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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHR1bsUq5u
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmicS4PwNB
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWgTnkMyOW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOZEx2iI0Q
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmSg9BLdB6
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA4akXQnHJ
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChFMBqkEJZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsmdA7dkx5
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrj8wrO4CN
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCISmbVw0O
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTht4RlzvPl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQHI9JXrFl
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?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGM8E3LJGZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRpcymmSgA
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FMXWX9tCO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21dgsosOC2
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKtifSN80n
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlyCAHk4jE
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspI9brTBXs
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FJU4oHGum
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQMsjsZAyb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7H3mIGIsf
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NeuQOy0Di
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaDmNTldTs
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uCIzYhL1Z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvvAoltNRa
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpbTMrjjmR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2s4tPumkE
"No, did you?" came another male voice.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xgKKvEW5l
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZO5lBqwri
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g4708yvY5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28JZkELgBS
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRueNaNdlB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxpWUviwNI
"Me neither. But orders are orders."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjvIF9Pkn1
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa93mNgh9bd
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjU99tune5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bm3VkkBeX
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1m1mtQLt3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCQkmamRBt
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblKwgK7raR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriB2zrmB7K
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBaCVNe9IB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEfBxPo2c9
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9vp9muTO4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddbWZvS6Uh
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMbuS4xKcB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IoDX0trJQ
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRQDHKbN92
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLghH29gRL
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcCuGIR8Wg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmb0eHSlxr
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC86mK3vpPf
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYY7pQuVyU
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxVdukWqtM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJec4Nf8TP
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....711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUUJrQ4YKg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Mwc4SsHG
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnI0q8aKJU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UhCh6PX9R
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiJnkAEFSI
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2lxCLh77C
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ7ANJ5lfW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v3QZE0g8L
"I'm going to check it out."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsl2OLVCck
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbyJgYBtV2
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyzvCzXiNV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cluz5f1a6
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97IYSFDEcM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02BUyInhx4
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw50zkWuMS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpj54ggNQq
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xYdSAa89p
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9zn8V4Ggl
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPYrxDoXdu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMapvqodNNb
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HWqwi0lnj
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI6w9i46Vn
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeJ3YqYbNd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeCflLQSf1
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AAJu6x2cf
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB6tvbVYQC
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlyLVk6jVJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkYxvTnCLU
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzF2KZf91R
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWdNLBwnDa
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:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyN0WSpua5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iADjJGlg8
"I see her! There she is!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UFcwHTRUM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd6py44bCf
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90wEwvbKSQ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K9EQPTLjq
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U1YhCBK8n
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrwjjraSio
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYLBJ65NCY
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ7Q4LD4Ul
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiELdshfSC
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzdkqZdtg5
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdbYBn2a0h
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy7n0TtWmv
***711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaKGgOOTgr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl1Pu6IvPV
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2pwM9vmPS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5c3KWHqin
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7Ayz0fRi0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmuV5gCMgK
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ufdlEWldj
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4SqewLQuf
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjAlMo4Fov
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb8Hb2YvGy
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhC3W0qhvr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvwqdRXM3b
"I hope so too."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkeKOQe6f6
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8A8wTKwuV
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO086xj0k8e
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcs3axXjMM
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OaKHayPi4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaUjeYDrN3
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yzlQeGHD6
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow1f1yBzXD
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprtLtypcEt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ3ZYSWzfM
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Llz59MWHZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj8zM5ONjT
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO968whvKwZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vlE79gqYg
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48f1wmGoH3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0OMVJgILR
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ltii6gL1U
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4rqNWqZPV
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavO9QsnjGO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ9rR4vFNo
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ChUXGfxeg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ItrxF5y0k
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkXXZql625
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP2goMUdzf
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmEd0EGMk3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSfaTSMhkB
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8aKudYXkB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaItf5wJcOE
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnfV2DktHp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ss3rIE8UJ
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5QYEBvq3I
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MV07Tbfww
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!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPdAyjLNBu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFPoW6a3Je
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWUp34D6HA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVF4zjEYxU
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDrlpazO5j
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX50VehBHR
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC2jH7kyw5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdxBmbOMwk
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVXiSo0GQz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvmR9jyyUq
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaexNl9YU7w
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTFLByeDId
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T2XceqbT7
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRVKUaKJ8K
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrENfZWyFJS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUzcxVVonz
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIVzEEdoi9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7c07dlMX6
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NJWMso4nu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fGOPgYX5X
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnK6rcBoJt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfyksAFlth
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqveRyzdkMA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg3ThB7dQs
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpoT9Ecv1O
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIdAxpN6hO
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MePvGMMZ5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIT2UpCVml
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J7XVCR0YN
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt5ApLwkuS
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXzu7C1zks
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGTubgeso
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCp3OxVdZZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogBMFGdAfj
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGiaKwNeLg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVFh4a2cQo
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNwHlXSr3Y
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHkinnUOBY
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn15IP4STT9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xVChH3HPB
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbsEPk6SPi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0eAmjMBS2
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeYpfbSHsG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV9dx7nSV8
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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBzC3ahDDm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSTupZxLLX
"I'm not leaving without him."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5wEdZIv2Z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52NAPeaqIm
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIPaSRhEAp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiaiizgLE4
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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1FF95eDWe
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC1xPCL0F9
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ2jTpFdkg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRQamZHuMw
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP3JRDK6PV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9WV3sMHQb
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKnbyamS4g
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmLCVNdzRT
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72K7v3P1ef
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6XsQBOu8s
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pp4x4ElmX
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomckEwNA20
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdz2yQqR36
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX7HoGFE6E
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv8GFTuUZy
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzjwfLrEkd
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMY3piLOon
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0ySuAWMNn
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl73OJvMhmN
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9zLcPfTGO
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOUe3hF2hV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG8yXjl7IG
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g6JeDVLMz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlbjh5VB5v
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld7CInH1PJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhSpzEJCgP
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gs1MaSp0a
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvP4R7pK2g
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrwbhrjKmw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXggp32KEU3
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4DNF3JmB1
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9pUPE6nQ9
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOLrHWrNwU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ooYMj3Lzc
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoJ3jFoa2u
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FSymVpxV7
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxtdE5OjNb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlqJkDQvxv
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajCdzsMay8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoeUWJ60nr
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGibdXjqKnt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV04GmqeLpm
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafqeRhp5jJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNKecVlBm
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9UkzgK8Mj
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPM62PWil9
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHq4ib1NSa
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j6QbUT0Fc
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnO38SSlG9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebsnJykWoW
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUqPbAlJ8O
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtFKSQnEJT
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt7Td7iejv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgFcNSKYec
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKhGdKTcLI
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYO4ND1Wz9
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7U1qshXry
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws35bRJQFp
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO1XMxmDIn
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlambiait2C
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3PaqmLZCx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3KTQod6Tl
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJfz9HatMy
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJMjVFH74C
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRcYneRdZa
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJMf7EmaTX
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUca8WTl6o
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mKiHybwvr
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7bRgds2on
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46wknN1whS
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2XfD2qwdx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ630sCe5Btu
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzphRStjvfv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrLayFuCEG
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibg34ncttx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNMRMrMrdY
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijP1Hn0UFV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeSdAn1W8J
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGsfTRw2GC
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x3B2qKdYY
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqz5th2Pzk
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpbLzJ2QcA
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W7ToTBlG3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuB68zKbX3
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntsv6Llsbr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiQ2849fFX
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEV5zReQ8E
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx7HZcdeAh
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrjssAmHj0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q20B2o85x
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnFkomUPEV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYLAchoxdC
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7Gg5TH162
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSoBLqJrDF
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuLIjYDOEz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMBCN6mo9z
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCjyjG5lbJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSIZsri6j8
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz0u5e8wAK
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fRD4c7h7w
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YaQHLChSp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJeXETDVCv
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlVmu5fubt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxt3jmY2eR
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEebcB1JbPV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW17RI5aUoD
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx43VDB35v3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aZn99OnYz
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofi78ztmZF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5kkDrxVip
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX3xClz1b5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcwpkCHJfp
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1paWtVuxbz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEbfKCt9Zh
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLsiS2mwts
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUAf0wmhrh
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2QSuLgZhb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22gZs6f8c7
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSlKMiqk4X
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMw2JutIh4
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0KcMYyus4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1AimsBlXp
"For what?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eHwLHZSHK
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy61UYKiCT
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9joQ0BL9Pq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJFkNSJMMg
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSmerU4mzd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6erfYMkAej
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5wDZmoy18
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRQfiovLdy
"And that was not leaving me behind?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs1b76r0yk
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnoo9kAb7A
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK5gxZpmAy
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe6v7nagam
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFULMLG0pD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWQ1bNNmdo
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
