as he came into view above the stairs.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8suuaMaQER
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“Where’s Miss Griselda and Mr. Cowell right now?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhENoiW0nvq
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“They are in the bathroom down the hall,” Kevin said, pointing to the hall to his right. “Miss Griselda wanted to clean his wound.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxn5TY4cqN
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Rhénee’s eyes bulged out in fright. “Oh, no,” she muttered and made a run down the hall with Sophie right at her heels.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlnBNyimx5
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Kevin reached the bottom of the stairs and ran after Rhénee. “It’s the door to the right!” he called out.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtit7oT40or
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Rhénee got to the bathroom and found the door slightly open. “Miss Griselda, are you in there?” she called out. No response. Rhénee quickly pushed the door open and to her surprise, the bathroom's empty.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDCZhAfQY7
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“She’s not here,” Rhénee muttered to herself. Kevin soon appeared behind her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx48079znI7
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“What the heck-?” Kevin couldn’t believe it.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pdX7TAKMN
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“How could they've disappeared?” Rhénee asked as she entered the bathroom. Sophie and Kevin stood still by the door.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTuyXh4MuD
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“This is strange,” said Kevin. “Let me check the guest room.” He quickly rushed towards the room opposite the bathroom.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lMpxbYBas
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Rhénee started to look around and noticed that there wasn’t a first aid box or anything that might have been used to clean Mr. Cowell’s wound. Kevin came rushing back and the look on his face told Rhénee what she feared had happened.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaqrvTpdYS
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“They aren’t in here,” he said. “How could they have left the house? There’s no way out through this hall.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqHTuINt8M
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“I don’t know,” Rhénee said, trying not to sound or act agitated. But with what’s going on, she couldn’t help but fear the worst.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TLsLlIVvS
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“This is bad. Could it be that Mr. Cowell isn’t injured at all?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXVUDKRSAY
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“So it seems. There are no blood stains anywhere in the house and the place is in perfect condition. He isn’t injured, and when we got distracted, he took the opportunity to kidnap Miss Griselda.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtTB5Nu8Td
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“If that’s the case, how did they get out of the house?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRvNDV709E
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“Good question,” Rhénee went back to looking around. “There has to be something here that might help us figure out what might have happened.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9MvWF2Syp
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She immediately spotted something in the bathtub: the cloth that Mr. Cowell had used to cover his somewhat injured hand. Rhénee looked at it and realised that the red colour on the cloth isn’t blood, but red dark ink. There's a white cloth near the bathtub faucet. She slowly picked it up. There wasn’t any stain on it but she did catch a whiff of something. She drew it a little closer to take a sniff and the smell quickly made her cringe. Kevin came inside the bathroom as soon as she made that face.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8y3XDk9Ve
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“What is it?” he asked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpVp28wAkC
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“This smells like chloroform,” she answered.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsyHAGMdyL
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Kevin also took a sniff and drew his head faster than expected. “Could he have used it on Miss Griselda?” he asked.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1C323fS8z
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“Definitely. Maybe we couldn’t hear her struggling because of the distance from here to the living room.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pgqDm6BLO
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“That makes sense, but what about his escape route? He couldn’t have used the tiny window in here.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT8UEnja2j
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Rhénee turned towards the wall where the window was. Kevin’s right. He couldn’t have considering that he not only had himself to escape, but the unconscious Miss Griselda to carry. So how did he get out?463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKBK08pr1G
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She continued to look at the window when she noticed something off with the white bathroom wall tiles. They didn’t seem to be in line with each other. She noticed four vertical tiles out of line and as she looked downwards, she noticed that the tiles were bent too.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2STuLf5ID
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She entered the bathtub and went on to touch them. They didn’t feel like they were part of the wall. They felt hollow. She turned to look at Kevin.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhKAJkpZ5C
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“His way was through here,” said Rhénee.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDqxAqUx8k
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“Really?” Kevin also entered the tub and realised what she meant. The bent tiles were almost like a secret door that led outside.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGM4ENDti9
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“We’ve found his way out,” said Rhénee. “We just have no idea where they are or how he opened this thing.” Rhénee started to feel around the wall for anything to open the door.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzalNI6tgCl
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“Why would Mr. Cowell pull such a stunt?” Kevin asked as he came out of the tub and held out his hand to help Rhénee out of it.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCk7JgM8ct
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“It seems he’s working for whoever is after me,” Rhénee said as she held Kevin’s hand and climbed out.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUMcpN4q8O
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“That’s weird. I’ve known the man for years. For him to pull off something like this is shocking.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP6o17g87w
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“That comes to show that we all don’t know each other well and that people will always have their own agenda. Come, let’s go check outside.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrR1bjng1M
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With the cat, they rushed out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen. But before they could make it through the backdoor, the entire house became dark all of a sudden. They paused, wondering what’s going on.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnelMmMj2d
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“Did someone forget to pay the electricity bill?” Rhénee jokingly asked as she slowly approached the backdoor with Kevin already in front of her. Despite the lights going out, the light coming from the house next door slightly streamed its way through the kitchen window.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaKAv20eqr
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“I doubt that,” Kevin said as he reached the door first. “Something’s not right here.” He tried the door knob and it didn’t turn. “Darn it! We’re locked in.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq6iKaJ6PF
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Rhénee couldn’t believe it. She turned around and started to make her way out of the kitchen for the front door. She had to be careful as some parts of the house were pitch black. When she got to the door and tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge. She heard footsteps and knew Kevin is coming behind her. She turned around to look at him in the dark.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExpcwgD2s7
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“This door is locked too,” she told him. “We’ve to find a way out of here quickly.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYW7UOTj9l
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“It’s too dark. We need a torch or something.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWxH5rKWhO
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“Goodness, why didn’t I think of it?” Rhénee asked herself as she pulled out her phone that she had in her pocket and quickly turned the phone’s torch on.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZyB5ICLiS
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“Let’s try and see if there’s anything we can use to break the door open.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ur8zWytsC
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Kevin also took his phone out of the pocket and switched on the torch. Rhénee went on ahead to check for anything she could use to open the door by the coat hanger. Kevin looked at his phone and an expression came on his face.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFaqHIkcpa
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“Rhénee, something’s wrong,” he told her.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4E4K8STZA
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She stopped searching and turned to look at him. “What is it?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R6NBtoG8h
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“There’s no phone service.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfI0Y6CWwW
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“Huh?” Rhénee came to stand right beside him to take a look at his phone. The signal icon at the top of the screen showed an ‘x,’ meaning no network. She went on to also check her phone. It's the same with hers.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqr75rDXiM
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“Strange,” she said. “Didn’t you call me from here when I was home?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed2wcQrGRD
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“I did. There’s always network in this neighbourhood. I’m surprised that it’s gone all of a sudden.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UsVCZOgVb
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“Could it be that there’s something jamming the signal so that we couldn’t call anyone for help?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhwosMLLRO
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“That wouldn't sound so unusual, right?”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrgOjAEBWY
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“This means, we’re stuck and Miss Griselda is probably far gone that we can’t catch up.” Rhénee shook her head. “I refuse to stay here. Miss Griselda is in danger and we need to find her.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RoJu21o6g
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“Then let’s find something to open the door and get out of here.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyvjsNtkbx
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“I’ll go look in the living-room. I can’t find anything here in the foyer.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0PrIUMNH3
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“I’ll go check the kitchen.”463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56EBKNmypb
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Kevin and Rhénee split up with their phones acting as torches. As Rhénee looked around the living-room, she thought she heard something from up the stairs. She shrugged the thought away, thinking she's hearing things. She went on to look behind the curtains when she heard the sound again. She wanted to call out to Kevin, whom she heard in the kitchen. If they weren't the only ones in the house, who else could be here with them? She didn’t like this. It’s the same feeling she felt when she thought there was someone watching them from outside. Could it be that the person managed to get in? And if so, then both she and Kevin are in trouble.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTGdZ01hSD
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She looked at the open entrance of the livingroom and heard a creak by the stairs. There's definitely someone in the house. They were doing their best to come down the stairs quietly, but she could hear footsteps.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx9F80B3Uh
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She thought of going to Kevin in the kitchen  but it felt a little risky. She thought it best to confront this person face to face. It's stupid, but it's too late to involve Kevin now.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgNl9fCDkU
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Sophie brushed the side of Rhénee's foot, turning her attention to the cat. Sophie's green eyes shined brightly in the dark like little green bulbs. She could use the cat to throw the person off. She heard creaking again. The person had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. Rhénee silently knelt on the floor and hid behind the couch right next to the curtain. She also made sure to turn the torch off. She could hear the person make his or her way into the livingroom.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAnyIeDKOh
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Rhénee felt her heart beat. She realised that she felt the same way she did earlier when she was in the woods. Could this person also be working for the mysterious man who had told her to go to the cottage? If she could manage to capture the person, she might just hold him captive and get some answers.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfWrSPvqsh
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She looked at Sophie next to her and the cat stared right back. They could hear the person's footsteps coming closer. It's time. Rhénee gave Sophie a nod and the cat swiftly disappeared out of sight like it was never there.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwEbfXaeZu
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Rhénee took a little peak from behind the couch and saw the person approach the coffee table. She couldn't make out the person in the dark, but she guessed it's a man. She patiently waited for Sophie to make her move and hoped for everything to go as planned. But deep down, she knew that's unlikely to happen.463Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PujpqMnZL
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The person in the dark suddenly jumped with fright as Sophie's bright green eyes lit up in the dark. The cat angrily hissed. Rhénee got startled by the person's reaction but was quick to respond to the situation and jumped out from behind the sofa towards the person in the dark.8964 copyright protection459ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06V6gong9o 維尼

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