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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl9eMujXtZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhBYvpTYBe
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOGtBxayAI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwLfRyvnKc
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3guB3ddebe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR85OXwSVV
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf3RjPK7TD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjGCRlbXZV
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErxNSbF4jw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg5RQaGg6w
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcsEcD0LeD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdwNnBtP2s
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?589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nHb5vXbso
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69c0WiCSR2
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g1O6IskNN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtlbCLIU2e
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHitROPYTyc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnllXxR9kxO
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7sOtYymlT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OGB1CV3U3
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00lzYpDso4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI61D3y2i6
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvN2WLjVSP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwODEVC4Bu8
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAf7sKQl9m
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZEwzbnIZb
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDMsKS0pjU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdubN19p7Sk
"No, did you?" came another male voice.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx8FLIvAU3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnfq4ExtTt
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwntSc3YWUp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxsML0Tk5A
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWgWF7TWx2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6w7l8PAbn
"Me neither. But orders are orders."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VfYn4uMwc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjmcb12873
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eqC92U4oj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2xp0d3vGF
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW4aOM7mSt
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGYkNe4TwG
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYL6CVbnqv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5goO0drGJx
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYzj3dk2cb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYikhjdNft6
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeCVSLDSq7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKUoMdPSIy
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQL2WStdVZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR4xf3NmCk
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5nWaQm5HQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZisXQiSPS
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWVF6fwsY6
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXg0ja1uhm
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVQ3c2gWgM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wmF5zW83M
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4aw38NTDf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmopr7AFej
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....589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGfKu01ygG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBNjJT2hjL
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLbiAq3qYO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwML43SamD0
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8e4JcrzXL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa6AmjppNG
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG65670cK6W
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Te4Amw5rD
"I'm going to check it out."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8gB2gmfe8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRnoEAaAlu
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPloTh5Rsa
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7vyaJx18S
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdX1WpJcGQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1JJHKquKF
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVw6u3AkXN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19B3xJQje5
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX34L4mukT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zsi4hFIF9
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgZs3pUdrb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpHHugDeQN
"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?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr3kJSNvPx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwRLAa1SLT
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKe1pY1vEX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaDrrxwPXs
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8etu0DeGpt
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpM5BYlmLU
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmvvZxjOQf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qvLUufoOh
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTfR3EuVMI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCNXCoP9sn
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:589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ZG9YiGHb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoJVZNat6C
"I see her! There she is!"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth8OQcbNTF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iNwHHoqsc
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDc7BGsPk2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdMFKstKqD
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sO1H82Amx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfJYPKF2yv
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRG0CIjE4L
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYuUtVp0IU
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKi2PZjCwG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3JLYoOVQJ
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxWDljbMr8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWHg9ZE233
***589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq942vELzg3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJweC6OoJO
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GYWATwMdk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nBDDRiAys
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD7AZogEOh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy53fBHqynS
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwAiy0s9QI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrZ3iqbPH6
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaaJfUzOAI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRmkIUYRwT
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHtg384WKT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6LQtF8yBz
"I hope so too."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJTwNhoWDR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cluMUmQy0
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLG7G7gfH2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiwEFS5yRN
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByGQ9QN0Vy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY7G20nEKx
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2lZUAWawq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VRrwI8rjz
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhYB3C0om8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixtjIRbkj7
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyhQ4Ji5Rx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph5I38eA7L
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0GjkruDoE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnolS76RJHb
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM7kVPqV6q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRFYteoeIm
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1BlEqRRLz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGIEMS5xm9
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvidQR6q50X
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79AZj0VFC9
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RbeNOgIcF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TIaUxWwll
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs0CHBUA5R
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB5OjHbwN0
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzosnLMXGxN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c5dA1ugpG
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeOvHWpGGP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkedFMSVSmw
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHLn1sSWyR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H9DFp21eP
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJRFlsyv69
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdilQCyVzbU
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!"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXA6KQ8sXL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA3GGnAewp
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQcPv6ab5W
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DIeRIjcE9
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj71GeaFBIk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy2Q71bQxC
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rumvN7ufh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB6n0Ou40y
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRdPhzfsNf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjRsBUcI5J
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwAKZGLrKx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmY06gQ5rQ
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsbTmgoUAg
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUwIfehAvk
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxB66UXiNn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUUieG3tsH
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05zl38JBXe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qyQAVmda5
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6FrdbiIoK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEiaHOmKoh
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vrb0l5tqF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUHxNVKYd3
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS0tBDgT6Q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Eeo0yn4f5
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6BfaNkXRN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblgRKKi1N6
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJAZRKxZwX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztQF80e5Kq
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LzHENBqb2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj72WFFk7EQ
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IYfPAEuCq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVQVOc9hHx
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSYXDoMPb3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaaYoOyTIf
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBo13acAs9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRHscAnw1d
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOHAU8JNoP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4ftmk13nJ
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZaoN47DAq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngWgy41zNF
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp6FVHILls
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvUCDplvV4
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMNiQA8sd7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z0BWcItYe
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8P9wdDgPx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP7YgeclDS
"I'm not leaving without him."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvLPVA43SU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEM7h9CvfK
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfsoA39Ihn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L4uVs7LPG
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCEjCtBPcY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v5oBjh9sJ
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jSswGbWqN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd4vno6v5I
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkk6VUQ8PQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEuLRd77SW
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnNw9wXjGw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWEdekuz5y
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI20nBJWRW0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpkIGwfaMf
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRLCBEVk8X
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf2537Xof3
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kHH8toR4H
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTgM748fRR
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0N7C92NAz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h0AWl8GVa
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKKCiiXYcD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXtCs2auAc
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNzQ954GVL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPTFXDAhUx
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08GW5WIFIP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwidQ0oiRLv
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWzgtpbaof
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rJcEOROLa
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn8ajpPiT4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvERkxeJzx
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZWSBiEUsK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KirJSrab5
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DO6n2NsB9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xVup6w3Yq
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdAQENUFa4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X8Vj0EEmX
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2y6jXNO0O
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SCatbviXO
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxygsssJmzt
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOjEIB19Id
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLXLcPuQP2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cRviObKHu
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xDpAwIfDc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva5ztLZuKv
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeNZ3jNyC6
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Ys2UXfPl
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ65guFq05i
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLGWZBFUSh
"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?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiR5yFXRzD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRtnT1jMAb
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQJnzj4LsQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJVlZ0yEd6
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sC2Ioj9rW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCmm1yNQl6
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTVNf9sb1h
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NPGrCMifc
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuSQpkMNx9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQnhfbguX2
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2KBBPmxAM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcSephYTd4
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JGlSkWub5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAZzKl6UGH
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUThjVdFlZ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gmbmA5Flg
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkr4SV9Avr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi4IOyOztx
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI1OdIgcRY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lz8Xpz2dM
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbwNuw3Uwc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScrs1Hd3Rz
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsnAZjRI3m
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSKMnJhFyO
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wLMyBzL8a
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxgUTxq1B6
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq0elRGZ4P
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoMOKOc2cq
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCnnFOd2L7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLEtvcyQPD
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExsrtJ5LYN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2vOgbXdqN
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtS1YbFg5u
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF8Iyu9d3Y
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8K93OEJzX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1uYudqxLm
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI0yTA8bRO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXolounKjF
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBXGbjtBlN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhXDBSdMHy
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0cQqqBaaN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMHUQWHER2
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXl9owhax
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtGKOWjxeB
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlwLMEJsqK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4sOEzuqLM
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1NHw0voTc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP9sB4AN6q
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThpcP8UhKd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcH17NL1Jr
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8huA2yPCzO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlAd6D4Gll
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKIHV5UkaL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLXAjNRomQ
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjPltinJWH
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX1Ykex5kY
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLYIsfnUJL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZCbDbFJFj
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dNrGWLsq3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PWMIDGkq6
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppg3EgByM8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkm1jJkB7F
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc97m3FXHb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12i32wnYYB
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QUhK7ByY7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsifRoQIFku
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ530q3xvFij
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsG2drYRkw
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxhqWTfAUf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRgS6Pha5B
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhKkAjkbmV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ8EbrrkED
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUlFVpjAuy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h5Yi7U0jI
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiy2GtartW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrbck1WpjH
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjROuT2GIs
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDvuE8BgPr
"For what?" Kevin asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E17rspjmD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5sYh8Bw84
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx0zbwRvJh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhLLt9kZlw
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2iu0KFCpN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nutI0ZITg
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYpUliPhAH
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp6AK3UojF
"And that was not leaving me behind?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLDCC0mWOp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7AXdTRrEp
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh8rzJXhTa
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqUfZvCIPC
"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?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOijWwMKuu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2JHxASOsg
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
