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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw802u24cxk
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQJP8WBdxI
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cOMdIHKWq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6phdvmN3zv
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvGch48ite
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDJWedqEl
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxxtx6BxRK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FWaEz5J07
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBffpDZPAi
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGQj6wssJ3
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqflZfu1rG
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJNj3O7DZ4
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?682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURa0n9UBbv
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLTIP1t9YJ
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu76FKg4xc
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6yWcbnmxU
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZWurR8Onv
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFeKR7vsWg
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH66VOLfhqT
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUStmOSk31p
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGutIyZHFW
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8NpAxQtXR
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5vvfZvjQa
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI0Ruv2GJ2
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjOp8RtEeq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T7WQ7H8og
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVKEFfQwcs
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCaxbq5bdf
"No, did you?" came another male voice.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbULL91vSG
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqhaIsUHrv
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rF2kt9edR
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojb944Nj8l
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uh6tRthmP
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdum4VTT1hm
"Me neither. But orders are orders."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0o1geEkTX
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vh5cjBOGC
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkaMkIFvzI
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7c320Vwmj
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa5Zw5hPHX
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG88wVyhiN8
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAwP4gkT6r
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauGXvh8Ka1
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1uJcA7vQG
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwwbQqDJge
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzW8BFT8ou
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D3LvtdGrb
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WsWMY0gUQ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqyyDZ9SEu
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSCJNAs5y2
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcqrbi8msO
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklliPYWBBn
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCat6MLshIt
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkBSBj4TTF
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHPKvwiiLs
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Yub9QBf4
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jJgZjk7pe
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....682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW51kWGTtR
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRMXSJ3eHV
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoyhdI97Sv
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi3uuVLKto
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOxQby3RTT
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCRBmpGcIZ
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SevEKgRcQ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mm7LaJzcX
"I'm going to check it out."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxqqLUZi9l
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpBGfpNaSI
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq5Z2Hel9f
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqJUvQJebS
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegc8MNqhFK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCBNOMjFyG
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIfpEst5kp
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKqO0bFRN7
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q3F6RO8SE
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKRVBUpfzQ
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoQqTRUNII
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjTktVta4W
"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?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaRK0gKOGJ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhuNFSq6SB
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iRKuPTgYx
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuzNm8wrM8
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuXMnPpZUq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eUAIUI9fe
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoccKBrDSn0
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJe6UcdFGB
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGvQjP6v7C
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtlGf5JhIJ
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:682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR6Icex7kj
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOYakrqxhf
"I see her! There she is!"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3bh2F9kT1
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ1n0kRApW
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWIJmmdZNr
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS08BT3VS6V
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEqarXHBwF
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66oJctMnsl
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYEXtmqsWq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSWydSjYw8
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjlX5a8BVF
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Fgq8vUPc
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO00Lz7Nkd
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7plIPn0Be
***682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMDHRPxZ2K
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWeREB3UGl
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vO3OHx4gB
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUufHbAR6TQ
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYICH8h9qo
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwrZjXhSE
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSGdJQkxtv
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2prJocvu3y
"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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN0hW8lRt6
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkghiDpXJxF
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpD6X8GenD
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1Cn5J4h98
"I hope so too."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3mM4H7NOK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ707HVsHiv1
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGp0f3K3UL
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5No2YFGAvc
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHIsqJQo7Y
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSrLNzOkCA
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡter3Rih6KE
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkeXNQ9AtZ
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj4vFmYfrO
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvuXVJnNIm
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS6O8Bxfin
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9JcftEFaX
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnszHFmBIG
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqARTjTf0FM
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDPVH6kfze
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuhrXrxhiB
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciaRYevx6s
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFQMY8skxx
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3rUg2LZqM
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXtaKi9Eoj
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs5SzggYCB
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4GKHwTXMm
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxUzX68LcJ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi77NOuKgF
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe821nHhMgu
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj6Dvg4z6i
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52bch5O1CQ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTWCREl7N5
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABDBee33Id
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCISMDo5wA2
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3VcU0LJ3E
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82WBbd72n0
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!"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmQItXSlAD
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6pwfT87Tx
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhvz42BONJ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoHWxqB8qe
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5hTNcAvun
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v1WXqByIk
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmXizAPVWR
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecs0v0S4CZ
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3rlLO1Qw7
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuzqQKkY0M
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSFb8A7Woy
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW8ZNkYpID
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4LZREBHpc
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtPzGzbPYJ
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNzhpGY3DV
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fE9QfXBxs
"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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88fPoVt820
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetTl5MzvDx
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSW2kmOZOv
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF98DjKngD6
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcp0xFVpgT
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4uk9jf4GI
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3mWNT5XbF
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrliLwzOSgO
"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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHE9JgyJ6U
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJan7nppPJ
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtUd0SdOpn
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyot2tWUpEk
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0XNDoAX1O
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0Tv0fPjgi
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yBV3jGn1G
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpXsXp2Ws7
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlRWqBru2e
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHOl98Mc1a
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3QKXT726r
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjD9c05diL
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLCYXX3KJi
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFaJovx2Nr
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthtjxhKwCc
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAibjePFmi
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5wTcSXycB
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIUSmPvbq7
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmECWE9i52e
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsgQf6F5qO
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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBEUbLgC6S
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zz1EeIHpC
"I'm not leaving without him."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9atbqZbIM0
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5pHkniudM
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3tHfvl42p
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8nS4pJsFz
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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGtq6IX4cZ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMax3OowNWe
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV2yZpZkAs
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUgPeLYBSP
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AWuZuY4AJ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXJkO9p15a
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g4RMAAYdZ
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgGNIhz2ZK
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY7ZfH0ox7
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNDmG6xiq4
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OuSP4ySlg
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt6rKVvFwg
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhs6X2k2AR
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OKlblKmE1
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanCT6OePOg
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoxZ7VeK4R
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlkxc37OfN
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx06SGJHgDt
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObMJGJNqeg
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhqe435wUr
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSLGANTBYU
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7vMSBqVwk
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zS1JU7IuE
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnlvPyVtCM
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0IOLnGu3H
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bKt8Jwz2M
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsci4hplhVS
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetEKOCVznO
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqM2YwD4r2
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fJVei062k
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCyvvYCylc
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1os3jRUQUp
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrrRdIN8YD
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjBxIYJOw0
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqFixVXEfk
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ACKFy2G2D
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjU0lD25Vg
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoorn2O10c
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel0to1Ukl5
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm0AXUZPOe
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEthu6G8tC
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfToONlNPdQ
"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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYcN7ErosY
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyovEN0aFP
"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?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6VvvMtw9R
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWvX3u3ENH
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKj7wY3ML9
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEppiskHoiU
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrqQmdJ454
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj7yQrAJHy
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdke1VEsQV
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn3X4gvO7s
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn6qFBo6kK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkhWnKhTNI
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2o1DAJEdV
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhJ8rYL51V
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfLZDTszaP
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOcQoxJVLk
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJkRIkClRK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYpVvSU3lA
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9OWrhuVdW
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAFVAkjfya
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxrIeUqEic
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZGHlYqUsR
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuaCVVL3Et
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c09sLK0b0
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnqmmMLFAl
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEJMgUrEMb
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPDarVayqK
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrwFAgoNIA
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHNcEoJ24k
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn3hpcKekE
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbgxQRYTvd
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREUtwM2BoO
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnmxoXisZh
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuebVpdI4GZ
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskmfsSYCe3
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e8kj0a9rl
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0UyiAZkXo
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqaTxPesBU
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqLUlRgjFg
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASAxcX6ji1
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VjRgQr4Nw
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDjsOeR7cV
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0SP3WJp6N
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzaPhqnbOD
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHEICYr8aq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYPwCgpSIo
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ihHPhquN
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqpW8p3r1r
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2OYBAlMVC
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXstOW4MRxt
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPcTZnowvq
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0aWWieB07
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpPLGWwVBS
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTrMTiK5pu
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu5Fa6cb8M
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr4zgb9IUK
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T9sirHt0A
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3cc9Jwlwb
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgQCtkw0uo
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjCRZijOhP
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxXNRmuCVo
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBGhe2xdKY
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceLxuydY3y
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBXRkLxcer
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHPuQkytUS
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7eXFPlvu6
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVenCapRuhU
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAld43PR8b
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB8B47Q9qd
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORVU2Pzm4g
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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelzqkdLcny
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ1WiE8mLO
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXA9mUO6gI
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZlkGA4XhQ
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN1itsGR6d
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHCnawksly
"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.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8F5nkPzOu
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJJi3s8O9t
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomR0c5n0CW
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb6tVCsKqe
"For what?" Kevin asked.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv4LMBGAyV
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrL2t0ndc8
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLxrLgJrAG
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAnsMqYOTH
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q1azFraeR
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlDLHnOlgr
"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."682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP0DqiBpdC
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2R6uD91W8
"And that was not leaving me behind?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmLpN1eR6S
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAZhEeV1Pd
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSJ6f0fChr
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbW4mNsNtg
"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?"682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yBwqQTOLh
682Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN9gSw57bS
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
