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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6NNlDGPa1
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5fUWt2mNm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XElNTMjFC
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSJ4oz6JXp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBANgj6hoo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqX001ASj6
"Is it a bad time?" came a voice at the door.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFWbdwWOHj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rYCtRlKUL
Leo turned his head and smiled at his father standing at the door.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU0At7PpKZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmCt0abmhI
"Not at all, dad," said Leo. "Please, come in."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCSFUGQLZB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG2wt5S0lH
His father did likewise, closing the door behind him. Leo turned his body towards his desk.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nO0Lwvuu0
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCJM9OObpl
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0jN5UMD3s
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzppXhrEFuZ
"I was just about to," said Leo. "Just enjoying the sunset is all."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFMtjce7L9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzFmoN1hjM
"You don't look like one who likes to look at the sunset."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd8KZ9EFjm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E6RlZ2fmB
"You'll be surprised."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKkZ9I2zqK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIuo2BaLCy
"I need to talk to you about something."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT8636Yyzq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6GZ1JJXES
Leo noticed the tone in his father's voice. He sounded serious, and Leo didn't like it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6SdpBjgPt
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6pjAFk3D1
"What is it about?" Leo asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd5oWAFluM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDj430Dfh1
"It's about Angel."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOUGy8LwJG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMlTXZwgVZ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv2toQ4QmM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSZ3q9o6Ui
He sat down on his chair and asked, "what about her?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXF2tRtMIu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAq7VHVIt7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkX3Mu3ZGE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FW94Ge5x8
"Your grandmother must have told you a while back that she wanted Angel to work here," Mr. McDonell said.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkGScU5Pqk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnY2iVGWKK
"Yes, she did," said Leo trying to keep his cool. "But didn't Angel say she would think about it?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvn7P7gIND
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oZr3us3qG
"She did."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2aKzexRXU
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NJQZLz2GN
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaQnd3Rxwk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxEqCGHLyH
"She agreed to work with us."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWMkpFoSoy
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA1ocaCErs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tdGgH0wd0
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xezyuwDXd
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rWKqdQCVo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMnk9TxDt0
"Umm, that's great," said Leo as he tried to sound enthusiastic.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxte3DaX69
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b6mwCXkKH
Mr. McDonell still wasn't buying Leo's enthusiasm. He felt like he was missing something.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqfefcfVnf
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwbbtffoIS
"She starts work tomorrow," Mr. McDonell added on.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatyAoSaX9Q
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae8LiHJny0
"Tomorrow?" Leo couldn't believe it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqGTIB5LBz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0XTieWP1F
"Yes. She told your grandmother and the message was passed on to me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhxEMGHMBZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RpAQawsmT
"What about her job at the editing company?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8NN3Oyxgd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydK7ad2Jbm
"I was told she met with her boss today. She hands in her resignation letter tomorrow."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlJDvdP2Af
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDFpCn9xCF
Leo gulped. "Okay...., does mum know about this?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRxCZU2ghN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR247i5xSHk
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwtRWZF5Ga
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yAweIuZaL
"She doesn't know," his father replied.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99lIMsissp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbem00CuUx
Leo paused before he asked, "do you think she will like the idea of Angel working here?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ww2vm2LG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMa9SzhKPA
"No doubt she won't. That's just how she is."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtDR1NTXwC
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCcG4oPnQK
"How are you going to break it to her?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJpZvteOaz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVblI8y4Imz
"Tonight at dinner you will be the one making the announcement to the whole family."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAP3N0MUOF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKybkSMMa2O
Leo straightened up even more on his seat, his eyes wide with surprise. "What?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAzxKwYlw8
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDy0fYU5pl
"You heard me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8rlsnzsR2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvRmk0x1Bc
Leo wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. "Why can't Eric do it?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7YCXnlITb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl258AwmVdV
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmynezb13L
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa4HyIwPhb
"Looks like you know him way more than I do."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt31J0N18Zc
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrKYAFVw6Z
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzEdJp0OLH
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvkv7Csva1
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZsd13hKaj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1pJcInP4G
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrNZ2xXxEl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI9D74zPIe
"Oh." Leo hoped his father didn't know about him and Carly.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNAs6Z7SQx
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVWdVcTNmy
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8krKXwbDx
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvzTyp9hop
"Leo, are you okay?" Mr. McDonell asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCDBZo0In1
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY3Tc3txTk
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his father.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAcgPtZurz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmza6MO1SB
"Are you okay? You just hit your forehead just now as though you're angry or something."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc00Pheu2Xh
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR1AnymPKl
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiNi47o4lV
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth4eaPtiw7
"I have to go get something," Leo said. "I better rush before heading home."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAvrUzgO9i
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmThFHsISh2
"If you say so," said Mr. McDonell as he stood up from his seat.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFzSfZRscn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO0PMN1UWI
"I'll see you back home?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva32IksVst
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjVpZuNIUW
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4bekkZVfW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMVOXSdnVN
"Sure. See you later, then."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WNH74NTTd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LmqLj3X7J
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiDbihw67Y
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vB0AQsGsc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JFP1vBZCl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF4o3X2T5x
"I was just coming to get you," said Leo as Eric locked the door to his office.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucMWoUexsd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuEZPnBK9e
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRyJCKlklU
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN0jRbAT7d
"Yep, and we have to stop by somewhere."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWd1yDmQHs
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWy3ndLR0U
"May I ask where and why?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2qBNWS8We
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzUi19zO3Q
"Come on. I'll tell you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc7IbjHrYO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpRbr5NJvY
***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtoBkkVSeF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ7Qh7rDxt
"...I'm Harriet, by the way, what's yours?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO336R30OO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5omgBWzxi
"I'm Carly," said Carly as she smiled and shook hands with a green eyed brunette. "A pleasure meeting you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQPELG4Owq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC8xLgBZBb
"Mine too," she said. "If you need any help with anything, I'm here to help."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75MYX2HQQ3
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymmdqgJPOc
"Thanks so much. See you tomorrow."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsxTTY2MAC
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCh6wc3vGg
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LkBdh1syF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMhZxyNgjs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrD3xWebwd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Gv6uVgP97
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuarzAKRV32
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVIxSMcZwe
"Hey, sis," said Carly when she heard the line pick up on the other end.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG2QjvZ2VN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4kcWXCFHF
"Hey, how was your day?" Angel asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8OLNySrDs
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39kfQiTkjj
"It was great," Carly replied with a smile on her face. "You won't believe who I met here."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtbfMCHT9z
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJfNcbObMI
"Who?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxkW7u75wi
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvGzoruWvL
"Remember that guy with grey eyes who...., uh...., you met at the place I used to work at?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyS10SlnJS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrwGoSPdVZ
Talking about Mr. Walter's club brought up some uneasiness in Carly. She felt embarrassed just talking about it.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNw26yvZOI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj6TP8qXJ3
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyxhyvmCO9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH99G7KOW9
"In case you forgot, his name is Robin. And he sends his regards."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSFDhOEB4b
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiYUrwNEd0
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdn7s6dEQI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH3ybdrTCz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmiduIXy73
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyqqioofxv
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ136rezXnOE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mVSwG0lko
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tZE9jBrwV
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKYBNxnQan
"Nah, I'm cool. I'll take the bus."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyxprKJzvY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCDFYNpkpm
"Ok. Just be careful out there."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI51hgVSApu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ur2EJWxyi
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV1nRhVLR9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGPZ5f230O
"See you later then."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEjrN7fin6
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMoFLnnvid
"Ya, see you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkttX4xYXJ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Jdqhk3Mq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb772GTLwG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwkrr2EXXu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpnSBKOEIq
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxj4H9FQKw
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9v5iLygvz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapGcvAXjzI
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFdoi03y83
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvgUsJpJte
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRqdf1Upsn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhLQa4odrM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ4t3rJUMS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKHZjEoEYc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26NUL4in0h
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wodOIYNzA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYjlaTIWZ5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Za8GeMAB4
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIN1KhpUFj
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKKLBPEdMD
"Oh, no, I don't," said Carly. "I don't even smoke."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNtPA8Acf9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcbj9GlSXe
"Oh," said the man, looking baffled as he now stood in front of her. "I was expecting you do."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWi7whgEyh
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsKE2tGulw
"No, sorry," said Carly as she shook her head.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhUcrgN0ar
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91SjUDPRcL
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou9Alezhoc
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yGGmBJG1T
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kblLsysVo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL48yPHib7
"Too bad, indeed," said Carly as she smiled at him. "Maybe some other lady would like that idea. Not me."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6CpfGD35L
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTtCx9FMvO
"Funny. I don't think I would find someone as gorgeous as you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUh2QC11uB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpluI850Tg
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo6eiLQHO3
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxkTRxHYOT
"Sorry, I'm just not your girl."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSh0vQIiIE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQa1BL9eN9
The man scoffed as he took a step closer to her. "I wasn't really asking," he said with a grin.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOlnkGtNui
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYhGvISm14
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyG5cehX22
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEsYg2uhKG
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfDyTDf4t7
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC3oI50vya
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKN8v1aSpl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdh3ZXr9QF
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIEENKuXbm
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVUhktBmBr
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZwl3PhCxD
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOapxJieeu
"Is it done?" were the first words Mr. Walters asked upon picking the call.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2CDfUirJM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPCvZV5l5q
"It's done. She's in my car right now."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXiSGHK6PB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCczhluXq9
"Great. I'll give you the address to the Red Lion and I'll inform him of the news."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09out5nOgu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34TxtGdIvz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIv7NpYtxo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUr0wug2up
"Let's go meet the Red Lion," he said to her and he set his eyes on the road.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEkq65c30Z
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYCHk4zfJP
***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUabXxI5pNz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdhPjgR6Am
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjaW8qfG87
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eRbr7EeFj
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0CwOdbFOE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEviPAbaTfz
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEGqAzNjjo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UT3VcTJfj
"You expect a thank you from me, don't you?" Leo asked, giving Eric the look.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWxu3b5s3p
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwqB5OniU2
"Well, ya. You would have found the store closed if I didn't call Nate on time."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEY3gqVX3F
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKngGUIkWv3
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7AlsKpbSd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x6QBMhjBo
"I wasn't expecting that last bit, but I'll take it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgIZmt4sJM
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO58kOCBmH
"I wonder how I deal with you sometimes." Leo put the keys in the ignition and started the engine.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP16BP8prz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdFsh3QwOI
Leo's car took off to the streets, heading home. But as usual, they ran into a bit of traffic.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDlfib1hIY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudB9MabH53
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDV1iB7NjE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3jYNwfnur
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYNZAZ4rFW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT3ZQ7SLpw
"No." Eric looked out the window. "But I do know it's from Carly."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihGZdtYCh6
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAt4lERk1O
Leo winced. "Dang it! She must be wondering why I haven't given her a call the whole day."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXEuW6JTYk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKajZMng70
"For someone who really cares about someone, you have a terrible way of showing it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY7ui7NE8s
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tdI9I3D08
"That's why I'm making it up to her by getting her a gift. My mind was just off today."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDdcXZzC6a
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlGvPXmern
"Hmmm, I wonder why," Eric turned to look at Leo.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzPPzv9SIE
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5rK5VDs9X
"You know why. I don't even want to talk about it."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hzExl2aia
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhDJEFKhk7
"Ya, let's not."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxtWC3oEcP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeVl74jg1m
Leo sighed. "Can you read the message for me?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnu4CwALRl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaKf0Ak6w3
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCWvYTWqBO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW3j9DKaiN
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwS4E6AbrS
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2T9YAeZqo
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4EM5So0Zd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpyt7MKWNB
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93FalDvR1p
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7KOrJcUz6
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d29ZYXssb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59m5pFT51u
"I know. But you've to be honest with Carly and tell her what's on your mind."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgHXewPi9e
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzZsJi70RE
"What are you now? My therapist?" Leo gave Eric a confused glance before focusing on the road again.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ963wOHyWPG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYrKWmWtiZ
"No. But you have an issue with Angel. Carly might know it already, but she doesn't know to what extent."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91QPyjvLGc
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc2unh7MSq
"Pssh. That's ridiculous. I can't start telling Carly about these petty issues."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCDsN4jWD9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE1CDpunYk
"I'm glad you agree that this whole Angel thing is petty."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CJul0mw2j
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHhp1oNf6e
"Wait-no-it's not-" Leo was at a loss for words. "What I mean to say is-"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpwCawKUM2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSDGFDMT8a
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFFNdzURQ7
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIqUN9E8Zn
Leo felt like giving Eric a punch as he shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOi2L1Zxet
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh3bvlB63c
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9bTNvxPzI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF36Q0kVshO
"Well..., you brought her up in the first place."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5dkcALI76
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYxxAdminY
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFQFIEu9QZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKhA5R5oNs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfHxEjcqdu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyHnxjPFAK
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyXQom2QzF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJPvr0M6mU
"I know, women are complicated," said Leo.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2nIroNBrk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufOQSHOMPI
"And so are you." Eric gave his cousin a mocking smile.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4hEpIfsOB
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSsVTC07am
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGctD4ocYV2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MCRn2uKJh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDV2JXIwIx
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmuZSfUU8e
"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Eric asked.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HizG44PAv
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsF4FHhN32
"Huh?" Leo turned to look at his cousin.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzC8j8cuBn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfyFnDWmHU
"You seem lost. Are you sure you're okay?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIyLlQWzBH
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85sLpTPIqz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznWuAEFD8N
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcBWxv3n27
"Oh, no," said Leo. "I'm just worried that Carly won't accept my gift."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqTq4gjPTW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPrWf7nilw
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMHpM4RjUL
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG4F3nxFl5
"I hope so."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FNZbSieJT
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli7i59KUYu
"Come on, we better go inside."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUcEi92vrp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg2EDqAnRP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rlK5Cj50h
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyQWHg5fIq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFFDnjqW5p
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4T0DtY0Db
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOaYOS5FQn
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ePmVsiphr
"Hello, dear," came Amanda's voice. "Where's Leo?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4AqKNolkP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tHh5g1RXm
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEcSf03Khf
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTXIqv4vwz
"Come give me a hug, dear," said Amanda and Leo did just that.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUOanmTfaW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRLZ411eWu
"Hey, Oliver," said Leo as he ruffled his cousin's hair.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU5eBr02gl
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt4d8N06EQ
"I'm great and how are you?" Oliver asked. "Were you so busy at work?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN8reK5s99
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRycxQNFTY
"Not really. Why?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK3ECo0Bz2
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YeMZMVH5z
"You look really tired."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9TAbO1djo
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS26q12UgYJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9fdkC70YN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub7m1nbehV
"What's that in your hand, Leo?" Amanda asked as she looked at the paper bag in his hand.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QplcYV5NY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1wm36pvEl
"Oh..., this?" Leo lifted it. "Just something I got for myself from the store."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlhNydM7Qk
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdAsFJpIpG
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S32EEUDI9
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MQdnq6Oqq
"Sure, grandma."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcRmvbiwPY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwQMDnRi7p
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88bCgvNfgF
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz3n6bdTuF
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVYsUAeJp5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV4Ce7nWQE
Angel broke the ice between them saying, "hello, Leo."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMewjE1zgG
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCHEz9anY2
Leo struggled to move his lips but he said something at least. "Hello."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRiGuM7tey
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8vpVmUaMW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18UrTXAfwz
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1GPi7Ag7b
"Hi, Angel," came Eric. "Wow..., Angel, you look amazing."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU175ouMorb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHRPSqstla
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG8Czt8PsI
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi954HnrJXd
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TZToVgKpV
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM03EFX1XAu
"Wait, Carly isn't here?" Leo asked as he looked up at Angel.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6hjksAvpP
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot57UhCFHn
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBDk7ICoLu
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hOACq53he
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLloTVkEwL
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ffAbScIPl
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlyJan7j3X
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zIl4EUkof
"When was the last time you talked to her?" Leo asked, still not looking at Angel.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcUBKPaPGd
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCGJba4H5S
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhmoz5gfFK
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrCcnSv2IS
"Try calling her again, dear," said Amanda. "I sure hope she's okay."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMLPHBeuvi
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwK6DNxlqY
Angel already had her phone in her hand. She quickly dialled the number and called.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E8YxmkpEZ
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg96jdnoNv
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl7S4pJXWg
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn18mFNnWC3
"No answer," said Angel as she stared at her phone.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAspPifKW
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ8FZ8dkol
"Her phone's probably on silent or something," said Eric.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGgvluEmY0
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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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr9FLbQslS
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"Well, she should be putting it on vibrate more often," said Amanda. "She's probably on her way, don't worry."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvy2USDJ71
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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."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PJf9Y2DDN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNK4UsyFY3
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQy0WnflAN
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlpCAdzqOY
"Angel's really worried," said Oliver. "I hope Carly gets here safely."783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1x4uoGuw3
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJKg9Aisue
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMD11RIi4t
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"I better head upstairs and change," said Leo and he made his way to the stairs.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP6vGff1lp
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNykMATyVPi
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAWU0A1lOI
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***783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIVzdqTAcr
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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.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3LuWy7eeX
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She heard muffled sounds that she couldn't make out. She wondered where she was. She tried to remember what happened earlier, but her head hurt like hell.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdKaKJtmxA
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE8hN1pohi
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtPkF4t5Pb
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpk4BX1xiP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPwVRKqKwO
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5gy9uUTIW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHSk1ZS75c
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZNLTvOtO5
"Glad you're awake, Carly," came the voice in the room.783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS3XCxmCz5
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZo6Pr1Fqj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwX5DMfvhY
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V1dxFmgw2
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ImJw2EF80
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"Ssh," said the man in front of her, smiling gently. "All you've to do is cooperate and we won't hurt you, okay?"783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ugizbItRc
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpm6Dy2iLJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5qO7QtC9S
783Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpomdODUdAB
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdIg4qblCI
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