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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac1Z12T9Mo
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ejqdhtp5
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMIr6t2kYO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEyFftoEdW
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gd2H9wCIe
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIrjtdd7vu
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwppbfyCxkL
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXC3NRy72S
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIghyRP1ae7
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9aT0z1aOz
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkcmQoMIrO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uwmO7M3Th
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?598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0xMnflT8R
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E24BEvCPN
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqya7rQC68c
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6O7GDsK41
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9fQhDPXuE
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5donHYUbkL
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64oXbGAynM
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbcIyLgDpC
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCttQMM7Bmf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yjnrWpopm
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJI0JItk9I
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMT32QO58i
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvZew3YyQo
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUdWLjOFy2
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUiqfXyt4c
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZgW5Nv3BD
"No, did you?" came another male voice.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoS0APSLbV
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMMl5dINY
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhep7KIb1jq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXq8UYr0jS
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOgTEG4jOY
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiVUqxFbRV
"Me neither. But orders are orders."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3cC1SYJVc
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyChcydHS2
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxrLITqyzV
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKVKyeTpZo
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSJv3BTnQB
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2GGMirAW8
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcIMbAZC2p
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIoaCtRjSM
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAKTKFSdWf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jmqMYxGfi
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6MmDqQExK
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1MoZyYwTI
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO4P5CzIjd
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiTmqoaFPV
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdE2jwOF1V
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOnzfbWeTX
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qnVeynkqu
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy9RsltVRO
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY6p8oNoCb
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDhso3oHse
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp6KebrKsU
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wVv5bCtZl
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....598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAs2qplgnM
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRChNdAFV5
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrxdkULk7Y
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94V4CfNZrC
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdoWVsACjR
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4uUXnq2Qb
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr64tymHte
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdriDmjbaI
"I'm going to check it out."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHK7nCFdGA
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqluvGuYF3y
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUATwZUUtS
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBjjbttZpD
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3h8qSZ6Gv
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVzhPIAQwV
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZxNKTojmq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDH4h5f3TS
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTffrO7Cpvq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxbrADm5fn
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmSpN6Tgb2
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmmJEJPN8n
"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?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX2HuD1snL
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODuuZh4IVE
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyQjKMSVh1
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYvtGjSQ4u
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKzSFnHhJn
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M7EuBocHg
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jT5gE0wkM
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8WrWgNHo4
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajiMIpkbwW
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWAqM2kK78
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:598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkhqU47fVz
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I2chN1QmP
"I see her! There she is!"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFQNAHgfEX
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTwIjyAy3n
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj0iiJhnAo
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5MkpbVFwL
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrAQbLcnlq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBGPg4csRR
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X9FrpApH4
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9Yxro5f4t
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkyHl7BceC
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1nGxek8Fa
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn0P418djp
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VF9CscHlV
***598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jbWI4xiNN
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bh4wI0xvM
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90BHyppR5O
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbk2uKSYvb
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV3bLvE7Vz
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cL141LZuB
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrCn7w8cfy
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0zkN7KKif
"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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTSV1gRvM8
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJivMxG5x6
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52ckWrAZSu
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2VHjWR0GF
"I hope so too."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKAT3l2ivO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8orNQdKyMg
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsSG7vLizK
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhM632EPHJ
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcVeEzMnK7
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5MPou7LHM
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC5MqFyMWB
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9Tq5wP12w
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzBWEgufPq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQhwP65uR
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQqnwAYCOn
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65n6fKeAyF
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiS77BmvD8
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM25Mocqodw
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO02qY13FM
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeNA9aN3bW
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytK9b3LN2k
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJrbRXJ78C
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXY4iPIQI6
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEVjYE7737
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBkG4iZYqV
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6qkXMyuoc
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYoCrsdAKU
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQvmwdo0d0
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhusuurgHf1
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGdlMrpxsY
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYNVjOnD1I
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlm5LclAdx
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnki0fZ7NC
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKarhSLW5pX
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwI7SIBE7l
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFral95E7CT
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!"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHmeRAzJyX
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhsNpfDm5E
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTt9ZLgfIq
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKx517PL8R
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwzX2h2xnU
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4pdcx9O0W
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz5ZB1GBFf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OxbDXtuVf
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq5HSgMwL9
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWQKdSsNIe
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7KaYdukVp
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXverOMHwO
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuYOYMAtuB
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjVjuuqKDZ
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ASDjPOArk
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfqyBgdERH
"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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aAIHlcfpj
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQjXCLymLn
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJZ6JZldjt
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81tTj6zBBK
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqapBNc2Vf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjcUQPolvs
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRubMhEjZv
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1L5W2MFu9
"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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolt0eXJY74
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqdJwQRiCU
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DTjjHUKcH
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7LRrPn0fs
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikmcmzfwSO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM8zPynmCn
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrYfMe45to
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsHiibuI17
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRzvdek2wP
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqImw3M9MHK
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6MTCdrMBH
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK3HvN7TXB
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05gHvNzWvf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqqrw3YRER
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f26sNoV9J
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnqIn5ETYz
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkpgS3TpO3
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o5vWdUco9
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F41rD5yTC
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2vAVr8nbi
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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKolF6TDYe
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkelQ3nRmuw
"I'm not leaving without him."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCgk3t4rDs
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCSA3JVNMn
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkJND01V06
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrilosxl1T
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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7fCJEMCnd
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTmKrujXKT
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW63QbPf5kz
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedLCIopE9P
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVogyrSPO5
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ213yI0S4PC
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4lermTpvH
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr6QwCVPHg
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rczWESLrp
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jfDeLIaIo
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW09qoLUUOm
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXQNLQZx0T
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxUGNivICt
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID4kkMJoMe
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiYgi5tkhY
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pdcDeNsud
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy4foGZojh
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZmwpkmplF
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡST1DuoDqXu
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUT2py0Qeu
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpNsNbG8OO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXiMmepDUc
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQeqxBJx2S
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtUVgvXPYV
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuBXWTmMMa
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLelNVu2auH
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9GKSL4YE9
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwnyRPujPd
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS5l0cJ58r
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgy4tijWZc
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAOyWwSef0
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7vQesi01R
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1PRbqvLRD
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDA9O3G7tf
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8113Y8CDW
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA2LQy1ak2
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pLOgBco7c
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytMAFl8nHu
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG14u6jTkv
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvN7Aqkbrg
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPXxq4wHxA
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHMVtfRZeS
"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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOwUI2e7Pf
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x2ezFz9CA
"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?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdabyI8f4bQ
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXTxKAo2KJ
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVeBAZF264
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtXlSAvNVl
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwY0tC2Mf7
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4js7KLN7R
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3elfp71FO
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCX5jIYkPf
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsldO4TYuL
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uxIM4wz9V
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3McjIeM3M
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5j3QAEiCv
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyrfFG5TaG
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSZDiKFaRF
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtq0l4h3wW
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1YzlIqRYp
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMUZb0bVex
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq9gGyYrDH
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj74KkMwpJ
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcr5fuMbDV
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47DCQXbVFQ
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPL1pZ3ej1
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnrXyXOSSr
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9viQSY8R88
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtnR3MZlrW
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHF79DHdXs
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jjI8JTo97
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryuxY94mS4
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYdSrytJM2
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunjGh5F2iG
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvaRhlV37f
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2Zidw4MuP
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwcqNY64Q9
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMylpXNhpj
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKmvgg99rw
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjsr3xeEJG
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWy1zY1tnI
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU5BGmHJ1T
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp5CpoHkbV
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8aFC0CtuY
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fxOetKbNI
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy75uVIvmg7
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTthQ2qvUW
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmLuIQu48Q
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmm0kyTRPc
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvofKs78jM8
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHC5fhCAu8
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHL7ST7qI
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o4gEEekmU
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HKZ0P64PR
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDeHSIfp8t
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbclzRVy67
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTN8C89f3
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGf2ACA69k
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWszhSwJpX
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ819PWP1yGW
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19cp7i57re
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kdPp4EdAF
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGykviRzn7x
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryxqTNh2xL
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa2EMtgDNs
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoVxOlb7Va
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBm9VqzIO9
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCwZRQ8uHn
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaqeUS70I0
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLR1B7Ohk9
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTmBcR4OUe
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbshlxCFSR
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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmItUhqAq8z
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiInge2Kv8r
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhhdWjplmC
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1JRP65s7d
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21te52nycm
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsaMU3qD6h
"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.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDuSPJjVWm
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVrko89bss
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3inhrryyE
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGPajbg7KZ
"For what?" Kevin asked.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwILFuu6ps8
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoFshZOIil
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPS9TFjbA9
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1r4XRfd9R
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbr5jmNCQ6
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoAqBD4PIp
"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."598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfYv1BwGEL
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtfBWjx2k8
"And that was not leaving me behind?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0641wKcG1
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jx5FlgDzC
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdv2r2hanD
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5G9hLsSc5
"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?"598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzSrBlWRuh
598Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahAUGHZjwE
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
