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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHiobKSKMC
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8O3jFB8i4
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubS6ul0bBL
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGRkmsgM8t
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqPNlRc7g4
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB2OCU42Tx
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYGad7uA9c
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsIFMoXi2c
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiuGWsIrxN
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zrsA5hq94
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vLxEJg4PP
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseoNrwDot7
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?758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a9nFGLFQQ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJj92ZqOyb
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEuYxH4BGY
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CHFayiclT
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaQiNo6hDZ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUdCZK3P4Q
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfij05hVAo
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLSjm6aOHX
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNHwemhvUi
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXvE7AkB7q
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XH9IcIDy0
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7KVNUZq8q
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPjJHfkBST
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9k6SSpk3e
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1xXpJzz1i
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcadJHhd7a0
"No, did you?" came another male voice.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRYif2p0eX
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOt6UHDNYk
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNW9HRPk31
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMg9UGUt8G
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TfRWaIXiu
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABW21VxFsy
"Me neither. But orders are orders."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dzDYe4Rxa
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN86KUAZuiH
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMPnNN7Mfp
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdawTVIXOT
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfphmtGyGDD
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQUv4mnW08
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGKt6UZMeD
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutA0ZZd3kS
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDNVVw9dwI
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOEUtKr3VU
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIZiaVDTpa
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI65sKL4Su
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUNeuy4aJP
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1XbGs3dvp
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52YGik13tt
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y1LE4wHHP
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDKHVSAsa9
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaajrinzVfm
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU9QDlzoZp
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2KGQAQuOu
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7syPNcg9h
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D3WDYeLIk
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....758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9Vzl6ADEF
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSsaYe6Ht4
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMkeSKKhZ8
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE57adCEREE
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOKG5dHDDP
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLpma6IiRJ
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEBOmmC47n
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelcSqHf6Bz
"I'm going to check it out."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4wz6ihaMs
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGSXxkbHaL
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1pbQp64e6
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOkqcR1au2
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVyS4oOu0S
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI9e3hP2VS
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi7vMfQ9u4
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TJBY38rLS
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLLiJKPsou
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM432QdpaMA
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet0DHyV8ic
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjFNrC5nsn
"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?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUnMFwp4Jd
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41roj4XkTb
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NbjvxeE9l
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz0zkyW9GU
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtqU2GTiQH
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizlOaNcjkL
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi79NOB9Zyx
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnkrhilDOr
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYTIClb8Z6
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ415eqhVHp7
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:758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLoaKFMrNG
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegzvmoPZmn
"I see her! There she is!"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0EbtG75v8
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd51T9Gjwg
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaUvi2m0wN
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrsX1VllY7
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCpLkXgFgi
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWqteH81y8
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWsKXRow7C
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwGXrVMVgg
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBE2GKf1PB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbqEgkvVNU
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw1TqjhfD2
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9PQPXK8Fa
***758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0hCa0UOeW
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubvZZzIf6e
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYKjnZYDMg
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PsDRUY9ds
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hyhid7GuQ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLBCy36hVM
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFJQ85ufKI
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pW8ZbtJCr
"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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iAFdVuqHB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7UCMy5hNw
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Je3Zwu96
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdTVOWh0qk
"I hope so too."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A8dsTZ4O8
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ350BeqQ8uZ
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6CwyMeKLO
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO8H1TZ7Gs
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjfN9JGqhl
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N9qZIO6Du
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yEdBJwW5x
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRLHmh0Ema
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVZN3a6PnI
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Cupqx1y6h
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6X7vtyPMn
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayvBU6qah3
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg5rVHhca5
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIAJtBBwLM
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BTplS0UZu
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq4gOreQZp
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsMJrNcg09
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDuNfGaed1
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLhnSMygTO
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ue1jM2NSH
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEag6jJDi8p
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCWkTWRZAn
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLcOcA9RzR
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbrHoGR1Mo
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSTI5ZEui5
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYNjTcmo2Q
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdHTl4R3OX
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfBH34XWEE
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dx3tPAyUl
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtEYx70ki7
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmSWaAJ0c9
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvD6aEZvMg
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!"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJnGD3Wwum
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImxd4Jnzre
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG55f4qh4u
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4G4Y9qdt3
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61JCsX195E
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYo6zHjMYe
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kJLZjLUmc
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar3ARkJYR7
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCEe3ucK7p
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KYhVp3jsi
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSwChTZ4JC
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUL9dAgagx
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBechfzNmJ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53C63ZYpK8
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3enP8XwyqR
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmmzuvpx9C
"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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29To7lBCOm
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu1AnDCMxi
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nxtLD4f8F
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRSi6D561i
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VvJIBR3C0
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLIBJDhaWc
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0oeIfyy0W
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEjgYcuwoZ
"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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL05IBNFERf
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCDE79zR3E
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3PPUvSgIe
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMq3udKVfT
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1EXJBbfbJ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnugTFsLuK
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgTs7YtSz9
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zbdP3Kx4J
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu6kZdQ5zy
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhplkD7ZTI4
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzLFJsCgXC
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd8tNWowDW
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRA6OP6PnR
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DvFCX6z72
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5709wAb5m
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VduYYZSlu
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO9EpuWHbZ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxdRx9gE2e
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIXcBEkLyl
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm6oLYfXW0
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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jvl2lBHrB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzBl9etHA2
"I'm not leaving without him."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTj3O1dpEz
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpKveDx6EI
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZFSJMq6mZ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAQsuKVExa
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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pF82AanQu
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiAGVRYWNg
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxbN5OfXf7
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM3bzRKNOt
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9ATLGF90G
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDji76J5OrE
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzexnvTopJ8
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo19LjCrJso
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cBsHJGK6h
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqgp9pPzcy
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo9NRA1DoL
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6vySkQ3FE
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBIupN3NJP
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSYWRpQKX5
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVhPky4C3n
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulXXMIMDkw
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UBmgm6Mmi
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz5L8QRVsX
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5UliBtrnO
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfvsu5JMFr
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtvCC6WTj7
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1xeTbHKGA
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63Ylv6td52
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb99p8mc1fX
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYYJ5fghlB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ360tJ3puzV
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVKr0gRdk7
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3x8Lh9BEq
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVV9RUwHuw
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNI6oPiYsX
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWSWUo8YR1
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkFW3qHRLn
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtPxiiQX6c
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b5pVhrq9e
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrElj99Itw
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80YlGZfz7E
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvF54CEBXc
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguMx5qS5Fq
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSwqTBprGn
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGYM1y8MDA
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTogmOv6U38
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo6CnGTSBp
"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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKS0zuc5vB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqcTQSFADd
"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?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbDfuzY25Q
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif8arWCUJB
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtBYtABfAk
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKzdUdf0JQ
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCdeROulhB
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal8W3i9B4v
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRuq5JUVTG
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ws58KFHK0
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRisDIvNkaE
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5dgcOq0Pw
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTytK4xG5qA
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWebBHMR2Nf
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyAWcPzgW0
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAXHTDdrnc
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZCIU4ocs0
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssgFYrjTU2
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTNyX4UXG1
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvoONNtePr
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHhGkr75TI
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqQPPaNmbb
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eD310m4BJ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky0kfwg2Lr
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXw2xB4pZ5
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTucGkyIo
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJmhrmL43c
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKHhqgN7gk
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gQSjBLud4
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eir1MlHzG
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aOIrYOKth
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasBMZsaDww
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdTkiv7CDy
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWErcrwkjW
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27KOhLqdzY
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl1G046Srq
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFicb3NdgGR
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGK3rkvItZ
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHJNm8ICuE
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEVqG8uMv4
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUouGylwTlh
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhfH4eDSkN
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsJOoO6Ryl
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqng7fztpuk
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pwdG8kZGx
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7AqZ92Njx
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle0t0mBrin
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps9D8vj6bR
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow8zmG3Udo
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcqotfRzyh
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEU8kDWwem
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtc2R3gIuj
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC8eBs5PKq
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj2Who7UTR
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DaQPsVQ59
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfboghTLVln
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5vbe2GWtb
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2P59lyWcc
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4787WA5J5
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRumDqY4VF
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyzBAu1b0g
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52IZKvKTDO
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXuXfWcWuK
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuq5WUcK7b
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXHWuPHsTU
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkNjsPehKJ
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZzSNWSFTW
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFZKSNPaLb
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86XkMPocFQ
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQvwUblKtg
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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwbD3g7HH9
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISMzoW3DEX
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27IzgWBVTY
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iUlhg4raN
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1gZzhym6f
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6c0ldfcOe
"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.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuddATDSwKG
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPKKJrQTSG
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUkBRnjTqS
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK12OnBvNE
"For what?" Kevin asked.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7pASVhuZs
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsv6JMoiJY
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MPmxtgx81
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN3L3EylHT
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPxi0wINct
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuTNIDbsnU
"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."758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFPQ58wHUn
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnd8DU2GVr
"And that was not leaving me behind?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKWIAz01KN
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyOmh1unsM
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOaRuu9lN9
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSeaM05ZEB
"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?"758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU8AA2p4kI
758Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxI5N6JUiv
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
and then Add to home screen.