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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Sx38pX1gU
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ym9vRpLAL
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJTBZLdP61
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEpZwSU7rB
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfUVbBuKBb
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZObtw0G8D
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBpthKWLPL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUEPQbPcSf
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIavZbG3G7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiykErbIrmG
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6NiX8Ms9
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50ZJsbUgFa
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?700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK18Hc8eFFa
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgk8sSOZYL
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nPZEs8e7K
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVHOF792C2
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlezUfs1LJY
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpFKkVMhyn
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnbo7Ps0AN
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TqVr6Pa9m
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8UjLVSrxm
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyxSBMm4xQ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4zgIQP3D7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X2cHTpN3u
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8pqOvquSs
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuydKhNafTZ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOXjSjmX2G
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgsIntHUOS
"No, did you?" came another male voice.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0vn96mBsR
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvsuJPJQ2R
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNl5AivBMq
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW3XWv7BFi
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnt45t06ub
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPDPB6CDq6
"Me neither. But orders are orders."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5k8DDnCTV
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7bpnBr5w9
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRDaR1eRBx
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwdvRqUSAZ
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdKzgi3wlB
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUzUjKC97p
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssrYANd6gZ
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIRtnb4eJ1
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNU54BHQEL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUGRuRfl3g
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ua24zF36l
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo6a6JRbB6
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW2SwzLIGG
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3VKDq8yan
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHrbJGFuXg
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FoBO8HO8f
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3gumxaqAi
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyJOxBSDAR
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6BBss4tNY
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tXUHK1Ofj
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblDJkySxK5
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63yySnvsQo
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....700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbz0rhCVzI
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNnF01JI8X
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgxnTtlrL9
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1vNb523Rq
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Uow85zp0
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5GA783WA1
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxjXRxj2Qv
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv6VL7cP2R
"I'm going to check it out."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteyMWwCe4b
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Tb7eIhmB
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkfm0haj06
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4INO3JoMi
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPHrgQkQpd
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEyVO2oEJz
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01WNbm4L9D
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhcVAjfG9b
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yCUDM0of6
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZbpAGxwSo
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w67e0ksIU
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01HpDVSlms
"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?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU9pQjfQb7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjqSK0hsMt
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV0o87EDcb
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGietUAInfy
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF0FsHQbAO
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSH8UiTnfe
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO3LU9PtCq
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJgoLoKrpo
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXoBw7khgj
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrA9v2cYIG
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:700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAS34cb5WC
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExbu4D0GuQ
"I see her! There she is!"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj09MxyHXs7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9SHKLVuOZ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vdmurf98Q
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXwfqTkJdR
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EO0ErjDWT
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRbMMyixai
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFquhOvd0G
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlu3eXBX3z
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NGcE6XyNB
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJTeGlLtSd
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziBDr05CbI
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHmGC4wrk7
***700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSktHLuN2Nz
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hN6sZxNQI
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrXfGidysP
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWoAhln4uL
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHjgh7JfTr
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXiVQ5UW2Y
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62V6VS3Hlo
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjn5mDpjdB
"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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzou9Bn7lD
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK6Vkg1LEs
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIowvX6WIH
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2lyZodnYY
"I hope so too."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlXD2B92UP
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXAGWsbidN
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvhUItnAVU
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQb2TV33hq
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡappZdP6k0D
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VvyNDblgr
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi633ysSm9
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL419klHOC
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4qSxTRZkZ
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76LcuAklkV
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRN7rxkrlH
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RmeRcU87x
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mzBxvYr2R
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS8PEBsQKM
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgL9eIrXXa
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6onCmFNjH
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1coJVhcyr9
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEey1bOoZz0
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLGBOXDyIG
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs3PLwocna
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBYJcjvoEW
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsvL0BpDW8
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1B9LSigIy
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGoBbFoWOJ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnd1YzY8I2
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sQjYepCe2
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubIAoe9hxv
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSokt8wE9x
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyMq5tTX7z
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTjmP0qwyO
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWNTMkrSGM
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3QyOxnB53
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!"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfzJzRLLZn
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0qjvEr7Yz
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI3bAPJbEz
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzb6Nvlauz
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JqCVdrCtq
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuqen8Hj7r
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbOmXHaONR
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK6jqJrteL
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fXcSBtT5H
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s1mLjWTi8
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGUPlrvORp
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqKxhpmB6A
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52h6eR5KWD
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRcJN8f1Ul
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaf1AUAb5w
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprSyFrVOmo
"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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhzuuZpHIV
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vdeRMlMaM
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfB0OkVS6V
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OXJEkDksx
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0yGmD5gdV
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFsOXp8xT2
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGz2zbF67J
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCF7lYFzkn
"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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEP1rBWmrx
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivGIQctLFU
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolLNYtWycX
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJmqRGLEVC
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9fXlxAYgR
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV5ph1S6S5
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00o9OeZPhh
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMllZUVOjJ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPklQzDwG8a
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh7C37tQm3
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgtpkMlGWD
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hG9E3Iavp
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtIBgXldkI
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnQWt8Pjk1
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStdiTCHn3X
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ2CRYuLTO
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxiXSZQPtT
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7fUy0tf5f
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ956tfzkWVr
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3MZELY9nu
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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkJrXFCppA
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZcQZ7yYzM
"I'm not leaving without him."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceMjDByicY
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFWCl7wrQN
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOKwusRLee
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DGbp6P1uO
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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnux8CWhajG
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZarunBI9CO
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YNf29Z6CZ
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTThfNopY6
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx4r4nIobL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP5XF8Otdb
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UO6IegsQJ
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3dRYjX06w
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeVcrlp3cj
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi2wsw9fNC
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpo4dQlGze
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73rpZxGmKU
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgywCbD6WB8
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPY1sefq6F
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7RlDnEhxL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeKv8tHCPP
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuf5J8IBM7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFgYR5ALhx
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNgvMQOkEo
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4akOc58EZ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4yACBF750
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0vQng5tJb
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZIN0D4Amr
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2QB5luR4m
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm6LRgYOvb
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdbsOJDEaZ
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOiJ6xDJuY
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIm6BFsbMi
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmxmG0MSDv
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPJQpu0F5t
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRinlWAGer
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aJ4xFBhAd
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n4BFv9hng
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusFD94GTbU
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSJVBHEQMX
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoL4LBf8lm
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYubpJcNaa
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57LdEVWznX
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWxewvrR2d
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PSy1BuJ89
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcybFVBlTC
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eo1I96dyp
"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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLlv6YUR2u
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZxExwJxaI
"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?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMkIkoqcHJ
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjibey8MsAp
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3pO49weFh
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQPopttjOO
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKsmG8TioF
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYoT09QcA2
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObmLJDtFU6
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTGZBzdSQQ
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFsn5TZUEL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvHn2aNBkK
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP79V9YjLC
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyTCW13ZKe
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dSCa7ki3Z
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyowxAvARf
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tS5R86bw7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV2ofKPZSC
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3jFfwPIOL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtQT9lpoOo
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RvSAxbGO5
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUevd0FCszQ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRKU9Pl0Zm
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6sLEe2rRX
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCUsTrOBJP
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF88S7NPXJ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eKX4tMCt1
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w9D8lNDDp
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwNVKDNF0a
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWNqtpHFJ9
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEEaOmVuLa
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtQDByaRRN
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzRDDNt1dU
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilLuLnIBo5
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr7W2PW2Ot
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxiFHcKFC0
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3idNaA9GM
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wkNWXXJqJ
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MrkEeQspV
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WARVo25Pj
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ03W6v2soI
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh2bC1jYno
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UxiO2vl9F
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSa4ITP6b
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkwrBRimZC
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTUPD7Go39
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6XKilIxK7
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxn9L5ywFw
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz966yunvy5
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtowgDi0Lx
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPiLGlDQIh
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr6QmcfApo
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupYv50EB4H
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuqH4tNM6e
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNvUefxkne
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK02Dbcv5f
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ThwcXQMJt
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNatmp9oxbA
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaNdhf7vDS
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Lj65L7nl
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKwczaBQIt
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw46NRALMz
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5KdCSpkup
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G3PK7XMy5
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv2i7Lb9yS
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOhAD34LiF
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvaUSjLpzL
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZIXRBrqEO
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi76hyi5wbt
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMIWZaEJRN
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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0959qJgpLU
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFGA06NnO7
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yZDonsrwF
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z7mOrGVw7
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmgk9DAJkw
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yr53e3j4U
"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.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYApzcI4mz
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ0NPAaT9b
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F71tRpKfB
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VBfeE44G6
"For what?" Kevin asked.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigmLsvewVB
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFiko5FF2q
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKxVQ6hShC
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGIjCPKZLQ
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJbcHMrrZY
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQljagN64k
"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."700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GnKBh2xq2
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1GYPelH0a
"And that was not leaving me behind?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYcuMAjH5f
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnOwGGyryN
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ5hoJBjCo
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZBRQeJ4JW
"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?"700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogMvbvD59E
700Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh36eEcYrW3
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
