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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgXCFpzUEl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI53eRUIuX8
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkEi1DALLJ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TmNRiOfgv
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiA6xfMYR4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZl3Aeuq1f
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXVN99XjFZ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDTxq1xsgA
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKpwHxPTbZ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDuUUKFPd4
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI8zxc9vKi
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26SUHklSnC
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?710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELn3lfTGzl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwGjbvS8st
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBe2dLhXvg
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ya5iQmRSF
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b1Y26fUOD
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf6lMrQCbE
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb3Qo6RMoL
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMzKrvBPzi
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHEWSPRpYD
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4bU7qzDcD
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7qwLeYNDR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kw6TTrb7Q
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeFVUdoy9t
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vxw0AjRwE
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiIhq9WDYi
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX6nD7fcGN
"No, did you?" came another male voice.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vmyEpMgeg
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1kIIi1UPp
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXozmvu77dZ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y95quNAV4
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HTgOBbyK1
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn1Nfp3sNG
"Me neither. But orders are orders."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZCfrjAalz
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0ZZLRaEVX
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqEMU7zzy4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVcD3cCgM9
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmctUJtZ2HB
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsLOhaVqvh
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnz1SlrnBn
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qMlJTlSvo
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvjHmzj9Hu
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oQWw1cNZQ
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pr3bUPn7O
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOgJ7RTOXN
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezo15FoHMW
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC6l6wdMmj
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CXHXm7LsI
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eP5Tq56Lx
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVHWFVjjM2
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9jUiqe7WM
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4TyNy1OGQ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGwcDtp6bJ
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wqY6kpOsA
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqOd5t6HNo
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....710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9USOhXtra
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BD7pDZX8a
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJNb8tj85j
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVe6KiOQYu
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeshliHPXGv
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiKmvvX0u3
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcecP3AdEsf
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYv7JjMqoD
"I'm going to check it out."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbL3QKSyN9
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnEyJN0s6P
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdAbQ6BFMR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO9AVcYGd5
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0VfKHfVSh
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZGBXwzfr9
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8OMoQxKzX
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ0E8U7ReE
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NbAbrhSqP
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfZJqEfhHF
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfEmCLDVp2
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71CsxjIY8f
"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?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo5f7OFtaI
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt0jHuX5zd
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprjADxFyk9
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMoG7NZa2x
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLdub168to
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ8NE3yixH
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lOJO7Fm24
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy41lYKwYM
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqZOh8TgKJ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTtJeR8LC8
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:710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ1Cvl35S4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsShhEEyNE
"I see her! There she is!"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29I2Sb2VBH
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQX94yFPoL
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ260K4aVnYG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq66HYyLTbK
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiudbmgUZM
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0QHoWKgpL
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNyEmVGFv4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvscAdChW0H
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpRbkcyjJS
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmIIooPOV0
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNbmaDCZ5H
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWEiRuzPuO
***710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnOhGfvxzI
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEfhESIbNF
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2fdC0z2Ul
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2rvQVbWcV
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1Rr15pmiG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeleO0hgEQ
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkGUlFKIMQ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbPvpmhtye
"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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwjZa1YPaz
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI9JQP7pse
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpievz2TMFh
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdulXvbs2
"I hope so too."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmzoNh3mKk
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdYbijJcsa
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn8uiZtWRb
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKYawsgUgm
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaCFu7bVEb
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jdm7cVowg
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy61iHUPEgA
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqYwQ5CwYI
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthMBGeg5kl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3FglccBXr
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWfKkAtsA
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0i1XqHaJE
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuefI2xylC
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgWdADMnSB
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwLzZXwOeV
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y1SIHYvi4
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOwQ8LQGOJ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4b1qp4DqF
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv01jSX3HQT
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvbvG8Bsvs
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxl1F0PHtk
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRlJEUoaz7
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHGdZz6Yp0
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcn2EZlQ43
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfaaY2BBZh
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWGZtENrB3
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx62r26GWG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXFd0nutoQ
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEEhcUlK0I
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNpxdrZlf8
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlE0gHuFqx
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnEpSI8x1c
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!"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN6TmdWSBW
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFNSBuAjqp
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPjqT3srwC
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysqoLk6H7H
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16WLvXUOkr
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAtITaKKod
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BvlijiXTn
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpkDKpXgsu
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqjKH1jcZp
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzjnGqEsHx
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUkqPvP8RC
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JVXBpkopa
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z1911zRg9
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk1WflB4cy
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpsSFpQdap
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfGKB92OYU
"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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzsKlxt0KF
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vmK3vzxmm
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswKK7Yu7kt
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYV2COnine
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fd7PLkvXw
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6LQtDquA4
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AGNgjQz51
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZO7lBqx4g
"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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xc1sEIPln
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O5VClNqXD
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEuUxypVEp
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVTJtpJ6Ga
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCtYx9mD54
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimDTqUpo4b
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pju7M7eVQ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEG0Oxlrh5
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9O2w36rnE
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNNUPnT8y8
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFioIDlCrWs
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSThJE5XrU
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ePSIgwLw9
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUVfGHOUa5
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzisz1vV0FW
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1at0KcuOn
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLzXoKZR6N
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTikq3o3Gp
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu4a7OycXx
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD4cY5aFSW
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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1epR5wUSH
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TjmMfIOhn
"I'm not leaving without him."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm0WuTImJl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl5QQFVkah
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDlOGnPNlE
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEx50chSct
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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqdblWN9Hh
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy8nphNKSL
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83bMj0OICv
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMapkinccr
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgxw0CgzCf
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpyb6p8RQH
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabsllZTctQ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZAdC3uFj4
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoyjoPMzO2
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnFXh5Vafv
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RILlC7L7H
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsuXLlJyjf
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNkRTEK5Kl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s5bDMHjtv
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk6FjbHw2P
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd71dS1P6k
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjNJcLXVDR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiO1VcSWJA
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmxobSxWp0
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFAjPikQDF
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tR2chN6NG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PUMnYqgBK
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo0cjCzGsF
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI11liwpn9
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPQ59ZlQK7
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC8vXWRg2m
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6KZsj5Cv4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDFickTzbN
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFoI6funVb
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mf1bypvqW
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKYonsEfZX
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p1JvBSBmh
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV4pSW1NDt
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0VelTlRXy
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqNFXtnZ2d
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZbaB20RLn
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxmrtISMfQ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhcKIFwUQQ
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKfWY6SJKB
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauNvPMDeX8
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsgAT7zBW4
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkgLonRMhk
"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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6sspIZupl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T34YFXgAO
"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?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdw5PClLFx
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17rDfFlWzb
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpQIXgR0ub
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCPrlNAntd
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMnzsMdPMG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjDtt28snZ
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQqiZH3NXX
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUguIbskkN
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwlknj3FD3
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbMvzeH8oM
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQA9Fu56ul
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvti06OWwb
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaSaN9FERR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA29ZwX4wn3
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed7vjg8xOw
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM3MDfFFsq
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrzguuRK5v
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlexidTi1c
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmazqlbvb
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYdClXm7Mp
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwy4dAECqZ
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbPJuUnYcU
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqlOiqcngR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlX9rVyO2O
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYDigH7v3x
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWRGNWMJzw
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76TQwMGIaF
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxlmS39vgZ
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimDe5tGPFB
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoeP4wqRAR
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGLJEvcpTW
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq6iFJgHXP
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHCGreKmVR
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgdDDlPDnL
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscBt3xppAK
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YRdpuUoFC
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc04PEEyn6E
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIRmtwN2mi
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxh9aDU5z
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwJmVqOn4Q
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmthIgKMBG
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIrUC6ioSf
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9V9xHWrih
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DoTTKLPXW
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNefPBYX7d
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS26NoqvYXl
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyS00VSW2o
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQho5Li1lrZ
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqUlDSgrid
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhaivqiH3u
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu90PFkSO1
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RpxWox4Od
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4326vhaFqn
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu8xBC4ydr
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ulks6UGVW
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnVgyKbFIA
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlzEo9zSCY
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIt6mRhff4
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxAkOn5Q0S
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPSuGxdYRx
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3en5ADLAQl
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGuHyqkonh
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCwNS26Qrb
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDbN38cxc1
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRtcxzf0RA
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dLecTjS8L
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd3HRKqEyz
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2BpTOtPoL
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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1eZbB1MY7
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyaRCaW8aR
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBIj2WQ9TK
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdupOWRIUgb
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwbCCtFlLm
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdBL9wZp4J
"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.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjhrZPUgSq
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBHXLQ7WAp
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjKuPFsez8
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpeuIHyXJ1
"For what?" Kevin asked.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa0g8s1Mkj
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ4MHOCfX3
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaroXuxI5QP
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Owp2MF8x
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlN18Lg0yH
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGZqGynUbA
"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."710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSpwlivA9Y
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfHfJPr2UV
"And that was not leaving me behind?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4GEKDBDba
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvv12eE0Y2
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3N0lVSSVE
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivMKPunNbg
"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?"710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wEinFV6QN
710Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC38C6bcdP
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
