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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wHbbmqlHO
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFffohnfQg
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KUeAw4OMD
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIf26iJ2Cg
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zi4HqJSBn
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGstBBpyNx
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmGKNqFqs1
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGMe42EYC7
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobJgbXAFba
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI7dDC59UR
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwk2wrYaj6
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM68ZYMGkFw
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?653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRLvrN0sho
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxFNHotXak
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaDYXwnagf
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gMb3AVLiz
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5dCjkvCxC
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe3CxZOFE5
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7kXB3V0XA
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdsbd0z2S6
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUOoJT6ZJP
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovp7ZNdKie
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxPVmOqTzN
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML4Dp5xD8J
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydJg9SObWS
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolADyWwdgf
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xVgM99tPq
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNstO7eSUn
"No, did you?" came another male voice.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGNSCohuJo
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuTZAC5yAI
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfxqpUoJqg
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pTesF02vj
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUUcc8sbvf
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx0wGIDdkA
"Me neither. But orders are orders."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCb0J2F4z9
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQoJkG3i51
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r05VGiIjs
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDq0GJkY0h
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSjhWRV6vp
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51rIHp49Ec
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKZ5Xtghzs
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEoqmACPwC
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCpxvAFR5v
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLiPPfxpL0
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDLSUxnHgv
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygLrDUCDJL
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3hz5xHAgQ
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZzBz4cRAm
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLybMWeYJT
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouk7O9p6dN
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBh00oiu4t
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7inC4RwpD1
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgDbDZnkfG
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv72AzAwIhv
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuOJ5z9Sj7
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ELW8xc9gk
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....653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DxttMFlbu
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT66MP6Srw
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1spRxZMwX
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtzqQWvnnM
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQYCFpR9MS
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ684RCDKRc9
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Oh54QJUGo
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlduWNDkGYL
"I'm going to check it out."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LP3CY7CBf
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINjJcYHP8o
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB9w19eHVc
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJR2lpqzwk
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFP8N6JMP1
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIekBc5TTz8
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOejndUTE0O
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0UtyBml2J
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5XN6pGHYE
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDfkeDKB1R
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKAqEDzHFh
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg8P28VNit
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybWFPQKO8m
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NE7tAIdfp
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtAjdd4opY
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGMS0hV2Qq
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrUhynirqY
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaag36q1Wvb
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8piGpdrbel
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64Q2iOthb5
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VrEtoV72O
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hXIX6Lbgw
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:653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEVfLMDRVW
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgcZZwYsI9
"I see her! There she is!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjefSXRH2G
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jd9nrb4Jp
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKfIEMPQsT
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPYpJ6aTNn
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvO49Jkss6
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaQkukFFJI
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZcKPsP23c
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwFZfucOod
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG58hUNxzag
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX52YDQCA8
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3AvjjcUbs
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nAz5XWARc
***653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1HWkf6AQn
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZnQHrrSsI
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lAa0NmWli
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAAIcC79BW
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsrKV1zm2g
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7e1MeV4Ci
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhjTk3HTnu
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu03fvrhI7
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwETYtpAxi
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy0bMkgjdz
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBfJUQlubP
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS8scW4AE3
"I hope so too."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4SEcU6jad
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpxhZig4O0
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiczmUwaNcw
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQETQ0WODQV
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGOh6lrDGg
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OguyfaWng
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWJnsrbyq0
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuiVhVd9Ta
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzysESH09C
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnfPUJr1Lb
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56THIK2kki
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhI3pIGfKo
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPp0DFOTAz
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZvk1yGL8J
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3gUUFXsJ9
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzelQKUyC5z
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG0YZwS7rP
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s8sGQ2U3p
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR2mG5gR0V
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOZa1Irft6
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShxI0ngqlI
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHMea30zuG
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f5ffyEXwN
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMDbnQdR06
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vraubwWHx
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mbpO3g02i
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3etuE6PjiT
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUWDzCNVbu
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBH2Kw2sCd
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRROJl3JsGh
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKMX0eNB3b
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o0M5KL5pf
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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrZ2NvMEVT
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoZF016ja7
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM1EAXLklD
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr7QxErQIn
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3p3CR2dGz
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4jJyNhwcm
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzI8vSJ1Yv
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj37l1X3ixO
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbgWSM1uky
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeSA6ckpgm
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTdqNzhkjE
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdezUYFALA4
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnBrfqPjh8
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKw4lhHRlq
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2wPqaYRB3
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ5mIwjExr
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2wRpYFVXM
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV3ZaH1VSf
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapYRyJdPZX
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqepDKlPDK
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT9jDlko9k
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PFfBBA4Vp
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs0Q0nPDX8
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVm7SDWg1N
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgh5G2hKH6
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP20rm8FBE
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz2GI0pH7w
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmBQsbhkcD
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxryq6KxnND
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtQON5vkIX
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EhRyrBTc5
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBSAqTzUnA
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WXSdyChmH
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5t5Nu0c2n
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnYAn2rHWF
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUnE9joXg6
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAVz9AbuRy
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWtWQ6o3yX
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NgpWsH7qw
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaVs1y5zXY
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bNUnlUihn
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrdrse7klC
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Unb8SWv3w
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tpG3qFBpN
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxau4xpfkXc
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZCQ7WguES
"I'm not leaving without him."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOcxWsi24T
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWiigcObhh
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK82f9si7de
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdos5yuOKvd
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1tKwCf78X
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3lmPnVCXn
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4RnrwhIFE
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9nHoyorzm
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz24Ed6rUl9
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz4Cstn7zu
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lv4Jju1kU
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavp0PykTGt
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JxCQWFDug
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpIorY6mo0
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC67Qo7CVgt
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpXEl99CFo
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XeGCGz8ys
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3op1ZdwO7
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflslnlNGoh
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA8nzjWHnj
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvrgJDnH8s
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpVzwVOBSo
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8etF3eWIA
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGxuUY8C1O
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAlugzgTtt
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssnT2Kuoou
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6znbKSej6
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED9qngE9yi
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh8oy4GCFo
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kAlI5rDHE
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKgxhxZvFO
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlHD8uwk4I
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckw0vcTDMk
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO824NPYkAf
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f1FN59F5H
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPdCTQykna
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ubymDLYst
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7WkiWY2pS
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yHJncuHMm
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsFnk4L7mT
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyr12LoyYU
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo3uDVqcEY
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9uWUJv4xJ
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQu5MbPh7u
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCIQT6Ei1p
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzndXXIAN6
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwowBhhtNhh
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTTlgeiSuR
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbrAIqPHyc
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepgpHIUHuM
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ331dZdKH1Z
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSumuLq5cUX
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQBcielTBl
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrIyfrozsq
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlziKigLYZh
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFMZX6nzcv
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fFQ1TGdTL
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLDtslmpkK
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69eaOdHFZ3
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnnHfTXa5o
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj7rDQ8lhk
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexjiBI0rUl
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF03L3ev48
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1RCV4UNvU
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqVPAS1ggS
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL8Wfxnw58
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRHbH8u0nk
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciOkrq7sDp
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡProqmFgOo3
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs4XEJeBPC
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLQK6HR15X
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr88DJHTRR2
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm17JTA5EZN
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9JowLIE20
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmtTbCwEwX
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dWgO9nJJE
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0jwMYSWF1
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmYMUVoqja
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgb6KGpaXQ
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBxSqvND8M
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr9xzmee7A
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicC0A6wpEk
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlKsV0U4wc
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVNtEp1e1X
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx98aNHqKq
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6D0ZzO6Wg
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL4sod2qKS
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4l6fskUl2
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnDQ75f8fl
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVebP0Hi01
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgaGZfFum3
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyUlksZKMp
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBwRKebv7l
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ180OFXGmXQ
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECUCmmHWX0
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHCZX6vO89
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqfJhfi4zF
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2RUWSzsTS
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxAFpRRK1X
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUVJ3C0T56
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1hIYqX3EF
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhunNhxomr9
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcSWiuHIcC
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox7WdtlKOk
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1YkRG3THu
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vR47HnEsz
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL4yLkPXYQ
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW9VSXeXYR
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWlRXsmFZt
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmYgJMOipT
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVzsoME87s
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZhHZKMzDJ
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNMfilXUcM
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmRujRnLXW
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeEm88AOjo
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUWSDcM9ls
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKHfSKdnw
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL49NFhCjm3
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4FphK6tGC
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL8FfqkMlA
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTrCN6wqNF
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEWiiey913
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAJav0PuYk
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRvRmfwwJR
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD84x819iow
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gTix4hBtH
"For what?" Kevin asked.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBLZOB8cb9
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jM1GT95bN
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwOAxg2bHK
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj2JaLQd1l
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYstcR9WzS
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4XBzE6uEK
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wIjoBjgIX
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcQD6rvnHF
"And that was not leaving me behind?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP6Jwl3CkG
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW9klf2CeM
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUotLH36MCR
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRguBCBsbn
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSj6puhJIV
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTcTGbaSRP
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
