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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS3J8SntRm
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fr8w9jgoZ
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCwoclOv5f
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbAPs9Y8XI
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgZM5P8HY0
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOzn0XnsUC
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDx9hY0K7Z
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB2iwZfGeX
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL0yWAZl6B
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX1ngepcIO
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x28fynxoi
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRooWxUSSTM
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?548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPBSK71ELM
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIuoSjITmp
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw8nJ0MQdG
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIN7A4kHmt
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ykV4uH4D
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2YndYkgT1
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV22ewLTDO
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaxsJv5v6Y
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpYSOHEyG3
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6LPhMJuvb
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuWLGkn2SR
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbCaVS9UA4
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS6MixVYbJ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiYyWRUIfB
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YCAyA4fur
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iRf62Alnt
"No, did you?" came another male voice.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPk9oGXJwd
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHkuKeraP4
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqIZffLg9o
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxiWQpVhrV
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5YU3NfaFJ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q7brXhqkR
"Me neither. But orders are orders."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtLTdCG4xA
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdKwwM2dSY
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWDaE0OQYC
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGeoIH9Bjr
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaV9NjViTR
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtZmCuUSlF
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeLoHlS46E
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBJ15k4qgi
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IvSp6pjCZ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VEgWYFc9N
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIcLjE3PZn
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5eAKkSHD7
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm6T78Hqdl
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBNjqxW9TH
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF2mC1FmCZ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHX3qqjPKe
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYwSk6SFmz
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGs2QsBLlp
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpobaAGftk
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOTIIVaTHc
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY5PbotxA8
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobZDVICUIV
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....548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBZ0zmfgwg
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNsBZYlUqr
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1TyZ7P3RZ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7rg0WH12H
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB50sDA2Ke
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7FWnhzrc7
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT6SGLirX4
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oRzKdZtVc
"I'm going to check it out."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnE6aqpyrR
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHLq2hI5oN
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgpozhbrG1
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ESsn1q9SQ
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ413H63jcPK
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvsSf0JPRa
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1qMLxGv4s
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGbCNsIdDQ
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbdpvyhmYm
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNkrdrqYFZ
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxozjcoSYZ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MJh1fBrqQ
"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?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj15Opu0Xg
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiaAeJ1oTA
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhsjSKvwX3
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ABuqtcKnP
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdhlAfs8O9
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi0T62xLYY
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNTWD7VE3S
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6XI3kldYl
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk2FuZWxAb
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtdSUWoxbi
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:548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4tGokGrlR
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCanLna82k
"I see her! There she is!"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qpBL43oVT
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJWfXEoe9Y
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2V4QvgDjT
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VGMVNWRbu
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCscOUGDHHh
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZaFtKPxY8
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuf13qDpRn
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bXxKvdsuc
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlFVe1gA9K
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ096yvFKMNd
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfU7o7mKEt
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKP2jHIJPm
***548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT0wPxiWjC
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK89wUgdRFi
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv4Y2wqrpT
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNPqIkKWsP
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdmfzqChCb
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTijsskgBcc
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqspwdxR5Mu
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXqAanvqzW
"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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHZI5xnoaz
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBi2cxHLia
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5kERVSE8r
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94ovmOFucI
"I hope so too."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2b1g19TBI
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVLCcS0YSH
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5vZEEEEoO
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYymAFRPNTx
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkTiJOaS2K
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKNL4AKkiM
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61rcvMycP8
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFRTKRWByt
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GchzWJdTq
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBDsGwpb30
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5dWCmxnCn
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2RD7j5TLW
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwSLzcpTnN
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4Nryht4oe
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoINhkCo2Y
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAkkYLCKTO
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FA9f2Hoam
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmfyIFtxdh
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSeBJBsnAM
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7xMJxxXM3
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGvHULxXHA
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM7H5smhF0
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp08ugcq42
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QvUuYl2Vt
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb7B0UHc3m
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJOgSZF5el
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FPbaL77xi
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeFDD5nMs0
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOR4gWGLin
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfQ5z8DyBF
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEf4edLMFh
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN55MgI93m
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!"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WxOOqDH8u
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO05XACLV4d
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszrUyAWmVM
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNwoJwsqsS
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyf6HTPsCB
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjcBGHYt6E
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhm6JnIAfH
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AO4pGhDgI
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUZ9RmRYhy
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jFQfBuYnX
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9EPP5PyhB
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3cEU3xTyV
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibTYqvehAX
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLtTywpMj5
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UDsQJAAU3
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xk0Eq1QV7
"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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSulyqiVqWd
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YAepyruqZ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKh0MpfnAJ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e8AyANvpi
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V4oJnjTfc
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcvZZMQgHg
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFOJAAIWcr
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0KqZiro2N
"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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2blOA3S3E9
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy197bv96n6
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ejW7aLS8q
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tXQ8IX62E
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsWcCnbWbu
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVGVNwXgoO
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ19FzhxW9
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3T1q1QEjl
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64XmAYrqTl
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4FYFbCjEw
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUtc03AXMi
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F8NvrykI9
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOS9PD3A5j
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcbYtuLSd5
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hfDVAW8Eo
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVijTfj9nN
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4tkgFb2Ut
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuQcTwJyos
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfBmXiokRF
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22vy7VMkCM
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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS922BzShpC
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLHxzlpBRH
"I'm not leaving without him."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt6DxGJELP
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSKwfmZiLb
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0ogh5Q0nV
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3L4SGYhu0
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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NVsyKfCci
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RcK6CGV1W
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzmlij64e7
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxsdFNkmjh
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkKkeTJgmN
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSkC1JvH5h
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiXGih2fzv
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmzwPe4A3q
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ddLtDdENr
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8LGweJnm0
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREPriLcD7p
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV8YXAZCrf
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYL4Khdlmc
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOvMOVtOJh
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJZAoDW08O
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5camOllBq
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8diGuUO3e
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqYKJORRgO
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKGd44J5aI
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDpsfkl9GF
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPIg080sib
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqe1L1QaH6
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDW5AYHsnQ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaOfkoCfmk
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XTUaySXQc
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm5vT9HEEm
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ni4goVpQk
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVrVwbrTah
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sf21eKuGi
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kT7fkum3I
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYwFYzCbsc
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUrmk20Ztr
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL0EOvZALE
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIjd55XKOS
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlsznCjGZ2
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r39SSnKq0
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovhvZW28G5
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzzHT1urkd
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6Vy6rTxgP
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuPet7xIsK
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHW5lwwQJo
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcLorNAQWR
"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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumtlOitoCl
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld21eii5Tj
"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?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AQIlOY0dd
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPYN1KSAIf
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRyWrErlzC
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3MjqkWXN8
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriiVTJdAlR
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQejFAHxvp
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uodOOiysV
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumnzlocs0w
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvBuhnvrEM
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG9oLq8euy
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQMFZIa8g6
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhspyaQVHS
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmBu1UtuJ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD3LmobMZi
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNkuZ95PQD
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Y8TRFYSG
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC80dsp1ZO
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHyDahXKR
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZvBsKjYEY
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslqukPgeh7
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLWmoMmQvD
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVsPIPs7cy
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVt0jANZZc
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6ud3zLIXY
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNaOhivYc7
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHnaahTQOR
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1fuEBqQmX
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v2LM8x1bs
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmL1bILbuQ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK26QMo7mGM
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6epkapNTwB
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJE7AGJtrE
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20bFRYCtuK
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyFTVPYRt8
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSQAPIWVLP
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1zXPh4Pk7
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYW5Z3aKhp
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOB5u99SDL
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T9uicaU8N
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3523724uPP
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW8503MXBJ
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcRyQ83Mie
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV3hOZYpzG
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeknknZ9Wpu
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidmquXySCS
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ZJlTgzfA
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8XXfFKMdy
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0BS4bOeeO
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ATbNFvywx
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgEIorrDMu
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuQ6U0Tq4q
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgK1n6AM9m
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavPa7NTMw7
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KUpQhSqwE
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn6cSqF0Zy
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXheqwTbCzz
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1KonUhR44
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhYI0ZZJam
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSpCUCnHXM
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyWWlgidLo
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX8mpBMPxg
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum9adYioAZ
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27j45eH1o1
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0HlSlKosP
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsFBgSJ0Jn
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1hRETq1wH
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlYvrhWPnN
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ87WHB34va
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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNzts55IuT
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cHsCb9tqy
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg3MzBXtBm
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln03aaxUtP
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzP5DzHY9m
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUDZYoydCD
"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.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjFlGWX1lj
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0vnEf7yEd
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23KnfGkNHi
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJRCAo7YJz
"For what?" Kevin asked.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7pnEQdSJ6
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL6zijUqkt
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPteOfbmlKp
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGklVD8anl
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Lz6aKqf0
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMGbWU3584
"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."548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OutXtQ5zw
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbtvrMpeYr
"And that was not leaving me behind?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmj6t418S5
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWZc7dYdez
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aQcqDGj8W
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYMyTAyFSI
"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?"548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwUsVmhPPI
548Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wG1up5DBC
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
