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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡombHot2yZn
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX96XssUXn
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4aqinYMb6
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40DbPovmt5
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH1CibU0Hp
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a8qnxuHBE
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5UispqI3F
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwv29xNOJa
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDSTZZiR04
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vePEC1GAg
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNtninljoI
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJisXDcMZi
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?595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN16WTeox3M
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfvMCa0FWT
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcNtwrAiXB
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp37k3IGFjP
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCCuDjl65h
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnFaVK3oze
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe7UcAYqj7
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap1ooqP2jJ
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYBabbE4Wd
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzktKdl9Ndt
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YgUNcm5jN
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS1NwslD6g
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bXon9zkwa
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtD1E3ChD1
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0OOC6lk2y
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjaEULkDpv
"No, did you?" came another male voice.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1XhSrq7Tl
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LkmbkRA5P
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S59Jsk0jV
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQlHI4lfHN
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt9ncqf6nI
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRZG6ziGjL
"Me neither. But orders are orders."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzhF3Gnuvr
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlI9Ftyrv4
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLu4IWvUCE
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gDhn2av5i
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBF8GJZiCn
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0go1RjK74
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhre1Z74TO4
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufVppD5slp
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMMTUXZZzW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQluzoGrSgf
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX7ExvPIaC
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDNDpm9Ehz
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFutgfbVvf
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdxKaf4gvk
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRF1QLZ1er
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSgRTWpi3e
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWW6Bnptcq
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MVl6SsNct
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGnEOd5OeW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIml6Bxa5io
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUlcxUEvSH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7TG8UqLTj
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....595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQuFbjc9bv
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1bKkyEBxj
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXJSpQqshm
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0VSMOkcGv
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fG15EjgWw
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOWiAwIfVQ
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwQt5BIXtW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO8lCxkIfT
"I'm going to check it out."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm1aqtVok3
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvPwBoMN5z
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUe3qeOmDX
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4AKUeglKI
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9QAfrBhtY
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJshogKezAv
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYXdw0ALWk
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASrDTeHg1N
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgzimCfPGx
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVru9h1xcw4
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsXyb8OTKF
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAPT2DBT3F
"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?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaohfyKeIh
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXFf13YYXk
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Blk7lQnp
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZABIuoZsh
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjFFfKlKA9
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwjlzJsR5X
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqUu4s5v3Y
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrmc4IjxvT
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAqz99IFPy
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpjqSPQkzd
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:595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pr69APLur
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguUNcenMCh
"I see her! There she is!"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cWWnhhuTq
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUHIJ4AOXb
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mhnvISHqX
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GUJEzpC0Z
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVvW8SFdW4
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlC4uHjt68
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBiAABTl4N
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2WwEjNZDq
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc228BTsQT
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77n7RglKij
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYvNiusLoh
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx3kErQLfu
***595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTazK7bxEN
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrK2tuKbNr
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99ZSUFISOA
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM29u3rJzTB
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q7ghfxUBH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyXOj9gAOU
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgyJykes40
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxACGcvsoGg
"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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIpCo77Z6n
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pTeHXpa8w
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIO8FssCyl
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3xKg2mfyG
"I hope so too."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg2gEnXver
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPapYl7CgI
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lgcAGr2q6
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJubtg527MB
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08yQB1SYpE
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS8AXwFtG3
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU75tnSnav
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0Xwl6axoq
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI9V2UXCaw
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50GoXA1cnK
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8Q8emIqv9
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX7o8HbAn3
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRrSmpVxWw
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJW7Msxyui
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxpSnQF9QF
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi9ZNR7UT1
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNNNmyj4PJ
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlKkg5H4XK
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkRgS2iK4r
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo1p93iaHi
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Qp87gCrO
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcw3ZFIKaq
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPjIb41iRw
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiEL6XsatL
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRONY3u3DsX
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz2WGo5XU2
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiswhLLboX4
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9xdaPekqV
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrlxT6oLBZ
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMu22EVKrQ
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0O6dLCOa1
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsphQyOaKH
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!"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzBvLn977
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8nixjGeci
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSChOAOxiBS
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMpAAJ5lAZ
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjGt2XdtBz
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOBmywLZri
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxTzO2nDQ
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGqQzXj55R
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquXRdEjpR2
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxW9awYoTF
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2ROj6fkRQ
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4fy0Dfitb
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hzxNdzksY
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC2MMjOnlZ
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlGjXmPaXQ
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNJnlK4AYO
"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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxHaJmy16p
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeG3xWKaMz
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWOsHFFEZy
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXSE06TqmF
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4mzyLyKgW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9PxsezEZ8
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUtj2SQ2In
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghOCtJCnXT
"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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqden72MbOL
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lInabhiBi
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5QI9dTOMk
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRq43d9KIJ
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8FRg2EtfH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrJsKXWDNE
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWtJiqcHGl
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2mqaopKZj
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QoDP9U5xF
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKbWeh4Cc9
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSQFlSAyLH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkXQuWHYUu
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI0IJXpVpA
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyqOEIEw5T
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGcRdoxXPh
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4Y9rJbkgr
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjikQ15Vk5
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELMGmVODvT
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlClmSxIlO
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz3dMHzEui
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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqfYQtUJGg
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl0AvP1RJM
"I'm not leaving without him."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL98cJVgS0
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U6nIAS4Qn
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldIqPSGKOv
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9qHLj21zh
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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15zniSTam
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VqQfrxxfv
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kEExOiIaE
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAmzfELSXu
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiEDngEVmy
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxNW76VHHI
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYfFebwNmV
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RiZPpCAdt
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJEPuUEgu
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6zedc6MR7
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pBP8Ym2Zm
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwLnT03Zaw
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO6unXaz34
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZPgqFB3AH
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeI3njS2q3
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QyxOEneqx
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWLpHjKf2r
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTxckBbiyR
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBfk7Ici9i
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5WeY7BWRG
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxdlAvCxVM
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlaoTl5quZ
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oaUBVPoAM
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw2AQSGZnY
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaS3dKHsnw
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZadVXSpevH
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko8kGprv3T
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKglG3SIxs
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQftXMTgMWD
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZzvVZX78o
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu7Qm0xlFB
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezkXW9Ydyf
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfvSC7eOkH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ6tPpEYbN
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELhiCiXktz
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XHvm6N15q
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1nYGTT8iC
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fz2NETLT1
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OpAqc8OK1
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXQauGRSoZ
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFyT872noH
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmk14NcRL2
"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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92yIvKA6lG
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBzpnJ0rM5
"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?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl26jwrGjuM
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQaDXbywtB
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK2HaLPAks
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyTI0epEnU
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GpopicD5A
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIe1iRzD9T
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYkUZjv1l8
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5DbsnlPIH
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOcjLOob0a
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5guJDbP3z
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOFrNpT3NS
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXo7ZOu3a6
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uf88Ei54o
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO48kYGNamF
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc4KsuwNFW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9XpwsZHqI
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxGEsyhRyD
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuOtxm0bNX
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfOQLG6GVL
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkiWW8ohPJ
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynAceaqvhK
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLVwa5M7YU
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgPa7QY5Bp
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioOODcg8aw
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1f1POgz8O
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiI6NYqVpx
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pXRuvUxRr
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLjXVL1zGj
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJwRvHsvwS
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucBWiedd1z
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwskbvALu1
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJqpeJlS8o
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjyHt9YXWv
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK99SwnSbX
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn449F1MEU3
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsdhXQ4wAe
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8rqWRDaMT
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxkfrrdU6A
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EsDRKgzlR
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7wOR1RrJo
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW84g5sM0ad
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaRjr6AkKL
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RLv8KqvyP
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVZXvRnIeD
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuMsPC0VE5
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpZKqgTBoh
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztaQ7P3AZM
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdusVz55qG
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjItsy9BmyX
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd1avY4LFc
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvoqw7YMhP
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSF97WGDqZ
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkHauaqMyy
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TJSV100kY
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekShb1kF5U
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGKGfluW7x
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHVWKtQARt
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTQJze64gD
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rzaC82uNI
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EBmXD6LKM
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8YRMQMKXW
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnkRkcai73
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3dt0i7kBt
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnOofMlT2c
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2xzKiom3n
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zj55BLx60
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EqqOTYPFf
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwuF4HlVHH
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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQOJGyZkjd
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvG9CSOZRS
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbMSfUx8Hg
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGBZKepTQb
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg5iDFznaS
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfxbEbmpgE
"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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEYCipo9kF
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgn3dPsVw7
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4IuENr2Pf
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsHYny1QKA
"For what?" Kevin asked.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5amc0N0SJ0
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvF3h2IPFf
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmq3UK6EUN
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoUABfRoqb
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNokhpifoJC
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnHN9B6Wra
"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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBU3UA99aA
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24anKWlKnL
"And that was not leaving me behind?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf2Yp1ENsA
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NHlFvRXRb
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4SjvK9OuE
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxYyQfb2Qr
"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?"595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrDJq8hQM5
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yBr8Ub6d3
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
