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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhxRFNNkwH
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kHzHYlSCg
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHPYvO4gib
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlrAxBImsY
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacP0jYFkY9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26pFzRgEKS
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX8ME6FWhc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhdnWRlYkh
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCNN2dfaYe
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TNLXd2kVU
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yWiav7h3j
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNq056s8IQ
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?604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiIueZFsPG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBov5EckyK
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLWVE4Fguq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCHqsLwqxW
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpoU2TFbGy
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTALa6HP4GQ
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JGMdCFolQ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRq6BHNQTx
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03CeLjLRoj
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvKcDD00AT
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQJexSgMnt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C3Z8guW5L
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lh61pb1PD
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodj29hhJD9
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLoKJQTOtt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTktzm0gU72
"No, did you?" came another male voice.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc21mxx4k4Y
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjBdrQ03F3
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA64RAgVOeL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOPlLN3NOz
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eRbrOk1Cd
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGYLjHfY0y
"Me neither. But orders are orders."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dDH3TR2bn
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlypCSlywH
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGgCzpdR0I
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx5GTEXPaa
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBTIyeB6oM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJcYPL7J6I
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhD94Ac71h
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf4ysYKiUc
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jrz81gVT0
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA1D52RKPA
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W3AemecNX
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8BZESPebJ
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VFC8TZbO5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oTL9OcuS4
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKikRdfaLEJ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04GrlYblWn
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH12dAeawfV
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s5Mri4DpN
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQnL6qy225
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ClbHEN28v
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl6eaTz5Bb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPc5TQfv1R
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....604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNt13FVWw
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CjHpVfkjg
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4KYAYOkAP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ702vTiwlan
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreS6WMUq3K
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWXUfqBucF
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQLXw6Ef2j
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YOe6VGCT5
"I'm going to check it out."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrFCBUEgsl
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmry1lBSOJ
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ2hvweRjC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGwkilGRM1
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gxAufmwAJ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDILfdhMgz
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Ola2aTBt
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSSbrEsNQ4
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dDZjlxQSh
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcrOlPa0bm
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgfjNknKNz
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvTuGGLJPC
"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?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj55tsyUcR
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EAuixhETw
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb8W3lNwq9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeITHzfqNiY
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YVrRiTY6E
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rh7FjTrEU
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmK0Izj5AF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPiiQ6FEzK
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq8zRlmJNZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0TBz94Mxu
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:604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyPRFUTxkZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B8YzZNTy9
"I see her! There she is!"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFBhXAFcuT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LcLSPZ1aT
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4zp5pVSdw
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmhrsvFLX1
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqPmvVw5Hk
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNEVv6BEB1
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoFfxiChL5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNARGTdMnf9
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUbNlrLBF7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqiuNd30uF
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEM57THZqH
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIqCuWfd8n
***604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFiWaakn6X
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy3WDwa8G8
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaCc5Hl9F6
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4S9yrJ0QD
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ8BD139Hz
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FNSIQ1q9N
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU62PTq0SUQ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHMbgtWUMP
"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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbXziDpedS
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8aQkN5kMS
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0spIqXyny
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi7GiWYNah
"I hope so too."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk6h89zhnq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj56RFiZQK
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBeUTzEJJ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jssk14Y6c
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPhPZlzcKF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn7CahyoK7
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2IxjdA8mZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WbjBMbK48
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMEdXdT6Ga
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbKkArhxOI
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgJZ1TG52m
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyHNfKV1pP
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAfXeGaZ7W
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJGRE2c6VW
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1ioiyVK5m
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvzptgyDLW
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGqzMnXXAw
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WJEedcJ6e
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp3DYAkhMG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTibxTfoWst
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFQ72Maort
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShvWSTUPrN
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qDyKslFjj
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHh3GysFnk
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GtmkBlU2y
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBtHk2JCzW
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d2kahpotD
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e8xmr5Tus
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y9MCkUIW8
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c2t9NcHnI
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw4xlojoRL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprkdKa97a6
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!"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EApyozj13
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BRe7lrumE
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFInIJeMFde
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8x1ZiT1Cg
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUHeeeHc9A
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPqgeVXcn5
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaNrOsteAr
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGulBiIlgT3
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tSdlPfYR7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtikzhH4pwL
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DqFwtvTPb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TUcYv93Vt
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd4orZvrmg
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ghvd72tUF
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMSb0noJsc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2wGtoTNqy
"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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrZ8RaaHaP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NPjVSPVdQ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtyy2VlY6Z
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDNG0zMCaH
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvS2ZGIK1J
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxxbdJJ5Wp
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWepmdOhVL
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGvsnaobq7
"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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmJqPpgbUC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaCu5Iw3Y0
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XkdQzbEJS
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLozRQ2MtAi
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoRHkOawZX
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmX8YrZXRN
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRNzDQmc55
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0B0gUZYIi
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDwwabKhnR
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WE6UAb8iD
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qWi2Ifd21
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxc9Bnaj1A
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc2h5UfEzx
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazcWaBtV2F
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIkKi6Mhk1
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1NU7EVVBq
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO4DBZKAfj
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZosEPJTUMn
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz1YaBUA62
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3UV8uPHsV
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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2c9oUMqK3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xqpuweJST
"I'm not leaving without him."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNLytSu95q
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aVFQM9YXX
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl43t9ZkMJ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKFQ6j34t1
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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeKwjfpgWP
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0DdOygPEV
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJOLQXlQBz
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8gpICiEXm
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGKpINCT0R
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDrq28npi6
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneqn04mHLK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHaM3UJ9Ue
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnuDJpkh57
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguHJK0ML9i
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC1gwyjGEh
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFR5gRkEea
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzZAP94Emq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe5zBbACqU
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpdFSN4DeS
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9FBkeQYvP
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr30RIaUnAk
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo5Pzeemp0
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYGA6V0oXT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA4l3gzavM
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ksvE4HpNy
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04dmsclJRT
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ovd1ww8v8
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3fad6PgUF
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI9afq7OIT
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoep9wenyYs
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4gaKh3e89
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCjJdoHaBC
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dz6un06o4
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuj7I4t20t
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfDDmeSK8Y
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL61NCG3KwX
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofC0yUH7a7
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvxKugXBRn
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dIM7iNrVr
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1admQAFNKp
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEhLr3pRQM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd59prMQQ1
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtdWaRdnBW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7VTxYVCsC
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTvOHSr3Fc
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDYrMpTjfm
"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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYzQA2C2xZ
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUA9lvQ8Xk
"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?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQKztcMkmW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kc66rnet9
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnONGL9iXa
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fMXjfQJRf
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLGjDV6olO
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttT2IIk0ec
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z7ruRcbRx
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKx0ZlSR8
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBUAIYIcWM
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRuGYRJlGb
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5IyzQjkJq
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGdvVcMtNB
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxXgMThwBG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYb49cfyFv
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEkCorvi8J
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyzmrY4wmh
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXIWCKWXUB
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS272ASTMz
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfH0IVtUcx
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeChXJtiaSL
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKa7uc77EB
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYm3fLMXzg
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rUdztwC0U
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMVgTZYN9l
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS3uAI1XUo
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5M78Ado8W
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzVOAh8UCW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTbfFUETi7
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMOaBhUe1Q
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo13NJutXq
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOZW0WWRTk
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQTPpYYtQr
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGFlfmYBfG
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizQkM1zW9s
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTkFLD7sZC
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvorhD7ES9H
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd9UOUzl7a
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiQBiyvAlW
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJGVLeHtCU
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOQPYCK7aF
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzOAOMkPS1
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb94ivEIiMP
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qg8JnZNCh
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbajEDwJpsR
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka6tHZ5lQo
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1h6vwdzBu
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsEGYculhV
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcXluU6KR0
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyAmbL7fsl
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9beMMZLj7
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvVyFyOBTg
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD6NW6DedR
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6hk1fAPx3
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0a7cXfb3y
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZz7Z2kiC2
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZA0jAp8oZ
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF02jEY4wRF
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQp0XSZkyz
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCXKLLh6Ur
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKjmlZsh0l
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gbHpI2Hju
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10fwX8p4ef
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAdWPDsnCz
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDFple7Zhv
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisT4bkqJQk
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wVJhIT0JN
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zfuvyclh5
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdftCwGvic
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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEEhMEQV74
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTaFYkoSpm
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoFLPHhrqW
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPaMrZqJeR
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniGgDSjlJK
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S30cz3oRk
"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.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL21h4fT2Y
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRXIn8F7Ml
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGe8SNCJcA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSffsD9P7Tn
"For what?" Kevin asked.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnC4m54pxx
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHppClXO2Dl
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VdygYFKAe
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT4vbhXTvv
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRFTzcFSM8
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0ToQ3srLw
"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."604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ktw8OKMog
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0wOsjK0LY
"And that was not leaving me behind?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwB8UVBNTA
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuORRhhzXO
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzHAWajlNb
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XWwzaIypy
"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?"604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSpnuaHIu9
604Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVndt44WTA
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
