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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pM75rhmMr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc7CwtdPgx
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEgpQtKx6t
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuLkJDp37J
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZArfZTibHX
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6QNux1IAX
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfacpVI9cTO
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2ZztoGdwW
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClTjqRTIxn
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt2opbEUwt
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaR8d0AvOG
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgHnT9nA5o
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?596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivlEfhYUvp
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX9mA59uZj
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96iBk7Y66N
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmH91PxgVH
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7yYLvHB8c
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYgKQm0Hgw
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBPMLlXVhc
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyFLFhluAX
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVDtyaxPh8
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlob2USS95c
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjxXFD2qxn
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSwD1wtVCu
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVym5tq1d4K
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZP0xNiuDD
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvdLtyTZ0W
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXK7014AYv
"No, did you?" came another male voice.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwTNSgv1sc
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPZFG2VcTr
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVuDYmErod
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJCLbRJwmV
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECF0OFmP5e
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLMkaN7lEV
"Me neither. But orders are orders."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbG0RivMi9
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiOXEWyDKZ
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbGsMQ7Up4
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij64eWN7RP
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXoMmdMTMu
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45oYDaDOyt
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ea80WbYtW
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgTkqbsrO8
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYutSYTZdme
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH2dMJwFe7
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QmhBdxyUw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP1aydeCWR
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3z2Rz7pYp
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYif7200ql
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt39ljyzmI
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa1WvQynS6
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMKU1jrGRy
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J8OPYRGUM
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCgbNoBQKZ
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu5iigutv4
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6eHdNDTcr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvxbpiIbiJ
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....596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmBkiFl6hq
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SN13k7nKP
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XuYosSYkG
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXS5VpWXe9
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdqPRJgH7m
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC5MMvdGEC
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYN0v259Fw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQdh4JXw7S
"I'm going to check it out."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fIgE5zLrt
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw2Yid9oXR
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iy20W75w7
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYhidVCtUC
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaquP6YMGB
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1uytw9Lvn
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqvbljErnK
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U0JxuEQn7
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8RaiZoQUW
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl0z2Eo7Ri
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiONxlptg6
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP5qx437ng
"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?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRnqOrOazI
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhzqLXDmhP
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxFgKzHrQD
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jknkgBcbl
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrBtpcQxHf
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iuIQGdwh5
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTC3hrFVau
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWDDj7MsJf
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTdg5TueGH
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5fczxDZ2N
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:596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtPdrvD8Zo
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoojIZsht3
"I see her! There she is!"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSKbOc6Lsb
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdgJvwuBPk
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7YNdkGcT0
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8wh4C404g
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAL6ZuwE00
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsPHWdVue3
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRVWxD9JOf
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YkQGKtxfo
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jlq4h9sbW
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiPJWl45eC
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorMxYUa9VO
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCrJPFYe1K
***596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQinVkat0jq
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuHsXh9T4I
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jtB6182KB
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlwAQwnAvm
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzB5Fh5dog
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBnycoSw5T
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhacacBGkfe
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViRcFRqQuz
"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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkg2fYLu0l
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24r8EbsJ6V
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1MJjecucs
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXoBrBfXYB
"I hope so too."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap8N1wkDGr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzxKoWsA6q
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aUFs5ciEp
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwVoTVYXMh
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbpwc4uOXH
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB867LiS8A
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYOmdN39br
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAxfiaOsNd
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGx3u08XS9
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfez3vRt6eh
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh0p5T3QvX
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiQu9oolJK
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSeiHHqseD
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX9IGslThl
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomBUiCnPiu
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnISOaULTHe
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjHoex67ZO
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvDToR7qqC
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsr8UFRB0d
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KUIY9vOmS
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XqdVuWfyR
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qzrel5OTh
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYTJ9u2Vtx
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUd9o69WCE
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjpoHBQxrM
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5daf2FbO5
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFp5lT7yFR
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06jATzE04H
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzIisVbKXr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPQKenJkWR
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC0sXINWJ1
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3an50KLsd
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!"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv5ZsiYcKK
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArrK3tU8sp
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6PvgUTYak
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTESvlUoQyq
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OtB5rSAFr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m55gCQ8WZ
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtd1VYCnGh
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wCYNFRW2s
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeYQtxJfPF
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5RrvIx0nj
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z2ZJAaMGm
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY77fb6JD1R
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrvmzogxG1
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWbOO8I1OK
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvmpOVMYsV
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRtdHEba5N
"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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3bMeRCYLK
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToUM8blSvr
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBCrjj5Paw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsNSogMT1p
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3BplWrTHZ
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI20Y419Pe
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy1Yr9eBuq
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yd0nq7u6h
"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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQu88V9aPc
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQsIJUIh8g
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqntLPGHlG
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXXHx40ZRi
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYp5wE24Ck
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRspIiVqerZ
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufcwgJrO3W
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcScc57QBvn
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ746gVuCU
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW67qSQYat
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM3AgFvoxq
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGKFqc7De1
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya7wVcPqlu
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0swxHly7ov
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjJcZpqXJs
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ANnbUuC2J
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRiK5EW3vK
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMs3tuKiEh
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZpUcmnOAU
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk2rxy1a6N
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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPUmzlGceb
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBeFyM33qj
"I'm not leaving without him."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXenpSeHvf8
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GJ4zcqrb9
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2d4AXbLid
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQwi6zsV54
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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioBnFKQ1KS
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLtpQ7UZh0
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXVV6ggHgF
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1eTyHV7K1
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1T6WJ9naw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdysc3w6O8
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnajM3ALUz
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECLVHh9AJQ
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicwomJT1dj
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j1JqGTqgp
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnp44YjzqU
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRpcXfEJ89
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeOx2vTtJ3
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXVmeU9NXI
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mNbCmopp3
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89LsbiUJPI
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiFAUfHPG7
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirYVErZ6Tj
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7Du66oCb1
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQV46J5sTI
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KgUw29y8D
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4OYjfSY2C
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvoSHA06vB
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqEAJmMh9h
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jUcomkK54
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpUvnVreYG
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cC0FMYuwZ
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6YWHQGEml
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOVKe1coZJ
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOGyIuNfw6
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r3GiZF5QT
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbETJYRVVY
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTvYGlhsDF
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRcWAZHi0V
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZl8MvrEaL
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SWz90CMi6
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzty2lRIC7
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIV6BSk6At
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHedhWNmGx
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqGSOFCCno
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5f37wEVEm
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzhknS6gqI
"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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F71lJVqgD
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2UwADNLlE
"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?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfioQWx5Zj
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkObBTDsBWd
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSxLKA1HH3
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr3JuzndUM
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXTQONl036
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazahGERX57
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb6jqu3U3C
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdMsA3Ug01
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhJoIqUlU5
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes7XpcyUdF
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSstSVLffdW
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPwWGK4m6q
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpmeHwpxgI
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HLXBsH85S
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBbdFZMK3v
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUHpdt1a8j
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqwKNfEu8S
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39pPRPJYts
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzBtSJqE3s
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtnVzofB8o
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr4bGWcqGd
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYpNgX9xBs
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KBcYY4Hde
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5N67SMELg
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVfSNYqqrr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO6YB59Ty1
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡickPMcQDmy
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5YslXuh8W
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9njr7t1Bau
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ7UMvJxzC
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO8chjamcQ
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KEQMRGIUH
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kBvTpA9nB
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DO8cubbz1
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4fGyoYMKs
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXybzbx3DYS
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiTsmklML6
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5TKfSa3vp
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphfET8Hf5J
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS2VdYEOGK
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfwXdzamhI
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYy5pzilb4
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHjNAuybVr
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1u8qVqjwB
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauAr5OHiF1
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYp1N6Rtj6
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3BCgb6IRu
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUNyjJbp5P
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBuG8OzGgT
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwS32TFXEK
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevvkHxuy5n
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDyvUbHNlx
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0j2I45Mry
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyzgVa0ZWW
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOOv0SbIN4
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvyb7sgITT
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu934EdtWV
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjePoy8F9EH
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbDvkXzaiw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3QJjWORZ8
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b0rKRuhHj
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyHBPUpJEU
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfssSi5bTZE
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNkXCucwfH
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4jao3lPaR
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRAPSeCymt
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquwKnNDM5p
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufyQpW5Jjc
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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkwcw6PCOc
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyT67FkTAx
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YH9H7ua3z
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBURcoZ2uN
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJJmWc86Ay
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU77QIiZ2s
"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.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOVTHghmoG
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimQ7XGx9VB
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlC8iwWSBw
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SjOL8I7wn
"For what?" Kevin asked.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPpPTaN0H6
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX6n1JwdQO
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp3hOD4JOc
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDCYCtfYpV
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXZnugwRu0
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8cjKCC3Ej
"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."596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEngVqMB4E
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU70gulPUbQ
"And that was not leaving me behind?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcWlcD7zzT
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuZepcO5ND
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iP5rZedFs
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOKlzo9wzs
"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?"596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp45OnvGyR
596Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MWGIbNZ5p
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
