The sun began to set farther to the west as the last of its rays hit the windows of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings. The sky gave out a soft yet strong glow of orange.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy6TSnadtG
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtex21MuNCJ
At this time, a lot of New Yorkers were knocking off from work and heading home. Some headed for the metro station or used whichever means of transport. Others stopped somewhere to run a late errand. Many people, students and working class; school children and those young enough to be held by the hand, were also heading for home.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VDAe7qLKM
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVMkOEyBIh
Leo stared out of the window of his office, staring at the sun set. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the door open behind him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyZtJFsONJ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN8ppZL1dF
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEzkzX224i
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANw8UbNmen
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEVVD2mJqx
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ftk8IBVNc
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOg4ugW9c6
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyfczFa3NO
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3YXhwEGrf
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoeTALihfn
"I'm surprised that you haven't left the office yet," said Mr. McDonell as he sat down on the chair in front of Leo's desk.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpezqfQ6tzu
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVrJWuND3q
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85CMft6BYu
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIIdhftVMs
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O9dPYdYJy
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Wgyn2PCv
"You'll be surprised."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzHcWmkUop
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCEuJ1y3Um
"I need to talk to you about something."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVv2UyYoe7
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplNs7z9rHY
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeb2PEKk0E
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm7sbbcJnN
"What is it about?" Leo asked.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1c3S5W4aD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmQf0yGAvJ
"It's about Angel."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNqMfH7ZAW
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZcXgF5UYf
"Great! Just great!" Leo said in his thoughts. He had had enough of Angel already. First it was Eric and his paranoia that Angel might end up falling for her boss (that's if she hasn't already), and now, his father wanted to talk about her about who knows what. He felt like looking back at the window to continue looking at the sun, but he didn't want to seem rude.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7em9EHdMO8
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN6dTMjw8r
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQS6l0zq6
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcN8rhju6c
Before Mr. McDonell could speak, he noticed something wrong with his son after he mentioned Angel. Leo could do all he can to hide his expression, but his father somehow saw right through him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWCrMwiflI
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2qlOrSnpX
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK5ud77Tmq
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgydnKwmho
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPHw5My1Vi
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyCxhdZaiZ
"She did."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrWVKbIFmC
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TbBTtrB6S
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2r4rU9rh9
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAlXMs1F1c
"She agreed to work with us."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ul3B9us3q
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q26WZSpIF
Leo almost held the edge of his desk as he felt the floor beneath him begin to spin, but he tried his best not to. His father was already giving him a look and he didn't want to seem weird.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0nBEvAYwl
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqxh8WHMYq
He knew this was coming and he didn't know how to handle it. Right now, all he wanted was to be left alone and do God knows what.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeidRGdlvts
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4xnckQn6x
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2fSkfIHjh
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqsJ8N8Sbg
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY24iG7i9pY
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkogmHZG2jx
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfnqBw3sVV
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96GzCAQvVp
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ7WDM3HgK
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSIlJhxrum
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx8Kt239F7
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB7gHV0RPP
"What about her job at the editing company?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36wAxK8v9m
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjYlr80jcd
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k3R6vrYYW
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIGBioPDsC
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOxIo96rHw
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx92f86J5Z
Mr. McDonell leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. Leo knew his mother was the only trump card he had to prevent Angel from ever stepping foot in the company. If he can't have a say in this, she most definitely will.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBvlQJqPl3
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNxUDwmrmj
"She doesn't know," his father replied.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIbLybf6Ju
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lUABQjRns
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd6ip0UcHb
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPPqtcRSUB
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBpoBwrI1O
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmJOLx8w9f
"How are you going to break it to her?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3FszR6e1f
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkbfXmHZaq
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEym0yq0hc6
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvF5zYzQmu
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLXD794vhA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuo6rooRwa
"You heard me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKymSz1VC5
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEH4fDjFf3
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfxY3NS7XC
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwinebsHET9
"He doesn't have to know right now. And if I do tell him, he will get excited and blurt it out as soon as he's home."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2586vmFznj
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTZYXkSfx6
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQJTrtFc9G
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePrq9r4U3h
"He's almost like my son, of course I know. And I know he likes Angel, so I would like that you deliver the news."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEkYyBYJWD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKi6sZhCoT
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZVR6ZrYoZ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOeJvQyJ3R
Mr. McDonell shrugged his shoulder with a smile. "It's not that hard to miss," he said, "especially with how he used to take care of her when she had that accident."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ0dXzsRSM
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDfyjJKVMk
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgb9yfxW6J
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLecxXxP2G7
Carly! Oh, goodness! Leo forgot it was her first day at college and so far, he hadn't called to check up on her. He felt pathetic and he had no one else to blame but Angel. If Eric hadn't come talking about her in the first place, he wouldn't have been brooding about her all day. And now, his father just made it even worse telling him to announce to everyone back home that Angel would be working for them. Angel continued to ruin his life even if she wasn't physically present.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLdcn3XD8w
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeJ2jxA0Td
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT08aXviyI
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAxdeIO1OA
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6rmle9S2k
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HIIHbbl1k
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUP8jZDtbA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxUbUxuV6H
Leo hadn't noticed his open palm upon his head and he felt like an idiot. He did that because he was mad at himself for not thinking about Carly when he had to.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TfYJ1pru5
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZTvQ2kmy4
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRGa0dX2qB
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKAqMPjD9I
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXuRMMLOkD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqkEzHjRTo
"I'll see you back home?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE7vNfPanI
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegiiak0v97
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pi9Qt1i8Y
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNoXnJxrra
"Sure. See you later, then."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxjVmDvUZ7
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzTj1SsQ7p
Mr. McDonell gently nodded and made his way out of the office. As soon as he closed the door, Leo quickly stood up from his seat and got his jacket that was hanging at the back of his chair. He took his phone, the car keys, the keys to the office and left.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SMIVuvcve
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlunBh0VLU0
The hall was quiet and the working cubicles in the work area were almost empty except for two employees still at their desks. Leo passed the cubicles and went down the hall to Eric's office. Before he could even reach the door, it opened and out came Eric.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDAGirhkt9
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b8hDTKcUK
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD0A1Elt5p
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJV97t3ipa
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7icvJQoia
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5mtFTpQvG
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROy48OMtZl
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq6YxYFZh2
"May I ask where and why?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOgGXqBCPW
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl98tPfpnK
"Come on. I'll tell you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha1Pd8Tbbi
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpWEn9QeNW
***655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq8isfoQWg
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRhRyScPfC
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxyxDo2Pcp
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSsVmrJKD2
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3C9bpL8kw
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbEWlfmQ8M
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9drCef1uuT
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9ex0Ayi3l
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvKVqK0Nbn
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9WdPKND3W
Harriet smiled back and quickly walked away so as to catch up with some of her friends who had gone ahead of her. Carly's first day had gone pretty well. Not only did she meet Robin, she also made new friends, Harriet being one of them. Her day couldn't get any better than this. But sadly, it was finally over and it was time to head back.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOY3b9bO6b
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINEW1LHXrm
She still stood in the hall outside the lecture room. A few people who had stayed behind soon walked out. She checked for her phone in her backpack and removed it to see if she had any messages.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgL9zRUTzX
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINyLoQK11a
There was only one message from Angel that was sent to her almost thirty minutes ago asking her how her day went and if she needed to be picked up. Carly decided to call her sister as she walked down the hall.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxrex5R8AA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDbxi5qZSH
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSJ7gVAeqK
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivBRlFuO0L
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydswBBqHSs
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRmDJAvu5R
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIDzE2PP2o
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB7X2DHcT5
"Who?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBl06T3FYo
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E6T4gUwdj
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25WmlK1sta
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX8l59x6oC
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELyGwESSyE
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiFv2bXjKv
"Oh, yes, I do." Angel answered quickly, knowing very well how it made them both uncomfortable. Just talking about it brought back very bad memories.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmFeBGrfrA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmqC2R2rJr
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HlvXKDQAo
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC08nt7JBGP
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GtafAr3DE
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALMyRHssd6
Carly turned round the corner that led to a open corridor. She saw a few students talking on the open green lawn, the sun slowly setting.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRH7kiozfQ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqg7bIRQFm
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNqQ7LFX6u
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vnhqRpGwb
"Well, that shows how much of a good friend he is and I'm glad. I thought you needed a ride after your classes. I could easily ask one of the drivers here to pick you up."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcm66k98i3
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1Dwhhv80q
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI9k7WMeNj
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw64T550TFn
"Ok. Just be careful out there."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJmwzWRdof
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxxa8qphRJ
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1grHUBUNi
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy3uOIgBRW
"See you later then."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aRWcSpHa2
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LV03aGguP
"Ya, see you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCGJR8DpIz
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmulaD6rIm
Carly found herself at the college's parking lot. The place was almost empty. The last of the cars leaving the premises probably belonged to a student as it was an orange Lamborghini. Only a black old BMW and a white Cadillac remained in the parking lot.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs1U6WQEJ3
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2V7rH9ie2
Carly walked out of the main gate and across the street was the boarding campus for the students. Carly went down the street and went on straight till she reached the traffic lights. The traffic light turned red for the cars to stop and Carly gladly walked down the zebra crossing after the green pedestrian light turned on. She was the only pedestrian and when she reached the other side of the street, she continued straight on, heading for the bus stop in front of her.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn71IdtXSq
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI37CkQV67
When she got there, she found no one waiting for the bus. She shrugged her shoulders as she sat down on the little bench. It looked like she was going to sit there alone till the bus arrived.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh48AG1Yno3
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9TQnHXkSL
She brought her backpack in front of her and placed it on her lap. She took out her phone and still no message from Leo. She figured that he must have had a busy day and probably forgot to call or text her. She decided to send him a text, considering that he must be driving back home from work.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyDx3MFG2Q
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpyzgdgF8y
Carly was oblivious that a black sedan that had been parked a block away had been following her from the time she left the college gates. She continued to look through her phone that she didn't hear the car slowly approach the bus stop. The cars driving by on the road, drowned the noise of the sedan's engine. Besides, the man behind the wheel made sure not to draw much attention by not turning on the car's headlights.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fMK7yo5cE
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIybBShzUj
Carly grew bored going through social media with still no reply from Leo. She wanted to be pissed but couldn't. She had had a long day. But with no sign of the bus coming, it just set her peace of mind to a whole other level.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjFYcZECrm
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBhEja1v4r
She put her phone back in her backpack and strapped it round her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the black sedan right next to the bus stop, a few feet away from her. She looked into the car through the windshield and the blaring light of a phone shone through the glass. She caught sight of the man looking down on his phone. Looked like he stopped to be on the phone, she thought. She sighed and wished Leo could do the same and reply to her text.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKLrlh06RR
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhDdFwQa9F
She turned her head, looking down the street and across. A few people walked by here and there, two couples had walked past her. She started to tap her foot impatiently on the concrete. The bus was a no show and she now felt like an idiot for not letting Angel send her a car. Maybe she could give her a call again and tell her to do so. But just before she could, a sound came from the car. She looked, surprised that there was a car there, and saw that the car door had opened. The man stepped out, closing the door behind him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0FZzLx2F7
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiyOYsI5GU
"You don't happen to have a cigarette lighter, do you, miss?" the man asked with a pack of cigarettes in his hands as he approached Carly. Carly realised how tall and well built the man was. He wore a black jumper with a hood over his head, but she was able to see his face.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdl0VeUX5q
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53quBbdkST
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBenqK4TNZ2
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv1MECFM6Q
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe5Ra0bGbh
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3xYr4s5QO
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ18fpze8jE
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu6PvohJCQ
"Too bad," said the man as he placed the pack in his pockets. "I would have enjoyed smoking a cigar and talking to a pretty lady like yourself."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKTMXj2xaJ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoNT9GNykk
Carly felt her cheeks blush, but she tried to hide it with a chuckle. She knew where this was going. She had met a lot like him back at the club. They were the ones who tried to attract your attention by small talk.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbmWaxgTBt
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsrkxpyhTr
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhWV8FyXbb
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTur3L7Ji5Y
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcMt6g1XH5
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqGOpLCkzY
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS7gKqAzdu
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYrUg5OUmO
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2U2zr5qX
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74YyWwF1wT
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLvzuyXUL9
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdzq4Bbt3N
Carly read the man's dark eyes and she knew she had to get up and run. But just before she could even stand, the man took hold of the back of her head and the next thing she knew, a piece of cloth that he withdrew from his pocket covered her nose and mouth.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmI7y0YwoU
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZPTpWhsbM
The smell on the cloth was intoxicating. She tried to fight, clawing at the man's face and arms, but he was too strong for her. It took almost a minute and a half of struggling when her vision started to blur. She was soon losing her strength faster than she anticipated. She soon fell unconscious.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSHstayqfp
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p7s6T1io3
The man removed the cloth filled with chloroform from her face and held her steadily. He lifted her off the bench and carried her to his car. He laid her down on the sidewalk so as to open the passenger side door. He looked around to make sure there was no one around watching him. To his luck, there was none.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI1LF97zJr
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZpxpyz9lr
He lifted Carly into the car and laid her on the passenger seat in a sleeping position. He closed the door and went back to the bench to get her backpack. He turned back to his car, got inside, closed the door and threw her backpack to the passenger's seat.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdg71lA6Tg
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt6lbEwCp7
His job had been much easier than he had thought. He couldn't help but smile when he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Walters.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRCHV0sUpW
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkLxOWjfCo
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AFi7pZw7i
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuP3IbTQAe
"It's done. She's in my car right now."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBlsNKq1hn
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ0aNHSR74
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ThhKppcEx
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXsz3laYgD
The man cut the call. Seconds later, his phone beeped. He read the message and knew exactly where to go. He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He looked at Carly lying unconscious in the backseat.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVzcnStJgb
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfsuz1TOst
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5hEJXz8wA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vxsDBoIPc
***655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIN6D4gpCX
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJretIQvRE
Leo climbed into the driver's seat with a brown paper bag in his hands. Kevin who sat on the passenger seat was looking through his phone.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qxLmWL6FI
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3bAlQe4C8
"Can you stop looking at that darn thing?" Leo asked as he closed the car door and placed the bag at the back. "I left you looking at the phone and you're still on it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhySbvhAu6h
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2mRzwOFXz
"You were only in the store for like a minute," said Eric. "And it's also thanks to me that you managed to make a last minute call to Nate to get you a present for Carly."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGDqgmTZC1
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryEKwWGORa
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeh80YoDT2
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13pRrCydCr
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdQMfUy9sL
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5qO0Hxtyc
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaszVy23DM
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKQbQJT3Ib
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiacFAHfiu
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyuXAyNPjL
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZDfFgW2G9
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVtCHWQCsL
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjYZiOLqMo
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl2Eyde9Em
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Eric. "You have a message on your phone. I didn't want to read it because-you know-I might be invading your privacy."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gVuBYqIus
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqtQQUwNyx
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdNztMqRgD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcM5SRMwA7
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAhigyCd8R
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0diWn9ZCw
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoExGmhLwcG
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94OjCmGiws
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FjYIbjyBc
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8HOsJKYlA
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyizEOB4Jw
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPSChUZicV
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKnNI6OLgA
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmJ0VnBjGT
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZTFtIoE6W
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqAzkEN7ZL
"Ya, let's not."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfSE1GqkSe
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAnZznZQv9
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRv4XZO44k
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rrlgFSnlH
"Gladly," said Eric as he almost jumped in his seat even with the seatbelt on. He took hold of Leo's phone on the dashboard and he didn't struggle with the phone's password because he already knew it.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtehuOrtX2k
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71ZL9Ixgtw
"All she write was hi and asked how your day went," said Eric, his eyes on the lit screen. "Huh..., I was expecting her to write how upset she is that you hadn't communicated with her all day."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0xED2N33P
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiIHhKQMuj
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBx06aJpjb
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOxbcfMQ3M
"Oh, please! You weren't meeting with any clients and you weren't even busy. You were just sulking in your office over Angel coming to work at the company."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDtWsPZsfF
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcoyGyj4Sc
"I thought we weren't going to talk about it," Leo said through his gritted teeth, holding the steering wheel tightly. He prayed that he could keep himself under control and not cause an accident.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7aYx62NMC
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJOURz2IQ1
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnybob7KmlJ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5amQbx8lwc
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lRIKBOPRO
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUnCkj7gHw
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cz1ei5mVU
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aKpVkM4Dv
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9InCNie8yP
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQUgN3VYvF
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90dznEvgCn
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlthWljhAiH
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVBMX7XvUT
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRVCKAJ2Kq
"That you can't tell her that you have been thinking about Angel the whole day instead of focusing on work? Or maybe during your free time, you should have been thinking of her instead?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs4yBKOYDc
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfMxP7C7Zx
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAkckblVgD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pk6rAVZW4
"But you can't deny it. I still think you should get help. You always think Angel is out to make your life miserable. That might end up being an obsession, you know?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc6bFtTqzs
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Sd3lCKJM0
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNAxvxdOZQ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24aXXgYC42
"I know, but that was only because I like Angel and I was telling you as a friend. You took it to a whole new level all on your own."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkhqgkryRN
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc44Eb09Dm
Leo shook his head. If only Eric knew that what he had feared is about to come true. He would know in a hour or so.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdJfQ6MhTg
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZreOvr8bt
"Anyway, you're already in trouble with Carly over not communicating with her. She might sound sweet and sincere on text, but who knows when you get to meet her tonight."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDU0VHHT6o
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEqk3jo21D
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20Fh4bOtQh
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvZgXbjVc5
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbXAJIHamg
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9nU5YeyUx
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GGMIgymLi
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwlEQSqp8P
They soon reached home and Leo couldn't wait to see Carly and apologise. But then the thought of seeing Angel made his heartbeat even more. Why was he nervous all of the sudden?655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoXd3FCltR
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAdyzhNWUs
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEZUFAfkct
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhxxbeHGq1
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kGHZWdonw
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitLrXKlucK
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqU9zOIRoV
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0yxcsRbwh
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUDvXHrd3h
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPhC6RG9u8
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmAw0pwXAF
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Cf79W6Jup
"Mmmm...., not to worry, she will love it. Besides, I don't think she's mad. I bet she's tired to even be mad."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo4T0ymz7E
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8gUA0bIZx
"I hope so."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzruWd5l9i
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yozNspLg9
"Come on, we better go inside."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinaINLzkb
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7qn3OWwst
Eric got out of the car first. Leo waited for a few seconds until he got the paper gift bag at the back, removed the key out of the ignition and got out of the car.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCSxkSa7px
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ROFUBuiPR
Leo walked up the stone path to the front door. The outdoor lights on the lawn had been turned on. He looked ahead at the open door in front of him. Eric had just entered the foyer, removing his jacket.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXUkboqaWj
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGKpClK5Iw
Leo joined his cousin, closing the door behind him. Eric carried his jacket with him to the living room. Leo heard him give out a cheerful greeting and he knew that his grandmother was there.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBir4SFcE3
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RLxaaZ4nT
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtK2K97429
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRxSFC83pg
"I'm here, grandma," said Leo as he came into the living room and found his grandmother on the wheelchair seating close to a chair where Oliver sat.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cxycTLoT1
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikr7yHAMqW
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHX7IFewGX
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QdrIooHc8
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfpkVPmSba
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU0tFz7zd4
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlVn0YQ2Pt
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECW8hA9jEo
"Not really. Why?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp5ChdDcuL
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dFZ1pVWCX
"You look really tired."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Yllc9Um8
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdIbuvUjyx
Leo gave Oliver a smile and cleared his throat. Eric, on the other hand, joined his young brother on the couch and chuckled to himself. Leo knew Eric was only making fun of him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMpcJxEe0U
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBPGgdqdiJ
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ695l0NmXws
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBSWed03gp
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ptuuzQZk
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSV9teo1sH
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3WN4YmjET
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXmlwnOsLI
"Sure, grandma."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUfZHeOFLU
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J3wJOiJ4k
Leo felt relieved that his grandmother didn't ask further about the gift bag. Just as he turned around to head for the stairs, standing by the doorway leading into the living room, was Angel.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD5RMAPAYY
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWLjI3FFW2
His heart stopped beating for a moment as he looked at her. He was out of breath too. His head started to feel a little fuzzy as he tried to say something, but somehow he couldn't. Angel's appearance had somehow left him dazed that he couldn't move or even speak.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZGh5N9QEZ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJbMdbgX6Q
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyablwuEcy
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH49sUc1fT0
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPY5X5ZKpm
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9m3zznVL9
Leo felt tiny beads of sweat appear on his forehead and he prayed that Angel didn't notice. It would be embarrassing. Why did he feel like he had just run a marathon? His heart still pumped like crazy.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk631SIoYr
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TQBIdAkA1
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7DOZvXx6z
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73KGKQBexa
Angel looked at Eric behind Leo who stood up from his seat to look at her in her white summer dress. Angel smiled and slightly blushed. Leo who kept staring at her also couldn't help but blush himself. When he realised it, he quickly looked down at his feet, feeling angry with himself.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNUXYOhZBn
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyun7fXYQC6
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinAJpGpE3p
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD72NbRhYfi
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSzxY2QgAC
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwL2IEyFLB
Angel shook her head. Her eyes were now filled with worry and Leo knew how that felt as he looked into them. He quickly looked away.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX9UZV6xY5
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLaT3qoYm7
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcfncsYoBB
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiESf03vAH
"That's what I told her, Eric," said Amanda. "But she has every right to be worried and now I am too. She should have been home by now."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z0yG3goqt
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyf18CL9To
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoLsYzn4uh
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvOjaVApas
"That was close to 6 PM," Angel answered. "She was done with her classes then. I offered to send a car, but she assured me that she would take the bus."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e2613qY6x
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWZg6XN9Iv
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlyL4p1CtD
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucDfWrRHJV
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NeXU8teEt
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR4HaUfXf7
Leo hoped that Carly would pick up. But from where he stood, he could hear the ringing tune from Angel's phone which she placed on her ear. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration when Carly didn't pick up.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSYMJbbVwT
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"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s2rtaQBZf
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoHJQ5sF2g
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"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQTqDg3yZ6
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"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnGpOFGhFM
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"I'll try not to." Angel tried to put up a smile but failed terribly. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WEcwAPRoo
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Angel turned around and left the living room. Leo looked on at her as she walked down the hall. He almost got lost in thought until he shook his head.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WeV3VA93r
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"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWJluVdLWr
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Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx1jlrs43o
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f4m74rBDk
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Leo couldn't help but worry about Carly's whereabouts. Now he felt even more guilty for not calling her when he had the chance. He would have been the one to pick her up. As he headed up the stairs to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if Carly was okay.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteAw9ExAG8
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***655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55UPwVeMuN
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Carly groaned as she felt her head spin. She tried to open her heavy eyes but everything in front of her was a blur. She tried to come around but everytime, she felt like she was slipping back into oblivion.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkSp5JHZyl
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She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm19fYtE4Tf
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Gentle taps on her cheek made her nerves wake up a little bit. Her sight slowly started to clear up a bit. She made out a person in front of her, but she still couldn't see properly.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTuMUczYyI
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She heard a voice, but it sounded all muffled up in her ears. She started to black out, but again, she felt a gentle tap on her cheek.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2u42mcEMs
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HpYKQaSy5
This time she was wide awake and she looked at her surrounding. She was in a room with grey walls and with a fluorescent tube above her. She wondered how she got here. The last place she remembered was the bus stop.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpA9dZDd8e
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVD5etdY6W
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZApamAGok
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Carly looked straight in front of her and there was a man squatting on the floor, looking at her with a smile on his face.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXJfwrey06
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Carly felt like she knew who the man was, but she couldn't remember. And then at that moment, everything dawned on her. This man had drugged and brought her here. Carly started to panic but then she realised she couldn't move. She looked down at her hands. She was strapped onto a wooden chair with rope and so were her legs. She tried to scream for help, but that was then that she realised that she had a cloth in her mouth. All she made were muffled loud noises.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9yBnaEFZv
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"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBklu1qSns
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mZf3qhEBz
Carly started to panic even more, trying her best to break free. The man stood up and walked away. Carly heard the door open and close behind her. More people came into the room. She stopped struggling and waited as the man who had tied her up and another man came to stand in front of her.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJirp5oPuUw
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKVix4CsIh
"Carly Barclay," said the tall African American man as he got close and squatted in front of her. "I finally get to meet you at last."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fvPJClB1h
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