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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJJoUykaML
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQEeXRI72w
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SS3HHBYtQ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzhl87KFTe
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnvIUg2fme
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqS8Xw8MCp
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39V9d8sqh7
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwFe7MRn3R
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7m6pMeOIE
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX4YbkfVUp
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRgV04jRZG
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKKOAcvUs2
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?587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuPfZ1LYuf
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydk68O2ERN
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYwtJqlOsN
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXfaSRAqQ2
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkHf8Nuof3
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauXA1P9YvG
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF20EKEEzqU
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3jdCFqKM2
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZwwrscagi
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauZnMks3go
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPrcAa9khn
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QX6nl11QR
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvacKw7SsuI
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOssYyIWBQ
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK7Ii3XFmu
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7hVgIvQHK
"No, did you?" came another male voice.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8N2u9dLf8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqH1syJcq4
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsgFTae9QX
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tqxJLlK0w
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5CVlgwGS8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeJFlKmyaR
"Me neither. But orders are orders."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ04RsG4Qr
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMavaihV4M
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixKPre0f70
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAdYHDsesK
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkli2Z27xd
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYTTBdDVCN
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTkZ7Kn9Ya
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0VWEYJwCv
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJADJxp5O2
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYsvKovLb0
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHx3fbJrrx
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8KaA3XSwI
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bhO99IXLq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RIdo5UGtb
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTtUqA6KI5
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUS2ddqTfk
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxjhesA06V
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNuiipYuJs
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWxB6YrZTN
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZQgkznIY3
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYRuzHGx7c
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSGNAcOryY
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....587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQoeafS82l
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXTpY9e02s
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Yjg63iY1
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D2IjptmXI
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGIGXgHzr4
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn27VFz20z
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWMgBUVfyD
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ007IHcHJGZ
"I'm going to check it out."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BlYOzowZb
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYmgM4TOs2
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUOOQw7Hgk
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS7xR8DP2e
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIqLwb5Yb3
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Io2vHpOxE
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc5OzPEN6r
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU42EnhDJQ
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhprJgsORu7
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wgiQviNmt
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO4zBwTD3M
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpBIQTbMIA
"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?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRyUzcgDDy
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3wwdOq9Ag
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniX0iXtAoq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYo6xZo8eG
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48F7p1P3xq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHagD7NChi
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRsDoCd4VT
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfb07jc65F
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4TfNRAsJX
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn0wdnV249
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:587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrb1Y0aSGe
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRE10Wbfym
"I see her! There she is!"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxJvTtpLI0
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiHSubw5Jq
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN0knisv9r
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qDf9Ghc4E
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmAegOqnlQ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAC8OIhx04
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDmPpsi23q
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtVs37baJe
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFuozlgbQd
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5m9hv2NDi
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuxaUjmqG8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpleqIXxsn
***587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLHn5qACoV
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatEKklxKpp
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zoeos8w0I
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR4HAom1jq
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPqvVSH3rt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8EWCW6aKh
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpMl9LT1sF
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBUq9hyXhD
"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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbaKU70Xap
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bs89oPXSO
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEyYw1uv3V
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCEBx2GfWQ
"I hope so too."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gttNUnozQ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9GNQydypP
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokiHBDgI1Y
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWdxR4U4GK
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2zOxMsPlt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7hzdisiM5
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZf1Zd6xcA
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL5f598mHv
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBgBukck6m
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6JWhteZJi
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKZ1t1dmEE
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9JlNN5DDz
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ4zzyZOkq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9qHoAie9t
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVpEkOtgUV
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1znW7b5VrN
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk9ZExmdvI
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcYiKXJFqa
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p93JIipHA
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxR0wke85W
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNI0TvFIAt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZu79fSbFh
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGcaYetYfT
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQeL5mCjj6
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmg5L3SH6k
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO0VuBE5BI
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO6j3lDmIx
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMPV8crhiF
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GVdxiheYt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEsI7AS7Pw
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiTlpMxLZR
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj6kPR0Kaw
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!"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8lqJ9QlrN
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QYAkremPz
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ3Lr5AIEY
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwA3Kusac3
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD5PRvn4N9
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdzmFHaD5j
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyb8DNxOib
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN0rEqdGkM
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV31CRcuJOJ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCDdfXuTZA
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqImQQmk7y
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14OPgahU1I
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovfG0kc9gF
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WKTuerWGp
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHURBFqrSE7
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAXTINGXG7
"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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGRV3QWtCp
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjaH2tEqtH
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8N4I9KWWO
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloaGrIXFhV
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb1xlKthhe
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX82LDBMjR
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVykM7DfkSr
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrnM4ObIFA
"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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvXps8Npni
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFc3GGeuhb
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHNsERHCWP
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7gJsvCDcm
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy19y5ph5X
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn86oDHCMhP
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1coHS4OCj2
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehIR96kOhl
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudRFhs9aUK
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpHP6I8tZT
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTJRvKhdjH
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9ReflubQJ
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNooLsNGEP
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGWSijR2bx
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsevOrsyAjh
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18TOTGbVnO
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuIR1OIAHq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGTPs1i0MO
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTfCMPKnBl
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Q3AplDRC
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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvFCSvOoeR
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTVgOhBPf5
"I'm not leaving without him."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphmuFYZ5KY
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVbIIwcmCR
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYzZzyVGPC
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hpkKaUJEb
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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXT8i6akEr
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe99u6CcBRt
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqZS56CAco
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf6XGLSz4s
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNZjprXlhu
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSkEJufWtz
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo76Keocg9
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXxHG3bWYa
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolUz00tD4F
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6YJ1EEbrn
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAIinCn24y
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnWmAM1mFC
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0228l1oGO
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23UT7MXhuR
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4adWTpKtDY
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n9Rpepd7r
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQx6jB6Lvc
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83AXor9AKh
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZS9MP6LEj
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEW8mPV9xo
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWVPJrhwLh
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUui6v5XJrv
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtQQlnwqO1
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUAOQ9QG9Z
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaHFL9zK7B
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2C5wFR3Al
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J6yXPNBG3
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuzKkVODun
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7NyCZQFhX
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIuMhAdr0W
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8igG9rwUYd
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVLkY2HmIY
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyF1wr6KxA
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYMuutGoyH
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9Y6VcdOG0
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LXq7BBA2R
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCdZdoGkou
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SGhRB64A
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsSkFnRDoX
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnDTmvsOXY
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRn2ca0GS6
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsQXdzerhP
"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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpJFNj955y
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GGUISAonq
"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?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPADib4Mt45
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbTQ02MY5Y
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0StAAwUX6m
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28FLDrw1sD
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmucAkzpKV
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ddRSo4ZtZ
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJjMWo6iG3
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYrdYGxeDO
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWVFYVtskt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1fSfLcnTn
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa8s38zHK7
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Twy9E8Zsv
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE1Mge90fb
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeOOHS548w
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJfHxgk7Rl
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJjkUAj4T4
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaWHPiflAJ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqvgV3Qxgh
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFItblPA0v
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK2kXWbdDN
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahK6Nlk9sh
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoEmDudaJE
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ3jPyWzFs
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYOtbuJqwu
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkJmZEpsTs
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyHRd9RJDB
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrV1i6eH0L
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIjJyu4xQ5
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjDuoQFNxn
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVUvOLL9Ne
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tWKrrEOpF
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2CfEjkL8R
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKcImuevtt
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56oX09op8J
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxuT5c2VFy
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASIPYJu84w
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG23p0gsJz8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BpVEMBEKH
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8skWnZ0aU
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUyxjau8gm
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd1MgCrQc9
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqYnL0Czxe
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrRwbkEhak
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFUXBOtV3f
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SGPGPqKQe
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIRXa35WTo
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG4SKiB5NP
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KUAeEXmKh
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtEwmpYtnn
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwfIe2NGBZ
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR39m63bu0l
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7WgfgHaYJ
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS5I7flVOq
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j1vrNbQ1c
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnWS2JfY1D
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3YFG5wk6
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTANqr48D0K
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhKn1ygENf
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8MP7yPVkU
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjkLsJhVlP
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCW6MKjVR5
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lJ45Wd0hB
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKznH5doshZ
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8E6hdhmVH
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDv2bg63ML
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr6UIBBSi7
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj93Z1nzE8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuxkg2cqbc
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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4jwBnnvm2
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q2z2c1uov
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk7oadgXzO
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv9OKhI9sr
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnOlEGkCAI
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z31PnShNV
"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.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPHXN77AE2
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJOXc89wa3
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b9mVDquv0
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMiOkYsdUy
"For what?" Kevin asked.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWiv1CYWsk
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKio7livU7F
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cJfkOTfn2
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxToy3EZCf
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoXSecQqgT
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi82GGfNVZL
"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."587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dwCAF65P8
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI9ywy8Wm5
"And that was not leaving me behind?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzp2GgxA2W
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN6MftnQIv
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9kotYOJcA
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZf4bz5XxS
"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?"587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot5apVJ0fC
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EAlSIceLb
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
