Dragging the bicycle along became difficult with rocks on the path and the force of gravity as Rhénee went uphill.Sophie had been leading the way the whole time. They already went past the stream, headed north-west and now climbing up a hill.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUpdLxZOT4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPdOD8Gne6
After a few minutes of struggling with the bike, Rhénee finally gave up and decided to leave it behind making sure it leaned against the tree so as to not let it slide down the slope.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIIxya7F70
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmwWJ9oPYt
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiiB6TNfhu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVJhf6gjzv
The trees around them were much closer than before that sunlight barely shone through the canopies. The sudden change of scenery sent a chill down her spine. She wondered if Sophie in front of her was as scared as she was. Animals do feel scared at some point. Some were just too stoic to show it; like Sophie.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLcWWw6X3b
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKqYyzLbmi
They were soon at the top and she spotted something further ahead. Her eyes widened even more when she realised that it was the old wooden cottage.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSINEFOj8C
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJGUQRnHPg
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadVp8mulOM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgA942ECzz
Rhénee still had her eyes on it before they fell on Sophie. A question soon popped in her mind. How did the cat know where to find it?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcE5ZoNzZy
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2omtJoCWu
Her facial expression changed as she and the cat continued to look at each other. Rhénee knelt on one knee to look at Sophie more closely. The cat on the other hand, continued to look at Rhénee like any other pet would look at their owner.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuNKV5PhZN
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIVVD1ds8B
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJUB2vYyv3
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL1nwsktZl
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV51m2Mt8vl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6TefOBKen
It didn't matter. Somehow, the cat had managed to find something that would take days for anybody else to find. All she had to do was go in and see why she was wanted there.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqRvWo7lsx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC7ImdxYKz
Before she could lift herself off the ground, she heard the sound of breaking twigs and movement. A voice of a man came from the cottage and it startled her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCEeNX5xrh
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIhSl4j0zd
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8CvHJKT5E
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs47A9AD2N
Rhénee quickly lowered herself further. Luckily, there were tall plants around the area making it easier to stay hidden. Sophie in front of her, hadn't moved an inch.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPIyHGqjsE
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTkVvXvnBK
"No, did you?" came another male voice.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqivXiuQ3eF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsfz96RyVa
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgaKQ1jIga
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog6DKQulBm
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCuCnvC3NX
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr47sr52sB6
"Me neither. But orders are orders."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmNUpEflHG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SLeK6MGft
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IkwSNJ1a5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ROlTdTYDY
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f1s8XseaO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeKwSRdQun
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8hh2FWAWx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDig5pX8zx8
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1Rf7xgLtR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVismxD7vR
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOVf3TTAp5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPbT6wDE6Z
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRZEH9eKxq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QW3jUCsNA
Rhénee heard the sound of broken twigs again and the creaking of old wood. She slowly raised her head and saw one of them go inside the cottage and the other go round back.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMxzbL4PgF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypaagApHPo
Rhénee didn't have any other option. If she were to stay here longer, they might see her and bring her in to whoever was in charge. Coming here might have been risky, but she was glad she hadn't brought the others with her. Who knows what would have happened.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxaSuMRhOO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmSzgg8ben
Without standing up and on all fours, Rhénee started to crawl back the way she came. She didn't turn around, but carefully crawled backwards, trying not to make a sound. Sophie also started to walk back. Luckily for the cat, her paws never made a sound, while Rhénee had to be extra careful.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadGjKbO7VU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg44hOBDt3M
While she continued to crawl backwards, her knee settled on a twig and with her weight, it snapped. Rhénee paused as she grew horrified. It was a huge snap and she knew it. She looked at Sophie behind her and the cat paused too. They looked at each other and waited to see if any of the two men had also heard it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7HCM7yc0V
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ1UN2LyE6
When no noise came from the cottage, it felt like a go ahead for Rhénee to continue on her silent retreat. She didn't know how far she had gone for her not to be seen by those at the cottage. She felt it was now best to stand and run, until....711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAnAhTNcPz
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzThQg4VsrA
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz1wq2Wp0G
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF81XAqdk8E
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9eh3M63mu
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NRdvdL1GY
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVBUlNP3b9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKvtZJWnj4
"I'm going to check it out."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozidXKlgqU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l1Fizkc5I
The loud creaking of the old wood of the cottage broke the dead silence of the forest and heavy boots made it's way in the direction Rhénee was hiding. She grew terrified as she heard them. She backed away a little further trying not to make a sound.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmn7XkFKHb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYswkRP0EPx
The man looked around in the place where he thought he had heard the noise. He held a hunting rifle in his hands. He had no idea that if he took a few steps to the right and walked straight ahead, he would be face to face with Rhénee. He made sure to pay attention to the ground.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxmpIGSP1W
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CqOJgrh8t
Rhénee knew he was close and for curiosity sake, she slowly lifted her head a little to see where he was. She saw him further ahead to her left and she soon ducked down again. She felt like there was no where to run. He would see her if she did.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcBL89bjau
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdz90Ty2dx
As she slowly backed away quietly, she felt her foot hit into something hard. She looked behind her and noticed a tree. Her foot had hit the tree's roots that crept above the ground. She slowly went round it, so that she wasn't in sight. When she did, she stood up with her back against the tree trunk. She took in a deep breath and hoped that the man hadn't heard her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbfA5hgPmU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3S2oEIAI
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgA9s3Gcje
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTVz3nFEJz
"Goodness," Rhénee quietly said to herself as she rolled her eyes, at the same time, worried about the cat's whereabouts. "Where could she be?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HXc1uz0xc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8vtqv041n
Rhénee paused when she heard the snapping of a twig not too far away. She held her breath for a minute. Rhénee's heartbeat quickened as he came closer in her direction. Rhénee wanted to take a peek, but that would only blow her cover. It was over now. He would find her within seconds.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkGfQAI8eW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChjF8l2OV1
All of the sudden, movement in the vegetation came from the other side and Rhénee saw Sophie run off in the opposite direction. That attracted the attention of the man with the rifle and he followed the cat.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gLc8Hth0y
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb8jSj1Fxa
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7LD0uOqBb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13YR1Od4hI
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bsfVAfp8v
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nJDBUPVt0
She continued on her retreat, trying not to draw attention to herself. She was at the edge of the hill when she heard the voice of the other man at the cottage cry out:711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF458b4wsr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XyMunhPCK
"I see her! There she is!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxNN6anJNE
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHkNYeAY4O
Rhénee turned her head to see a skinny man who had hidden behind the cottage, make his run towards her. The other man with a rifle, quickly turned to look in the direction of his partner and when he saw where he was heading, he saw Rhénee up ahead.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s361aKBTb
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvp3r5OiWD
Rhénee cursed as she turned around to run. But now that she was heading downhill, it was going to be a whole lot harder to get away as she tried to prevent herself from falling and rolling down the hill.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf1ndxqZbx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0MqGJmSkd
As she continued her descend, she heard the loud powerful sound of the gun behind her. In a flash, a bullet flew past and hit into a trunk of a tree just a few feet ahead of her. She was lucky it didn't hit her, but that just made her even more terrified as she continued to half-run half-walk down the hill. She didn't even dare look behind.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBPyc3fZJS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPfyDe136p
"Don't shoot her, damn it!" the man who held the rifle said to his companion as he finally caught up with him at the edge of the hill. "We need her alive."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5yhKVJvwA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqGxPUBVUt
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbPkatjZQO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hFz2Ajl8i
***711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFacqn8npiw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm525WxPNb
Kevin and Malcom had just diverted away from the little stream. Miss Marie had stayed behind in the car they had parked by the side of the main road. With her help, she had drawn them a crooked stetch map on a napkin of the directions in which to take if they were to find the cottage and hopefully, Rhénee, if she had gone the right way.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I4t7TP9Uc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk4OLyMf3l
They had followed the stream all the way north as it flowed down the opposite direction. They had reached a landmark where two large rocks were placed on each side of the stream. It seemed a little odd. It was as if someone had put them there. Miss Marie did draw them on her sketchy map and told them to be aware. If not, they would miss their turning point and go the wrong way.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpBs2F6ToJ
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBMmI4zmLE
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl606GlSAlm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYypCaMkPm
"I don't know," said Malcom as he folded the napkin and put it in his back pocket. He had no need for it anymore. After the rocks, there was nothing but a straight path up west that they had to keep and that was it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvqckj7siM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWzc1lKCS3
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUqzUFUoyo
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxVXRUdY79
"I hope so too."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPPrrMJhdF
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLziNehH2b
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphYmoZmhL9
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWu7JuHRXo
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v7HC5PDCU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN8ugFhvzH
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg5K1Za46m
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKSj1TDM6d
They heard a noise. Kevin turned his head to his left and saw the green vegetation move as if there was an animal running by. He stopped in his tracks, and so did Malcom.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNl1CdSHLU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkYO68WB7K
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PD7My8SDl
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nLVpLkXUV
But the animal ran in their direction. Kevin's heart almost skipped a beat. He relaxed when he saw that the animal coming closer into view was only a black cat.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOAODKMA7r
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z2QX6irYG
It looked like the cat would pass them by, but it stopped abruptly in front of them. It was then that Malcom and Kevin noticed the purple collar around its neck.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNyaLxXX4o
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT5sfAeZFr
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKrA2qEZVv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ399Xq0fRh0
The cat responded with a meow and slowly howled a little. Kevin found it a little odd. He looked around for any sign of Rhénee. If she had carried the cat with her, she should be nearby.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAJA52mRbw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpTDXYNTyf
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WqUOUq244
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMGqxlex5B
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zK15YvsTG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ242N3M4p1Z
The cat swiftly turned around and went back the way it came. Kevin and Malcom ran, following it. Soon, they heard the sound of a gunshot.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSOFzwjWol
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiqwFvaDez
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybZcolDPl0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJBakwiFeI
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbXoYhKE5b
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECRk0JhkLX
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmiFLVmEBe
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi9xtwmRft
Malcom tugged Kevin by the arm. "Don't just stand there," he said as he ran ahead so as to not lose trail of the cat. "We have to move!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SHSziujDS
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rCxerZ5S8
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA7IrtEV3Z
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3Q4DdCEiB
Rhénee felt relieved when she finally reached the bottom of the hill. She took the route she had used, heading back to the stream. She looked behind her and saw the two men coming down the hill. Luckily, their pace had been reduced because the hill was steep.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZCUupxd26
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRweWrqrEzS
Rhénee continued to run and this time as fast as she could. From afar, she saw the dark shape of Sophie approaching fast. She assumed the cat had heard the gunshot and instead of running for its life, it came back for her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMo6dD8af7
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDz3mvp5tE
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7TNjGoMqe
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuacFqKLjb
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UK1OrUWkH
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJmBlBAMEx
Rhénee stopped first when she reached Sophie and was glad that the cat was alright. She picked Sophie up in her arms when Malcom reached her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijeA1R1OAj
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4be0oMSd2t
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqTv1PxyOg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruO4JeDK5J
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."
Malcom took hold of one of Rhénee's hands while the other held Sophie close to her chest. Just as they were running back, Kevin came into view and he couldn't help but sigh in relief when he saw Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5wHeSnFr5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkpsspqgRO
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP9ZGvwZyG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPiJWrgBhF
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW7IEdH6cx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQkAId2YGk
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS9I1jkYHD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6ZWjLaNCH
"Take her with you," said Malcom as he gave Kevin Rhénee's hand. He reached the back of his trousers and drew out a 9mm handgun.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3sz62zfxm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJMyPsZpHh
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliU0vpyBY4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u1XRcsyun
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEtU3ENRi0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGHvpBGBTR
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl67v92YhnD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc1uotCB1f
Malcom flipped the safety of his gun and hid behind a tree. He did so just in time as the man with the rifle fired at him and the shot hit into the side of the tree that Malcom used as cover, removing a chunk of wood. He drew out his weapon to the other side and fired. He almost hit the man with the rifle, but he too went behind a tree.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECIfjFeS2n
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbzRHBFxUP
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCij9kuYd8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkjPLbPvyR
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYtPv8DjaD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfonKf2hFzT
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB52slcWDk8
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNen1mLQC2g
"We don't have much of a choice now, do we?" Kevin asked. "He's the only one who came with a gun and he can hold them off for a little while."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzH7KoB13i
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRoNJD0EDi
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFjIAhrFjn
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqdgSKpQNw
Kevin held Rhénee's shoulders. "I know. But you have to understand that he only wants to keep you safe. Malcom is a smart guy, he's got this covered."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzAk6fcJso
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ArO2wIV4
"I'm not leaving without him."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84wbTvBK7p
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj3iC1sMJ3
"I don't want to either. But he kept a promise to your grandmother and that is to protect you. Knowing him, he could even die for you just to do so."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTy2t9vBC0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79TRrceCNe
Rhénee didn't know what to say after that last statement. But at last she shook her head and quietly said, "I don't want anyone dying for me."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86e4b3XMWp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ3xZ9UvPD
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pWGlDOqhn
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk0HYb2TO8
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyOsvaMFB0
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHnTR60MkF
In the meantime, Malcom continued to shoot at the two men in front of him. It was two against one with their guns firing at him. Lucky enough, their bullets hadn't hit him, but the tree he used as a shield wasn't having the best of its days. Malcom noticed that they were closing in on him, but still managing to shield themselves from his bullets. He had to back away. If he stayed where he was, he might not be so lucky.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1XmSMxxRC
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ8nwiJppW
The man with the rifle had to reload now and then, and he was soon caught off guard as he tried to do so. Malcom had a clear view of him and took his shot hitting the man clearly on the upper right arm.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR5OOOGdRR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6GxEDP9wL
The man yelled in pain as he dropped his rifle and almost went to ground, but composed himself quickly when Malcom shot at him again and missed.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xbWloffC6
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhbdBZjFiq
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgClkl2Xwdv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfMSPGsEix
Malcom looked to his left and he saw the other man with the shorthand gun, gain ground on him. Malcom started to back away a little and shot at the man as he approached, but no luck. He had to lose the man before he ran out of bullets. He only had one magazine left in his pocket.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBfkGUZwtD
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9vaLQOPjZ
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLp8oNF9fE
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8QiS3cJfY
Malcom backed up behind some trees. He leaned his back on one as he reloaded his gun. He looked to his side and saw the man hide behind a tree a few metres away from him. But then, he saw the man's leg slightly sticking out. If Malcom was lucky, he might just graze the man a little. It could give him time to run, but not for long. Anyway, it was worth the shot.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkIg6B1zse
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdlXaRo6JQ
Malcom aimed for the leg and when he pulled the trigger, he soon heard the loud howl from the man and a curse from his lips.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATFZc7rwYq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisxSDqQN3m
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjP3JZl7UL
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48pnthyfNl
Kevin, Rhénee and Sophie had soon reached the dirt road that took them all the way to the main road. They found Miss Marie waiting outside Malcom's car. She looked relieved upon seeing Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZZ0UhivXG
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpocBCKaXOt
"Goodness, you're in one peace," said Miss Marie as she held Rhénee's shoulder and her cheek when she got closer. "You weren't hit, were you? I've been hearing gunshots."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5eKYDDLYr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bnOClltTV
"I'm fine," said Rhénee as she gasped for air and looked behind her at the forest trees. Sophie fell right out of her arms and landed on the ground. "We have to go back for Malcom. I'm not going to let him die because of me."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOX4oXU4gg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIe4lRE5nb
"We can't, Rhénee," said Kevin as he held her other shoulder and turned her around. "As much as we would like to help him out, remember, we don't have weapons."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAK2N5gYxw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgnsSqSaav
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3a9Oe0Mvd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9877YM97p4
Kevin and Rhénee looked at Miss Marie as she withdrew a shorthand barrel gun from the pocket of her apron. They never expected it from her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvjoytqLKU
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf4xzG8TUC
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAeN8cpz4n
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYipLQItf6
"The world isn't safe for people like me," she said. "I need to protect myself. And now it seems the one that needs protecting wants to protect others."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc0unsph2t
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCo7obLZrp
She looked at Rhénee as she said this and she held up the gun to her. Rhénee stared at it before looking back at Miss Marie. Without another thought, she took it.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB9AimpBKA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDovuOSFJY
"Did Malcom leave the keys?" Rhénee asked as she turned towards the car and went to the door that led to the driver's seat.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVcddvryOy
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zda8kjGFv
"Yes, he did, he left them in the ignition," said Kevin as he looked at the gun in Rhénee's hand. "Have you used a gun before?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJoKV4B4Cx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ7q7RwUIu
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MODzfILDc
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5svjqs21q
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9im7PuGeP
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWsxd1SU2E
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OSAWkvxj5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eee78YMZH
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv0dqIVEOn
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5fTeVi7A7
Malcom had already passed the point where the two rocks sat on either side of the stream and now ran down south. The man whom he had shot in the leg was gaining ground on him, making sure he made his presence known with the firing of his gun.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDDhrY08Nw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNY8akNcnJ
Malcom would have stopped to shoot back, but he felt that the man was way too close and would strike him point blank if he stopped. It was best to be a moving target to make it hard for the man to hit him, that's if he was lucky.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWDnp1sV3M
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSNHViXGiY
They reached an area where the trees were spaced further away from each other and Malcom knew he was almost at the main road where the others were probably waiting for him. But he had to deal with the enemy somehow. He would put the others in danger if he didn't do something.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2sgoB7JJp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nLqZAwk6M
He quickly took cover behind a tree and he heard footsteps. And just at the right moment, he aimed his gun and pulled the trigger. He didn't hit the man as he thought he would as the man hid behind a tree just in time.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OcRJwyEJt
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQToOIvjYT
Malcom fired continously at him, keeping the man in his place and backing away as much as possible. He soon ran out of bullets. He cursed at the gun and tucked it behind his belt. He knew that his only option was to run for it. And he did just that.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSv4Ayv6rE
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXVXYm8O7A
The man behind the tree smiled to himself when he realised that Malcom was out. He reloaded his own gun and with his painful leg, took a limp forward and went after him.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNsU8bY2Jr
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseyrkMqCnt
Malcom was almost there. The dirt road that lead all the way up to the main road was visible in front of him, yet it seemed so far.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFI7P1dIJH
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJXmOmhxgU
The enemy came into view and pointed his gun at Malcom and shot at him a few times. This time, the man got lucky and managed to hit Malcom at the back of his left shoulder.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2678an5FGP
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfWHcN8Oki
The force from the bullet made Malcom fall forward his knees. He tried to stand, but he fell right back down, holding onto his wound. He started to drag himself, trying to get away from the man.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJfxyjZEjp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJX19VXskG
The man soon gained ground on Malcom and with his good leg, managed to kick Malcom in his ribs. Malcom rolled over to his back as he held himself. He lost his breath for a second and mourned in pain a little.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFMo9doaCm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLPPohYhF
The man put his foot on Malcom's chest, pinning him to the ground. Malcom held the man's leg and tried to get it off of him. The man looked small and skinny, but the pressure he applied on Malcom's chest was too intense that for a moment, Malcom thought his ribs would crack.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER0ppekq39
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvh6I1cTdU
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PhXrAQ011
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI4pxQrE3g
"You're of no use to me," he said. "I wonder what the news of your death will be like. Will your mother even cry for you, I wonder."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1aj7WR7bw
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zTyIAkBcL
Just when he was about to pull the trigger, the sound of a car engine filled his ears and he looked up to see a black Mercedes coming in at full speed. Malcom also couldn't help but turn his head to see his car speeding down the dirt road.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1RnH4y8OO
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNPHjHLfOC
Everything happened so quickly when the car braked to a stop in front of them with dust flying everywhere. The man apparently saw who was in the driver's seat and just before he could lift up his gun to shoot, an arm with a gun at the other end quickly extended out of the driver's side window and two shots were fired. The bullet hit the man squarely in the chest, the other went to the head.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RPtIsJOJ4
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckDx117R37
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAGawKpqzd
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFzu3Lv3O3
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyeAMeZwgL
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLkz79Uprq
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakyp5xL11V
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3X94G9X1L
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bmc2GnHzh
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOizgBxj11
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbAPA57Thp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCogoP6P6t
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMAXh16AFp
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmzE5GzNSo
Kevin reached them and even he grew worried when he saw Malcom's bullet wound. Rhénee removed a handkerchief from her back pocket and placed it on his wound to stop the bleeding. Luckily, the bullet had gone right through.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08gK1gDiCm
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9BsxvCoM3
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyrbZVATI5
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNKBejfB9u
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C6amFDRR7
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVYzMzDbYQ
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9gOq2JnEM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL71Y4e1uA
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYv0sZ3Lhg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jY4RLjKYS
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMT28EHRMg
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD0SgeB4mE
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqxPfQxbpq
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGGCBY1Sgi
Kevin placed Malcom's arm on his good shoulder anyway and helped him up. Malcom walked on his own to the car with Rhénee and Kevin right behind him just in case. Miss Marie opened the door to the backseat and Malcom went right in to join her.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplFFXTiUcv
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDCm4yq4Fu
Kevin also got in, this time, taking the wheel. Rhénee went in on the other side. She looked outside the car window on Kevin's side and noticed the dead body they had left lying there.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hugQQlC7j
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZXEZTxtDg
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOslzy7XRYi
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FQdJhyHqy
"I wouldn't mind," said Miss Marie in the backseat, stroking Sophie who had sat on her lap. "The people who are after you know better to get rid of it than draw attention. We better leave before anyone makes their way here."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxG1cLC4d7
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvJo1rXS7E
"Yes, we should," said Kevin. The car engine was already running and so he turned the car around and drove back to the main road.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHw7Cz00IR
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys78GTHEXe
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU606vzwEx
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J79LzfELP
"For what?" Kevin asked.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTt0LOXudM
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29M4tGU1zM
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTxH0aVhVA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG75kQE8qyz
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycCmKyJvhH
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeIVCp0lZL
"It's no big deal," said Rhénee as she looked into the rearview mirror at Malcom who also looked back at her. "I did what I felt was right."711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ue1ghEUEA
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcnSQw5GWA
"And that was not leaving me behind?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyMrSeQz8Q
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQUr7IUWMq
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW26RVNJiW
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvgVVh1c8G
"The way you shot that man back there," said Kevin as he briefly looked at Rhénee, "you've dealt with a gun before, haven't you?"711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD1wgZ2QHE
711Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiBuHwx2GG
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
