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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa3lISxfm1
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubAgIp37YI
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliyRaK40R9
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtnzYDGFib
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDsfveliWw
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB3u7k00W9
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TwvUeQG8J
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14xAIno4vV
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7HjcMf1gj
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhlnzXSvkm
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lFYbtH5Fm
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdSN4easEd
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?602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzPPpK2Nlp
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYXssldI0b
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL5k9vXcN1
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDZDhGpQFz
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3WfU62ctd
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBGtI44TBL
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZy6wMb9LE
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQcvIYyRpY
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW2ctfBvpg
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j7eTCPu7p
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxyg2g7eOg
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3X7VQyD97
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDfF8QkEQY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQtDLhfyjt
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQEmpri5Pl
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxYOzL0njg
"No, did you?" came another male voice.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3rPNkloKk
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxc9e4PBKD
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDvaoFxYn8
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeW2cIX5In
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJllRhlKJU
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxrJcie9YT
"Me neither. But orders are orders."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWIfgGG95v
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcv1NTdZ3W
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHywFKBeQd
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto9tFJ7SSk
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAFrIR0Tbk
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyqA3lUyEC
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zKZqu5SHE
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EvBbn7ujh
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPSBaXsY7A
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxtsSmCudR
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj9vKn2cf4
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8HO8TpMpN
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ436syDB3i6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUxM4rGF5j
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMyXE4SIxr
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMaUYB3tP0
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0FpWbnEWv
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xB98yO3tn
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsjDhwaRH6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2Tb4siQvg
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttB5YhjGpl
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DwjWI8Nam
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....602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1XkDI6SsR
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBfZtC8oS4
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZUTsbc0RT
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI04hvNZNrH
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj1OCNBpRw
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnAFcidJl3
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kzKSoEBRt
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFu6ovW9PZ
"I'm going to check it out."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX98XsUVw2
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCl5R2eOj4
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrr9YrALQ
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc3927DQwT
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZh00PjRhm
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr7weDZOrD
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB931eiwbtl
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKS3d70eMU
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCFfi4y0EB
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C7m8cDU4x
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgI6sNFfFA
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqcBdaBpog
"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?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzeFGxIgat
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QWEm5nr19
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGp27n4VTm
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nsrFsBWm2
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HNs4D8VIB
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh29Y0Crbn
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ908B2M6x
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHqV9yoRi7
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWKiDrB29k
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU3VyEOln1
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:602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRse7qj4lr
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP1XOaNIvW
"I see her! There she is!"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMKti89vA6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8EOahwqBo
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVc9A8UWaR
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyMrZn2zSx
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl7JYp4Qdk
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kq9peJBZJ
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2m1UZikyc
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3U6hKpmSN
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf0uIFdUSH
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Ql5ANpjd
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZfnPmbfA6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiMhDo59nK
***602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqneSUbnmHU
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTeKfYxUUb
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpqHnr0FiE
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkNBETi6m9
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMGX5JDyFY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTAb1JZHPg
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Aei6qpyxz
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyR7jHnmTu
"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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCtSGptrbK
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHXhPOlhFI
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWixmjcD3yz
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YCOKnH0yA
"I hope so too."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03jGpfJzSz
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6WX8rRUe6
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCL91WUBcn
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntbFlZbEM9
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgudOs1GL4Y
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSESJHqsxP
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L93nlJCQM
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqapGN3Lp2X
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F6163jRCW
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbnPeQkL1S
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPht5C9m8n
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g9hC2B8QO
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98bgVpsYJv
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hGlzndmwC
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQxwiVqDID
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1j3j1ZK8l
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKd9VFcP9H
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsy3IpuPOC
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPUzatmxKs
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysNMfxYR5S
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhWtJ4x2yH
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74LySr2mun
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaypvxPqbU8
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3nvKfHs5H
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkom1xYigY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2pFaUlfry
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyQJILVsfD
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IfdKj5tkS
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vtSbZyEhG
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O39zM82hD
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70zxgWgxy0
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SeCkLObJC
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!"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wT2Uac7VC
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHVV8tFHXg
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbT1cNHrly
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08YxF02Eqp
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmLErAkAyY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGFNgOLExf
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fHrfwEzbA
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHPhfUmGYG
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6Stjt5GDC
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPHLi9e7Fy
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsh8pZrxId
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURFFJFM6R4
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd2lXgeR5i
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoxw3wc0xz
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8ZBPAcCO6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM7kDA3Kig
"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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKZ11bnoPN
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMrfXpi15V
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTTNu4Ye0f
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYCwicbGBX
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISc19rUH1s
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjrJnB79jT
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq418IOVD4b
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSona1wF4VJ
"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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsUUhkvQem
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmacUxSeAv
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ12wVMGwI
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGFNk0YdAY
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShollBdpmX
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82pskocXQA
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwnzp9sRqG
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fMSI9BgHD
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4n4Tgbob6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutooFT101B
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJmY2EVyg1
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsepwzsffyy
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeldUWdrYPx
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J6gBwqkLI
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT21cueLzAR
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwwZu0UsKl
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy95dmOoaO1
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8stGkuip9
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjLs8CMwaR
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW0FNJpPBi
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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY2tYEIpu8
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMnM1YWhsr
"I'm not leaving without him."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAebpGK6QRD
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Z81l1lPQ
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhysgesalh0
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRpzeMZz10
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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL6ZC67Hbm
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqOpY2NwgB
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO2BHifuNz
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDIx65ytXM
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGNMnPGj2t
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIDsJmuxqh
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKN7FoCrHA
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiZltEMsMX
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVPnW8qchA
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdhFcCOb3M
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsePgZSe8x
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzzzlABxqf
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNEk2QqsQR
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKbxpv2yhh
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiiQn6K1ft
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbprLMIjDp
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkOPMJHAoL
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLB5SlyL47
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSF0tWgpW8
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGz4QQsjx
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnEput7Fmk
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35uqgLGAwo
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC59nlSC66
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYyAwY2ejO
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcI2OLRWCX
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiVCfrvEW6
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOettbnHX5j
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlUWeKUtF0
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI7ylPxHXU
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMXWwb758I
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzsQ6K3HVg
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUQK5uHqqT
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCbPzoIBKv
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i17H2doAO
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGWxgfIgEb
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbi4DC9mCC
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTonhXt8Y9W
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmzZMrAuGs
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70BVmnVWEa
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl4tE9cyPb
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RIjJj0uQi
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1VRTsFcFh
"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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPP5IdUxoS
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OdrJtbqtl
"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?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwKp8euDSH
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukyoMvk36c
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPEvpXe0at
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi3xPRywOc
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGHgIBTh8D
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc3WAS22w4
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWTokPwo53
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq2etGO7Ee
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxf5WdBxU7
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhBkqJx116
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3aMk2BFH3
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzncjcWLWlb
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xGPSQr19h
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcwm7AOJz4
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc0X2dxvt8
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uGHG61Y9B
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuJcWj4azY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtet1sOorK4
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ3L8U7y97
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuTtvjBbLU
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCanrSVVJy
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5mjfAKlN0
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKzh6gUjBM
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3woKjOHYmM
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKlQD8rSqy
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJJR8eAFmj
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOwHj7UnK4
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EQOjNxkg9
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeaaDcwJrb
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQQYYShNFu
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMglj4Is4Pt
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvURz9yEAaM
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ186IznmTGu
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g7WtLFL04
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVZzyGkRi6
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULAFSDIDvO
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PmKFbuajP
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jTUNlPofs
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI09ZxWtxz
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXPrFrqbSI
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4JjSffa8r
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31wHCEqQlE
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBVlfh9D4x
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzVf8Elyuc
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjKLtSzqfw
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmvZYiZQXb
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0ycRK2ImT
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPBPLjOMzR
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm7ND759OL
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yaQYrnsqh
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjoQk3NmfZ
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr7ejB3QFS
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvVa5v3cFv
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8oe2QcANK
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoih8pWwFDq
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBLwLwSYG2
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN88I6fSZFW
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TBIvGAmYe
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiPmFvb8Dt
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTz6scYYO2
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34gJLs6Zwj
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJ9gpsyvy
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyRw9jYjAl
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eZsv7dZ7B
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhXhSTrp1u
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvcN3LBIy0
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftsrDbYrNY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkuOWUAiCC
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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6ZqRdHX79
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqBObwRyWW
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xhuyZwI7j
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaiNIyfsMb
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI1kraIh06
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHaG11psbI
"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.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDvEMfHjtE
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yPeAHfQ1t
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8lHh3Uteh
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W54GYo0fg
"For what?" Kevin asked.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVi25sSUkY
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa0SJD7E3w
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZBqSQI8d3
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DzgONT2vx
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EjZMeJzNs
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFEXkhJEQY
"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."602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoutU452Zim
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWFJ5UoFvY
"And that was not leaving me behind?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChUErCtPNG
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl06DWaB5nC
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRtGjc2lJP
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTA5Clc9og
"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?"602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DLD726oR9
602Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38xas07jWK
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
