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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZZTSWUIba
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKJ7nNTSFl
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj60lL0R34
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9lmF7WEWi
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLG6Utsbbh
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxqvYsRi7G
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxb4YkKCen
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGHSA0eR5S
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UZSmW59H3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMx5h8Y2RU
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzVUkTOucB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMQbIrygwy
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?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEl25ddEj0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7YNrYkvX3
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Vmkg8kUk
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg0ZCXEcvP
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ5aAWWw6z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oVt9kkQd9
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ0AXTNEpA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW2vydU4u0
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEp2Rxzbku
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uot4Bxl8h
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmf1S4vjv5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb26sLqvNmP
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst4biujcj8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pWXRjfpz9
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7SwV13bSb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteirbFfBgm
"No, did you?" came another male voice.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLr6Yn2Gu9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8G80vJCnd
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR7IZvdaTO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuATO5YYd31
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUHwfpKa2R
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA5pFcNy5r
"Me neither. But orders are orders."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88KJ1lv2fF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MBDnk04KO
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hZMPonVdL
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0wYPO74Qu
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7JoFUJ5fB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEehea34vkM
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zlQOVbyDH
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiZjlABXzv
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2ImI1bpZ2
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlgpIARdqp
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX8tRkrTSV
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBCKSvvJxz
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuweam5HRpe
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WhFP4Ahmf
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysmQRPQxu2
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV38V0W7ek9
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1DVm2zLAM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw9vlHCKcq
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwUdHStVk0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cnGZ8eJmJ
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcX7bg2P6t
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0orXqWtE8
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....711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFpyfyVrCW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv3oupB0Ki
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8l4emLvzb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPnhP2bAWG
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTiS6azfJo
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPAt2weV0Q
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHTnILpYR0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi5xkhZK3a
"I'm going to check it out."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqneU8VRtAU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAt5a1c7c0
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9gl0CZkka
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEziyctEEN
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbrZwi9R6c
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjypLd4HEIc
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy1u9FVAJA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtizD2Yq6PU
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00JwzFVgTJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLt5PvG3Od
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0pPv9FCGz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbb4wYlx13
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDwaUmF1pp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg4Pb9R6od
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemhEJGy2sW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpEqWtjFLg
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKXnzZVBgO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsnEicOScu
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL3oqUUyO8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMeNebvnK3
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo4mSgbf1K
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAXRwUHROK
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:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlmgD6nlQq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrbtv9Lngq
"I see her! There she is!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxqp4SzABa
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn4T8Q0mE8
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xifEpak00
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH2kiK76Nd
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWizYpeSBHt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6niUCPxys
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceV8bapUQ8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufrWDPJaHs
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPIM1eMqmr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ099qXtyh9T
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rqzeZsynd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlFcbPRV2D
***711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rhroBRYQu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8hwS8ZxMS
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrK1FjqCyC
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPjjDKMRSN
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UTElo0zb8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfWclfgD2H
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I4RovAykc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7FKPlHJUz
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLg9uZwSJL
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvcmAkrOdo
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RIC8b2dGd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9zNG89EQo
"I hope so too."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnHz1sAgIf
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96PtSlLGgr
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtslWoF5OZp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA7VhFKbF3
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp6pJWzDIG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQXnL3qC3r
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtTpW1doV8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgtgNVeyDh
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnqbVgTKci
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnlFBmlhr
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAqjYFOxL0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gwk8xNOgX
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0UPz5p20u
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuWxiaZwii
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpOdL5McOg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6MjD7iuVC
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi460yt6jl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdANJcM8m40
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Th5kS4AGB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYOGaqeEqs
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytvt8pxU3w
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4J3iCTlYf
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG9QMOZ6Ol
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8k7jYoixU
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBNdIR6enu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojwXDJnrxo
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0sO6lvJ2Z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡActbnfFJQr
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFM77epB5f
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0WnA1D4hw
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7UP5KueDn
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3PxgzYjbH
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!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JeSutzcd3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcjdWLrNJI
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuTBMUW6b4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFqosSmvPh
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDi6P8RIxi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot5BqcsOAM
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDqGKOlT62
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKNWoxgurE
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EoY7ZvH9R
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRPaF7MpVV
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfXdeFnCDU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibPt9m1mKP
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hp3SSP7gi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN64sffYRGJ
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCQ69w0A8x
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEd9G2ySex
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt9skvWuaP
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRlkPiDpob
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelodq2tn8N
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMJ52XJVYE
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKK9dmdZCm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmGgxpzOCl
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN7kbAUaf2
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfMk3iYvs5
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu6qVT7uCL
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvws9Vgb9IO
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaA5UC2AlK
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NV9co4fQw
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08TQhY0E2z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwE6qt5unw
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX1ijS7nKo
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIsYEW4EkY
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3qB5F81sl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVYQGE2jid
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ717dlficTY
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNtURdNKGc
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjWIXv4u2C
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RFPdGgLba
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qvEGQ8NXk
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdgLrPXIQR
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YpxpXNpW0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCYzT5jcrY
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYRcfRJlxb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3yGsmLz5o
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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT6NUQwbcq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuJEJozPlB
"I'm not leaving without him."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83xQuiPxRl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrWrTJwG8v
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZWDnDEJVc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptUs185xz7
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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZc3YJqXY9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXEyYfNz4G
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8sdncQl0S
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HO6i1X5xl
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmclI0uxs8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mj9xw5T1P
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvbaNHozx4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhUJATecf3
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrRRC1Gy3C
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3boVGF0fOu
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpvjmuOe03
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6bTQwIje1
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PAWbC7IW8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMxbM7H2RN
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7HVmiHiGS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkklnzOklqE
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyaGu20ncF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvL1NMLELq
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM10cSc1FSo
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6RxWJvRsD
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfLiUhfInv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ547e2BmqaA
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNA8wsUC9R
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm1X4eqW1z
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcClyCGVXAi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbkwiJhxQt
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhroxtK0v5O
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfxxkLFRam
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAZ55XtMmu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq1kKPhPpY
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aQ7ALpLrk
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ7BsjoKKV
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfjS0SA1Ty
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8uKqjywPI
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMuVvuSNh7
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuTsXUcacV
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic97hDtzBg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBLFMEMUA3
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlAOwA4v17
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWXEjAoIXc
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIV7GOKnby
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp3b9ZZvos
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hKrLrt4Be
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZJ1FK6dkA
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5hjA5RXAr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtZZnFQxeJ
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ab2qlKIeD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy529D5rIP5
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3DN3Fv1kx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPprtEmY2dO
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd9trV87ob
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvtkblbNbM
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeGIGeuPnZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8mzJbgOYN
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhU0RyanN1
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu5Dj0S32u
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2CTiRFkwY
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIoAheK3i8
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KQqwGFcfc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGTeqd1Y3N
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEIuEMoriS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAwWJ6ACy9
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWESa60S5z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDgYJiLlGG
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkpLFu7vgF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK39qeUQ5eO
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTX6xiowNg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMK7myk2Jf
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7djFRgQ0hB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx7JzTUgVL
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE4tCaBdel
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpmU8uZ6yQ
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nxh0I45G6
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqajtODbXoK
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEF30xMOQB
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTOfYDKahV
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RAg7j75JI
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39HR2oTQT8
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcvUOuu3Hh
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNVM6u8ABR
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm05mkcCad
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzKfv2Y2uV
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8NjqFnPBZ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB5ckOfmbl
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSD30FawAO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJT1FrwK4o
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFGYyR9J9w
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthmyle1PMD
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncLrt54Fj3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBt6kViSqF
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN4qrHjx5e
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONJYbPLB1b
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcZAiLPNaM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UGs8cL9h8
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt7UY6ny2k
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2Zu3ZAkUS
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JBSrxEtt4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc2CUX8d5g
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfoikO4KzO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKVhQ5JnkJ
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGBhMmRedA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PGvaSyeGx
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNsq3sH2oi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx6UR94WSP
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZ5b5h7Ht
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpQhd7FXgX
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi3dsingLm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFTo9q6GNU
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdDIl6U8JK
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D1XpLhyVm
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaZIRiNb4S
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNCBBkimmY
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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxutGHlktc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ZiIukTcp
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa5voxW1lO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVC6B3tVdz
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYo9YMUGVX
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzThFhTuAiv
"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.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33tDaXVVAe
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSztlBGlOp
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfToIoXmGEh
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlIo1WOGuJ
"For what?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM4OKKb33v
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yhXSgvbRs
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyGqyQ1NQM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe8PRQrUJp
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTPVoG6ZXR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIYA8rShW3
"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."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmziQgjUrnp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3489nALuSa
"And that was not leaving me behind?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVXuLdRJ7j
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAnC27EVdO
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd2EShEQej
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zNM70STOe
"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?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Mpryg0pH
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ5bVejKvO
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
