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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FwFEUGo8B
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWz3JRykMp
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaLXu4IdCb
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDGfc8a7be
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nQYzliaaH
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrGByZjkOs
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51tTwTsNWC
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3aemwR5L5
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9djiKSiNzq
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPNG2Ml0nm
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA5YqE3cuf
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqxcad9MrH
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?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7XMpRhYyr
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTVEIaVPNF
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1leo8p8bt
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzs1Uxfisp
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgxn5berLS
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7JJaQcVj5
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbvJ4H4grj
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNriNo9HP
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad1XnuniZH
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF0BfQ4lEB
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LzMDJPSnY
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwqx5moVba
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSKXyLZQtn
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdM2sljIT5
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0835DCJcll
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmoZcemjVN
"No, did you?" came another male voice.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8dDi4xq8A
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTFKtRdEiD
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9g0lEdfZz
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPKdTYo8Eo
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAQ6xhExV0
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3rE1m5Xuw
"Me neither. But orders are orders."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEyNvdwelA
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiXeleBneg
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcbfft8Nty
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxfHweuxw1
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AgF7trx4t
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf7lJ47bnh
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt8ljNhoMO
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bFgBX0i7i
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcINavwoYun
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8Ywh4ZOWj
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8aLXhLjAC
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJyPym3YPR
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM7kVayeQs
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR2kELG2lz
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu19AwMcpYB
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GoEODIkfc
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYA11RqoML
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkYnPpCBdd
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVElZBH0vYx
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfB33GqbwC
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZMSdbP5Dp
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBjT7EeSem
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....593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsayvvkm412
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlwCZLJsYo
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNw57xObku
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42ZaUzSdQy
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIt6WD4Ys8
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZz46vAU7h
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QW5MVcLc2
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8dpW2R7hv
"I'm going to check it out."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrofzuWxfQk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC1blZKVmI
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWaKB5Mdxr
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMCblq0Jzx
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IaeYG2D8T
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cFe0q82zA
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cbFrv1Lm9
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7g3fB8ynp
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLt4PmG52B
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgIHPzvtL3
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qbdwtX4at
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntMARXIMdl
"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?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H7ihahIgO
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWU7NdrtTN
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd9EZtIFlT
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqwmY5loEn
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpU5if9Cnu
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp7vzh3ugR
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ShY499hgZ
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqEe7QkazR
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmJatbBEXa
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyFatoP9nS
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:593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK26d3GCpge
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspE5GyPqLY
"I see her! There she is!"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BCuiWptGd
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYj33vwGyY
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiOKnrBoPB
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6a6GT2dZp
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW28755bEu
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfAew5PPYv
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy05oaHbXGk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68z3gdHPLQ
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYloZjvhYJ
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qzuvPEod3
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ap7YOogG1
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zYNcEAOYe
***593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiBF2CgxNN
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeNxouklxk
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xsogE9lVM
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NyfocbKVx
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIFUYPsi0L
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60mxza0IOk
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUI5WYLnwR
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWrwj4Ys0f
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WwbKGJlk4
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RSO5XrbWA
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtXh2UH0er
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsydeQyWO4
"I hope so too."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY0fc05N25
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfI1WWrvOI
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfUpvcK1FV
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNMIhnBzkU
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVS6vbLUnV
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2DPi1NA2G
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK11Fof0K6
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbnfSyvd0G
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBgkPHwpTD
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ifvo2sEXO
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA7Gebf7Q0
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FSBsw5L66
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyoXtOmt4A
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy4iE1KIu0
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbTwKfIgSE
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26ItRDABTS
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX5jHrtdaQ
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJxJ51Tva8
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PuR0ouyfQ
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1POfEiKEez
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRKFj9Jfkj
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPuZR2oCFz
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGCH2Gg1lf
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsUAgPMw0Y
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ2zDqXecZ
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBchoHRe0h
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j1dBtbRM4
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCcEIsKVNF
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaH9tYfXSy
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuA4ZjtcoD
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusKCx9Bn1f
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozirmgpO42
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!"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZtUQAUTq7
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxdIie2kFa
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqXEIfhYza
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI246fnaj6
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCivZ6qbu9t
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2m1mcCOVd
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IVWZKrndu
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VvQr9vniJ
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwnvAZw51N
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RS8ePPCMt
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQKty2W88e
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW1IaZWZkk
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIHO6QC9kR
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuE2Rj3Xtp
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vbG7yifU1
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta50tfURip
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8UNk8lSfV
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKpdz01fqJ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJPM1vUI6X
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp8PXAJhy8
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevwF5BFOoh
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSusAac1gUU
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7VqmEeZYL
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UhNoZGXx3
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMSl1RuG3r
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYkrECg5Pv
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCLnybqXqK
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPRbwFWf8V
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99IKIGa2gi
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3EU5ybTGL
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHWReDH9vt
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDISOnY7zy
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurpQcGZVc6
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsjeoQnQAj
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHUTol9AIG
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDE36wQgjd
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfC9R8rZCl
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55AiBd3DxR
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiWliPkiwe
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1tQrv16QP
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap8hj1w1mI
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMRqKCowqc
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBfCquUuTj
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC487etP2G
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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96CaNkfWzY
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"I'm not leaving without him."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacblOWpkPm
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZtRJCH3LU
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADy632oiWN
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qpr7b6QoL
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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OB9AQo70Y
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRFNRpn11J
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXFvA2SXyf
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGjrBhLuTH
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA6Aor8xkl
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm9l41Wf34
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKQwF8q2Mc
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FpUJCzVjJ
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYMpjwx5sn
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqu6gBZNrB
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTznLSTLyI
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJighLRM4Cd
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLlpN8IYgx
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqDh6xPdH5
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwaCklLS8u
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBlSoNyygF
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xcQ46UuVG
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9fueWCWjk
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCerYxe8eI
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNNLJWJRt8
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVry1ANuLe
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCOgF2lSS1
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdJwHmWLQF
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pXLisFrmU
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kMBidiDue
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmt0wyUt8B
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxVaAWC9ff
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM8LtQcXti
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSayQ9mKLY
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz9ShDKmt3
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxCxZZeej0
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYQZYxB1dP
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkqrqeyzpR
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj4f8FuueG
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m3xOleVHk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsHoNXhJli
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5mlThG26r
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjP3LBo8yI
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKsVyKTikD
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN1mRdQuc7
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqWMRP7qm0
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGnLFV0Jm7
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUvl5z6BSy
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs0liuxMRX
"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?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mXQQPmWyk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkQTWTwLpC
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUXclpzLGq
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXUegKutTi
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DTJDZWUbR
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhuiOhrJGX
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZtbEMooS5
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5PULaEKWC
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgUYOrat3v
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMgWTf1a4b
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sp08elIR1
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Iax4X5et
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR0r4fqiyD
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXdlGIDLKv
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt2zhXCMVN
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl71dU2PNMh
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq8TNsDRw7
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMBMSxBYPu
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmdLIit7Ol
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwxi8CBAa7
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuqcx9VHOd
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTNPn397Jc
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR2sLfqxug
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjcqkj4SdY
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN6RoEXW8Y
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzu8IhTWMA
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v6Kc72LH7
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBgKrBX6XS
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN40vyxOB1
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgU7Uqgfqf
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkmFfZsB3V
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The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDAjg6pahp
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU8ogdvQgS
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8woPyG38xp
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMSTzZwhOB
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y2fc8avuA
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ4JhcQ4ff
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfwjlMzeDD
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdKO0KTnps
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisgmKbzZQz
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The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBDuQxaV9w
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNh1rBq2e4
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzqmNqOPTk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHmuEsnAah
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu4FN7QW1r
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBZ1GtCPuD
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDCfkVo9Ow
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWVKxTXx9l
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QKUcqo8Wk
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn5MzneP1H
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4gWyhsrew
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tkzFEHsCl
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk3uHUYTq6
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cf1f28nYI
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMxFTVunfb
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCpiOaGuUq
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPfGfT0Axb
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkVJ2l5wcN
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpBn36FQkL
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5j8s2FIjR
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYiC3RLQ84
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSYsNhpuUL
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9ZyLOLbh4
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHnf76E4Od
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWmBjBHebM
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOLDjQZVdY
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXB0QPH7x8
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cQqA4JQbq
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK28Rf1XtY
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA7Ve7VyEV
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71yvB1X44V
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h0xBLYExH
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXsJ4eXKfr
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBC8xGHYOL
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLigctu5C6t
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvWTwdArn4
"For what?" Kevin asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuNgWTTzKa
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5YwYMeBUg
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CFb5jMS7T
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DQmcAOMkR
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HR6moB77D
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM3kckxQG4
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGQobRqTEX
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pxc0ffLUp
"And that was not leaving me behind?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmFbNF8biJ
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Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTlGOFKfsA
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTccMYo4HW
"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?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlElPzJXmvW
593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqvGI6f6uk
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
