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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrryAbWq29J
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaWjrRcAoo
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kK1dyPQ6N
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoCezAS0d5
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcedWo9YBj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuQtF1J1fi
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKV859cXKA
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkUOP7UDAj
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEvIc6wbE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8wlDTLNHV
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvAuvYISd5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh4vcfYCOQ
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQHLk66aPD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSTB82k9nK
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRqwpbTsLL
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3NqC33Djg
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOMe6D6lEa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUvDSdJrYf
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgzRYsQEBK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsjFLUZMNC
"You'll be surprised."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmgXS0nZ39
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuX9x8GgGx
"I need to talk to you about something."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57H0PAlAer
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Tn3lKxRe
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6fB3T2wZa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDjIdaO1R7
"What is it about?" Leo asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWI5XiFyzG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdfQQugWqt
"It's about Angel."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjRxzo7IAP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQPjfOAuqa
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvMtCy7gcY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNntwFnO4lm
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOMQF9uuVQ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCNJj2wZgA
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HtQzouWNs
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwx43urdj8
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhPTfTYto2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwIzUvacZA
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDatCOZPZi5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf4S29aEHe
"She did."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQoCRjVuab
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5MQojBlZY
"And....?" Leo hoped and prayed in his heart that Angel had refused the offer. But somewhere deep down, he knew it was the opposite.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtzlN4RJQ5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5k0iubM5X
"She agreed to work with us."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe1PqTLjXd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TCOMo8AXh
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a8Ucr9HOO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nWlAtebvI
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD5TTYCAAt
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgL4yNw6mI
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2A65TWYNS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yhpsMglJk
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6hwtaCRss
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxdrnmTstT
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmQniTMwOC
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV0dhlbDLE
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCk8dyYajp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMwU4fxN78
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ8phvxy9C
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YT6o3SDP4
"What about her job at the editing company?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcTO80I8v7
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLubi5rvTd
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMg5HZbRWm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUacBSWLbD
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aQIYfkkxG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM1NnFwJvd
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gj5PghfGD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScrNo7Xi6h
"She doesn't know," his father replied.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfoWVVjiKU
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv86yRD2wz
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIcLp4hUwE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxpglmRzF
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiSg4FQPvm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWvALqIRIv
"How are you going to break it to her?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6L3jAQ9qi
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9Rjk4oBfH
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg01iA8BVBk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjxxjh8TwL
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ74iSEfi8M
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXLCPM4bwK
"You heard me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yzQZMJpTD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj16DPj7hzW
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93CkeYI3Yw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv7Mi5sV7w
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaeZf8ehbW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCktn5ASvIB
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c8tbe8JqW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZNz7R0MID
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOiUWGQ3el
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRlMvlzMwV
Leo had no idea why his cheeks heated up when his father said that last statement. "You know that Eric likes Angel?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABUQTzt6kF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YtgIs6Aku
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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCLdc0vmU7
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaM6Vwasjd
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePoJJTR7Ln
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWi0HOHPAG
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmLuBN0MCa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio2T2C5lPu
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42pr8CnnEp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6TMRNG3ZN
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmXf3hvDcB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kv31qw1S8
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvR16UuAeu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPMP6iuuVY
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2pgw61gyu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRff0tYoSAk
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0S2FGHiju
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KbGwsV6OG
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFzGgtbidj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkqfTBUEqW
"I'll see you back home?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx8Yk6ALTs
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5gYSV5aMF
"Ya, you ride with Eric. I'll stay here for a bit to finish up. But I'll be there before supper."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu2J1pfJ6V
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS9YwEeNXL
"Sure. See you later, then."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mqn22uXdm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYrtNYB8hC
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uIQJkYt8H
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcy7EIoVmW
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctVqVoasox
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK43RLFbgKD
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6Yzbt0vfw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqvrYZ9n8L
"Don't tell me I'm taking the ride home with you," Eric said as he turned to look at his cousin.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0qfONFYi4
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQB7VvmE6h
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8cOAnlC5S
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrtciieYJT
"May I ask where and why?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK2w6zO4U2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMzAuOXZOY
"Come on. I'll tell you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdtD3qMl8m
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCUqZCWc5L
***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE37BaNZvK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ORXKD21j
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9zkmJL3Ee
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngBtbuCfYs
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI30iwa52J
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzK375NkpB
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHvdrZKr4V
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNacThSVa1j
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzSmnAWryI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJqvDUSoEZ
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4wLfGLquN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGugQCRJuS
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqklUD3xnyb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknRE4WE5VR
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JYnmvi4Hx
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnfiEmwQEP
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw8USFXh7m
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR0UrwHN4Q
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zEPG186d6
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhqFtIJI1n
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tzvVXqz6Q
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZexMOGFoQn
"Who?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4u2DZ3sv3
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDNUJhAbg8
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuVw1h5s7f
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqpar45eSU
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinZliNdXad
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMnXpziocS
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUVk9EzHtB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7MXJbRuDS
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAxJFvgc3m
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWbYOY8Ox1
"I never got to know his name, sadly. Thanks. I hope he didn't try to convince you into going back to work there."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJGT2sLOng
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7IwShxxmA
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnH9jdqsHa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4SeYAw5lg
"Oh, no, he didn't. He's glad I never went back there. He always said that that place wasn't meant for me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGRtgtdACA
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2aLkWy62P
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi6sBFY3KG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkcF82ZSlw
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zg8qsRVyS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWbr8fuSDe
"Ok. Just be careful out there."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod2Wrw8ruP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKs9ukj8Qr
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtX94LLlAJ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXjGGmM2V8
"See you later then."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqmxb05Tcv
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmQXn1kkS1
"Ya, see you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0lArGNYXs
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBANhnOiLy9
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41IDqQsABP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ2S0sYRvy
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbHKtIuxTm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBbZ7ZuYme
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNkSCaPB4x
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4az6DotX5
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3qWKVTupZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvNKLn8cqd
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N09qYTNXn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jQRcy10VU
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoImWTIStt
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ONY8sHPfA
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU9rtbTYeq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO93vzm8EB
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBnqLggUrH
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPkM9uEqsn
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXM6phz9dw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2nkwny5ef
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAJaEbVQr
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaGm1jVW2B
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXU3PBsDNZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoiluqVBJx
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt6cpi2in4
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmvKweHmy9
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsouqYf7mKI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkdn6i70Jg
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ddqp3oJgX
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR9bESOJDY
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdCXIb5wTu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiJAqvkrp6
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgOIEv7mVg
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3A2TTBy0d
Carly looked down the road to see if there was any sign of the bus. She went on to look at the man again.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3PCNZkHYt
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYrXwPz6K0
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIfJNTHoiE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU49WU3pHbc
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cmNJYjdgp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37TYzCGbAJ
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpzlQqoS4W
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BwLd1K0KE
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3LQqahc7B
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGkLaueoGu
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuFiXcXiND
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNgsPG2dLn
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLXLyBel1n
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sVis2mELN
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj7XkfGhC3
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHbfxEdTLa
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjagLRcMaxV
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGp8PzOk1d
"It's done. She's in my car right now."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLRw5bOTDZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6cAPVbREa
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli6pIHWKMn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2rJXjI2b1
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bvolsxdhC
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHxIBl86HE
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QzOsRmuDB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUswqhxU7lb
***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7DjMpR6AQ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLXiLsU8j5
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoICgl7ewsO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a8Kc6DDm4
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gGEG1kDjU
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgNaRG5hZc
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw0eAN8qKi
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FJf5W1WXJ
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2TzNjkEfG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZOnEcIJYc
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5L0OtH8QP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkxYB9MPrx
"Okay," Leo rolled his eyes before he focused them back on his cousin. "Thank you, Eric. You're the best brother ever."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwP8SPQyZq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFvEHRig8j
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLGXc8hybT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl22nw5Z61
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHiFUTgJXM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3YirAcZt9
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuBcYicYCm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc4wArpDQw
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xifQBGMfx
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkaFo6i0QA
"Knowing you, you must have read it already." Leo's eyes were still fixed on the road as the traffic ahead started to move.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEVI8KuoJy
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ7ZBGGLS4
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Ux55SEPm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnmZZbHbxB
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjGQPnOejP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHkLFPAet4
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8QO7ajLvY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLFFiEZWT4
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjxFeUqSmT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntr0VKF8Zk
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIfSMkldqE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjT5vNyRsP
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhvlEJ1wME
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol3CqGEDjD
"Ya, let's not."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPqFS2Fayo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET91ytFYTP
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ3ACXHJje
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVB38hHQiS
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60jsA50WEX
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4R6X6fDdj
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLTKhVtjfz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdXPNYEEWG
"Carly's understanding," said Leo as he tried to smile. "I bet she knew I have had a busy day at work and forgot."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14wLlR5Btw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxGE61TGiG
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqESOOYDqJ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWBasdy9pO
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lEkHT7CPc
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxN3RAaIhF
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICCEMyFnWd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA2OiPtqsL
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUe7xXoxbK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3SvUFFHep
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0ePNbLhti
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3CGEzXMfT
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUrWLT4tJe
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn94fPDyJNr
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjN7Mh0XfM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYmtZvjtVP
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14gi9Xa55O
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX6KTPlPeX
"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?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI05PUmJ6Jm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfstON5Jxm0
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkBC2fqoeQ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yIWuBM7dj
"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?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm76quoX05
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclEuTgX0qh
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cM8QjcI15
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhElYBDIftX
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN7FFWve3U
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqYNx9nXyk
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEq4g1JErm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX2ek241Fx
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuza9NZElVR
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol7umnhIuP
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS8zxvDpVf
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrogHvjn1y
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUTu4jEYft
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT5NLgxy8B
Leo would have said something back, but he realized that he didn't know what to say. Maybe Eric's right. He is complicated.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfdxpYJCRz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxC9UDUjw9
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?783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1qUaEr4WA
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPIYd0LgY7
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrwfum8wyT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3BGdMCRC4
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs3dxp4wbO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqzv2E4qOQ
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutZUVqz6Ey
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5oMQDxOrg
Leo tried to put up an embarrassing smile. He couldn't tell Eric about Angel. They had dwelled on her long enough.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshYskWQkbr
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QUcTBt7Ub
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34TYjh6fGq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSaH1qxTNe
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2IDZPdcVb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSVFvpTQOE
"I hope so."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebN0GU7aHD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvYJXwt43u
"Come on, we better go inside."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJjWmFzeVU
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6gCacjIFN
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofPRtLYS8l
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFPNZ5x4RQ
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JdrtDJCvg
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcUN6ypGwd
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3DMrPZL4m
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Mi1HjwQp
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K5NpXscn8
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls9eptzRRZ
"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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkZyEz3wTw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQnVSm8Tw3
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lq1kz73lO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqIcTtk2Ps
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokxifArfdD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2yC83kBcL
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN0hB47smo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY0Kq5qaWA
"Not really. Why?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDbMbgHLZA
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMPWpBHsow
"You look really tired."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTtv2Ij01U
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhNcb5O2CI
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP5IiWebYa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuMWsjkCTp
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdg5uG6UHO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5OXOfuRF0
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW7WFEge4e
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82KEPK0M2K
"Okay. Why don't you put that bag away in your room, then come back and tell me how your day went."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkWdSjUg2u
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JAWDQcxkN
"Sure, grandma."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPDBv1CaHh
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Er4gTrok
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsScs8fvh7
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMXpDcdaYj
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNUNsiSvoW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTG0bEdRy1
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmFopxDu9j
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRmXhCDnrh
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Ao13SVSh
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2ngKSaLNG
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20uEAotJ2y
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7ibMTAINl
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNTLAkIGHX
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyqJUOWPE5
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Zbx4MXnN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqQYhKIDjw
"Thanks, Eric," said Angel. Angel looked at Leo and then back at everyone else in the living room. "I thought Carly had arrived."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5pcd92TMX
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMc8Ztcopu
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLVDtRKLnt
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNbZvFuv1B
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVwimHxRft
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgdrD5u6e0
"Maybe she's still stuck in traffic," said Eric. "The bus she used must probably have used a longer route or something."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7940jXW6HV
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT7ALYSLfE
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiyCf6vrsl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccn5rlbYRy
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy51P8Ycym
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkuVi0BI6t
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g47ikVY3X
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC4YuDofqp
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPPOHyuWhF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZvPKFA6hq
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTriP44bNG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0ZtU5tewZ
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWieJJGTny
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1hejMaZrm
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHURuz56y6n
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPrBrJTTKi
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22z6e5idfa
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1Lo3pneeE
"Maybe. She does like to leave it that way when she goes for lectures that she forgets even when she's out of class."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRMvXLGhDE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQblBKryq9M
"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUxvYcdsP4
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdufBpAnw9k
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS1oeNZzuj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP5fsAykqi
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vu7lVr7jS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68LotHh2e7
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNJvVoUmFT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWDj3fQK3t
Amanda held Oliver's hand that was on the armrest of the couch. "Of course, she will," she said with a smile.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lfZaYSZQS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9QVC5UBpI
"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g1VgjmuPK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uQ3ZkLwgA
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooxesAyKBF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYllGsYtvdQ
***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmnwpGCG4J
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0BEFa7otY
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkB9c7PCZW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayN5ujBKnd
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrPr1K4A3g
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIWFNMLFri
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrRwhRGwaT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ7QiUUygH
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmsi8UVkn4
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhgmU2xJwv
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI50bD8Pts
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTifyQ4i2mV
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhSqhM4n1c
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcoIwm18Ij
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yncHbrqld
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ScUfiAKZi
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9ndk4nWAo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS1inEmVjr
"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOq7hLmmYu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsHvgyYibf
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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hKczsMFLw
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJZjx9lYrl
"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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5oScTEJ4I
8964 copyright protection779ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfqPYUncPg 維尼

216.73.216.139