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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UVtNjdnlk
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ENI2iOMT
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9zdiZkWB7
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrzKVwxPrz
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVTQ0oRHIf
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuthSGadu9u
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYIPsF7frZ
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIa5X9pSQe
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TZn9Z9MJq
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLPCIaqmbv
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoawKbwmXf
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSkAaKPBdQ
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?664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR8Ayg3OWE
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVG5kwGWj9
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlg1TvUdmI
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqMWc9pqQF
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJCQKUjSjr
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPIVAQzslP
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9376N9Cew1
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHGIfqBfMd
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmh2NwnO71
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4TyhZRz8U
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCeBEKn9zW
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRQRPTYGKq
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwTrg55GrH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DELEBgcR9
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvEOMw9ooH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVug1U4Mof
"No, did you?" came another male voice.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobO0FtmkSc
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWzKCAa35h
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0CAf6ahk5
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8ZKEWTCj3
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0qxz9f86l
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbsZkXL6xS
"Me neither. But orders are orders."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHXRlrx1Uj
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15tiT3bTMG
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKMqGNIXyC
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBur1CmTeB5
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I12lj0SBt
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY7efPCiwa
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL9kJkAmeI
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhar7lXjVRl
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K6WjlEwOv
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHQtJwGHS2
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ox8RLWyv0
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJhIbYu52s
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWau4zWYuAI
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid8b6ykVmj
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPXp5vTYqN
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM4ofzkj4W
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfINNm4VmS
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5dUeZcTI2
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvBm1ILr2D
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNXcYtw5z6
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NWmKBGjz8
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeslnQ1dnc1
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....664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoImOkWec4s
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9TQCBcrmg
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdaeodFwvY
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsNR4HgRlc
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n3cxk1J4E
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdYuUQMd4k
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv4gcYfoGB
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDTngxL5mu
"I'm going to check it out."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I7tYTNdK0
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV37y7O4QQU
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBllkou6t9s
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX3CjJoCwF
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7NlsxQw4K
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1HwH7nJN3
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ibzRzCY9P
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFeqH8nIOA
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1ZpDgr353
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVqgQImigv
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP7SucsAbD
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJijMLKEh9
"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?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3TB3oowZo
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPLPloaq8v
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoU7HyBbPn
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3thfRwMIP
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1LqWbRGKz
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUyfRGjBfu
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj33cGiASbH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0x9IatuGo
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77BE70mbWd
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS25kxCykPr
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:664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUpMhw9t1L
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Z4j33QTY
"I see her! There she is!"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqSDesKMxQ
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSTJJ8szTf
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMCgvPFhnn
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhqeOOkhmK
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf54rzPLHN
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXLtCMDHac
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrXKOSVk6W
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiBidVrRns
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCIZlJtjqr
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHVz0JlP3p
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzohhU3tg7
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEwmcY83Wh
***664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJKs9bYZzu
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFNTCQG6sS
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eT6tHTOh2
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AEg488geg
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHENUPCrBjW
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrcPEYohJB
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXMcJzE9hG
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcXiqRHEQk
"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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTmXqciTsr
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeaxn3Lgnz
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw5J72jV06
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIyGQuYFmk
"I hope so too."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlixyqiIfUk
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEt1yGCGAo
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYYlt5E5Pj
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWfT3C09kJ
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBTJnWqv9h
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvxA2cJmB6
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZQwngmBh3
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2j8NhgFT1
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0PpHZCXCX
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke48SqQHkr
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtbHVq46Xm
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFPzxqxizp
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCle2SensIU
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI1DpJCGoK
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtkuvvYIcK
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1HT5kypwF
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8Exha5i1n
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVUBEWeGFW
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHZ0lqweeU
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNpSH5Vibt
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYicY80BDd
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92rDpNgQCc
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1pfZmMPqi
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm02TNlCHd
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2D7CdHnZF
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZSaew7kPp
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E36d0k2VS
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XlZlfyNKt
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSGWgRBvFz
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9JiB0wADs
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqml94DCpVb
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPdRK4CAyC
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!"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQBTSECL8O
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTugOoZLoa9
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIFi0oA7vn
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFSdiSkSB1
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof6t8dQIC5
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdUIGq64HY
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcV0je4U7k
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDlbv2FfdE
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3A9lWWihS
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI26xZg6Uw
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ilSeTajNN
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUOJafOPgJ
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dcOVd0yPf
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2UR6a67Zk
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ifPZmrcSV
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH9IfMuvg2
"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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZdT57LYad
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZJ2AEH0gT
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza59M1z3HK
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE9bZsluIi
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKKc5ASZRY
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkxIbId0d8
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45fOZZbPXF
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxKUXHlkgc
"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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY8fUZeVfR
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsbJzdLKLg
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwCMG3Tg8n
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpDVlCoCpw
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX8n90nA8x
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmW4N3shV5
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsOjy3nhLU
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJjk8g5fxt
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu3BFeI8A9
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROLU21EclR
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPWbx4zNfp
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42vh7xIKLK
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38i5Zqe8vI
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJr6kelz9D
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiXLepiwuR
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7STmZX6TaQ
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE40kLJN381
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWJEKb5LX0
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiC8qKXK6U
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvQxZZd88A
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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCxWGA4EDa
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kSPPbzBsU
"I'm not leaving without him."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7ts34xI5m
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nZdJF6nju
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAdaAJzooM
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cJQo5sOvq
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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR1yI6uiGq
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1vR1LnfT4
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XgsbMCiZ8
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRc16KxY2l
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSvxhsxebz
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Ol7sWUoW
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSKACjWBDj
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr1XFn75rJ
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl8HglnJGy
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFHwSV0wUr
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUuZViSjm2
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKahtLDWgZM
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOjvGeGnMU
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBvnHDH3D3
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFXznUBp7v
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAQteGrOoI
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJnmLo7Ugr
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr8b2ldzAb
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0qTSg939x
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzvWKIGci8
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvSgyZXT6K
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj2929kA6b
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u7p9sKhrH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmnw2BEK0Z
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbkUQE2NZS
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKgDCkruF7
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlvU6CkAqZ
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpquMDGjEHk
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZC6CfHiTN
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWWv31NrpL
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2tYyLmhiX
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjWs3OQPaH
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4cyERA7Yf
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCrQEgN5bG
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWL5QHWkuF
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlpQxPmu4H
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM4wR45i4m
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB2RU2AFjS
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7WV3ef6b9
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkBqTIhl6U
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7okxvJqrcT
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn31jGq6W6V
"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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3wLzXLxVr
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoDn71PpQc
"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?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmGHxtyjPa
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KDwOc3bTl
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns64nkM696
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U0mNol715
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wdHb6oTFH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BgoF191oY
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIThnbfagbZ
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelnZx4iBln
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9D0By4rRA
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RYU6ecmLt
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7183zo0cH
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcmlCQ95qe
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeXMDEhW4Y
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTanrtZfNd
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKdFWfsEG7
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerJFzz5HDh
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4VcBQPMSc
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKKfCPCaCp
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWWV1IjD3i
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12QpoRbIVh
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOKybu9pvs
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12W6amFUBK
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQv7PgSBZZ
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIykFyt6f5o
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrJqpUmgGR
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58KRHdaV0F
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtBsFHkLDt
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXhGON4QHQ
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLcXT2jEwl
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg1xxUuj0Y
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgyocza5lS
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ746dhF0XSM
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKIh9SfDj
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPSLFx8Wgw
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2MCOk5j91
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjxToV952r
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThZTGwqAXn
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVVEjfr0iw
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55THil7Rf3
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgooG3Cw5yR
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavDYf3xyku
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau5mgJLX6E
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b63o14UFU
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG97bJFuhK0
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBuUaMrmzE
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oNc3oOnqJ
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9MW5l9o4M
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72katj0WrX
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisqe4DoNu8
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9o2Fd8hgR
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRuIf1zR6f
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9mwrv5lRj
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScp1jfOAob
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7ekag6SM8
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgdFfWDm6T
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0SvA7dzT0
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXQq9ni9qp
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CCHha31kn
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyCt2U4BY8
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs7ek081AB
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bnBhCCCR4
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4b59haS1L
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYsbTtCJCq
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMrrZXxfU8
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpNbKh8rsu
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeahI3YR9vv
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ6ZMVtOO9
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnbwV2s1p2
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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8luDzXHID
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytqcPWmBaC
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8ZkStOePb
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkTYfBRibI
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthBUJF5iE
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1gVA3rUgT
"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.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3ApgXIedW
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKSMn2pEjj
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3dooUogls
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBpc5fCKyO
"For what?" Kevin asked.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGPzlJLgNC
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulJICNSIJb
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4WnmLBJP7
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qlbxz9Pw6
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2orgpD8B
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NgRFjDqXR
"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."664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UniyTeqmE
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Q2rsRD0f
"And that was not leaving me behind?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdN0rV7Nyc
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmIOx63wMB
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLoVejkHfw
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOjcVY9vCI
"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?"664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA5kkYFsv2
664Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnyjifSU5Y
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
