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.348Please respect copyright.PENANACc4FFXgCYD
348Please respect copyright.PENANAEW29bbf5sH
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAlyRqjB70AO
348Please respect copyright.PENANAavIvwMqdvh
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAvMXyl3sQVQ
348Please respect copyright.PENANAliHYwX4jYT
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.348Please respect copyright.PENANAkAVRmXoMgD
348Please respect copyright.PENANAthj0UpKKPW
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.348Please respect copyright.PENANAYfjBAWMwZR
348Please respect copyright.PENANALgr2dsiQP1
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."348Please respect copyright.PENANAU4m2HCTFz5
348Please respect copyright.PENANAqPm7QH35TQ
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.348Please respect copyright.PENANAkSUJwYBAae
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnt1qolyr0a
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAXiXkLeQbzj
348Please respect copyright.PENANAuQS5TVtxvj
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."348Please respect copyright.PENANAFeiFzlwuR4
348Please respect copyright.PENANAZMrqDHtyfU
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."348Please respect copyright.PENANAx7T4GmuxMd
348Please respect copyright.PENANAS93kwBmYFZ
"You'll be surprised."348Please respect copyright.PENANA5TWJUAeJEM
348Please respect copyright.PENANAjS80UM3K1g
"I need to talk to you about something."348Please respect copyright.PENANAh7AvnxObIL
348Please respect copyright.PENANAkvSjon3dYq
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.348Please respect copyright.PENANAnaYsoN1vQ3
348Please respect copyright.PENANA804R2ptoso
"What is it about?" Leo asked.348Please respect copyright.PENANAlT4ODn33ib
348Please respect copyright.PENANADqLTkH506F
"It's about Angel."348Please respect copyright.PENANAh2nUs0odSM
348Please respect copyright.PENANAsuZN2PjCeO
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA8DMCcj8sXy
348Please respect copyright.PENANAQpQMZKqdaT
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAXRdmPFbTs4
348Please respect copyright.PENANAZwht7tqlfZ
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA510WjQzHpH
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWVLSQUZejU
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.348Please respect copyright.PENANAcP5QLkKieA
348Please respect copyright.PENANAaIbP4iBSyU
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAHl2NwhXNyb
348Please respect copyright.PENANAK7aNBGNoJf
"She did."348Please respect copyright.PENANAtxRkdIKewp
348Please respect copyright.PENANAKCZ971csNe
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.348Please respect copyright.PENANAJelpkGvpsG
348Please respect copyright.PENANA9N4LJO0FKd
"She agreed to work with us."348Please respect copyright.PENANAG9Ib9gqs7O
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnHjycXOFMx
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA5ChEtRTS4T
348Please respect copyright.PENANA1jopt5XZbK
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAKTiDOKAsXa
348Please respect copyright.PENANAE0KRQy2QOc
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.348Please respect copyright.PENANA8SFgLVOMcv
348Please respect copyright.PENANAmxZVXBV8VK
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.348Please respect copyright.PENANALFqLhdKB0Y
348Please respect copyright.PENANABTd55TY16r
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.348Please respect copyright.PENANA2LRl7uqDjO
348Please respect copyright.PENANAedFK5BzL2b
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.348Please respect copyright.PENANAMADwaMhz6N
348Please respect copyright.PENANAx6oivPZogT
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."348Please respect copyright.PENANAGSwVOehhpV
348Please respect copyright.PENANAaICk2AvpYv
"What about her job at the editing company?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAw9WdQSNr5w
348Please respect copyright.PENANAYVq2h3mpq1
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."348Please respect copyright.PENANAp6bcFg90FY
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWdt82rR2Dt
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAN4UjbhiM6i
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnxSuKSqUGZ
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAjd0X5FoeWa
348Please respect copyright.PENANA3HlEI26fA9
"She doesn't know," his father replied.348Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6QyjMy1YR
348Please respect copyright.PENANAXY2w0676ZE
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAsu9VIh23Wa
348Please respect copyright.PENANA2gD5erdLzp
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."348Please respect copyright.PENANAFgNudTIXU1
348Please respect copyright.PENANACeOfq4gnTf
"How are you going to break it to her?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAfaPZko2CHt
348Please respect copyright.PENANAHi7wHccus4
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."348Please respect copyright.PENANAivbrzeZqUi
348Please respect copyright.PENANAtt3pbdGNak
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"348Please respect copyright.PENANA1dHOo7Yx8s
348Please respect copyright.PENANASMitXLlbLr
"You heard me."348Please respect copyright.PENANAxxAxtiC7dN
348Please respect copyright.PENANAwUvWRTfHW6
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"348Please respect copyright.PENANANepYyg50sn
348Please respect copyright.PENANA5u1iDE5p0A
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAVC7AVbgGHd
348Please respect copyright.PENANA1YsXHb9jGV
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."348Please respect copyright.PENANAG7yFSZ6P1t
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvASGVfV2hh
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAuEdwvTff6D
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0k5fz2hKf5
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"348Please respect copyright.PENANArRCv7P7I2Y
348Please respect copyright.PENANAQshdsWhYIM
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."348Please respect copyright.PENANA7uBmnhv2E4
348Please respect copyright.PENANAU10bEw5Ztk
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.348Please respect copyright.PENANABJiuqKOwFD
348Please respect copyright.PENANA8agiMQGaEO
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAyDU1FNR5Kb
348Please respect copyright.PENANAW1beApXj19
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.348Please respect copyright.PENANAXYFe5UbN5y
348Please respect copyright.PENANASf9UaxAMRc
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.348Please respect copyright.PENANAdpWis99gnM
348Please respect copyright.PENANAdDHXhEkWZT
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."348Please respect copyright.PENANAN8QhnXar4H
348Please respect copyright.PENANA3hqejyv1Zj
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAfaBLhWCAzp
348Please respect copyright.PENANAb0whuoj4bQ
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."348Please respect copyright.PENANA0jvUpznQ3x
348Please respect copyright.PENANAAJmWgwA5DA
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.348Please respect copyright.PENANAZL1WZsK10l
348Please respect copyright.PENANA8uCI9ZXyNX
"I'll see you back home?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAZU0kWwiBFU
348Please respect copyright.PENANAkHuh14V2qp
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."348Please respect copyright.PENANAyw9UqSnqg2
348Please respect copyright.PENANAxSJ3c6sAUf
"Sure. See you later, then."348Please respect copyright.PENANASYZUdhHdou
348Please respect copyright.PENANAubf9eBk6Be
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAbCecUS3huj
348Please respect copyright.PENANACsxe50nw95
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAtoYnMvHG9G
348Please respect copyright.PENANAqk5UDKaUbg
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.348Please respect copyright.PENANAtCW4rWnJlj
348Please respect copyright.PENANAZQn1jHTZTb
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.348Please respect copyright.PENANAFFjkqHvmDg
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvUB65KFm06
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."348Please respect copyright.PENANAXvWvW6OHbp
348Please respect copyright.PENANAarka2gVllT
"May I ask where and why?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAxc9QAVAmFG
348Please respect copyright.PENANAtoY9oMxiCn
"Come on. I'll tell you."348Please respect copyright.PENANA7uFw5ENtnu
348Please respect copyright.PENANAJWrSv6igB3
***348Please respect copyright.PENANA8RjDO5HFQC
348Please respect copyright.PENANAXegzZiD7IY
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAKl2gIuhtou
348Please respect copyright.PENANARklmz219Cu
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."348Please respect copyright.PENANAMgfl1uhANK
348Please respect copyright.PENANAwWURKaaiCL
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."348Please respect copyright.PENANAxGxtEL6g0Q
348Please respect copyright.PENANAdi4sZx3SKT
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."348Please respect copyright.PENANAJNMeDsLjXj
348Please respect copyright.PENANA7zxJ4EnAUV
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA2zdTqtdAjd
348Please respect copyright.PENANA5eUWT8l3AT
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA4DXUaIzPft
348Please respect copyright.PENANARycv5BHv7l
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA0EuCu3UgOG
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWkG22YxDyX
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.348Please respect copyright.PENANAObowpn3TmP
348Please respect copyright.PENANAha0bRnVsEP
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.348Please respect copyright.PENANAbTnmmQ7GZ3
348Please respect copyright.PENANAN6gb782ruY
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."348Please respect copyright.PENANAMLMX9a5GkH
348Please respect copyright.PENANAPCLPcBJxXo
"Who?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAdFI3mTQScb
348Please respect copyright.PENANAtgZnU8PudX
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAlndBTlH099
348Please respect copyright.PENANAFHCZzWJXuH
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.348Please respect copyright.PENANAfIPuYUyXUH
348Please respect copyright.PENANACZNlUJcJrI
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAS2K5oicHU6
348Please respect copyright.PENANAoRJx5ZSNF5
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."348Please respect copyright.PENANAt7KV1RJEc4
348Please respect copyright.PENANANVABxCOVJI
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."348Please respect copyright.PENANAdFs2kYs5JD
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnfQO4H8TdW
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAsUqXjpDRR2
348Please respect copyright.PENANAxnvHK9urYG
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."348Please respect copyright.PENANAhFfhSRyxLL
348Please respect copyright.PENANAzcCi5Z9tw9
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAj2XSotNIJs
348Please respect copyright.PENANAJuFtiHbmsS
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."348Please respect copyright.PENANAAPPvXx2vmX
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0Qv7dJwIIe
"Ok. Just be careful out there."348Please respect copyright.PENANAosBjSiI8UH
348Please respect copyright.PENANAJLF6aUptfb
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."348Please respect copyright.PENANAw7zrY2n7Qs
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0y2Y0VyHhD
"See you later then."348Please respect copyright.PENANAYtYTAKjBpj
348Please respect copyright.PENANABpA1dk4iiA
"Ya, see you."348Please respect copyright.PENANATphgUKByeW
348Please respect copyright.PENANAid7EHLoSMK
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAf5vpAtNi0O
348Please respect copyright.PENANAaN2VOqUc3x
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAZvIc09c0E4
348Please respect copyright.PENANASPSSzvVRCN
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAQNYWxQGef1
348Please respect copyright.PENANARQwyNJcU7x
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANANAdVIrNUeX
348Please respect copyright.PENANANURN0OVqBm
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA0zORNXnM0e
348Please respect copyright.PENANAZTuvPE2of1
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAqCAxDmy6PN
348Please respect copyright.PENANA9HNDjdaW1T
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAbJjnf1LN33
348Please respect copyright.PENANACaCsxLmG1Z
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAAh8KTKLe1T
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnG3cPEMUr4
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAdaNIoMZ4kG
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWYeLU7SysW
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."348Please respect copyright.PENANAsRl3c4phC6
348Please respect copyright.PENANARKz9Mke30A
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."348Please respect copyright.PENANAwWmGmfBmL1
348Please respect copyright.PENANADAmyqrZRfX
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.348Please respect copyright.PENANAYu21tkQB9c
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvcdpPCyKik
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANANNjb9hhJIH
348Please respect copyright.PENANA7JiUCj8aYK
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAjdDrdxlUN9
348Please respect copyright.PENANAfXL2ijqNfs
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."348Please respect copyright.PENANAlyW4XBCa2p
348Please respect copyright.PENANAUyiABGOgLs
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."348Please respect copyright.PENANAZECIm7mi3A
348Please respect copyright.PENANABqB6WqnDJR
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.348Please respect copyright.PENANACSlYcDsF83
348Please respect copyright.PENANA4ndEjQRyTD
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."348Please respect copyright.PENANApDX6jjg9oj
348Please respect copyright.PENANAjg4EyB1EAa
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.348Please respect copyright.PENANADtwNtpG9wu
348Please respect copyright.PENANAepFO12v5P0
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA5mr6HEMyVp
348Please respect copyright.PENANA5QjXU4NONT
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAvjyo5JSorF
348Please respect copyright.PENANAA4m31K5G3Z
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAqlFx6O0UOR
348Please respect copyright.PENANA6gKDpvF9tA
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAIBK4fQtaEP
348Please respect copyright.PENANAiAfUx0elfa
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAMo6akRMcVR
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvQsjl4k1G9
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.348Please respect copyright.PENANAWqki2zIBEn
348Please respect copyright.PENANA8aRdvbOuJB
"It's done. She's in my car right now."348Please respect copyright.PENANA46OidzkQV5
348Please respect copyright.PENANAVjWghm7QLl
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."348Please respect copyright.PENANAftEljG89Nd
348Please respect copyright.PENANAcIMwoHj7KB
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAaAOKY4pSCg
348Please respect copyright.PENANAgo8zElmA7b
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.348Please respect copyright.PENANAm4ojSxNV8s
348Please respect copyright.PENANAR1JRb93T8n
***348Please respect copyright.PENANAOdd8ZJEAO3
348Please respect copyright.PENANA4VfoaGADzC
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA5wwqeDYSJO
348Please respect copyright.PENANAM2Imu5PJw2
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAehIckXCDKF
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvFknlVXlLw
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAt5VAf3WpNW
348Please respect copyright.PENANAflNeyFLPgC
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.348Please respect copyright.PENANA75P4bSeH8d
348Please respect copyright.PENANApCAo1rI0Oq
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."348Please respect copyright.PENANA7cAhmqnz7N
348Please respect copyright.PENANA5dJfGCNzqy
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."348Please respect copyright.PENANAo8IgRp81uN
348Please respect copyright.PENANAQi9MMq4x7p
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."348Please respect copyright.PENANAQXvU93eOZS
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWRH0dfffpx
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.348Please respect copyright.PENANASBQkdwep5i
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Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.348Please respect copyright.PENANAaPkFIprWkB
348Please respect copyright.PENANAn00532NXjC
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAORO75DR6Kf
348Please respect copyright.PENANADW4ycsB1pI
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.348Please respect copyright.PENANAtg1LqQlgqB
348Please respect copyright.PENANAoMf6OiyFh9
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."348Please respect copyright.PENANAiu04VCeP9k
348Please respect copyright.PENANACblhj2CIHk
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."348Please respect copyright.PENANAAkpRx2Hlts
348Please respect copyright.PENANA8p1tTRZLnQ
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."348Please respect copyright.PENANAoYQiBDxvED
348Please respect copyright.PENANAZsyx2yuwyZ
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."348Please respect copyright.PENANA2DHngLT3OO
348Please respect copyright.PENANAz5oO5F8Jvk
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.348Please respect copyright.PENANAWKBSzynq7w
348Please respect copyright.PENANAk84e4GZ56j
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."348Please respect copyright.PENANAMiabBcgxxC
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0hHUfOaPoe
"Ya, let's not."348Please respect copyright.PENANAaItwl0yMEF
348Please respect copyright.PENANARzRfEqo6Gq
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAAfgyh2ehxy
348Please respect copyright.PENANARL6GxIWFRN
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAW8qbRgSv8m
348Please respect copyright.PENANAfRxa0GaFyN
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAaw7DlMRFHx
348Please respect copyright.PENANA4b9Q2UtPkU
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."348Please respect copyright.PENANAhOipbZOijW
348Please respect copyright.PENANAPuW0aANaOq
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAUvwB0IeX5C
348Please respect copyright.PENANAWqpx9M2eLB
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA5zvPhvnxCD
348Please respect copyright.PENANAYVsvsLlG4Q
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."348Please respect copyright.PENANAXB8bilyOag
348Please respect copyright.PENANAiSHRV7mHop
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.348Please respect copyright.PENANAM1rrwUV3GU
348Please respect copyright.PENANAR0B88CqgHr
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."348Please respect copyright.PENANAz4iPLBgmbB
348Please respect copyright.PENANA1FIBFT3a30
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."348Please respect copyright.PENANAHq3woSnui3
348Please respect copyright.PENANA7iiKf0a058
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."348Please respect copyright.PENANACiSxuoVrMQ
348Please respect copyright.PENANAx2xEPBbJSH
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"348Please respect copyright.PENANAitNO2ftCB8
348Please respect copyright.PENANACy6lBrs5au
"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?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAIMB4jtF0wz
348Please respect copyright.PENANAg1SjLgjfhn
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."348Please respect copyright.PENANAKZZAUivKPf
348Please respect copyright.PENANAXef0Mk7KZ8
"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?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAMuOwFUp7HV
348Please respect copyright.PENANAnDW5vV6ITf
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."348Please respect copyright.PENANAvhxDZ9YJDS
348Please respect copyright.PENANA662IJrLhAe
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAXwY18Q69Aw
348Please respect copyright.PENANAyAl0UrQfKb
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANABsNR5U5kdz
348Please respect copyright.PENANAH2Xj7yImq6
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAR3ZXeHQZct
348Please respect copyright.PENANA4Pxq60RY62
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.348Please respect copyright.PENANAR0cTSjKdXT
348Please respect copyright.PENANAIVsOFMKPH1
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.348Please respect copyright.PENANAD2LxR3RSdm
348Please respect copyright.PENANA6rbpDFUJPI
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.348Please respect copyright.PENANALslWUQEAYy
348Please respect copyright.PENANABJrl95RZW9
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?348Please respect copyright.PENANAfCDLv6txGm
348Please respect copyright.PENANAkAdYqrFhyc
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.348Please respect copyright.PENANAju2vwpHbDK
348Please respect copyright.PENANAjeF9ygySfL
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.348Please respect copyright.PENANAcQihT4L6Cm
348Please respect copyright.PENANAYNoKJSdXgc
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"348Please respect copyright.PENANA1K7JP7ZmvA
348Please respect copyright.PENANA6bBTx9Lg9P
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.348Please respect copyright.PENANAL3gqhNkiov
348Please respect copyright.PENANA2AayhMfNfl
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."348Please respect copyright.PENANAvE29NuRfRd
348Please respect copyright.PENANACucFABZp1s
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAvDqKVPn4l2
348Please respect copyright.PENANAUDBSlmN796
"I hope so."348Please respect copyright.PENANAYnMEqcmqz8
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvGzNqCc4li
"Come on, we better go inside."348Please respect copyright.PENANA73Qr17uXJg
348Please respect copyright.PENANAE0uDBUVAWl
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANA50d2r7HZdq
348Please respect copyright.PENANAfNrOSkST2m
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6DzloLK7Z
348Please respect copyright.PENANAsED78OBmDA
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAuk6HHG9yEL
348Please respect copyright.PENANAMDc9tJD5oi
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAQL3LpdCRwN
348Please respect copyright.PENANAlRxLSLLPHT
"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.348Please respect copyright.PENANArqMSJs0DsR
348Please respect copyright.PENANAQjFGolhXHr
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.348Please respect copyright.PENANAQAX8JVeAxz
348Please respect copyright.PENANAEHHd5uxvCg
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.348Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9QQ1uA2qE
348Please respect copyright.PENANAGNzfWFZrhG
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAbkjJTWZbyK
348Please respect copyright.PENANAg5nEbjQybM
"Not really. Why?"348Please respect copyright.PENANApcCa7Jjbl0
348Please respect copyright.PENANAbywBdg0wKe
"You look really tired."348Please respect copyright.PENANAYhbLHkCB1r
348Please respect copyright.PENANAvRbVoIHMG2
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAaavnwu7pYX
348Please respect copyright.PENANAAJR4Xj3DEL
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.348Please respect copyright.PENANAy9l6atXtGn
348Please respect copyright.PENANAgc0mlBuYmd
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."348Please respect copyright.PENANA8X9y78VNd7
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0P59ugRaMb
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."348Please respect copyright.PENANAPajFPNKUDR
348Please respect copyright.PENANApcenCuulHP
"Sure, grandma."348Please respect copyright.PENANAZoHWFF5aLT
348Please respect copyright.PENANAtRv3BxGWj4
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAyiKxnJabAa
348Please respect copyright.PENANAylD7EONdMl
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAHLG7sntkZT
348Please respect copyright.PENANAcM7TWdw3Ug
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."348Please respect copyright.PENANASj7cFJZ3Kj
348Please respect copyright.PENANAAArMbzvHxM
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."348Please respect copyright.PENANA79slFl5Ulj
348Please respect copyright.PENANABzTeYyXmr5
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAH0V5tHqOez
348Please respect copyright.PENANAaqlsbt7KoU
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."348Please respect copyright.PENANAvLbrXmA9pj
348Please respect copyright.PENANAScxLPtwmdg
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAMTtl5Ukx8H
348Please respect copyright.PENANAoGaab754fJ
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."348Please respect copyright.PENANAlCrABWbq4H
348Please respect copyright.PENANAtgjehSIMMF
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.348Please respect copyright.PENANAX5BbK0fw9Q
348Please respect copyright.PENANAEVt2F3i2so
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAdlFZnWF0fB
348Please respect copyright.PENANA3DiC6BTqa8
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."348Please respect copyright.PENANAixH6TO5bcA
348Please respect copyright.PENANA7JGdhQPoTe
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANASwaTkP0rHZ
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0xpUZDGnRA
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.348Please respect copyright.PENANABaMT6kjFx3
348Please respect copyright.PENANAolojDpz7k5
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAHLTy4k881K
348Please respect copyright.PENANA0d5qVgPV1b
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."348Please respect copyright.PENANAk4jO2Ni1sW
348Please respect copyright.PENANAdhn30gpExh
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.348Please respect copyright.PENANA6N6bh6h27D
348Please respect copyright.PENANApgaOOFpA2z
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAHSLSWPBecB
348Please respect copyright.PENANAbepTypEYVB
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.348Please respect copyright.PENANAbX1jLyPhAx
348Please respect copyright.PENANA2u9lqFJAXs
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.348Please respect copyright.PENANA7KYEQZimi6
348Please respect copyright.PENANAVnK3cg6yst
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."348Please respect copyright.PENANAKPbyw8nG3V
348Please respect copyright.PENANA3bBTDZjLGU
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."348Please respect copyright.PENANAQwUdigL0Ot
348Please respect copyright.PENANAeIILUC1dTq
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANAbPzSb5Sdj3
348Please respect copyright.PENANASPZCFp7sMr
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAv1mzpjEkYn
348Please respect copyright.PENANAUR73BZmCdy
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."348Please respect copyright.PENANAQpm9fVuoS0
348Please respect copyright.PENANAsR2wYcu5W9
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.348Please respect copyright.PENANAmaSK4pJOg6
348Please respect copyright.PENANA2Jxrbf3P6I
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.348Please respect copyright.PENANABp0Q0ljcLL
348Please respect copyright.PENANAuwotvv5c9R
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAOFdOXrgn46
348Please respect copyright.PENANA2uxyr6VvK0
***348Please respect copyright.PENANAb352vjg0Fa
348Please respect copyright.PENANA9fWmYv7xaK
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAgLTMAqx3Ah
348Please respect copyright.PENANAX8hNnMLvYf
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAIl5FYpjh8o
348Please respect copyright.PENANAds0IPZz4Qb
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAtetMYH7cfB
348Please respect copyright.PENANAaS0FiMhjig
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAjqsPWwDn7I
348Please respect copyright.PENANA6zZfujFj73
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANASOSHIKRSr0
348Please respect copyright.PENANAN9Vmqn3I1g
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.348Please respect copyright.PENANA6nG9mhN3ad
348Please respect copyright.PENANAz5QhPEHvGS
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAyJuYGf8Eql
348Please respect copyright.PENANAP63GHadXu5
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANATbrCo2HmTZ
348Please respect copyright.PENANAdcIt2tWLKK
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"348Please respect copyright.PENANAmncQanU7dM
348Please respect copyright.PENANAK9i4PyrjHU
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.348Please respect copyright.PENANAWkEDqxdkc9
348Please respect copyright.PENANAAlw4H5sKSb
"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."348Please respect copyright.PENANABWvC2jvpxr
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I'm In Love With Your Sister
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Never miss what's happening on Penana!
I'm In Love With Your Sister
Author:
Namwezi
ISSUE #31
Chapter 30
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