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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r7o0XDrlL
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifPSwHZLgt
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVTxWVwmIw
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWR4V4m0qy
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBNaMN2dOA
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP00ZkN1hNj
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzgwyBB13M
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wDGn6ykpx
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHDC3SfCgD
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhB5WimbPi
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWIrsyfVzn
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtqpaXPjU5
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?592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPupbEgUJJ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDZas1ih9m
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjm3CdscX3
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWEhhLuhqg
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf9bwmI2Wg
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxOVqs7Ayh
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5Gru2grGt
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaeg1QWe1V
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOcYIMWOvd
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ798KClIw2q
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCrqjJdcf0
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyVfB6g5ti
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrM4JzCAuU
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCTUF4hIW6
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5cVXNs0zg
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5VcagG6NC
"No, did you?" came another male voice.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQcMpNqiZq
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakNOd1oQoL
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hET7147ks
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg7g1cVR9N
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNoBltvjYX
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMgkNyWidj
"Me neither. But orders are orders."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5QBWiV0jf
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZli7gbXII
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbtoJFFqGK
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnma19mgnVW
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWi7CFZui4
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuvfWoSW9B
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2gLz6wPIU
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXl9DQMGTf
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdmc9m1vde
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuUUO8UtLF
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZJCkkgCky
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVYy1vNUme
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd436KoISRj
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidKZdZ3WD6
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTPXJF8wd7
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuJgbsKwE
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL3GKNYZHY
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wtQL8138x
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9je6AjKFLu
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0n1rYQyHo
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4fXRoCYL
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb567lrt488
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....592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCp4t1pbf5
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaKhHFEbyj
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN0iJMQSr2
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIdCIvF2Bj
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcK8xmOwTK
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbGZB6MsxZ
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW6196ceNd
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxcUcbRmxq
"I'm going to check it out."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P7KqZR9Zl
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Vtf6ZnoZ
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTeyjXAsAM
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMCYe8jFc9
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoZGBQI5xS
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalqlzQyRj9
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93nHHtiHFd
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXXZRFMPh5
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt3lnwFRpr
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiuq2l4Xwo
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIb5zrG18f
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF8Oyzqjha
"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?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM8ug642XY
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMztObVecaR
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjV0Y6tpG0
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoi7VszkPG
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaESEKIJdo
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGPd9O6VN2
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYPaqna3r3
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKJ7x1Kozc
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtskjv9S4l
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXfQ48RKnS
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:592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l3DX4McGV
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzxKBCMn7Y
"I see her! There she is!"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtiGEElD6Q
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9BldrxyuE
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPXcjzXhe7
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGphJy4IfT
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQhiILNakR
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaCGQk5Dbh
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsGjXWXM5k
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyncQwJseu1
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gC2hjmCgf
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekDtvqCkBI
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYUCfPQbJt
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlNSiFL0Ts
***592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK70C7bkgqr
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte4tUDdTkk
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8UmJRlCw8
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPpeG48oAn
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlrw6nhSf1
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsmrpvZe8X
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw8PKtDNMK
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTaoKaUWqQ
"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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRVriOZ6jS
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYr7Hrme2p
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TWgscefLJ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef72c3QWAT
"I hope so too."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92lEafme5K
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmiziATWln
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI74wjZej3
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zYcpUUUyT
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WNjcUIFf9
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TSNDHXeJg
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZqSLsJs3J
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKZ48kAiO6
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSpLgMy3p
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzFWpFgNJX
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmqljlrI1k
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKEJMXE7Ea
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQofGrSlnt
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSfeutMBoD
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIALMUaAiXe
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8fqHk7tNc
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa4QNbBSjp
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWRRg55H7l
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lBMFaxmxl
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEhbwHXA3x
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1upVmDmLNF
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4hGBIrB5n
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PVxSheDsp
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOkQfPJCqu
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AfixTafun
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7D1qHxJME
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH2cbd8OX9
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZGo4AtXfW
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNE3mkk7P3
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgjRUh6Hvs
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLojpJCPNmH
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCrF1QOaKM
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!"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTpkjEtKPy
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevIdXn7UVR
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAONfXtnU4e
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJQ2BjJbo7
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrn9srp84j
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvclsk0A9k
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUghh9qMLD
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfdKdhHuwx
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0b8ze4usC
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG6f5XfDK6
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyKP6Vgvnj
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbEdzSnCkm
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuUH7uN1v6
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfwnlv8tTA
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo0la6AX3w
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP6JOYtA49
"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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRotNpIWbJ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg29sgGhwR4
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMp3hWq3Ev
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrYYzTqrzy
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF65Hjiz4w
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDYPcaM0Mh
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SjV4zUV6Q
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5MlyxdoKW
"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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lV3puiZ0U
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW3wY82oEy
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIRVtl3ysT
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCrW1UzHa4
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfMY4Q0qWo
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhRtdzNodv
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5MCjpgxDa
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cBz1mZ3rF
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCieztkPf3c
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrIUfvYMbw
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BAqXtEct0
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyBSel0kjx
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KkWGzUSyV
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1iQRpkldi
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2deU8Fw9SV
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gmPcoBoWE
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgM2dnO44K
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn91l8627sp
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFNs8H6UQ6
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NbCsS37rY
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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrHl5Bw13p
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzWFDjgKqu
"I'm not leaving without him."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2FA0nIVyJ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFEXJZCp1T
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWmZa4LF6w
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNfcSFWRCe
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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKj6wqp3Fg
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtruhSQ2Dn0
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1qZA5jMMm
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvhGui5Ivg
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADurn7ku1t
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA0Tb85WkU
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeKqYfapuT
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OiwZkQQNV
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRXN68JS8k
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jnMZEnt7b
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ZfcYJZxi
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtDEWvvgRj
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfL3u52VU4
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS7Xu6qV65
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0SpEOr5ON
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh3ItiVAKJ
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJd3XAYjgb
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcli8OSXXZ
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLiNXAHXfe
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHxYJsJHns
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Z4ZIhfU5
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oY9ustK9C
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNhLmgb3R0
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9HqHltrzV
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI073gm3T6
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuW6PkoZVC
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyU76JqwAo
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwQuqVTxaq
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN28uwaLtm
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLofiNzXAZ2
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD85UHVzKkI
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB5yQeHhhV
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87QxjKuFIz
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKlPFV7pKW
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh7s6d2H8q
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2STfXI9PF
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3klZVeOqV2
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr14LlaAtm
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoU18bQrru
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ100haWrDrk
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cNC8PhRgY
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFodPGEfVi
"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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehlEi5eCug
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zNy0uJUSu
"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?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSHW8bqA0n
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs8ydXPtiX
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQISxw6eMm
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmzU9ScEJr
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODHDCrxjU4
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhURlSq3hOt
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeaPit0JfH
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaeJwWjAZr
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0SULvdy8h
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV2tjoWvyY
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Yh6lINkU
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeFDdR1t5i
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOuFLdurzV
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIosVNQYKV
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfe7QGqWhp
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSXP4D8TNB
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SRqLFiz2x
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWbQe5jmML
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfVJpRGY1G
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzyWGUGgd0
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl3XNSAWK6
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5kNKZ9lC6
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4sRef8MhK
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVWJ83SiyY
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqxiPrKmmV
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7nAtB7qUN
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPH4s5dsdv
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOznr4pzuBj
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbhnnDkF7P
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE10XDgrKGX
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FmAfKCPtK
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ512p0QseVu
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXKp4W1YhP
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsVw5M0I1g
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUysP1R6PyR
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RwOKM6kqJ
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneH2OtZDiP
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdIDfpYXXo
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf5nQzXwoL
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR9ij7pbKk
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl3yhiUgfI
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmZNDMSdDL
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY31S2HRVk0
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0bIbyHcRO
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhI6ie2m7a
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6MIbTQZ0Z
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdDxiUjaeO
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcOs5F3Ik8
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8zANrUlrf
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo7X5UJmPe
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ULHgk3Af
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9luWejy9V
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPemiisbbxX
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIDCfycfhs
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jxMrpFhCC
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMH4E9hL8L
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDtPPLUAuq
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wXnh5JQPb
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfh8wqO8i7
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2WRfiu0z0
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfGFcayYyz
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEczUwZIFV
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqLB4uLZsm
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MTNIVT13p
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5ZQaWb7yn
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6GKzSPCrg
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgSepMprNR
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1ZVpaJtc7
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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6rtWiU8ny
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ27sMIPBq
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGIsMQpDbp
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ZgrUZ337
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkighkELOtn
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMZ4iE96NU
"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.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx9VtXbnAm
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uDC3XQqhf
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A9mrPXrdo
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjmalGCWyB
"For what?" Kevin asked.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw9W2rsjDG
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ4c9Sm38M
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfYCOvF1BJ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bSxeLbKbu
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJRMBKyAy3
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJHwh1rPOs
"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."592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18JH3TcrTF
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmOqJTVXdJ
"And that was not leaving me behind?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGobVFz1aoZ
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxMejQwyYs
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr00EFPhvto
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbRYVfuiWz
"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?"592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X8n8VORUp
592Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCAHJ2XHlK
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
