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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfkjyHa5XY
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAhEFAMtjs
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW3dHkeIBb
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfFZQBpWBX
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5CJHOjHCy
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm70DKHqDw
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3SqNOzfWx
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNDqL4ovf5
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO79YD3RTQv
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIyiLTWxih
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd6uP3ciXo
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUXfXv8kdP
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?549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sl51miSPz
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JnFBzf88u
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJvJaHnQjC
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xhyaFXAbM
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAQtooINzj
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGRWnhGpbJ
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4YFrtM6CZ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ08xfpuT2
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx2arR1F1z
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrmz5Ulnz1
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQcSz9qUWS
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyKTg8Vdf9
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4ll3y0qXt
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7nJseJyRA
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ5DsvnfWo
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf0xRG7sap
"No, did you?" came another male voice.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIlOXguVqS
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoTX0iclCF
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQBRTcX7eG
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBssZd4peQ
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeTIY15OWI
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSVK6xthCP
"Me neither. But orders are orders."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IBg56s5yf
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCyZl4KdqK
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaCghz1eJp
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtHfAPXnFE
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjwOIcbGQh
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWidFcmYZh
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBFDRyhcfK
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolQUruR2rq
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphiH8T6B0X
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLxNlQFODA
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xjfcv2tUR
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaFRV7uBM0
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17HhuNw7di
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC5Z9BA479
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4HZEQUHMw
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCuv3GOzuv
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaggvrbbBdW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1MCwwSmKW
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAS8Zwzyaf
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQOfRvNfrZ
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaagWx5zjW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2wwkw4GVE
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....549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0beAajpIww
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u8o1K1nhA
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qZvHCKmhP
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmxZneTuq7
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQkHcSmAWF
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdVpM0uo9P
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FEj4D38Jg
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzfZ1lHygL
"I'm going to check it out."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUnWXPOQ1C
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vk2ZRSS2R
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRak1DCtku
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdtObP5nai
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJtMhjQJqB
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OlLb4HVl9
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDO13Sjn2N
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoEduD47dE
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W5QP43MWf
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYEVjSJ0bX
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMJCIjJBcG
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZj7hJnB4w
"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?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYny7qIL02g
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFHpS62rh6
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFfd9p20qi
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAKMcaUACz
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzkeWtlNnh
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMEeD94N75
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWB6xJLnwM
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwB1CdVfiC
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcecgBfmFlW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNYZwnAPKf
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:549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfHQjDDBrQ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y8TsJrT84
"I see her! There she is!"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5egpKKn34
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyHyYabpho
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7cUPqD1Be
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TrhX9Fahv
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyvQKeG9ME
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDp1Onhkw3
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO53QDxSNV
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHvl3RzVvd
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7ztO0Crnk
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOIVmm2BKJ
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwomNAFAMId
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy9yajXxpU
***549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirT7QteqGp
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8AYuolJ8p
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGV9wL6zQ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf30DTEmDw
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflRMiO9Pcl
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxvw2QS04g
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvXuRuSXhr
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjq5KH97mC
"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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquUM78h5cJ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDHw8UIl9p
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyOeUd2y0U
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGKUg7Xnll
"I hope so too."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGispzPJxMg
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRJX9mUBzQ
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8AjkVJtgF
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5USbn0MFqj
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35AFp7eyVf
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYbhX6WRwY
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fZIMTy1tz
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ9p0pkXXH
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUKCKFmjqd
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDykKoj2q5
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlfVPkDuH4
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34typyzcu5
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsBkSh3WGz
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpeIu9MSy8
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprtYrQDR1d
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Pxkq9TOQ
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSrLuB7Mgh
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE7ygNTs15
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal5RJ9sScc
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2u8vt576Y
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzoscYMnEX
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLWZVgmCT1
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJLuSJLRU2
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTMqDLPi8z
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1diBxxuIu
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRBacNeVNw
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiZdDUwKRW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBmJfTwNSx
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbDEyZ3wlK
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nX1GNC0cK
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz8rgaXe30
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TrDjZG6FD
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!"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSWauvQO26
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KSHk009XE
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JUxW3HPw0
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNPHW2IDKo
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpfkyuUjnd
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQtlPj14LS
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSO60c1VqM
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tASJZpjHv
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzzbjobPkR
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0PGQ6g6Q3
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBY82ujBYg
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn4r4p0hGN
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEis8KVJuv
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwU7wSkPxc
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3eHfGZZt7
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNshhejjvdY
"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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUieZnqfFC
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZIVsWJTbW
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R15Gzknao
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4FrZQXD94
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ94jscCZy
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg19MzOLBtN
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6UVyI8ysN
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxID8W4WEKo
"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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC8ByvJvej
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDPWFA2Zcc
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2cuKAnBkl
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80oy9ECrna
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtukBIHhUx5
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Dy72gmjD
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWV9Rw1HW7
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0rvwbt5Y0
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3a98bgCDM
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpKoFGfPbp
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchjhZuIFFo
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ARi6mNZJ
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBfvUa6B4k
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9pSIpUp6F
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP4Zr9pCxb
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKuMiIv30g
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpVHRWOaJJ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7WITLn2Ff
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKpYeEwRK2
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYkdQvEFOr
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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBKHL019NW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPahnaZWrRi
"I'm not leaving without him."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJxVXp5gg5
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuBq4YkQqu
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0KShSqr0B
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi71V74Imv
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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nFFLnj5In
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QrcQj9br0
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun0OuASzmB
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FSu35VpMS
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5hRshNTbK
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQfj4BhEjX
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53XSk7kWrP
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEBMYnN7Ht
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuUnAOvWO6
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSwTIOgyMi
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuqlg3DiUP
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvn0jxhepf
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwX5RRn8Ul
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwEhcHpDtd
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYBDFMDYAw
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldFLKO0CYb
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCsM5BQ2sD
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthzXp9JWee
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodAbEeMLao
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xJH4v0VgW
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvADvJouOr4
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyiYYCcSIY
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3DgX0Oelk
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAazFCV2tL4
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRAZzoKlLy
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyaewKIZC0
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6mmacMk54
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RC4UDXML1
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2DLCFwQpQ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw2jrvGawY
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN3ZEV5tUi
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAre1nkO4J
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgp93llefn
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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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SMRAqL2tE
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKNASpLXwM
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN3aMWvgg9
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaBypY8FYm
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkVmDRjzLp
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEaWp06yk7
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmiXfCvH1Z
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfjiRUKTBm
"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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6MCYd3UHp
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33mCymwVoW
"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?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ7cRA9MjS
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrIpMYr5NK
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cesUCkqI8
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtKVOvUAiJ
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrwBdAAkqJ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcCcgft98w
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMpX3p7PMk
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoidHvNuMe
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fyHT9Juk8
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkbf2sgZpE
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyAduPHqi0
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP2to892a3
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru22lYYLma
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7VZdH1kf8
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk3pn44iM8
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2uVuYjLWw
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6KXtWxMiT
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSZMwkvxsg
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9VnkWFJXU
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWctW2HJW6
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGJuz84bHR
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVynSi6DCF
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1pYN27SYZ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UpmSbHLHk
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfWdgbm52K
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILQoaKC5f5
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSr6jA2Jx1
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUGFhQ1jGt
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUrTKxsxPW
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzxoqVZ6Bf
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPu46lCvdC
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CvosvCNPR
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEveja9mg3
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"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqLo1UzEq6
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndT6593ak7
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwR0NxZH8i
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5c2gecPz9
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtl7VSea5j
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4FVcFUMNL
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ef2PCQu8C
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bLB2PU4j5
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN85I9Fndy
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2vTG9MRk2
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tg6UMDAKq
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"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDGRDnrn5T
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiwMJuxO6f
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAjgazBDMF
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MXye5bGhf
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUXqbBHXwM
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WG3cr3Zzz
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcBfAjQqUM
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"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIPJJgLAS9
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYIw0FZFzK
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg4kGuGyuu
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoZQ29GNYs
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzX6Et23y3
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDiQFlRHCa
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTn35nbe0S
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bj6MLgPY2
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKVtYV6061
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"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQvtezgRdi
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoSIRkSna5
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzqYX2Mg4r
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5osmV08yFs
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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77x7i4qDrh
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudzoVoVE7z
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJM6N8plDQ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczx72MszTG
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uSSNn4eug
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PfgQZgjAb
"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.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23mRuHRZrk
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBYi2Noo3I
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CjJgeIKCZ
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JpzKO9DMZ
"For what?" Kevin asked.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmHSc6pG1P
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQrdGxcNhr
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJs423V4MB
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSfMHThnaZ
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EzEAEYgX4
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch5DafIV64
"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."549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSf3WHZiiF
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcb7Rv709D
"And that was not leaving me behind?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jVX10Huzv
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85f6e54UA4
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQuZRsovVn
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenPFX4AB9X
"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?"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaBiyZeehc
549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY0BqH646e
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
