Dragging the bicycle along became difficult with rocks on the path and the force of gravity as Rhénee went uphill.Sophie had been leading the way the whole time. They already went past the stream, headed north-west and now climbing up a hill.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCsDC256Ve
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBjChs5kdZ
After a few minutes of struggling with the bike, Rhénee finally gave up and decided to leave it behind making sure it leaned against the tree so as to not let it slide down the slope.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hDZGly3fO
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48NCBMwX6V
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXt4AV3A8F
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcsLtkHjR1
The trees around them were much closer than before that sunlight barely shone through the canopies. The sudden change of scenery sent a chill down her spine. She wondered if Sophie in front of her was as scared as she was. Animals do feel scared at some point. Some were just too stoic to show it; like Sophie.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xSaocRO6C
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzOYPybfre
They were soon at the top and she spotted something further ahead. Her eyes widened even more when she realised that it was the old wooden cottage.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAQ5r90EFi
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14marZyyzQ
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNYuQLF7Vp
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XWPYTYP1i
Rhénee still had her eyes on it before they fell on Sophie. A question soon popped in her mind. How did the cat know where to find it?630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo16CHWQrp
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMI7subnnx
Her facial expression changed as she and the cat continued to look at each other. Rhénee knelt on one knee to look at Sophie more closely. The cat on the other hand, continued to look at Rhénee like any other pet would look at their owner.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PI6L40SbJ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LeNyIxqqH
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p6UiUBaVj
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJrv6K44qw
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3nen1dxML
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLrMqRQxpN
It didn't matter. Somehow, the cat had managed to find something that would take days for anybody else to find. All she had to do was go in and see why she was wanted there.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMxb2bv1xw
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1WeLBudLz
Before she could lift herself off the ground, she heard the sound of breaking twigs and movement. A voice of a man came from the cottage and it startled her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHmrlEjOsI
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnSWKi1AAS
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpaTQLhzVu
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfRYH9RYmv
Rhénee quickly lowered herself further. Luckily, there were tall plants around the area making it easier to stay hidden. Sophie in front of her, hadn't moved an inch.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWV3lS2WEb
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6Wbx2N9QY
"No, did you?" came another male voice.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk3j6zX2In
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLy4M2hIM5
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraEAFahmIZ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJknACy5sB
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL10SwO0zlv
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtlfpoJlKK
"Me neither. But orders are orders."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaOrRJOPqT
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0uHYw5HhH
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVxvk6niA6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwnNaXCtU8
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB0QS01Lmx
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxabgukzngK
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jf9BcYDpx
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6GLGuI4lW
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNw5UpjtHa
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJsM3EHa1A
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj35Vw1kUpj
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihhrX8vONk
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GZGK4B4f
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYckBrMQsUP
Rhénee heard the sound of broken twigs again and the creaking of old wood. She slowly raised her head and saw one of them go inside the cottage and the other go round back.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0NULmVDVI
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsURErKNzq
Rhénee didn't have any other option. If she were to stay here longer, they might see her and bring her in to whoever was in charge. Coming here might have been risky, but she was glad she hadn't brought the others with her. Who knows what would have happened.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R228b8z4I
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnzF8aKh9t
Without standing up and on all fours, Rhénee started to crawl back the way she came. She didn't turn around, but carefully crawled backwards, trying not to make a sound. Sophie also started to walk back. Luckily for the cat, her paws never made a sound, while Rhénee had to be extra careful.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbqbbWiBuM
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZOKwqwgwE
While she continued to crawl backwards, her knee settled on a twig and with her weight, it snapped. Rhénee paused as she grew horrified. It was a huge snap and she knew it. She looked at Sophie behind her and the cat paused too. They looked at each other and waited to see if any of the two men had also heard it.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzelJ9r5CN
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tdyebvo06
When no noise came from the cottage, it felt like a go ahead for Rhénee to continue on her silent retreat. She didn't know how far she had gone for her not to be seen by those at the cottage. She felt it was now best to stand and run, until....630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKQ2wvm8oc
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGojRj20qHk
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5yaE8Lrjz
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoftdWayxFV
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3K24nlhRp
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG1melISpX
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCrRsYPI5d
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql5rkRhIqA
"I'm going to check it out."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cfC9KrNf1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZUzPa1aR4
The loud creaking of the old wood of the cottage broke the dead silence of the forest and heavy boots made it's way in the direction Rhénee was hiding. She grew terrified as she heard them. She backed away a little further trying not to make a sound.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONa9HLIqe7
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WOz3tMd1v
The man looked around in the place where he thought he had heard the noise. He held a hunting rifle in his hands. He had no idea that if he took a few steps to the right and walked straight ahead, he would be face to face with Rhénee. He made sure to pay attention to the ground.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo19bjyJGLO
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXEt4yuG6w
Rhénee knew he was close and for curiosity sake, she slowly lifted her head a little to see where he was. She saw him further ahead to her left and she soon ducked down again. She felt like there was no where to run. He would see her if she did.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h62yHu0W6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLHVe5Brbs
As she slowly backed away quietly, she felt her foot hit into something hard. She looked behind her and noticed a tree. Her foot had hit the tree's roots that crept above the ground. She slowly went round it, so that she wasn't in sight. When she did, she stood up with her back against the tree trunk. She took in a deep breath and hoped that the man hadn't heard her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xYpsM0VRI
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErJ0djM6nT
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz9Ycyqd5u
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzvuOSLflo
"Goodness," Rhénee quietly said to herself as she rolled her eyes, at the same time, worried about the cat's whereabouts. "Where could she be?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeMPBQRCFV
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nMm9Gi6b7
Rhénee paused when she heard the snapping of a twig not too far away. She held her breath for a minute. Rhénee's heartbeat quickened as he came closer in her direction. Rhénee wanted to take a peek, but that would only blow her cover. It was over now. He would find her within seconds.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ76Axsz5E
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLkR1StTKN
All of the sudden, movement in the vegetation came from the other side and Rhénee saw Sophie run off in the opposite direction. That attracted the attention of the man with the rifle and he followed the cat.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x9LaKUhtZ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz8PY43z4N
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsVgAetb2o
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLeo4vutPK
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MbrPj9Wlj
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXuyWZxqPQ
She continued on her retreat, trying not to draw attention to herself. She was at the edge of the hill when she heard the voice of the other man at the cottage cry out:630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqi5LJQIku
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZpKa5egy5
"I see her! There she is!"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7p8aHv8eB
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9nAfRh8ZZ
Rhénee turned her head to see a skinny man who had hidden behind the cottage, make his run towards her. The other man with a rifle, quickly turned to look in the direction of his partner and when he saw where he was heading, he saw Rhénee up ahead.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0PdB3rWsI
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoTfetbL6K
Rhénee cursed as she turned around to run. But now that she was heading downhill, it was going to be a whole lot harder to get away as she tried to prevent herself from falling and rolling down the hill.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtznW2TLcZh
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5OXaHofCj
As she continued her descend, she heard the loud powerful sound of the gun behind her. In a flash, a bullet flew past and hit into a trunk of a tree just a few feet ahead of her. She was lucky it didn't hit her, but that just made her even more terrified as she continued to half-run half-walk down the hill. She didn't even dare look behind.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHAQnAd0Ux
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQktgfrcELc
"Don't shoot her, damn it!" the man who held the rifle said to his companion as he finally caught up with him at the edge of the hill. "We need her alive."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs2AMpr434
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc9pR8UCWL
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3RbIMVuXr
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaub96U8ed
***630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC2SmqGG1H
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGCcTUgMGg
Kevin and Malcom had just diverted away from the little stream. Miss Marie had stayed behind in the car they had parked by the side of the main road. With her help, she had drawn them a crooked stetch map on a napkin of the directions in which to take if they were to find the cottage and hopefully, Rhénee, if she had gone the right way.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSPqoiU6fg
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4kdHXclgi
They had followed the stream all the way north as it flowed down the opposite direction. They had reached a landmark where two large rocks were placed on each side of the stream. It seemed a little odd. It was as if someone had put them there. Miss Marie did draw them on her sketchy map and told them to be aware. If not, they would miss their turning point and go the wrong way.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQvEoypDU
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfPgblUqC2
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn3vG156Md
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cYuznN6cd
"I don't know," said Malcom as he folded the napkin and put it in his back pocket. He had no need for it anymore. After the rocks, there was nothing but a straight path up west that they had to keep and that was it.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigro7ygrYs
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5hQIzIpbH
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXVyNnYVmV
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmnfHqmK0G
"I hope so too."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhgDLwg8HL
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWawArDNKec
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHPJ5Ea0LN
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLPD44GBhg
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZITAt3M4I9
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQoIi1VAOY
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WI1nnLXdG
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOuvp8QfoN
They heard a noise. Kevin turned his head to his left and saw the green vegetation move as if there was an animal running by. He stopped in his tracks, and so did Malcom.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bJBpdp3LJ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYGFb5nbfG
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RnWwYJlvu
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIqEBi6iHl
But the animal ran in their direction. Kevin's heart almost skipped a beat. He relaxed when he saw that the animal coming closer into view was only a black cat.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr274s1aMb
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjya091BRiD
It looked like the cat would pass them by, but it stopped abruptly in front of them. It was then that Malcom and Kevin noticed the purple collar around its neck.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRjLVXlvn
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKMi1QJIZd
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr42mZNpcS
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHd30ktIsw
The cat responded with a meow and slowly howled a little. Kevin found it a little odd. He looked around for any sign of Rhénee. If she had carried the cat with her, she should be nearby.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1TY6Pm42N
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKuv0XOUSx
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJDD0eR511
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrG06rdMFn
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS1qnUDhqj
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvw1Riu0p3
The cat swiftly turned around and went back the way it came. Kevin and Malcom ran, following it. Soon, they heard the sound of a gunshot.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdSldylVRC
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c843OjNR6
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2KG7N4xs6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi0H5SNC4D
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkcsf4XDl1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAehJUmfT4W
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBUlRX4v5a
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJBEAmkpqb
Malcom tugged Kevin by the arm. "Don't just stand there," he said as he ran ahead so as to not lose trail of the cat. "We have to move!"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp9fAkKIcV
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8tDcJ8Fkv
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbhzQfASrZ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk2zRVCG61
Rhénee felt relieved when she finally reached the bottom of the hill. She took the route she had used, heading back to the stream. She looked behind her and saw the two men coming down the hill. Luckily, their pace had been reduced because the hill was steep.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe42torZIr
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFcGdYVfQZ
Rhénee continued to run and this time as fast as she could. From afar, she saw the dark shape of Sophie approaching fast. She assumed the cat had heard the gunshot and instead of running for its life, it came back for her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVxUeay3e0
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCOxlDwsW2
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsjYws9kh1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcKhR0sSgX
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeeUrx2Auy
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDAEErsXkL
Rhénee stopped first when she reached Sophie and was glad that the cat was alright. She picked Sophie up in her arms when Malcom reached her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXeWL2E87U
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXtL6jvzqi
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lk7xT8stm
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQ4uesxCJ
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."
Malcom took hold of one of Rhénee's hands while the other held Sophie close to her chest. Just as they were running back, Kevin came into view and he couldn't help but sigh in relief when he saw Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zj5tQfNye
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6j1XvGNzJ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH90yMBpqM
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWUHfwHybm
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQi0LzVlZd
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uLMsXScjA
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtYp68FNI2
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoTZQhFxGL
"Take her with you," said Malcom as he gave Kevin Rhénee's hand. He reached the back of his trousers and drew out a 9mm handgun.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm3wOFDMpl
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCURRZs5DWS
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PHZEUwiGx
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iuVp5lf9D
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXas2PZxIEt
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqgthtARs0
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGPZdSeWlb
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpJK1smLin
Malcom flipped the safety of his gun and hid behind a tree. He did so just in time as the man with the rifle fired at him and the shot hit into the side of the tree that Malcom used as cover, removing a chunk of wood. He drew out his weapon to the other side and fired. He almost hit the man with the rifle, but he too went behind a tree.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E76fs5WMW
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D0mIZ5zol
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEv7lqFj4T
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAhtscUO6Z
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSm9Qw3iW5
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG7WtJVszd
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62fIJbee0F
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNFhZRGMKC
"We don't have much of a choice now, do we?" Kevin asked. "He's the only one who came with a gun and he can hold them off for a little while."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbBGKtjLoS
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgRHJXQ7mO
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSL2xI9oz1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2wsSQJgSE
Kevin held Rhénee's shoulders. "I know. But you have to understand that he only wants to keep you safe. Malcom is a smart guy, he's got this covered."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FrxSbVUtk
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt6hUWvPjp
"I'm not leaving without him."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo8LyJUUEm
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvimB0ortpt
"I don't want to either. But he kept a promise to your grandmother and that is to protect you. Knowing him, he could even die for you just to do so."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWlzpGD7oE
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOkKctPoGz
Rhénee didn't know what to say after that last statement. But at last she shook her head and quietly said, "I don't want anyone dying for me."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuanNDFSwW
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C6aR1rDem
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTVqjtOIIa
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI8vpYF34b
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4W8r9i9gX
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtu9WNH9in
In the meantime, Malcom continued to shoot at the two men in front of him. It was two against one with their guns firing at him. Lucky enough, their bullets hadn't hit him, but the tree he used as a shield wasn't having the best of its days. Malcom noticed that they were closing in on him, but still managing to shield themselves from his bullets. He had to back away. If he stayed where he was, he might not be so lucky.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNPsm9XVh6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO6KAaxvDa
The man with the rifle had to reload now and then, and he was soon caught off guard as he tried to do so. Malcom had a clear view of him and took his shot hitting the man clearly on the upper right arm.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgqB7IKixL
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyQkV76BIt
The man yelled in pain as he dropped his rifle and almost went to ground, but composed himself quickly when Malcom shot at him again and missed.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz1Jm2DuAf
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD0mDjskOl
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc5AhvjVvp
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn9VBqydwz
Malcom looked to his left and he saw the other man with the shorthand gun, gain ground on him. Malcom started to back away a little and shot at the man as he approached, but no luck. He had to lose the man before he ran out of bullets. He only had one magazine left in his pocket.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAhlZ7DcV6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY8wS5tROL
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZplMM12wG
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEDGKwL0Kc
Malcom backed up behind some trees. He leaned his back on one as he reloaded his gun. He looked to his side and saw the man hide behind a tree a few metres away from him. But then, he saw the man's leg slightly sticking out. If Malcom was lucky, he might just graze the man a little. It could give him time to run, but not for long. Anyway, it was worth the shot.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHamk34NVh
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuTyURNdqg
Malcom aimed for the leg and when he pulled the trigger, he soon heard the loud howl from the man and a curse from his lips.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCFTzmtrRe
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUKNzh5u9f
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEUL21FRGQ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC98wKTwnNv
Kevin, Rhénee and Sophie had soon reached the dirt road that took them all the way to the main road. They found Miss Marie waiting outside Malcom's car. She looked relieved upon seeing Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUjyG7zScj
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03Q4XDBBrT
"Goodness, you're in one peace," said Miss Marie as she held Rhénee's shoulder and her cheek when she got closer. "You weren't hit, were you? I've been hearing gunshots."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOcRySSmDc
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ057HHjhGUz
"I'm fine," said Rhénee as she gasped for air and looked behind her at the forest trees. Sophie fell right out of her arms and landed on the ground. "We have to go back for Malcom. I'm not going to let him die because of me."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz7T7NZgep
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE3HFCWIr1
"We can't, Rhénee," said Kevin as he held her other shoulder and turned her around. "As much as we would like to help him out, remember, we don't have weapons."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxOJsLtBo4
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsoOoeGkrp
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v9XD3fYRF
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCayyhkrTj
Kevin and Rhénee looked at Miss Marie as she withdrew a shorthand barrel gun from the pocket of her apron. They never expected it from her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpf45kVhXO
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdMudkiJCL
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZNFmFcAZ1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULWq5OEXjh
"The world isn't safe for people like me," she said. "I need to protect myself. And now it seems the one that needs protecting wants to protect others."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilhUWGkAhd
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHNI93pC64
She looked at Rhénee as she said this and she held up the gun to her. Rhénee stared at it before looking back at Miss Marie. Without another thought, she took it.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtujlkgR2f6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxaT3cQywl
"Did Malcom leave the keys?" Rhénee asked as she turned towards the car and went to the door that led to the driver's seat.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWZSfXMc59
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDtkLPUfMN
"Yes, he did, he left them in the ignition," said Kevin as he looked at the gun in Rhénee's hand. "Have you used a gun before?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSweUYBf1R
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDLUetpqAk
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpqLSebPQ6
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10Pbe1YsJj
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM7mP5iSy5
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAVmLWvBBP
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB528pwIYAk
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLtgLgTBxN
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMBuK9Rq84
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h2UbsiuTA
Malcom had already passed the point where the two rocks sat on either side of the stream and now ran down south. The man whom he had shot in the leg was gaining ground on him, making sure he made his presence known with the firing of his gun.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFYyQFxzxB
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGqFsPDREP
Malcom would have stopped to shoot back, but he felt that the man was way too close and would strike him point blank if he stopped. It was best to be a moving target to make it hard for the man to hit him, that's if he was lucky.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMxkqZv8ps
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hcjF5TXjW
They reached an area where the trees were spaced further away from each other and Malcom knew he was almost at the main road where the others were probably waiting for him. But he had to deal with the enemy somehow. He would put the others in danger if he didn't do something.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOYXOqLUsC
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK017O56PlC
He quickly took cover behind a tree and he heard footsteps. And just at the right moment, he aimed his gun and pulled the trigger. He didn't hit the man as he thought he would as the man hid behind a tree just in time.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtuIH4tNA0
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm4jDPd8B5
Malcom fired continously at him, keeping the man in his place and backing away as much as possible. He soon ran out of bullets. He cursed at the gun and tucked it behind his belt. He knew that his only option was to run for it. And he did just that.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0seFYo55M
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5pRFWwO8h
The man behind the tree smiled to himself when he realised that Malcom was out. He reloaded his own gun and with his painful leg, took a limp forward and went after him.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQzw3rPaCo
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDGstETF93
Malcom was almost there. The dirt road that lead all the way up to the main road was visible in front of him, yet it seemed so far.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgprZSVQaJs
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmgR8ggIEK
The enemy came into view and pointed his gun at Malcom and shot at him a few times. This time, the man got lucky and managed to hit Malcom at the back of his left shoulder.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E5WU45rWO
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ0K8v0ANN
The force from the bullet made Malcom fall forward his knees. He tried to stand, but he fell right back down, holding onto his wound. He started to drag himself, trying to get away from the man.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrhSMAHrz4
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysV6BCnA02
The man soon gained ground on Malcom and with his good leg, managed to kick Malcom in his ribs. Malcom rolled over to his back as he held himself. He lost his breath for a second and mourned in pain a little.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiAr1LDCTo
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCiEdIaFO0
The man put his foot on Malcom's chest, pinning him to the ground. Malcom held the man's leg and tried to get it off of him. The man looked small and skinny, but the pressure he applied on Malcom's chest was too intense that for a moment, Malcom thought his ribs would crack.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphqP2b9K1z
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT503ptVdy
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rtopk2LgF
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhEIvidCVO
"You're of no use to me," he said. "I wonder what the news of your death will be like. Will your mother even cry for you, I wonder."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthCscuD67k
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqj052ZSXJ
Just when he was about to pull the trigger, the sound of a car engine filled his ears and he looked up to see a black Mercedes coming in at full speed. Malcom also couldn't help but turn his head to see his car speeding down the dirt road.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdCkWuRpkM
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XqI0ByMBX
Everything happened so quickly when the car braked to a stop in front of them with dust flying everywhere. The man apparently saw who was in the driver's seat and just before he could lift up his gun to shoot, an arm with a gun at the other end quickly extended out of the driver's side window and two shots were fired. The bullet hit the man squarely in the chest, the other went to the head.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CIr62ekRb
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyLkbl7XID
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd8WR45MIN
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYINXNZHl5K
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuzmXnvGH1
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWjQFpiF4u
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtXHZkcBJQ
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSmABN783f
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1fY1lUT13
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BUWfBy8T6
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZioXoZqgx
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jr6dMLwZ4
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb36tRfdRZi
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLAARuoal
Kevin reached them and even he grew worried when he saw Malcom's bullet wound. Rhénee removed a handkerchief from her back pocket and placed it on his wound to stop the bleeding. Luckily, the bullet had gone right through.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGj0sogylE
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GMlS8Rfmp
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVARnbRlw6C
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBoqFgaFDI
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATE25X8qbB
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbMeNV87LQ
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3d99PHSip
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3lhRUMI4d
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhc8pSHBvi
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalbrmK2suY
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGqlAVvFqz
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fn1TQ3nBW
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafGZ3Wi0AT
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWR6UFA7Zh
Kevin placed Malcom's arm on his good shoulder anyway and helped him up. Malcom walked on his own to the car with Rhénee and Kevin right behind him just in case. Miss Marie opened the door to the backseat and Malcom went right in to join her.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv9T6G5MQS
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4zVq7jZpd
Kevin also got in, this time, taking the wheel. Rhénee went in on the other side. She looked outside the car window on Kevin's side and noticed the dead body they had left lying there.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxGFmQuuqs
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4p4TVJrNC
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wCyKZveuO
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7NgljbjfH
"I wouldn't mind," said Miss Marie in the backseat, stroking Sophie who had sat on her lap. "The people who are after you know better to get rid of it than draw attention. We better leave before anyone makes their way here."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZp35dwpNh
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHP7uPFpWK
"Yes, we should," said Kevin. The car engine was already running and so he turned the car around and drove back to the main road.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2MDbvTNFm
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE0ohvJUol
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4cwNSdfSV
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwITvG2wPob
"For what?" Kevin asked.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrst6eRYrI
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yicHyyyg6
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDHUpDC4ul
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxevsXrZXs
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tmhPAEp2y
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8TKgtDenI
"It's no big deal," said Rhénee as she looked into the rearview mirror at Malcom who also looked back at her. "I did what I felt was right."630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDB5XSSnlf
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLfvn1jySj
"And that was not leaving me behind?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbewdb717Uh
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1qfqKH8Cv
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQmBmQna0k
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmozDKNbmXZ
"The way you shot that man back there," said Kevin as he briefly looked at Rhénee, "you've dealt with a gun before, haven't you?"630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W8bZjUEOo
630Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAQgYbhIa1
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
