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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjPXdyy2l6
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVJbKwpZ3r
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlPJx5lN6p
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVk6VsrAAL
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gD0HWy5Gp
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBarFT6wBrf
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqEyBV3AMB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUJGlyIdLN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Yz4tVo4N
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcjFyCMDA2
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN0N2XxqxR
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl4YPkQbZC
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?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkViO36NVL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc7CI3IDSI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbstMDLcKx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktysG5H693
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWNaWKS65L
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlbDiscBkf
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAYRlyci0m
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTtdUUHx9K
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeZkeNoKol
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmBBDbteSo
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CKoEhir9R
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX56cje9dV
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaygDtL6Phx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEpvDcU7gq
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgoTMpngID
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhsbHKCvji
"No, did you?" came another male voice.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbo9ws6jKW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKcO0bptl8
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTTevvi2W5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCltwNeex1L
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwhW9ChlB2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpXFen9DPN
"Me neither. But orders are orders."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB8FDFWGIP
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKiXW1vWIY
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvYDYxE9UI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84w1cukvtn
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR3y3RyGbL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW6WxO4IMP
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG7vZtzusk
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFTVp4DjVA
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2grQKKH7t
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIysJ0U3bpm
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmymNJOkoP5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdM7KDeyhq
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5k4r3HlZy
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UtYQYLo1d
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ027nc0hFNQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1sqcosFWO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHocLetdFo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkAGCgesHw
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2LvUhzXAB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLly3yCSVR
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk3GMeabDd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNI3Jz4Hs5
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....1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWk9tMJHyB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbpDJCvS3P
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTkfC9Eqf1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjOvZmSUeP
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxqTOgtKkg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCbUwAieAs
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p7jgtAasj
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHUfifWV0d
"I'm going to check it out."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxWGtmx2N8
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU6VS87DP2
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoW01PaNCd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7T3Oou6KS
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyhVyU3MqI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQwmHvpYqI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6l9eAUEny
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkv3SIl3Af
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyvACqY5s9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0dSGSdI0h
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr36iC0kVtT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrXxO8FE95
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbgldGV55p
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjGLzVqQTv
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X1AzMaxmF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7gdNeMVUf
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAMPnFgZ8Z
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4sH5FquK8
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL2UkobUzg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBds6K0dmG
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iDmWRGxLu
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrhZ8mnEdY
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:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fpZiqKdd1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHsqBbPbKo
"I see her! There she is!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lArtuhBBz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LjOQfcDN5
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUOzPLmtDH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolxj3bDw47
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOloljH5V2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ydlopexhf
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98T6VZHKt7
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cqCmJJLrQ
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFmoxsvdMV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2svlYErOA
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyZAPIturU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z8yjx2xeo
***1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFnSvbbU7G
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFpW3dtVMN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKjbxnzrnb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs0SowfQpQ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHoE9D31L8
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQvGcrSLtY
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Aqjk36TSC
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTm1dParrD
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqTsCHhosK
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CvJcU6VIf
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSPC95Svwt
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ4VSgWD67
"I hope so too."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oNtNSzh4F
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMKveApUkk
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR3RsQl36u
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0KFyUNUc7
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkbn1Dux5u
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfw8VzrWB6
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsT1B9XiZr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMkYg2sjWI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmSIFqnZI0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrB5Id2cau
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBLEDnMPuv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsDpD2NiVO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsVPbLzad5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW9EEfrnqT
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNj2UoRHXh
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInOJdWlann
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuv863YAwo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa8QKwt38Y
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMWTE9ISkE
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQcp2MqhYp
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtAg9LVEWi
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPOI99Esi3
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMhwFxms6h
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosFmbvPVDY
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PYo3A5x0E
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikms6bLFc3
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpBtkeVNWr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFpX7YXXrS
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVtb3knEKO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBBBAdl2zd
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaz6cTxAUP
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWmGB3L20S
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!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FZQp9t9UU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYMeKMm2g6
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF32x9GPuHz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHO7rFwBQJ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRdybOhL3x
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcSioYbLcD
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVfbBFHlZV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWgWRGqiR1
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmYwQAVj3i
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUQxK6j5NY
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1CbVN1JIb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlGa61OoEx
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcQ6pRs1n7
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD5MYptqww
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUzED9pqPp
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ENREXcmQp
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxTW5dMeDX 尼

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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94oLEJrnZF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp0VeKTUbZ
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRUZZTQmcd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9A8W2IggQ
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ3FYsDPLm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldn7uM8tCy
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL2t8E7JQF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjqyfyXdhB
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxsPqnVPbn
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ebp6TjAp
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbutge6yPJC
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXYvVUAn5G
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiUnuxOTSa
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgFk2TuKUd
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYpqe8teNI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYRPGZezjJ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡineJVJPFX1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9QIjZmrNv
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3meKSrsGDx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOLeNPKbem
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH9PIfQ7II
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS6WJLuHnQ
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtSWI2IkVl
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYORjrc7ksW
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm9VXxekNR
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WD95iP40C
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFqMT8jHbr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzsVg5unXu
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4lz1TCDEI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZayCoZ9tDK
"I'm not leaving without him."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq11VydM2w
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY46U1LumVG
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZzVz7EjpX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITTePCJk9s
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM9V1lFGx5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wPrO1mt9U
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNWpT0QDXZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDcRz12jWL
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KXvikb689
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSJP3yqBiu
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfqYOAGVF1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYmIwVzmFm
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhROLSVLhaK
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB5KRAGaVC
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F8GB7zZ2O
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH26KCdSclw
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthxsPZgYiy
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6I9cGIInE
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UwfXGwKyF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX7TCYT8f2
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtHMEPw9LZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EplGLREQr
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP68yru99Z
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktDH0amcik
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGVnRXlFu4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoG3eSLhAB
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNWKfzdGk5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03fOOzR6Pu
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1H7BIn7L2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba8TvLbvLn
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWcxJFAzBD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0sW9YHYu9
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlSLnlpdQ8
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HPNMHHVUa
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbPRpU5pcj
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rl4VgbQ1t
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hrJBgExrR
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1SGSi1g84
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOXg0pqepE
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWc0NZCBm6
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxNCpT1pjh
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTlODEEtte
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasp82MDvge
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW0wsMV8Ji
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtOlA5ahH2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49QN89stkb
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzPv5NcZF9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFqyR8edaJ
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFDmK00qVR
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN2esBMb7u
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhn78LH5eN
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfiFmY5R6l
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJG5LxfqTo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyGD8uq6BL
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYC4Og99ns
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY1PQ5iA5m
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIepmOfp9o
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM7maJvBoV
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsnvMVK2hJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YqM9f2V0d
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEInjEEra1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxcTkBsIQN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kpwZoYXL0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt1FirURM0
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1CEJwF5gT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnoL6K6nV7
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJx7GjLK86
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeLRxZjclc
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZcZSGjrjp
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxgNoIBUXY
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqM1lzQdQ8
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ1TLpEdTJ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMC65aYuYT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1NJ88S5f
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpQO0Kir2Q
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH4pVpEfwk
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5v70bRlJ6
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7qWuBDtWa
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0X9LF86nX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj679f60lTw
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQPoE1aqXl
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekWUr6sNvi
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qvRYTAqWX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9dpHsSp9b
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUFGPSElLU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjasO8dqf2
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIwnjPRYXS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGhTUYSJQO
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2i33nwpJG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQhm1vdU0V
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p7Yf9gox4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s4NssUpdc
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnfQcCP1xp
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTIgpMjD3A
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wxbiIAlzZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPOSN1Lgzq
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBwQSj36tY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPHkXilb5S
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlAt4Dx4KI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqli4R6C54A
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6UOlNhb6r
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSP9ekZvqI
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBj8CsiuMY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwWksThI2Y
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiChxtNEaR
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIrEa4GTNg
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePomrSVIFF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6LSdt4CL2
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGLWLliFvs
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLxgj2b9ka
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jTbCEmU6b
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7ePpeVkwm
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRekA3EdeWJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUnadVXDZ6
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZvT6DpkC9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkC9rdKHZC
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVNyc3gzLQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gukZ45aT
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nlbBcIi2S
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ3e70l6J6
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmK6aS47Iq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XReBjOmjV
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqO2epfZ4q
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkzZ6oXnz7
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7QZBd46dq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHjiNqwDcf
"For what?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWmbn1qD4e
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcFACckQkq
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd9EBsAKyv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KxsVeyuTk
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu2LEruIIB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6kBtlfXUv
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hANuY5TxT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZOKfcNE1i
"And that was not leaving me behind?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZOFvqAnMY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWH1xc7QyO
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8JbiKWfhq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ9tFBhTw6
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGPLuMO8bm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL9jsFaOhS
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡowndBDr6z8 尼

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