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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTQTf7qFrI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWBa4sDf33
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3dI7TxXUF
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmahJJMoBB
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt1QUtc7as
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSM9kEuKFV
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGDJkwMJQX
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aavLe1Pqo
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHWD6VsVVD
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcuYZrQWFp
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwgM5ox9mI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVr48RwROE
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?646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMu90Kq1A3
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYY41x6t3q
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhRBgejyKe
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnBnntFjam
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxapcnNi3k
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMc8EwCaZD
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYANhTD2GT
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiWaskRkQq
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVdITJ6zUj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPJYGycFZe
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd8tfzbK3X
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI2sE86LUk
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XUKujEIKP
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwyWD6PAjP
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmze0hqbWV1
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovqeBJPJD2
"No, did you?" came another male voice.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FJKYMjDLP
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqQNNihbct
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvX0tylZzj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F5cIiNkwP
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFoyXgj2mm
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY3J08NK5i
"Me neither. But orders are orders."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyytr8mzX4w
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqywEdO4Hk
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypIpfvtDtk
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bfcBRB2QK
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIKqm1SlAr
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAudQnSJYpU
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwxuBs8xaM
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbFCrEdI4U
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDvxHWMucj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDCkPmf42z
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvGqe4k2tV
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVn1VMADwW
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrdJ3HUT0P
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uWaUMZFzP
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIJ9oXoVPj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0k2myEzIY
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaM3xd9YBF
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl8dUpNJIO
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFi3BbMVH3
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTOyQtYpDC
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEzdfP5mKf
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UDOhzhaNY
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....646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN2C4gAsys
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcDGd2RLmJ
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8WemSiUnV
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R5GzsCojk
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDalzbZrZ3x
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfIlJNXuWA
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jFxUsVKyg
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YFIUgqqQ6
"I'm going to check it out."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGBQNaVpny
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FwvWyJaeD
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahQOkCog1h
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi05SvNLymt
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvowhoDW7A
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepR7pC3vO0
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0ryd1Kxxc
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx1ZKSqZaY
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wJ14tyDZo
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vSBTeu7gS
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHWG1e5OJI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDNMXyniz7
"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?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFXl0JYh0S
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA3MRgalkH
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgcStET1Qs
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ667sllbhXF
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlcnOe70X2
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutgVJEi98e
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3NMTXknJQ
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqcV19XWjf
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY8CNQUiQE
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFT6GPYLxC
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:646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tllS4aAMI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUye4TjmB0
"I see her! There she is!"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRoank8hiP
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MuAyIEyUV
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Arkl6VWS1
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIxsOa9gSu
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehHtFFZmbL
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfdBE6QoAu
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLppo0UnnnY
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmTMv5LiPn
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc644uvZt6
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkfCxq9rDC
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIsVqgNLtv
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r41mG9iN8
***646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnR1XMdnB4
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCww6CWtPDE
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcSEo0aKjO
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2d4TvE1A6
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid4SCtlLno
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lzf17tZYL
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HeZGg6P1l
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24gpcFx34k
"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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ10LEM4XQJ
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jsX1l5vWs
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mHhwQZcS1
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yab6mbUJP
"I hope so too."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjGIO22rie
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmFkRoCgT4
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjooedTYL21
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxvjuqt4g3
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwtaBXKKhP
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60IuQQmeiH
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorCnpHCttu
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1adJf8ZeG8
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMVf3ToMFr
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EuTuLfMRw
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkdbxBxWez
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvgtUE8LDQ
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBOBHqpGbm
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNwyARnII9
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBMkpphYox
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJJlPdHxeV
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuJ5WMfTBY
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiYXt9QHLy
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90QOT2Bl25
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuueZAGpIy
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtk0FBQgSL
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3gjoDXG5v
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xdjHNvVH8
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HHhwjdF4d
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEx44AD6lr
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN3fhVNJoP
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB20X8cV8Ng
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTiPc0UCsu
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MS0oujyob
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8mrK5YrPC
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKHjnXRxDl
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu8ZkH5YOV
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!"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhikfdzgsYw
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa01mlE1kaq
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEb3aQaO05
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nAS9HeefN
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZPGE2JP22
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm3OgXXAvR
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0e8QeYUO9
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyGvHYhvJL
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw33W45YW8
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAhMsGWEhc
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYTeZVU1gu
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWUUUJRvVC
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFVX7PKkDn
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE3KXfjJbw
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBViUF89Bg
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHU0TRJuue
"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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfAJme3ur9
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUjQLfAJW3
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogZtnJZm96
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYef9tbPFMF
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45vxX7b3vl
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbvxjy9auX
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYprwpLRGSR
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYOgVSFc9s
"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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP94wWBZJd
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaiRfYs1vo
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYSNK3DXaR
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmgUpD9XD7
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSfmd2mJ9L
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr9jRXlWBF
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF23wuzeII
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BNsBf5XPm
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAThntzdBIN
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtPNrC9a6r
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqpQjtdeM2
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDqtKJEGed
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G2dvsfMoA
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC797KvqJg5
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2dqfzs2GE
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC3VTkyLce
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlcxf4leJC
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡactaXLVwow
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVGSx2jmR
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYDYuqjKMz
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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDikAyvTeFc
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCq1jytER9
"I'm not leaving without him."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLjbVufdvE
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgejYXFjfY
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTSisTT7Z9
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SEfU1yo0z
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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT2ciQagZf
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWRkQS2vA8
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBe1OnU0y0
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbeqL0Fh8K
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AZdyhsmBb
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfUgRFiNAJ
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwppnDUl2N
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaTwFg5gaT
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SKNZ8W0Z2
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzz02nu4Ag
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFg8KskSFF
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rvpGKUaCV
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9vaZuHVno
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlUYZoxNBL
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLxWrb29wj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszxeGdpyX4
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPvhzFAxRx
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoxySdECHi
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EAuCk9mA1
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDt1CsVAHQ
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3TzQBoDc8
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8dknO8LuR
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAedyLZaMFN
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vve6ZSKTL
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO2h7BeOxX
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHN0UUbuUX
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlQhQulXYE
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOvnPZNTUa
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNQoOjzdQc
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexCbI1cNFM
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGeIJ9SmDO
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn26o3W0A5y
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo81Lx9Owtr
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzPntZrFBE
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGoZ24IOLM
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK7YTHsZ0a
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SDa3rp26m
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxvDaaNUM
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdFfpoRakZ
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG81wj9ylEt
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotIlVnioem
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQup4OKq4K
"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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF4ne8YsgS
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqbU9J6v2R
"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?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx6nXaHnZU
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE9jOyk5kH
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBdisK2ndj
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iXuRgsCOX
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7com4K1rt
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmc0tVSCBz
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUK5mprc3o
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4soAQsX4c
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN336ga4gxV
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL56RqvbRi9
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GHQGuj14b
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Ac5Jtpnk
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDrVlE4mPk
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqN37hPkF6
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRnsULfgjm
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV45G9BEPR
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEHVdBbRCY
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAHVejmyHh
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYRjNr8wJI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9duY1LyFKZ
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RBpTxxZQM
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtlfQ5KWd8
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW4483KwcN
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlujlgWHk1K
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf90jhjg9p
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOvyhfxBWb
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRQoaFtkr0
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybd7V4xpa3
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyDTJrVDQ7
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok2B6Z8Rtx
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNPkrbMUEk
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCcSn0Gz1D
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxutFPG9XpL
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMnaHquHl9
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsmvZOdFav
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j7FZ0OV70
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP8jZ7teMo
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aZqSbnKAe
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9OlsPjKnI
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTWNuTsdMG
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw4she5x5Y
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUVzdnXl5y
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML9829RPl5
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4BqNDvucy
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRLtfLObSc
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS3w79xdGz
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeX6FFmFWO
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebDQDGjX27
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmEwjta6De
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8zTZbk1VA
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hl3u0GGAq
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbEQlKZA2p
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlifdkNryat
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspwS2AuHtV
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0jqDC1Igc
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEadR4otIgt
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdxSxClIpq
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QL6KdubUe
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3jhW52xgJ
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGyBM5NzkG
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpN41g1Bqt
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmnEslH6at
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChUB43cLgx
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcunWDpHM5
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nyzqtybee
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9B1m4Edy8
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKZGuO6R8l
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmlYZmgkxy
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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2W8g4LKGm
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvJ5uMC0rh
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlrmcLWFo6
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dGQoab5TR
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBwvnFw0er
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zKNkolzNp
"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.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqLMyhMM3A
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQrmHcoGPW
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IJaOrAXjf
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8EUG0sQ1R
"For what?" Kevin asked.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VePUQB82S
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5rV8pzRXr
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKyKk7tJj1
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOd2QwgTHI
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWDMMKAX5h
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGogUGbslw
"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."646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UONlyte2B
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjvuhYAibj
"And that was not leaving me behind?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3oQUyQmQF
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4GbiiwTjs
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3FRhZ6maR
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ7Plnn5oE
"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?"646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU5RGn63x9
646Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQYV2YLEpR
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
