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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUecgncgIB
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcow7jMnwx
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6beX8bxmid
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF8aiJwrwz
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp6n2k9Lls
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVCVePlLfL
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB7MdjMPnP
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtlHCvY9UI
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2zZD48cRl
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv7ILH5W0N
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pw1RPlbg9
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP30FXUumA
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?651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmXSaCLTJs
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4va1CQ5W1
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVomA3UhTpg
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq1zBSReM7
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFncsK1Zfe
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91q0wpNHyp
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASgvjPBceU
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEzb9LV4Ro
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO4y75vpwv
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxtZMr3Ils
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfifgC50uIj
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfEjowB3U3
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACjOu6mxhs
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiXKJRHXZI
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQASTQaiPh4
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdLubY8KfR
"No, did you?" came another male voice.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Qy79Kmwg
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYg0ntchKY
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGUNz8zl2i
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVAJxoDzgT
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPznCwwP4j
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDqoQLqmNB
"Me neither. But orders are orders."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHeFDMUKSo
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFjHxtu8El
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuBOjk38bW
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvM6JhfQ9H
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbrSuMM0Ye
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MBsoKWKps
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TBhAzEgVI
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKMajstGtD
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBcXYgxcb8
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGA7svx8GP
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcvJ2mFOQn
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6l8beoFVw
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHubPL10fAX
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn698mLiPzb
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86JL2P65wC
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UyOIIwZUh
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GIj3Ovh8A
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cOfNZUyRR
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWQFFXWpJ7
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CQnNvyCqA
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBH5vydkAC
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX50dtPDaAc
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....651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxpQfDn72c
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1k9Zbn24l
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVvkBHO1JR
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFKmKmBwu1
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc322IbOcxh
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UYtmJLCx2
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreouCM4qX4
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLntzFnCEjj
"I'm going to check it out."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmMHhv1Xfq
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsllluqoJJ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBapm7bSjfL
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ3tFfP7nT
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2y2CZInBt
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVROUL2Zmxn
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIc7sXRKn8
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoxk3MUO9N
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoso5HwLA1n
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyANplZ6cHm
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxujHYwvHJ4
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydwIqNqDl2
"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?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24f0vAg3QZ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwfOCk6ZUI
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb1tx58PtF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKwKY7Nw9u
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovCfHpnwAt
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCypajKCRh
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv6ifOx7qQ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKctWZiCMy
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTFcbXczWf
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2m6CzXEZ5
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:651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OAUw0m9jQ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vm2BAqymz
"I see her! There she is!"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv5yKBFBfi
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEopxbERhc
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc0zEBVWHF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHfzgz6zeQ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck1andmTDY
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69zC9QScZd
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAVJc2XLjv
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyUy1TszIQ
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFwsc9QNBq
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGwYfZ1g1u
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF93adoOcj
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FTOv2dqZG
***651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3OcQ4vNk8
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTlWSrhmtH
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kxPrmStYI
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjrAsWBDv4
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8cOoMFQVW
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH5VFgW0Tr
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGMFSoFEAg
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqCRMqsFsm
"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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysJ1yFjkU4
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBysBxOpCt
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4lSK55cEc
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb6TnXZB3z
"I hope so too."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR3U3WlMhb
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1hwx6Fnge
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA0ALF3I3r
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8dMm0J8Zj
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDMo5Hqp6l
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yryCWnYzZ
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy9SBwb4az
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5tORNY7XE
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e5WdBPdtE
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06meW8CltV
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HoqYTBFiv
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEJjNsxPSb
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNUZHd7Y82
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8exAh3ioE
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaJb6ltOaW
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uEN8ZLZQs
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHhDnDStef
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYDtAbvjiY
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxInxIF7tr
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZqfnqo3X8
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJvqtEncXW
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57gxufFKgZ
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5D0ZIZDss
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJurjfufPS
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfZ12MBQHE
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I7SlIqhpp
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAwk37Qp7A
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ3z6z55n5
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LfDzRfraU
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut2aeLSLU7
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTTEoEBLBi
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISnyRbudFo
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!"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWME0phuHwr
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEpSqTCOCv
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG88GwLZCt
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzgobco1Z7
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc6a2V6XOs
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTzlgbWwm1
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTktO5ywIHX
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnlKNyrOzo
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHobd8uafKf
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpByZpNDPoW
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1RR5eBjvF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13QRarz13L
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfYR3EyWmE
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6w0xRIMiS
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0JfriadzZ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMHrYlNXUe
"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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkG1SDqsu3
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoVerzBZcr
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznEXIrOfHw
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdWX2vBdGh
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu8peJxzlY
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTEqSkFQ5w
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItaqRvnuEU
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY82eHwh0u0
"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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMvgc4CvB5
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVCwBN07nT
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LR7XHnt25
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcyJ5XFOLa
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHleamqy6T
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul9xwO9Fc6
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnWrmvL1zq
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bg38GznoV
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5lmfruUso
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkkpcEQ1y7
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fn7Vma5pE
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEqQWjiW07
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I8onuC4GK
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXiz8Tc1Yx
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo04XqREQ9u
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYSaeS9uDN
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyJQt5ftwR
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKCwMHMiTG
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZYicvgCnH
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gUEG23v08
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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrooPEVi8n
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONVYGkcRub
"I'm not leaving without him."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKztRZ2X80M
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMtGBlgqio
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nR5l03V5j
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLSojlIvaT
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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhMRF4vkoF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6fw6pLk2h
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoC2CgsxFz
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr4p7pn2uA
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtfAZm720m
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNH2k6CTYA
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS8xVyqg5l
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uRJLqAwm1
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZFDUfAd0W
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh4lA0G8Bp
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvUNRWoNK9
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemZYUlkxt3
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4N8INywtW
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcctN2k2FJ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErwsVvhzF3
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg3jJ028ax
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEli2pLMfQ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvg3BdfKT4
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAS876xZ6m
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ar7b9BTE
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRUjvCIHlw
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnkNV03eco
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ8hBj9atT
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOnjeUwT1t
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJljTsKkBbQ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL6sqwWK2e
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M9IXKOGSZ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF72QL46vW
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQdSSavC8R
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwz3l1Uc5Z
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lt3kDb7bI
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKCxZZjG3C
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwiPKFzxjq
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq2qt63Kjp
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOcaaJ4Vx0
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxKgNlOCft
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qxZ2UT4dx
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7mEiPdixa
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3qBOlqlDP
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzgDboLUd4
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZLAK0RWPt
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ndA1Rrd7J
"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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkBGkXs1t3
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt97GddyYx
"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?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LF56tL1EG
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2nZaZKe1p
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21jAVaNtzs
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDNhyOnL0q
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdRpuMstcN
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVO1NZebya
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6srZJLkVEi
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtu4LLoVQw
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6pMC1qXVQ
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3aRZl2Ihg
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm6whkQj00
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFf67WgoKQ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJqHtNhV0
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEbPDfR9Vb
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdVcigjsLc
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGizRgzB2K
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EqOkU9XME
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ3qoDWIgS
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9l5qCUB8Y
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFi2zd4iyv
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobBvaAk3XH
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW1urpT9sX
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrd9uHWcAK
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RbotWhtSZ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZHdsPduRn
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LbLoWhRGh
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmJ6zRYwKC
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFEoTrBcoe
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rzc4yuNig
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHytVV5fFL
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwswO0AdjsN
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bk4ax9Fk5
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjwLbOJipF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SWYHmaOJH
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h86wnzz31
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LDp77LiRQ
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzhmwhpj0e
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIfOdUcDv2
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRhhRdctal
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvOnzHbKCq
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvAGNo3aFC
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlg98VeWe8
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QWvLu3Flh
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscNODE8CoE
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I7YkIYktO
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuza7xRjqnZ
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYPHWow6eF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY4W7ZV9qh
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaexsy7zbHr
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtw7ESW9eK
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzKU4C8iIS
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlBd6JepjA
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTaSvtcwG5
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoI0WZSOHL
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡounhLIbis7
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzCnBQoouS
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q4NLF8xuF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSyxUWSQpl
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iW4Mpabns
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYZwCxgU79
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsVnmL89Ar
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0acHQYIol
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg9XtFOhpI
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7MyXpomUX
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1OzTin12B
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDnRg9j8J5
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrh0BtdDZo
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nGvbDtaF6
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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gtuWbYw3u
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXfdRu3Dua
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6tNj2B8Zr
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjWKi47QXV
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL3Umup7Rx
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPMLwomHLA
"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.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1U66NbjZC
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBcmqsFasV
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOraDjKCKpo
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV0IRfNlL7
"For what?" Kevin asked.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV07YFotpD
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGjt2R3Av8
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSHp7A9Vys
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j2ThBjNKU
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I0S0lXwEO
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN3XYWclag
"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."651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4VdX4GPvv
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOyajffZlO
"And that was not leaving me behind?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i1RVSFULd
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG19cMQERFM
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTBG8KWJck
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjscUofMKU
"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?"651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWo4PvpQKF
651Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbue1VSgHa9
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
