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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH2TlreN09
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnckIYF8jc
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpNCeM60p5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8vRe74PnX
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7XqfZZxKf
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY5JyqRDI8
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD1fA9pbST
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32RkgwoAlJ
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJHbEpJQjs
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2obr9a6iNn
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlYBCbELIs
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyms3o8foP
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?594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvykQHpBI2
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoPqVAUDsm
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6l5rAIxe5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkDIpTtV9B
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3YN98cmMe
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfJzUvP4RY
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXAgog7r1U
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8ohGaVj5u
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYafzw3TcDW
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwdpKFpBob
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWROsScuYdY
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Klm8qpyf9
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzEVPnSfkG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCriQcWZWF
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxngC7SIpzE
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKiCx8BQmn
"No, did you?" came another male voice.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbue7nu7EZ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunChqcL7TT
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZsF552bg5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOKJIbWpz8
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl0SYntAxO
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqavkDWVgI
"Me neither. But orders are orders."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qI5pTC2Vo
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSNyoGez5w
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD7PErzaid
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscsswBdkpn
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnDKBLAJ8J
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhZRhtLmtg
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uMfoEHbfn
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpY8H53Q8w
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7hpfk1X0n
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbXV20nOEP
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX2dv9DpZu
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkijudn08za
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFJstZyTSb
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmWWVE7jX8
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LjPTKRTHI
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCW1c5KORX
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxfKnz1muO
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFgOkKpNIf
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1KOau3RCD
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo0CQJpzOL
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZXnqln1YH
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTZmZoi0Fc
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....594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUly9IIbEu
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL82CjriUmN
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPaVgDIrRE
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKBpa3AMjH
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KlV7yhZaW
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkRDjT7eaT
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeItxTIxO1q
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDKDh1wv68
"I'm going to check it out."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUtBGF3FFu
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqyOOgqqvW
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCZ6e4Ml5O
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovEgL4vS0E
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r0djLRa8z
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8445JTp1Mo
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqctbPPB1ZV
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uSOz6Tcjq
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiOLi9CYhj
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTdyD8FpiJ
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1BsYlhuil
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVng06PKbuh
"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?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr78ZGjNKzJ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJPRw7cz6j
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wDpKSzX3w
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpzikWXMDK
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGkH3YI7ef
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxt6MFxKGd
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCDkkuVEMl
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HJ7MHEqYl
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgRt3npXJy
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvqja2Gclg
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:594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1jzqyEWuK
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1z8CxvGuw
"I see her! There she is!"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi6dm2YxQd
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArz3TGaRaq
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmSYpxeAWX
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKQOUw4fhj
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvBJMkHyNe
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDWeC2Lju1
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuRg2Ykl8K
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwHLPmuvEF
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKIioU3wsd
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc7IzMnCol
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXmXU91nX
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RgLLUGfeE
***594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Aeuy22hxd
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7nFjq2UA6
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKerNxIliVe
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZjhul3pus
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv1BFebqEG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVtIjhw1Jc
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aJWOTw1Eo
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBteNnnuvp
"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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKPBwuLpp0
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhcY6LFxrA
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrICUMnIwZ7
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvVluLsDn3
"I hope so too."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQQ2LickKe
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uyp3AX464
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlDD9E8pVz
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcD6wLVKJQ
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXmrdK6EYC
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOCsEtMh3w
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjSpow26tP
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBKn2x0m2W
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jY7e9WSKQ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcujyDWtqf
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwwQot6v18
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1yfxOqQA6
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg8sNXRumU
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNcOBGwOHY
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBj6i71fKr
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8J01zfugv
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL9lwJB1tN
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QWbDDzTqC
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJOEWwaEk5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUO1ZLl5gU
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYDCrrE74O
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQbaJDkh6T
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe6OyKdzEU
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMCnuzaQoC
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBJdSwEkyf
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31w0s12pNB
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcPlDgObJS
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXT9LM2b5h
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c3uLoR4LY
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW74IIVk97
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOgYrREr0E
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXNnOVxxE7
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!"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVyPj0y6zz
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAEDUH8BTB
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacXOKkpSnw
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOkRYG8KYU
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN3nG9hQT8
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzq20tXuW9
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8KaBL44MT
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70LKvNjJMy
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlK2lvWbGh
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOStvtjzQB9
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIejRQpS7E1
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibaw4o8jn8
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FXYo6hQ4f
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkewjxsyYeN
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqCpCTXpnG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVA93JXGaf
"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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04vvEM4tLS
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf2CoHK2na
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd7uuh8Ak3
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGkwsGTGgj
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoISTma6T1
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g6qtANChn
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAjnj4GmhC
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGrf7UJfgK
"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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC45CvZRnsG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg3GQm2URG
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr85bhYRNo
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6hoB1oQmA
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVLQOmsVCN
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3gnyTimnH
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2XPM24b10
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNmjD9U2dr
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkiUsibrFM
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB2aipgdl2
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7iaOt2zY2
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHLIM0LogM
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzEfYHmZNY
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksAZatjQ9M
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEajKsh3Q3
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAafbljjciI
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi63PJN2uxX
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqTTTSavg7
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIrK6frPwG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZZc92ext5
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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22MqCkFzMq
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRtLV3keT5
"I'm not leaving without him."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM02aIuUfk
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPHKrYBkSS
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YP49344Ky
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROE6ZARHiv
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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJUJDTrfWm
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ9K9UyxZ0
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ401ggzXevx
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NE5rZKVei
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtrYstTWj3
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExZ1OYBMaZ
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSzZb8JU93
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmqnDPQ1Yj
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHV9xXXAU2
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbemgNSWcw
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf1wnImazs
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16uXPqnA2U
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10D4AWARxa
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnyMRZiMLP
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ08yL0LZK
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5PTUrmIi
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa3nvb1ZcK
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgur8QiEs4
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNtZV7v8ea
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiITEgLiK8
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdPza1lqlj
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BFTjxZkkv
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe9TVsXfsB
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVhIRlvgk9
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm80qegUuZ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Yq9pfyeH
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvJdmUK26T
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4MP9mi19Q
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk0sTWOhEz
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxH4YMxPZ2
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxaPqxjQud
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnPmPqT1c
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaxCYqYGVM
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpyn3yzTF1
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eM6OnlGPW
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKkNCZ2qn9
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GchbWpiwE
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumBprnKUTY
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3AGMia5cG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBNh6vO6mt
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZs6YNmeWF
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GKZv64Xa
"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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZMHZnIt8Q
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ74IqMsJi
"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?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLwrGqK3pe
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz9674D4NL
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgXBF89VHl
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7YzOWq6eY
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPP4FDTg86
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM3vRyqF47
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy1jSm83bU
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J6f2pVSBL
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqYCLqzEtd
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQFHf1aozp
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp5mAMO1Ow
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv6uNvv71H
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcoK2Ipim6
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7ff6K3cAE
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbqvzGlKJD
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbzBakgMtn
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3c56pG8eU
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxutFnmWWU5
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY4oJKCnzg
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApaYGFJu3j
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2jLkohd9L
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzyHwdFZHi
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRh88lGm9S
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVYGuf15uE
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdK78QgyAS
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ax93YoZnl
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIjLaAfWWm
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBb231EeV6
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82Fy89VioQ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5hu24M90x
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmGibWIP5X
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jf40W89UK
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaBB5fpIy5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl32CwIkdD
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzSulauxmS
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5oLBVkj4f
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuhWTqCp1X
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua3mOy8idl
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBNnf1iJtu
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw0O0dA0It
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23K6sYH7Uw
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSLi4afGHi
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4yd6KQy0g
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Absf5FUEE
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlJXvq4EYF
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky90yxVX8C
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHvpt82GVz
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCZiEA5tUY
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5xJzx98PT
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu8wJXJbN1
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsTGdbsjoG
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwXa1qya3n
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEghu0yCb5
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HqEIWWaig
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrFHGVKZ8h
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cTs2fCQGM
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLJvTu2jQv
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6OhuVJqum
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua7A26xrYQ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWoQa1biY5
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeiRwW0e1S
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSftuOOby4
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGeodcntBi
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EyMTQGQ8j
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Npv9p3men
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRF5ikzQU7
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuMBzItgYQ
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBw67jRzMO
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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi18eLtQFRw
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9sFHV3bEy
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskBbHiWlLL
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzgroHKkyQ
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXsiNRg5o2
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPAeQcKdf1
"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.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kv9gZvLa4
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGQWULrpym
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rn9t1TmhA
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFEx7j7yEZ
"For what?" Kevin asked.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybypweRyJc
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0llZeQVAqJ
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kKNMy8q9E
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8MQHiTOi5
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2hLkWGOCC
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfB1CDm2AV
"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."594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc3hyo1vZc
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx9kMbHCi8
"And that was not leaving me behind?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftZtRtFWBW
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4hryuYPuS
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pPfjiQuw1
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZzZV0NfwZ
"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?"594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1fo403rm
594Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFEuSUnmY0
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
