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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbSDHXrLdZ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm0pDO7cNB
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9GIkjSFkL
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7RnXIy5Zh
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQfToE7uCa
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwQVg0uqAJ
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCrNWdPZpE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0MCeZc3by
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u8f075c88
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW7l1xsYLy
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRgtfBqvjt
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygfhY8cmdW
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?631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUK3SESHjs
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOHwsjHa9a
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeyEG9vLnk
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaPnbhjsIN
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLlmaOWfU7
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLLYGcnpl2
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv83eCRBR5
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPgS1KFBGe
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzKCreobML
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hn5JCjp4W
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmebfVNmnd
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVraSKhdMm
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEBsXF2tjI
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNxFEp8Rj3
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGkOacdbmF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGhZk7LHKx
"No, did you?" came another male voice.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF56ZJShuAE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMtm6d3ozB
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ZkRONeFJ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd4Tt5pB9e
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU4auV5lr3
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnQDL9MNq3
"Me neither. But orders are orders."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pQSUvr3sH
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuSCUSob7G
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg6mr5YTar
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkBaxcxj0C
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3wi9q6JsP
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hnESj4dYF
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSLEJEnsgx
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31wcZ70CMH
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9IWOgqZuf
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jcy1JObIu
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGVxuwPLvT
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv5Xxbr74U
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRqVFRoJok
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjct8ecCFN
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZbzmGDALb
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvjUBQpRTU
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze6qzNIPAm
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAnQzYKg7J
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtwZF4XxcK
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzocmwohb0M
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sBzxBENVP
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXkkC1x6VT
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....631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlMoXZqnik
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4dFm5qVA0
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKa7yYSabI
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnskwTJwu3T
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTcDFxPSTK
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR7IEVWzCs
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizlwDmMFEL
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dJGjVGRtT
"I'm going to check it out."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvJWkAkm2j
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdiLvXfTQ3
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63qlBCM0uU
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakzGvJxuH1
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ25nNAYWh
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0954VkEMnO
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn507HQAjX
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItRmBhZg6l
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SHDRuDPgN
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNitAWqn1Ns
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpsUrf5Az8
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDT1A6Rj7l
"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?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCXb6ouwed
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eiKYLgvA4
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dntfg0eB9
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3a5EklWN0
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN20FemXDG
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBjmGwiq3R
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Ra5loYa3
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBUjzHpZqa
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQXKuecx8Q
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMksbouzvt
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:631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB8yGM4nir
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTSZCUXB22
"I see her! There she is!"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rCOFMwoUB
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJU685eUHy
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByHTyVSk84
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUIElTrgiS
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U2ltkcot7
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06jLwsNTpH
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawMx5bU1Ua
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rk3C5iqk9
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d2dAfBfxE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j1gq65GNk
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsckaxpA7Ra
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7EzXukHR3
***631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ICx6AYhGf
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB6i3ksars
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F8LG16CTB
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rXvDsq8WK
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMUKF1ciJe
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWayOolFM33
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzC6eQq1W2
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKk3iq7YvN
"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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka0y7cjGkB
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Ne0zgjQR
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqlo3qAgA8
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcPfv71wcC
"I hope so too."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnpjKU9QoF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T90JeZ2sd
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNIf85muAy
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmOTje90Th
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiaUyvlvgc
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCVICfW17j
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwwCdysnBT
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBTtwmkz78
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB06pVDUhAm
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ekbeGgxW
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo79aPgOzz
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob9zsNQ32o
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qfsddHmnW
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9cAM8JOJ5
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq3mIsjd50
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wOU6mB8OG
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUQ1QGTCaI
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGirM8THDyg
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTMUK9QxUK
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5dnfL1PLB
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa79qxsPju9
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIPorJF8jd
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rE36BfsCn
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTTVAMFL5S
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkXLG2lnel
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSVEsmYHFL
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAac0SFa3Bg
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J93HJtlJt
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMR8tBbXXR
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ysKUQAkQx
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08LUq3x36g
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayUCYukGWI
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!"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDycqdGszA
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E40k5RgF8
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEeGxivBlz
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaVjecPgCa
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5cuF4z3iv
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQFWuK7sFF
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjuPP14Avc
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBxwPhRtCR
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEKgoKK2SG
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMME5oQFA2
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Dbqjcswj
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwDsS7O7EY
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0crAwX1wH
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4rS1LeQw1
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H3ZD2adAq
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk3o6n95Eg
"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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvN4kJzDIF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWvkoa0qWx
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvhMx0W2oE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKnONmdKKO
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVLDd2JJIQ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75uNzbc6lB
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVZDvpRLWK
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJLVFiRaqP
"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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtBYBwCcfN
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76BkupN5qF
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedOePpzB5H
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfCvQk5oUc
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKus47yar5k
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Beahm5s5
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7MeLJBH0H
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOsuq3uPbX
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDFDJClPTu
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwR8kth3MO
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMqzjq7WIo
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM529Y7Vbqh
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwCK319esb
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEkF7varXX
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL502OcTJas
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M0pjIVNV3
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkyBFxYP2o
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk8OLbDa4d
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0eA1ZNHHR
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeNCCQB5kn
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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVD3zwSLG4
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpg4tPrts6
"I'm not leaving without him."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJSTaIRStF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GhwLaBsYw
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowyf8PnyiP
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNaNRN7d11
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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QPIx52OjU
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXNUYuO2Dx
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Eks2OMfKL
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhElpwlocv
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayvnrYObCl
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrAYBPBnOs
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hFBBl5Cqz
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I6AFp2MFh
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxdKff73Nh
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVMJsnjHkp
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNziimaFhQm
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2iHXkZd0I
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4Slkbt0AF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnf1uwxxIK
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYIvYHD7SM
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pkyX4lsUw
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7ZEauJWz1
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeRApr1qee
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjry3dl5q8
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn42g5YJuH4
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHmF9Q0j53
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp8tMqEMVE
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCnfME9cSY
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMrsviJ4DW
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXi3ybz5Uu
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPyHIE2QA5
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXA3N2QsRG
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7eniREMrq
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vLofOjy6c
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBvwJohTk9
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOKiUuY26S
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq6sekIJiU
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKmYK1eiXE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2SzJhsWr4
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x00QFFkm9
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafy3S0Z5TB
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LdPbs3IGA
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQfNynG6ZI
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDI8uI7bb9
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF02F5ElsX
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Fu4AmGUz
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kPCerJNZE
"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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC93tDvPcpq
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrZ3TtKtMT
"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?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5xTe5Wm79
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZha66VP8Es
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIgoUxg7ao
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnQ3mDEkPV
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sc14C6ZsW
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvn6u6qJ3j
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSebFefbTO
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbVRUBHNNk
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq9EhhqEjx
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QzK4be2V4
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLdFFVS5H9
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29pecxJYve
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFw04JiSDN
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl6DIuyhZr
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3BMQclRRB
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4hjHIBMmJ
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9qGctKkOZ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AirDvIwkq
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEkqL8lZXI
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogXE9UeZwI
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdGBjXbOgQ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpAKDAoXr8
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygqZihxKMJ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBReYmk7Oq
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIZF75uyNU
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLLhqP9Pm1
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Sv4w5SCEE
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzWZf6iPAU
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5f7VgWSAf
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1w7I8LLak
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFujfvKBjX7
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq0RUtM33b
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPXhMOT2tD
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNypBjgfyN
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7zHQ1Zjcm
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oljEkwhak
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV2q54BsTR
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrpJ5l6wFD
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOnzMXANUb
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvmlzK2Uiy
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfPtvpnBjS
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOLvqyw8Gr
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrttg0forPw
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq2LAoeOiU
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwBKaaI7MS
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvlnVYp8f0
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuW9gSwmiL
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnuw2QAGx6
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcnwiIxBsj
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1rRkQ7hRH
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY792YHpqrG
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrTTkw5ATa
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrP8pp5TLe
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbgjXwFaL1
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUw9ABzOFm
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6qQEedWdA
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoa8XTDssC
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWCTcMRWJs
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbRfUYn2u4
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYidPodkFc
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYpqu0OPyW
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwhzJymfag
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2UKFmKyLJ
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkXFwQcurN
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4iPF4bOux
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGcR7WZ5W3
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ancjZ9614
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOJYfvWqFZ
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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5GeD5joVx
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUU7v9agHi
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8HJ0i9Rgn
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AbeNVVxo4
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1wa6ok8hF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5SO4SdMnJ
"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.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGnqvlZZNF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFXAp4Pv4W
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQCtPOURlv
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS559BCl9X
"For what?" Kevin asked.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxrlONtbvV
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkFtkLol4m
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcoMbHiilM
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2Rndb9USh
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC8aQRjHqX
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57bWISmiGe
"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."631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNUho1uQAx
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFrF9JaLxW
"And that was not leaving me behind?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHgrDPfofe
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49busRtr4l
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo5TTHO3GF
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSfAvIH7an
"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?"631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31qAbWj139
631Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZh4zzykZJ
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
