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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih0imbJbBb
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ug5j3COnG
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6SmO9ZHGK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVLDRAmt5T
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsNS8RwAD7
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBWyZ6DvFT
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpg2KrwDsQ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZxt2YQwsV
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7A3wmXU10
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizAtmZoENP
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yjdYO94I4
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ863cVKFXhR
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gLRHj3ljo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW5XghfBnY
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzQcnh5AnF
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IHa6Nxh9p
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzTLfld9xw
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq2Mr91QGs
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx7iydmWMI
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3djNOvpal
"You'll be surprised."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeO8C2EPR2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrrd8dL1Jo
"I need to talk to you about something."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSt7hGRnzl
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnEf2kC0Dr
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQjWfXQ1vo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXRWKCHTk8
"What is it about?" Leo asked.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIJUneBJOK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORNjHaIhtJ
"It's about Angel."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTGKHGvJz7
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhOtqm9HEg
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpTVSDIWHG
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuXzd8mDPl
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEOU3fm40j
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUq9GCVnJ0
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HxQH6EbJJ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWeRQoIOIm
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDtgpt2uCI
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBwibwjCZ9
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf0CP9bgw5
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk8QUloRW5
"She did."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjvtGcNnz9
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMkqly8iZs
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuykQoyPZgW
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkytOY0R7R7
"She agreed to work with us."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn19yib9yNj
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzFkWRcDjV
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEYuxLFNCv
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlKHMKHzW2
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKSQtCd3Lp
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQR8R5TAaJ
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaKMhGcdFb
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tTfWmF0jj
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r9ocMjCkL
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiGi3dHhGq
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcGqxjkVHi
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OaRHLTZx8
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MNjXYGaU6
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNekjHELlhx
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAHJHNkZmY
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBsgzCCkQg
"What about her job at the editing company?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0JJr2PLZ1
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePIfDqJj7a
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbKfdjmuuV
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FyfPgaHbA
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lkbUw0mYo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEqIKNUnaQ
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgH1k8Va3T
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXIk8trDmU
"She doesn't know," his father replied.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY7Smo7t7Q
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPWB9j9hup
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqWDLtqnXz
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhT8w0p4Zb
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bva5Bj3Xy
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWSfBsbJgi
"How are you going to break it to her?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrLTlEC9Qv
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5J6Ty5zAA
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI2vx11vQ2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RLRFdXkcf
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk8NFWrgoK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGEa9fLuXD
"You heard me."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLPWujgtAa
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OENIdIA9f
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOhR9zbs6b
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6tAtghSem
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALd0HsY1jV
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyYM0Tc4oN
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEgHceEX4r
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDmX7sZdnY
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNaMjhkheE
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxHdHkMMWt
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmMcBrxupq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg66EORMfEn
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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGp2UqQpXm
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ZfykrTHC
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Os3HtkaC
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCRMg0YyaO
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOOlbipcg2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eX3DnsZwG
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD3vnLXpBk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHUBJ8p6jI
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJphr3Dk8kb
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1oKEtnldU
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z9Peg8u8L
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlseno82E7
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuWjWCkfSP
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgFTQOTb4M
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95JNVctTex
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Qh0RFwB1
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh870lq0oJF
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk0TEtNLpM
"I'll see you back home?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1jUtprfre
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt4HTZebM0
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01AOvkiS0p
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsU0NteUxs
"Sure. See you later, then."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCUBOcuKuN
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqsHK4SImq
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPaFrOP0aK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA93ys6C6iz
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeY47VyrZh
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2uTizvhe3
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LBC2oeKl
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg9hBuKYoP
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkgNk47662
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh1oOoRjOc
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZvZgMnXHk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP20sAyJF6
"May I ask where and why?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyIU6rkyIM
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvHlkIO6fu
"Come on. I'll tell you."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4ROOUaMjl
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ht68hjWU
***782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSdgo6Lg6h
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyHJVyAO9e
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNYLnCWoAv
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrVQAioQwO
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqctlgVCZNC
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFPlDdFGBG
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2InWpOruA
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ryZNVF38z
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHJqXSq1ad
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWBGIb398e
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pVc7Ff7SG
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXRP9L1spt
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdcHXb8xJN
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILt6w1fQjT
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv9zDl7WOZ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogcozBcpO5
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68pzMTmDyg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vDr0lDGjJ
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6hDz5KBxF
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqhI15QSJ8
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi07NZT0CYu
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCazx1YLzWX
"Who?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnIBluLrRk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl74M8bbI7r
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHY7EZ5r81
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0Rvgpxdfm
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rRaOKF6n8
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv1WGwBVkt
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0gwQTnLTa
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiJ8QhBfn6
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1LLvWiPUg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWkyOrmR3S
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAUP9e1XRd
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjBkshI2ht
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2MSrZqDCv
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRKZME6Ykl
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIflS0NLM7j
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY0iWVpyMQ
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSXGIr8wlB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzptBcWBa0n
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyU90QArbR
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoOWi4LcDV
"Ok. Just be careful out there."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKWve7Nu1C
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHav5g84Gg
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFvPjG0qTZ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHTJXHzONS
"See you later then."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOPLRDxnNt
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqKSyJcYe3
"Ya, see you."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC2g4igFpX
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WJEHE9nxR
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7yYCwn4tA
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlz86TkUyt
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysNBzAFomP
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32aoCRdGCK
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWkc69VFno
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RfyLe8m7z
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGcKVcxzvc
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY74cyVbry
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng52OdYmJK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN3fA32zOl
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukkoScWDnn
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiX1TE27vU
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A0NDMjz9t
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUBK0K3Cz
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoozfOOogNk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx9A32u35k
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B3zi4PhWD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNuIucgPuB
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvekgVBStq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvH5bNeS9a
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsb0WSlW6O
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FG8uL3zoJ
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuHD2SwHRB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbh7EYuttp
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQEThccGA6
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzdBU5oico
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nR3yWr5Uw
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L3DI3a4QT
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUP4SfYFOT
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BKooGXkWE
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TyuogV5fs
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqWgyzxpUi
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kvyKp0pfr
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc2hPtkDza
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrP8i4MpbJ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQdepDC6vx
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMFqntXHGf
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8vK420v4o
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7NyN6ZAPg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1rcgSmhxc
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat8paUBtlr
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKmCEZK6qy
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0okGnXvkqs
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTYkVI95AD
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC8pPP45dD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0dXsqT0hM
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGICnrdICg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpzAlZGTaL
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoFAks9EAI
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLurFJSeuqK
"It's done. She's in my car right now."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLhm4yExEU
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cOy8HNHb7
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhOa6hUVe2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kz31EwQSy
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCMe84ryng
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcaeqyzktE
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8uPlNle3x
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5PFk8iECR
***782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaGpn99CzX
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsncVA2RNLV
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVI1E8TIvn
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYJnSbBLHA
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcYOt02B4A
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWpp72I3OY
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0vkt0nTzD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Zohh0YPT
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPqmGCreYC
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriLH4SuE6R
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1gnLYROGT
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXA5YJt01v
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCifA3kXUtB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgNXSM1tdn
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vf208qjfA
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5NzhoqTzd
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34rbdlqKRW
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAQ2XVm4ZE
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQxUVYnuLz
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L4hTa9tFL
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP8kooEfs7
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteyW54AzxG
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVy98BjyVB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2fYYvuwIP
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5w937Okqn
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQi6gz35jx
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZLfUKna2s
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVk8CMLqZf
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUymhRYiWf6
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPola5rKBwU
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZtD5SM3ZV
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtnpMwvLEE
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNC4p7kKsw
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAIOu98lRt
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhur8Fsj1uW
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1euRcuVEig
"Ya, let's not."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMV8bmCAMp
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYshYPDeMzL
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHHCnB79A1
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gQ8uAcdYD
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpZg8wKRVN
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXDaPMPkXQ
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY8TyH3hTz
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e5nnCIWGa
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapjDPVaQMB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlUhTctGX8
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpKqbEOCRq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo0p7vWt58
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp97WyLOlr
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46SjS49pOQ
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4isKzYftnl
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1er1P3kLRr
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecsuc8ljrZ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN9EPWbPYJ
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcKFWrvXxC
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Z0JVajD2
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda0z0TuDSm
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPkDriMtvs
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPQUQpKq6K
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIHMJmFYe6
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPIoHcqC71
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtt0z9DGMT
"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?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGC0bGaNam
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzB301RHlm
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ3PtfL0ru
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1l0sXvQHS
"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?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1qlsilzyb
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu95hVMBn0j
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwz3aK9IpQ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAHuMOhYt1
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsyj2dRfZ6
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QSzejUgsR
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTWitpIniH
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JxhXajxB3
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wl6ZieNMr
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOTuFzoaVn
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS5Dl75i34
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOXcAfVDGE
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFw33cFkbg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPusAnk8Wfr
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1224rqhg2d
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQT7LiPMS
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?782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T036ChgK9
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5JCIxkgo3
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXVnw0NMFa
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2VNLAyILs
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnrErH2VUA
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnIwVw9VsU
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAxlzKESpk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEG6PbRQ46
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNSIRHL41n
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8HwJh4I0l
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVHkvkrdfK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje5d8siYxs
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL2e3ITtRD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91gH0gRaqV
"I hope so."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNLRYBsSys
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vx9H9Y1Sa
"Come on, we better go inside."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhMWp56ULG
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RwTCldAx1
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGY7N0hvZq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErz4SBW6ao
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpppX71AbD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtTeSd52iv
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUoMGrdPwF
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiovhQ5rwMG
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF732HtWGdk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5ajgglAbY
"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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7KK0FrZLi
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7e7pBlVq3
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sR03V7uI7
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT9t1NiCRP
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadDAgvEzRH
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHWlpVoZYd
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME3QJjZ9IT
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTDu5tP8vy
"Not really. Why?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLTEUvFtoD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiZ068WaFF
"You look really tired."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vhaeWCBKg
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGtgdMp2G9
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtfhj8sbdS
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYmH29Tr9Q
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhYcPfWEmo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W9CjzE6cH
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Y6aBwsT2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBqRYdbnqc
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10v8uoUc0x
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlUeiIoCy
"Sure, grandma."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Sjgsp8Yh
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2IoUwlJzq
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DJIGifrCU
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJuCO7z08U
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1BZG008mo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLojoGNaND
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEeCtjzpdD
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwwXfRcvmE
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qErtr29EP
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc3pd6Ah0V
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLu2Ta6YrG
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6IvJ3rISv
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BoxkItTdk
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BrgE06kgm
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B7qSdRm0H
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm47zNsLyaB
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtGEJul3rz
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OmWBS1c5F
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtilDzup7K
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpccdwnGJt
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfUuFNI0yq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1tgfhHMXf
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kwN7k3Qcx
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzSwnabr5E
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcMxTJsNV9
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMCrNMhymT
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTlntJdbI2
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9x6ImRH8i
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gqtf6iRSq
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdrl2zhwd5
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd2yKLsmoo
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6h3Lpwgwq
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbevuJILtSB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS0BxP5X3b
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPMNXGZlyJ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR12RCRNUTo
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21seB3M42h
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"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK4T516DEE
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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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr6mOvblMZ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbKxruV5ye
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDtrO6tew0
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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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ748ZpZSu4
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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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFilb8v48zI
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSePOETZrA7
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyWvQdbdph
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlfhip22m9
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0taZaMtFtP
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e4pcH9IUQ
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqWVO6v7KB
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVG6wNBYOY
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOFraYZwPX
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***782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWusrUMh5l
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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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyFV9ChpdC
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe49tqoCIJ
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwu8K6GnVA
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKGNVa95ms
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0Omb9iyLK
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKdqd4klyG
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpmcW32NoJ
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeAE2G7OHp
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YpQsfMUz8
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyaaxE1zFR
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEPaOVkllu
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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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BtkRMEzsW
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGmwc3m3rR
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJqEyKktaF
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYJXvty5fg
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh3Ryb2Y1O
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXYAeTUhuM
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.782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq7yq0qRu8
782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8zSdgPLKM
"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."782Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKoAQoVz4V
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