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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlp78wYUUg
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB9WYi8We5
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kkd8eEPVb
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6gpl3hKuU
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5zg6N8bYH
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBedhApG2th
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaVCoay4lZ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFCnf4GC5d
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7MaCH74Ur
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6BtVAWq2K
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v2bM6mK8l
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vDzurzEb6
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?533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH2WrWghSc
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1kC09k0D2
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fvwd7adIP
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx6zai2PKB
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xNvb91Slv
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdbNpLCqA5
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj2P96CFxz
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedLSsrVrsN
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCsqWa48Bg
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfi0QIJohG
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEykv4O1gi
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXBo79oVXo
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8mXlsNx2v
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIy0qw1wqF
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ik8kxVao
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SCj4CTXdf
"No, did you?" came another male voice.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO95rerZUUc
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSrjzyDjFT
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDf2MAp9Rj
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEzlNaxq6p
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmVP1At7OZ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw729112J1H
"Me neither. But orders are orders."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlyzFOzwo6
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5byuULmnR
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP40FBzjUsw
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWoTLcW7GO
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufj0hgR29R
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuEmjpizvx
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbYdNlT6pK
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XkRl9pbJW
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwt74ZuHAr
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR18Ny5CUw
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvCoxpfLeF
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTfWgNe1RZ
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TAfcOOEOG
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91KJoMTVD0
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z9iohu6G9
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruxWup1bxK
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDvmndjdEV
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdKgRQvE7Y
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QKZ02u9Yo
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtewHiFkiVk
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiSrke5YOO
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCPmRhmBev
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....533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8lzlWtDIl
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7XNS6obJ3
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS93FUFjVKv
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarAE3PQeGS
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGXPR0L57h
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4bC4H5g51
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiv2URYpOt
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UVYIt1DKy
"I'm going to check it out."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpgcjVF5r5
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZQxA5jliR
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2B2iVIFlf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYH7e3JY18
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4TUvdMoGj
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB73Fhh74N3
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYHMdNE8rJ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SxXcemA5a
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC842014fp
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXAueNOfRr
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq7FVfKjPe
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTIkdsMuog
"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?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSER29eshk
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQzdb7g8De
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1P0QZVYlh
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JQR4xI4iZ
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSyONK7kxt
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtN1NRhJga
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbynRjp1a9
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIIKumczUY
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfl5pJxVEC
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp83CoocR7L
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:533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxTyqhWtfW
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrOWscJinz
"I see her! There she is!"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe7Eeid8JT
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk26WkQhyP
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobo6udPSk3
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2HlmmOeRc
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBff2FpbdAE
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTfPN2vWb5
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarv8IGoqcM
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuhZpTBpIW
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhEOF1Wr6m
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAfVeTK05b
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDXHqwQRz9
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mej3HLjkO
***533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEoqbsM1eW
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWvb2Qtqhn
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNEFV6gSCz
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsquB32gbGX
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj3gLj6X72
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgJIqGTbTF
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigObA8d7eO
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlIJdxeAKc
"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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYqTP4PQuE
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcsEUt1TPp
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DD0VfEJ6z
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNWNoK9JXc
"I hope so too."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTVEx80Ui4
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ3XBYZMrN
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ulT22UZAe
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJLCV5wmB3
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcSc7EV4aC
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80l5mOpmCz
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZZ3kvThsJ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvy3mWBGWp
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vGeVYQJ2U
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2TYTysBn7
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxJCSMXu8C
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyW5jnLIHw
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9MteYRr43
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnHFZXUYYf
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4xLhsgn7G
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6PaXu1lSW
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUXULL22XG
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXSbyU6anm
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYIp5Rxo8N
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVLubRN0MI
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoZGofNIK2
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJPdx5WA6b
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3ycA2ojgf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDK2YL3n0X
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc2Vo8t8AQ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7VZ10K9h3
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzXouj8ciy
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHCM5iQEWJ
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVaRZbgPW7
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVTCBvCpWO
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCY5WtVHV3
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpKNCouSmb
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!"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBSGm5fn0m
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslpAmloCWS
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GeYvsTnkf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe72QNHTChM
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQnNU4ta4j
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB2KorzM8N
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUHlG85PFU
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVts80SDPx
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvMzNWqr5e
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeyGIzUzo7
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgt4YhhDFA
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn3R0tOtA4
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEzP7h62Qh
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIpeETivTc
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFJyZGzebe
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGLlNggPQk
"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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83gZBVIgQx
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFEO8TiYIE
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvGU4YTYsx
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ0ObNK8sr
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZUl2LbNwK
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdJGEAK1I5
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AArz55zpf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cEU95i5hG
"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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVAz3Q8ZHt
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYurDTEExp7
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSK5Ejx1zy
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdFk2e4qUv
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPgD38fcpa
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj8mnmJlPx
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdfpgCqzJf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeV0Kn8cA7
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7iJBt4p5k
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3UwsirEzQ
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsr0zjJOYN
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvvxYqwecn
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn7K1dqONY
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ487lFWEYxr
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mLz2FWm9t
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IX2krRkoJ
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUMP5xRJ3l
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WMOCjsUsG
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8EwLSfdUU
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBxeEOgUWZ
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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWPy3ZSx3i
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNnhxEFQVb
"I'm not leaving without him."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lAJRllL7B
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT2LnLYqSe
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJBeUieou9
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOhYbH0e3s
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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCDSQyBBqG
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy8mNrDdPZ
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdzL2GLthf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbarVOZBkr
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiKRzYPmGO
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBs9KH4si9
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ6lvviA9B
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLxnQJvRJN
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTuPoapB2A
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB6scM9dHU
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKE8FPCXkf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6zP4ILgJN
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OFKu5ldya
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgZq7pSKGJ
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UPmocf5bD
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSGutNIA8R
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f5ZD7sRNU
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1wIrqmQrP
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAtSiwZWPK
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXww1fj3w2
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxItpv4M9Vo
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0REZc8JNR
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC9m6noGYD
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb4K6KnZ0n
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv4RR7SuWZ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffnuD88LlP
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMc3Le8ur8
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSuliqyTEL
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuDGD2hUir
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEIFJf1fHl
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVDCuGqLXq
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPShVUP90eD
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KII2vMUTR
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBE9wwRC77
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWERVQ9FS4
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkx7VVIR81
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYWu3zhfvk
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGPJsRlUpe
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bfZ5qjFWE
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e9y69WrF0
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchbAMw02dy
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO94dhmi5K1
"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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVibxDwm5Yn
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5p24Q9yJd
"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?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5oN9K3A3h
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbq24qgEMa
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3AZuX648W
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFdcjBzINp
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVkIe9yFMd
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkffwOe2TDR
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvauJ3tFa5R
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo4GSmBaLD
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSUmQHtPO2
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KBarTT3mz
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gBF75W49l
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJF4sP09Wo
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcHzGBdJQ7
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxdcq6ILLW
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk1nz7hXW8
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUrF5VUuNI
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZgJPpYvuD
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNHN5xgmfR
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSuQmn6p2Y
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt1FHNQr5E
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKafRwL6RgA
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTKiNxQa6c
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWnjOzYKcY
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcoiqR5H3r
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaBPEHCZWd
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlcYzz68JU
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMJURUvUwZ
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAyD2AlWcj
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4dRU2o0HM
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2U6XeFNAS
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjLnW5cf0p
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJQbl9oVJP
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqT8EP5YSX
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILAwxmJQ9G
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzSGW4sl3Y
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE94AgLZgmo
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAioXJpe4X
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08eNzCwRgq
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01oZCDXxQM
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sFxJ2Sqlb
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNXNM8sWgq
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc4n9WkwWM
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaZY6wsK29
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBbOJqLHcy
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDo2cVwy8d
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaYOSgNIjH
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl7BJugE4j
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyj6JPcYQM
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSLGi8csH8
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnZTebVsvS
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjExpScLG7
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn19NZ1Lzpt
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ16MbQ2XI
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZf76JPdmA
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsZxNeabgq
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLOxxkOVzD
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCWRaxsd5p
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR6Yxzx9oA
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt7ubUeVAz
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxfCeaoloP
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHmnMuWnSy
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3qnMCcjBT
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdrFBAg5Pm
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN1bXJk15u
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCnptOssOh
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAWTXoo7zA
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f1kjSoptv
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLAPbvZeKv
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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwYhWKrlxk
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwdMrd9mIN
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZEdPrRsRc
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i4HyDktFL
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87RdG6hNPa
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclr130InZM
"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.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUckveakOBI
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7ZO3D4PyB
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzw61jgPjR
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7ITtnWIFF
"For what?" Kevin asked.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgxh8DVJf1
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby3GGnOVWZ
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttEmUsrduf
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVQ7xvaNX4
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmJ1JhovXy
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns1yTBS6jn
"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."533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX3hLFNHaN
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazzQTkQVgm
"And that was not leaving me behind?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZD39Vfhrt
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinw06KgE15
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPTAsyTszj
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzvoggjYvF
"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?"533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH5j3K7rK2
533Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8KzNydAKy
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
