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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIMNjgxxXg
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCH1MZ3UGv
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf56YNaFrl
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YqQxzBv7t
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GeOGlWVY7
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHlubUclPc
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4WqlSrLI8
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZcurrr90e
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rl8gMRkE5
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15DjUtmc6v
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIM2QQGpE6
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MyBD6p1zu
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?647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DzkDbWqcp
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbVObFzC8L
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa1MmNg14k
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1bjEyc2wv
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWGD5gliPV
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7V4cUJKI2
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpXnjb8Boc
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41abm2288p
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62MiozcMnq
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8bqzYOAuP
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3Efiu9bc2
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskKNZWUi9q
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudxVwrM3SA
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LWKvL1N99
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZDhSdyHOb
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbKe48endc
"No, did you?" came another male voice.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrVsAWZREo
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7JgXAnHV5
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB1Jn5aF0m
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllMqeagYVd
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0IOfBZDbC
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwFIHeR4FN
"Me neither. But orders are orders."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFEVSfgPoZ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHSWA7A3rh
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HMdGtkQut
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqLulU22jZ
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKui1bDVDS
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n3SLHBoEA
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1jMuV9Mdz
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDiougC1Yq
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEnA4spTZN
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW1sa352jm
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmbCUeAxx4
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi64Bow0a0s
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RKxRGiXkX
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMkYCf9snm
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcR26ORMJQ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxelIC82NTF
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0GxETn8UD
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJJJlA9cd6
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM5jk4LSKS
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSvno9c4Qh
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIyWHCzUlK
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gmmaR1F7f
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....647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLviH8Lyc5
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvdyXb1mBc
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtNJMT7Q6R
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6tv1tvyuN
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWyLvTjwN1
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvcOVeQ5g4
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxRdi5p3TM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIqWW2dHWl
"I'm going to check it out."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjieFGDqsrA
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEIUOHFRuW
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunv9CIrwpo
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnTp361sG8
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREs9DSJUTJ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwEyAqGIuT
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cCRJli7hf
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkdaBTVs5p
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1kdHXHn4G
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1o3uXjYxF
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbpds59N8u
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBYCwl532M
"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?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJWVvT9k6r
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZLRtYiZYe
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeTdTOd7OO
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkakCK2CIt
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHs94DHW6m
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEi5wvKI9R
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAreSGsd3P
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7OOKBOUd0
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtx9zrvoPi
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmcBGi5q9p
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:647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoqtg78Djc
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xyCdOlcNe
"I see her! There she is!"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo79Zbo9Dac
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HUNbXzIgp
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonI5fgi0RW
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPMdvb1Cez
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Mw3HlrXnY
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBYMSEd6CN
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iA0QW50Cm
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIAIf0B8OY
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRxPe1aSqD
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJZDKoOh87
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMBYmzoVJ3
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAznY6EKzPG
***647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBq2Rn7J0a
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjVCE3fV01
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYZ7hip1zs
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh8Aios0sz
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUbhjNWNMp
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc55hzNIXDW
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRktx0hczP
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYzMbi81JZ
"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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaVKsqztQr
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykItQ0eijt
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AeRBcxhIk
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SrnAjUnD4
"I hope so too."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IRlz8CO4I
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMf6l7QVwU
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfbsbYTMmh
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RkBeHOvHa
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATxeXlZxIm
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjaZPOahUY
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZA3AonPDW
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSrwW2Y8Fm
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCObvXCOJfX
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HWRVuzIop
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFViJe1VYA
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmXtEIhit4
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4kKYRmKVF
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPe29TmRpY
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlj4B1gHj8
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhpvytfgql
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Zaz6hRDB
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzpbjXkRS1
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKHMhZh08Z
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrkyEyZabi
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZm53xk7x2
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR4alVoSk6
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSsBeKi9rF
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDPFGFe4Sf
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV9kKN3yU3
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZNFsfY0Fw
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwhjic2YzM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNVuzV6dc4
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI27ukUX4As
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigMjLYo1LU
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIo2LzJOt7
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs1UtuZceI
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!"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gnHQErGzi
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qGecCTTiM
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQU7Dq8d8n
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmz9q7jDhp
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXcguBhRxo
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEuhAtSbLk
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFLYszIgDb
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NKIbOk7Rq
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwbFyHjR08
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitK6wrYJO7
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZrBvEct13
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JQktnh9Yy
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8agHkygG8v
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUvJS1MZtc
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lj7ePPpOk
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaToN10WuU
"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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIbAfSZNiV
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBpgO5WyGS
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeOKfIQ2ID
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHVxq2LnSY
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFjq9hZ9Tf
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfMBbuw0s8
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuwaZFGQoF
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB99eflqgi
"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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzzbuwHTws
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz16ioo2i7
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlM0NTG5fZ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDY5LKUfDL
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZtrcMnwDo
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYez9rxvICA
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB3Lo1DUV8
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNtpXC6iF8
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg56dTvIlgR
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXoMD3SL0n
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeyWej32HM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaQkajror7
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARxbMCZuww
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86bAxfX9wE
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLHMO4WpTf
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAFoM5I1q6
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3C7tJj09a
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEGEP3RkFm
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKfWiMZ7CL
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjOsckZXyp
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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v3OJT3SpD
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJB5qB3xS9
"I'm not leaving without him."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaQaY5go1A
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uw1dC60Tr
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahx6uTx76I
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HLXy4yeae
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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj0L39am7K
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqErqjH0C8
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFCw1JMmWO
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY7ZHoXxgB
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh4ve7Sm9y
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89OuJaJbzR
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX85RmBKe8N
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vBQqCJ6PO
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8gO8MoxNz
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5THT8LL3K
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYz4TN99bd
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs0SxRqzu5
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs4vj6Xeyr
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7093PI2u3
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJukbKjsPum
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu1trVrBHk
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZAMzFXp9l
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFmxuN3dcn
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTCLqWejXh
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhpgAOVqIJ
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzc9qGP4uU
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6soZm6V5Df
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPl73B8CH5
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8v8BSPidT
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeDnGTo6pt
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H2PmxI07X
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBU5zC3Wxj
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA8B3LiZIn
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi1ruRRiKa
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY49q66KfE
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMix0H30Wd
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6XyXYkBDr
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWUY9IfEJg
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNQExDrny8
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWirrLfeIW
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpQUhgK3t3
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡummF5xwlyo
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhEpeuRpXC
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bMqgWtlGg
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTK266FURO
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGC9cLIzkf
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBdjliEGq7
"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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKycQIQoUGI
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ4HR73fY8
"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?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz91717Dfcp
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD7WFpWTzb
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnspXfdJg4
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw5SwxiNkk
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLbn6VL9Mn
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08hVNI7nDN
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOd1L6R1Bc
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5YSNoahIm
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaMkWumxUQ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjcQK3wUNL
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCV0jk9Dlj
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQNlNS0iFI
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9bb8L8B2a
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDskP89R2a
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzWpRTrnlq
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Wy30c48Z
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t98SE4Zi0
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGRZJTNSds
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDTlHlNFKO
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcflmoAhSW9
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjK6XQkVqb
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8yxZMac3A
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwZ4VER0En
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV9Jj4A3yV
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5lYbMfJqt
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpggI59tS6M
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6HudMOzaz
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VsRgvDlB4
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDUBiyALPX
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVlsjkrU39
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvTNamLXpH
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUCfz2DuJc
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9xLHY1fb4
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsh4xANNPH
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyBNvvjAC8
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ixMHiROP
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1O1w1tyNi
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIUfQxt3Fz
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SU3bvVYEM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kgdn4D8JG
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb0Dw1q2S5
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3CwdEVzUw
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikSaewk0Ml
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zIHD4YtkJ
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GZTbtpld3
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmImFqPMidd
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYqRE1SGLL
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yNY5lhx9s
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYVWKNpww0
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc4xCK5Cod
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm80vrBViOV
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgKSIeTlYI
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnDyg5zBkM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOYVQL0bgZ
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeMzR1ZHAB
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmuRbhIj28
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjnxd1X1yM
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMmsS1Hkd0
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9IYvXCILb
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpasrYwvuFp
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEmzupZNBw
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1HkMyjMtD
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpwVJptd3c
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxQuGWwtHW
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HdtqaAjZD
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wTgABNWqk
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDuZtF0MWZ
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqspGvbdWY
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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuZP67mFrm
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFPZWjBbR9
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOirXobbLvd
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMvr37u6R7
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3uvTtxQcz
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Up1wVkgRD
"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.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc18ZE8jum
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy50AxVTxA
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikeNgnJcsD
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4t2wtriuW
"For what?" Kevin asked.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQQZWFmkak
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpgg23f6p1
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDiXTr4hn3
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigDe6U6iKx
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHMEFPfzdA
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jv5eXqqn6
"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."647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsavJ0lFf2K
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhO7QobSjD
"And that was not leaving me behind?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bNMgIC0iw
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0cx1TOVyr
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPK38iJ2nN
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoshTcDCB0
"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?"647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE1sCJVZtv
647Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMw8Kph2zl
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
