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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIPYDK5GXt
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSg3b5z5nk
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Juxj4qLp
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb6tQ96Ugm
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhsnVM97By
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9pEz268W5
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuoA936CRq
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeOMjo9XrZ
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTSqHWSdph
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlj5XEyfF8
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxJ2hVZL2T
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZlkKEZnVI
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?698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aFhYcMXEX
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV6gJym1lQ
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEt9YJKaAG
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7Fa9ipr3X
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QCrpuGlqa
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0brDTHDkg
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H0IAmOSV4
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLmNj6jdjc
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKi4GHF7nE
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6PlpYJvkP
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOjkmhZoGa
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksyVv8tORs
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsg7n45LaZ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIQJr6NxSs
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXK2PMiCvE
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTG7xkFJb7
"No, did you?" came another male voice.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa3Tuw99NA
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU3je8lP9c
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozCJPhkNLr
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwaPnqjZx0
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmP9zSG30w
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQFSYt6zyo
"Me neither. But orders are orders."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduQ2Mi1Vr4
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFomHJAGRw
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9aPJH2yAO
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrygYCFubEj
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLaEdyof0b
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvoB4aeaIP
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFObpiAo3m
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhG6EoM5Sg
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPaXP0Jq6Q
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFWq5fKukQ
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIN0oKL0q6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J6AkeP1cT
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkOP2EvMVM
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZZHu60N6n
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfbhyivwlJ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19PgiBiYzr
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVan2KsmPK
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcddmxmnbe
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK5e6OcN1x
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1X2Q6X7QU
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZynFE5Ywsi
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcHttdFOUK
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....698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhO1FGKbF2
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI2GM1F74e
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0nRGh1Ft7
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuLntRGYSb
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD85rt7IBE6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KYhw2KwUS
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE15fwP6zVJ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnEHlmFk7X
"I'm going to check it out."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ccqxtEdZ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UJ53ugnJd
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvmNTFJ3va
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxJXBHWvPg
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppKNMNP5rm
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCNT23PCyU
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKVIci6DR1
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXUO5j7G9A
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaba7UYovv
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2wMGcKmvq
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjy4KfPwCi
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf3GnoJkxg
"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?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HvI4EwgtV
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXNANys6Rd
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwVRpLTtfe
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nfxiNgVqn
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xZpBJIajX
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZIjlgDzt7
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfgvysITXU
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrzwdBt9Pi
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9i3dDWEaN
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVjZ58iCtF
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:698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjq0PAXTmt
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt3stwtxcL
"I see her! There she is!"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6QqDWEk5Q
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwH3K8xzBX
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTclC2cZwY
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbknzKYeogc
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvZKt4VbBg
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4OfFRBX4k
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaIrpcacOd
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8x9SUrdfl
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwVgFBquxn
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqgEWS2rIx
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlED7s2lCrd
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXinlNUQoF
***698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNYycY0lUs
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvUaKnjlDA
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnsbYlOZP1
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAAVYqQszT
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn5rJiis77
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkkyZXpnkw
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI1xtzZkNg
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLj1vmQAi1
"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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBESt8RfEZ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplMNz5ztLv
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGld137YuBS
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEze3NvMEME
"I hope so too."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ370NtgBOrC
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeRnUb26ZR
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ3wWmpljz
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUUEJinp4s
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PpAEkR7HM
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRWsiP5f0n
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY6ju8UABi
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicVsKn0feK
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxA2xbyMDf
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHY1BvOTLf
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT4ZvNlg8g
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyb0jMV9WL
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58vzrzv1C8
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1MOIjEFNF
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPE5HYITY1
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHopf3ugZ0I
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYgqe2glUU
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMDnAnDIb4
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15ctGsn9U2
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXIzneAHps
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5AJKA64IJ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyFaYsIud4
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhGI51Mlwo
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zmNQbQQXd
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70g6Zz9cFL
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nwG82oiki
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupC9X3Y8x7
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXPc0iH6Ft
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pDwJV1cYw
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr41tNEfTf
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMWsQYdiVG
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUx10458ZH
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!"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUKgF32d0v
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7HvcElb4G
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsEu8Vq83L
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBUAnlS2Uh
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ9nqdnXHc
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMAGr1MbJZ
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y7ucGgyVb
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFultjDYva
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyHQwubQ6y
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDBrzWClQX
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpvUgzxKEu
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrfjgxDkC5
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKx89lHMDF
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxSbVCuws5
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvx3Eqcm8N
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTOBwIplyR
"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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNBCgIGF6z
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm8v0GhQfN
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHbgOIbgnq
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iOrpiDBcq
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvSDKzzhIm
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUjcfGrmUP
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbsGlG3hE2
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnH4XeqA5M
"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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguP2rIdGPO
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlro26LbGFV
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGMPAwH1wN
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xy6SUTiqn
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZDXL8h5OE
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSpUPTF0Fl
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7neu8NKPxg
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbD9Q8u7wh
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HP14jjdVU
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdnOAa8okx
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVQ1swHzCR
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ62O1li0cU
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayEmUjO3Nb
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOEjmD3I7M
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRENFCBtG3
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmwma3Fsnn
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoESMgcRg7l
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TmfOX5HHr
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HFBf2rfMP
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwywvhUM5YS
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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInFdCdUQUM
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfzeVU8TJA
"I'm not leaving without him."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3AwZSmbFP
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeGc3tZrYg
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOGLLwZsYy
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxnSwbLyQF
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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC3E92la2r
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYANij57IZT
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoITZDHAsV6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l6yD6JjSD
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4fUWhKW3B
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXnA0JCC3Q
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uvZI6CTAY
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk5p6P0Ewk
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClQxORbDgr
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok32513jK2
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKCVVx5w9F
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnm2AMrNtj
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafsYqL1U75
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59SO5QrtMA
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfe0FDSYsE
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsMS2vZNB
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN7tRPiPtu
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPvrYuFf90
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ187K7GBI26
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZQUr40G4R
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19V23nk1ML
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF7y8xjn9Y
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IuZHOzi2n
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSvmNY9OGb
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2vAz2LORa
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1vkWxJGMl
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVAHhmG0BD
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHLLkGARqN
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9FAVbNk0v
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm8BE3ujxd
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosVDErtiBw
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bB3sKBmZ1
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8mKD0AwDM
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sjmvBpbfg
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67r9L88Mfv
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uf0ihyZVN
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamEPupMuGN
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8pGcdlN5
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiyzcz0LTW
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr8SD9Bkwj
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn0WLUx1AP
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmWz8ga9lZ
"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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsZZtrbLtj
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOnVxMDsAM
"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?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdj25M6A7O
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZZyCPsci0
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qtkj0pVC2
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOFnIlZdZd
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWlN9oLH3H
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfiCcsFVtC
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji2o344CxS
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23p5is9lms
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuYvUC3iuS
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalgLqutj0D
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAODIxuQhs
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDNQViGuIo
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaHvIQIV6Q
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZZGlaJYhn
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbBatab1Kd
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3NndPrBOq
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3X4G3iD5D
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GXTDOylqO
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fSejRVZeg
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjqOjtXi3G
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8mIN4COJI
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW071dVQGD
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHl5nJ35iY
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw04xVyao0n
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeliSbmR2n
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnk8ANnghP
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dIz8BW6Ub
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XcVNldjlR
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BJZsxeSX1
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YDUMNE5Ud
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pn16GFgrM
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fGDJ2J4SK
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxyOPJoWnS
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTJRhIjRMd
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz6TJVnX2z
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA1zDJSlk6
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXJ8DQ2zr4
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjylSiFdOll
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErKZYAtL6E
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2tAkAEx9s
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZZTeThIy8
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XuTWQ6BbX
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxKfU7LEp6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAGj5aJPzN
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa7Z5vMKr4
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sfe3UTyac
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0Vt5D6Eus
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp7lbJ7dX1
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYi1bGy5yw
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZy6xC7kCC
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjRaElmNrO
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWU3QYkaTR
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpWIuAXNHT
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptxY3otJVN
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPAW6lOqx6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtNz8mq2f6
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHeGUk7yBq
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIrtYMYNMi
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspfIPrmMt6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfM5gYGaB3
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZjFsvP0iN
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjroyKFPI4
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VyyAKNUh6
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0HBCUYgHX
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kZHfKTIFj
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyw1OtYuGO
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVLdIOfGmc
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ1HovZoAw
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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajs9hrHZMh
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmaHoYo6vR
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPtVbrQJ8Z
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8QGibZgND
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssc1ZeXWOs
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtLrv3StqS
"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.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Pdle1dsY
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKCMqpFgpH
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6oVJVpgt9
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaBO7bIOYx
"For what?" Kevin asked.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fk5JmsGfC
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxnAunlIxM
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo58C4iWcWb
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFD3ZrTERp
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03GNhEwwar
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzorWgpzET8
"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."698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr77CiEBBBZ
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcyUwRd2si
"And that was not leaving me behind?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P5EW4lYAp
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2tOPNUkW7
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9e5l2NjFj
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dAeNotPsE
"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?"698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHja7zVA9vE
698Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye4JMqRSUo
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
