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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuy4DfgROo
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwtZeM9ZSO
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeEyecBAhD
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR5p1fr4Bt
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSFpEN4Isp
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYb6vJtnqX
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAc79DBVSw
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6v1PwDk2W
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3UWVGHvX6
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqgN58pjru
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt7NgEkb6Q
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX1192i7i0
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?524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF0FP48Hdi
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nmgjV8ql4
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9UTzBXyOm
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQtJoD2NLn
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8gz5EQPgE
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutyitZUZyI
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6FKjFxQgG
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hm5eVosid
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKTziGFCzJ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRPXuHB397
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAk7hUAd4u
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wwhGEG7kh
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88as3HpJlU
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e9Wwo90Zq
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QnaDfWXIh
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFByVwqo1D
"No, did you?" came another male voice.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk6wb2N41A
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzsJmcUchX
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRNEOO10lf
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2xrB8sqF
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtihCzBb95O
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo95Fbytm8
"Me neither. But orders are orders."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2Waehws87
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYaebM8KDK
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjt6G8kSPL
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK34xhdqiX
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKkOlxxrGM
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4wUjiKLnJ
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUTSqy3GZQ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p0809458G
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIq2VpIxNh
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRvSYteczO
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj8cn3OOep
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QDcNHaMSC
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2CCYvWOUT
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbKIMnyLVV
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUmQ7XhbPi
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GkBNTkRUB
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGyVeyCFxY
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcylddi0KP3
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hGwdxtUMQ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSpiR0JbV5
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLodxeTFG3
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaubfxSZ4U
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....524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtyXHo6to1
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWjxVGlvwL
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPSfn2QAEk
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPb8ikQ6WW
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEYoMTCj14
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ431Btz4j
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdWNLbaDYI
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCVS5DJlQt
"I'm going to check it out."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7Pc0jWvIU
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CGn5BiRya
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9xdWG5Nbp
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMUobaouLd
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTexhAGy9I
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lCB3mjkYS
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEAGXKz2yn
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7mVoRUSNV
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IfRkBgflB
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzZG3qvkh4
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGaU5LoB7o
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eacaDBKxO
"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?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31TAY3CzbO
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMWeWTKSzG
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGaDwqI5oF
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBhWO4JIqc
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeioCeHWtme
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoykmFvEJ5
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FteGqus9p
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbFUsHt6BS
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cexB8KyoC
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7HJpr7PXO
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:524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zRZJ8qtpe
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfsGpT1BmS
"I see her! There she is!"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv1HoY72Ry
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMAlc0yymW
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgUtuDkLTJ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe0LWMz5yH
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYauikQ2Byu
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4YXgJRDPe
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7KFlELyuX
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P5vLK0w5k
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamMoay4RGk
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OoHWDzqeI
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsTc7xj9id
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfFaG0yyZ0
***524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGZJOkj52v
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwb1C46952
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq0FozEuN4
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHFY7vuk9T
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6bbZNgLZE
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhVrhSiHSX
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0wvm5SqXJ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYaoo4fScv
"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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2FsneTItx
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OjadFLgdK
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq83Xx7rJqg
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zvz1QEMep
"I hope so too."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUmoxWnv1W
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhICF6cRsvG
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hujdf483z
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdggZnSLROg
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pb3CtHGzK
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgPMG1IYqP
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fTgnw9G5f
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSMsJmZ53Y
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJjruhrBBE
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDFbjPqRAx
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynLDgqBTGN
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzMAkdPfLq
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8HIQGUbx4
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTenGpBtxYh
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb9RrdG2Fe
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKyBoomCAv
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHC0pMRxLQ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVhpkagmpf
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaGQuoOWc6
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpZmYV7fNQ
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Bk2xRKO8
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z3Z4oSFHI
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfWyMELUyn
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAOSgAIJOm
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM8KtMwa48
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby87UBiO2g
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzotUnSC50
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJBVSmpf18
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2NtDT52Vc
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxVY4QOp5n
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvammhAeLlV
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvae0x3gZ9
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!"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31DBbjrdes
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXRW7fNfWd
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoytC8DlwS
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s3QchnrFR
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaRnJOtY9G
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDMA7MKjdf
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgijRfkaBY
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G5tMszVD0
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5sV4fIIRJ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0Hf94ZcSk
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJtzU4N8fs
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aWbrFjkwF
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARe1wjkUZG
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7wivT666o
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvKA748XDS
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbA8nXUIAa
"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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTab8ji2OO
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KRczt335U
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD7jDcRi6O
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvB6Jbht5H
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0x0W8GzPA
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc0duHi9yJ
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3xyR7Z6HD
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahyAbBfR43
"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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDAXc7yRWE
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dal2D2Ivm
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR6Z1jevdm
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNYQL7KMvf
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxArMnF0pe
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZT9s9ONYu
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHff0iaRxt
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk9HBWjR4O
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYkX17g8Z4
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbDWXm9vDU
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0uhdpVDbL
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyNRJ5z5kl
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eJnXGjn7F
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb1IZYNeem
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts0hBHrHXM
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FVypQeelT
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroC4e6yzwC
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMMqwoz8pl
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SXMLcp0Zz
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx9yLkBa5x
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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2zSqUI9Ut
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rHhoWgNic
"I'm not leaving without him."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuko3KjEu4c
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFXzpASv3T
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfndCM5R2B5
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF0bo02N8j
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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBIGX4c8YL
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx8JAvNWNV
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjBgF4qDWG
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5wSvALTJ6
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZqJje73Uw
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYhlQcGXtH
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1gpG22Jx7
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwti03WH8Kw
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz92D01fvZX
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNh0KIwtBT
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBptPBoe9v
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE3ahnupyZ
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllCj2VUVuX
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhBaW5jxkT
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GIHd7T6lN
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6P1yVPe0i
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxqFnBb7AS
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NZ4eV0Gs3
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKCHsUtmAM
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTFh27SXJz
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qTu7wTTln
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6NyEAIjL6
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMvSpp14eB
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDMGk5hn4X
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRKQjqIHKX
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh38Lku1tiq
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNKKdqngeU
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHmKYYJ4SA
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiWZunbptW
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjnHqxMOuJ
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz1z1nHnek
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBOcNgR7Wu
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOtz36QVyk
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ5E1cmZro
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv6he90EK3
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o5wjilBjp
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdArJyLz7f
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbDqIEXqBK
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnxGweAV8R
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpN5wANdEd
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazhnv2qY2t
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPAOqMkCv9
"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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJZ8fj9GnU
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyO4u433ug
"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?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oKp6tVHC2
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9WdLx0qQq
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKiL5RIV6Z
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAwq9PQglm
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGapWLx71l
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIi8e3Mg3Q
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Lgbrmr0Z
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSR5F04HCX
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPOsR7C5i8
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N8lQJ2luV
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkDiWZZCEZ
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUccGAUdqek
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YAkQAdnwd
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvwvyegFOy
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB4BG3ZD7Y
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTn2XoYINN
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDQdbNvekS
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiRNP0GyB7
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrX84KjKfL
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquSWO7hfed
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ455BstgXP0
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PHKjam5Lr
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAv6xhqtKo
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNAJ49yxMo
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L2mMvYdAz
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzxNLrBIBp
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaoVhLUOW1
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdyxAXa98n
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPuQtzG3Xy
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinCmL31BVb
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14gkQFktpK
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1WY4ok5GA
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ9o8DVSsk
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNs7iFPXGm
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPiIloVJKz
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQuIyrBHWV
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDEBlSZcuT
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX2OL9iJ2K
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTRs9DMw0O
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiKSZY6meH
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAg4t2TbkO
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq4K5WdD0j
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYZ3YLuxGR
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0d1yFwUJi
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC0pZzLPgu
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQe7RWCLv6
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEezuW8oms
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXkTCNBTjE
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxkNiFBhKx
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKgQzHMDs6
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnX7lZXmmL
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg3BLAw7v7
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQtnSlLpjt
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaQgrX4IAJ
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuFVQYqHa0
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99oGmDwu8y
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HDqXbZbp4
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJXxPvdjvf
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Nv8lxjxD
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5bd4HFiE0
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nJBUVeTYW
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0mvx3znEJ
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeXxfNmARs
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMUdUZJ2rc
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu6MS3SbCI
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveseDyHLxH
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbMAbTMgaW
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp3EHb8FvS
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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGfFTleYDv
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYvwRSshpS
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExIjJPq8SH
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxYTSfHzPT
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPldDyI6MPl
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpAhcd9EQZ
"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.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTiyLy4BXh
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvNcJ4TCN2
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJImhZ0urro
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw6Z7gv5AV
"For what?" Kevin asked.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6A6dnMwa5
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzGcZ8EzUM
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RsULAM6Os
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURFAVrhvku
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XkqCDFkeq
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkwRWCxt4l
"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."524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRTYchRKUl
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3gj8zJTpn
"And that was not leaving me behind?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5r5xiMuxn
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ok4dTCYbG
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfktBm84bG
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw5YyTBRUf
"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?"524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGBzSeswIY
524Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S4VltHyRO
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
