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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGfkpeZjWR
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJhWkyBGNp
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc71DcLrOi
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBApbCMblti
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ibRJqs4P
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AuaeGYwjO
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhvTPrfI20
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXcw74GTsv
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhSWmpGaQC
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk7Op0J9s4
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYhgxqURUH
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTxgKT9SCL
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?511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDTis1PLhw
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHeLT7lCXW
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9unBtaMt1
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy9Zmylh55
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun2atRZuax
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXbrhmL0fS
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUxmlXrNXU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHLI6i1WoT
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHufjFKxJeG
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R2OAmGJru
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XV26qXvTt
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmikqFVBzIF
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKVjYLz2ZY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJU3CC326r
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCABOs8Pcq
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf9VxMRvLO
"No, did you?" came another male voice.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb76BY4iVqJ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pokX4iG5Q
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8sTtkfgQV
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdWFa1FY3
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHbzqS3at0
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ReOqNBIR7
"Me neither. But orders are orders."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrver91UTtu
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi3zD7ILnb
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLrpKWO1fb
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyecxcnKyuy
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPyiJsw1Hs
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9KVYutyjn
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNqYTaoq2z
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIMecpixj5
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGZgv3N2gx
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2hTjU1VGp
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszA3Jeo1NW
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheyvvLnL2w
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXkEKEQ4UH
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqbfpEd2C2
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UFKRAHlrw
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhEDRzEREl
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqEBgXHjkx
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1LIxIFCzv
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2v5JcbPCP
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVV41c3fk0
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIHjaJovNm
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPek1W1LXLZ
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....511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiUt0glCgZ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML33wfS8Cq
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRXHhW9h3Y
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSEgwrxvqU
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDPysyOh6f
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HA0sc0Qy3
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U9Jn5aaFw
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq27EaAiLon
"I'm going to check it out."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcKszmfma9
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggT0g72Hdi
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6hWbOKkwI
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpuQRxcDBQ
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3H89dMhwm
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LKK9GdlaR
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNOtcgD2Ed
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sxruWRKgx
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFbab8EZk4
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXYd3pJITQ
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8E1S5KoWG
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl91yfjlEHn
"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?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7jXlMblJd
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl561e13iBl
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPfPehiwwU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEykO2Iwlg
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnRFLvhtJ7
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftQz86f4h6
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT5dXw8DH7
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K6kfjTVnB
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4bP4QHV3g
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6qerMAXQ
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:511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjcP3PBEVi
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1iKoODLnD
"I see her! There she is!"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36DrEu6HRC
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb4WertVRV
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9416YOB55p
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pjbuYSZ9x
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgzdIhg9zy
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVDXUfPYYE
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW8q64ek1g
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ArPZXmeHY
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DQsfmXYmM
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gS45pVcCm
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq2kS1golV
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAewSs2sFY
***511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC3agABfga
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5buxmf9RgW
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ386H63BFzh
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWnAFssHaJ
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSsPmUB591
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgXnrusKG0
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkAzgls86B
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrwLslJ7n6
"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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD8ozRgBrd
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy0IeoqZyl
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiPGQENZCN
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4LYxMT4dO
"I hope so too."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGQbfPjJUq
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4BOmuF9OR
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWqjyWpqaw
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj0PoAKamR
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwWQuGRz3c
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwbUIasybx
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp4XmHVF2l
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSDoeRpAPQ
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRxDswVMmU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUuiTSS3zU
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1HCZnaM5q
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYCs55IxcF
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdeKVT66ZY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlqSfrhhut
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQfFzmazDm
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeZDPffCMw
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMBcwXGMlO
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAT3dr6OYl
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49FCpIkbnq
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNA1LmzN0X
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH7XdwokjE
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpQnug1tNn
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVu8MZ9P2Q
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQFtieC8Aj
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVcqsCtKGx
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFJdUGpxYe
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAF24m7hq0
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecAJMgHSbD
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E0sskUaaM
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyUb8aKiYb
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrXeTPyltm
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq4d4T1lI0
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!"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BEnO2x2hn
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67TFHPCEY9
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMATmyqEkum
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBKTP9JFq1
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXnkQ51on3
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbGDM98jLr
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHVdDSTBYP
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRbasFzP5r
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaN5Gfe7eU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVix9B7O4dQ
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ39sSHrWQ1
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4MIr9YYvW
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyhQ4lDTcv
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN8ooHmR8d
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqJZFsodan
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3U9lF2nsg
"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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq1V05pDdf
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjmaApBKzQ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ36vLIWjo
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUuiV6310V
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVJLkzvIXg
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepwp2C7YRg
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKYbhxnKVY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGGnO9rlEG
"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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNj4Pp0ESP
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0sqoWvyQg
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GDjoIVgK0
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtPOOVjyGE
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0kVTutSUQ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3UWhm1ys5
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YJqIOrHiB
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA9m795ZIu
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGj4dLg8BS
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFOyyw5kMQ
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCGE3R40fP
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERQkVl5BdK
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtif8CYobMg
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJgQ4OVb0R
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3HTIIbewi
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwyE7ap1Ey
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYdXEIo5XI
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5VYoQTw33
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMju3ZwN0uI
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyHZBxRkaG
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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBoReLeH3c
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"I'm not leaving without him."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvCOo9XLKq
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWEueGji0h
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zDMaqFcyn
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDGb4YXtLa
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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS19TkdLEv
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsj2CSW8Us
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNLLcIVkop
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilpSVwcBA5
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnpsUKg4HU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BrZ1c1968
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W4WJMmW1Z
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw6VgB83CF
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovZVTuBpDX
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcZ4908Uof
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2mx8T3glM
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsABsyvNSqm
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UXInYAPFh
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcV2zoaPqn
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z0AiXnVD7
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC2GMY3AMs
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1e6AixxO5
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJFHzXuFUq
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuMyEC9ATh
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wurHkZZ1O
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz5zLqtxHg
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtrNPRy24G
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHb7DdBt6L
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWubV2imWie
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa9XIWmh5y
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1rsFemivS
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMS5N8miIB
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpJVcPCn6P
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZk5XThehN
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs47FJ7qTqb
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSof55Sjr7
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeORcgcr0v
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBsc0wmCoL
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHePqcAMbFr
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmYAhFXiHF
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnySrBrqmZq
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpLi3twysY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JBGlakMFV
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqvMsDELDU
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7anjbF0dtQ
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34MfMlSfbY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35zTBTyHuN
"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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8Dz2NQKKK
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoncAo9sdpQ
"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?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx5zKw9CQQ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMIlg1zeVP
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hJfomeoll
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKyBQheKQN
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrEBdSrk6u
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4h4ptqCfO
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCczLziof
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yPu2xK9Kw
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5S40LPDRz
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq08v9mtdEP
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIyjWxqszH
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8nSq9PSTN
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU00D1cwFxB
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrE7A0jjev
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvKbBRdEZo
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXJRd4fM90
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM6OOYHPCH
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnuQU1zDhj
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1qOn2l3wX
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvjiMAdGq7
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3uN7PehJk
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOppylEaghk
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQipFwdHSi
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmStHS5N5hg
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17f7P18YtA
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq4tN8q0Zm
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsX9KtUfnP
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6BRjRKbRj
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbKjAvCI2D
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMMl7dhlHS
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOuSaLipEb
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The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1unO6x7RKe
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MagVX7Oxs
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKipqFG5kE
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo2XnbvgIY
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIVXQeNgUe
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAznKIeqdxU
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5IbJkHsjV
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TfS8Ky4FH
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4V6GqoqTh
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCsWEzMhVH
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZAgfrKHzJ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKC0oZGEyr
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcLLXyQCV5
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiuqBLGFBF
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtJfRdlSGO
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxu37sPt75
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKKKiqT4rN
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8enbYsl0p
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWCDcolwW7
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUQlxeUgoy
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ17VSbBmm
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"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifzrF3AbD2
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53wF0q9p2C
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TNa3svD0Z
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXn79pmJnf
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfBxCwFiIJ
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XTXZFV0Ld
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7h6i2Rqqm
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"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIlP11VEzd
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"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERSfQT0W7W
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UCtrQK2kj
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR0JKaI1IF
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM3uf0aBmh
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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlDwsUH9x1
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcHaihAkVf
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NeC3cuWMT
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNalkU518P
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdikELE3SCx
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpPo6HFvdx
"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.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU28UUUMaFI
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdSXP62PaE
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZoTrFV4Eb
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP0dLaLyxk
"For what?" Kevin asked.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YuHBTHsbu
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"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xCkqas8pY
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKxIm7TMC5
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgiKxcm7gb
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh4p5MBISK
"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."511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdSMkbqj5N
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SXshWUc1E
"And that was not leaving me behind?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSbNSo73fv
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Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYdS6JTu3s
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu402AA5ND
"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?"511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xWtewXnZn
511Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyATTVCXxQ
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
