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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sqrKwWbeJ
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkdb5ZV2e4
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITbUVcpazE
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQgc8oSHTG
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9P0tG2cdT
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLqXKTeGyE
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFryXpVn25r
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMOEbdMQDq
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyC8t0KYRu
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoonC4buhm
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxxA34NjLT
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALzv8arAQh
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?666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhYaGuTM01
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEYHi1KWgM
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAHLXNgtui
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1pNxQle8B
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM067fCMmhw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQgLxJWXiY
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM90FlfAp3
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIpJprTXdF
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BZn5BwOcv
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBeghuWDkC
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP9YZL4cBp
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFf2SWUmDO
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMAAMc9PnE
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwxLyJrddP
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP1GWwBRqZ
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgrZRjnhcX
"No, did you?" came another male voice.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OAvKn3V5F
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eJsGslqFd
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinr6r4iRu9
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6HzZuHM9K
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKT3kLae4k
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRCN6Zb1St
"Me neither. But orders are orders."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySqAfFUyGR
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTprr2DKza
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv9qWu9815
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvousIL5hN
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmMIcQBaYe
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZkvhUVL9b
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyOG1AWU8t
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9ChA726CT
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBl8zuncMb
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kj1gObuIB
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEpCPh59VN
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PrXOCXhkB
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh38YrdmIx
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnlIu4ZymP
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0nozIXZhi
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUirpOYFW6L
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB6a0NiYKC
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8na5rOP2AB
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSYQHMDeS5
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE9AJxVlFt
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ5NuvNZAT
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF0jynTdkB
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....666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtieKruU6F
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtyeMnkDFd
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hXeKBucfg
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJOrUiIsLy
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4C9d1gOw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONQinGDuHK
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHls6xuUl4
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bVUk7nzN8
"I'm going to check it out."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4y3wgh0ei
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE2JgVgmJj
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67533H42Fn
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAjFc5A2R1
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdL1lumrsl
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuAw3dQPhn
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG4Ay9cUsY
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE97Y6mjd4x
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Ye65d05J
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEna5hnt9a
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAeIsnmCjf
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LJdzPjeDx
"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?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpb9aX2UYs
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC0BeYBiTk
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapRFkz8U43
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1KcHzPCJO
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5VZanDsrq
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE5UocuimN
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XgUzm8Jwp
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIZYjHWRIW
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFB1oClTTe
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLGA58bkeP
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:666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF9KVjKhc7
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo7P5pGw0K
"I see her! There she is!"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sWRihGw0r
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEJbYUUKCJ
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWR3Shuqqg
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSksWrQggUV
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQiCc08gwK
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTkBUh01lv
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIi7BSMawO
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIoUGZZ7Ag
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHWI9K2XqK
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JVjUOHoVP
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKayQc688e
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQLjSeRYzh
***666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRNYdzt2cp
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKO4Y5hdAW
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxNau0UtoI
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuALXa5dhO
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr4K5bnBXn
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1la5JimgH
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVFYPrZleB
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkGdLAwl9d
"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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEWRScm6of
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOgyq5RJYl
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDblpr1wwV
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpXvYi4eax
"I hope so too."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI6eQ8zV3L
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S4eDHlXl4
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W9ZFNP6nd
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda8fsMx23F
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0oQBdWzaz
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMzXWXntEJ
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrwB541jFM
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP9dSEu66B
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDlu0YnNTF
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUCAXYeL9t
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGIbfGbfac
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgsfOSFhSd
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcQViowMMr
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu5DS26Fpf
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHU201pyFC
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9Pb8iOcQ4
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwYntuMgx4
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoFWMcSkIh
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3ZZ6PI1Tb
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YoeHiu4P4
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKxr2a0kWr
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor1UfSp24j
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW0YXMleZa
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJK1x9WD0i
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwTngEOXXy
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYr73solQ8
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFZsYD5nEx
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMcKimsGSR
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAJjMW3GWj
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFngSq8fKHo
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKgNK1M3mE
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJvZzZM3Tm
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!"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QvZ85Fq8N
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVrkpV0kVr
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FompfSLSZ
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvzrAWn5c7
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif3paxnWJP
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBgY3P4NGw
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDTc9zBLpa
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnrFEiVqWv
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ka3HcOwc
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTPGH4CEeZ
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIrBslH5hY
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oxNEuJkhg
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UyYi3ublX
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRqZiXoqch
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV8C3db3uD
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbabIz2I2i
"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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE3slJ2UpP
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjxW3woKC4
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzkmDYmDhr
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZu1EaRpY1
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlSc4DIB83
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42W2AC16qs
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH8w2CjN3R
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviw8zf42Lh
"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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrBwhvJEtI
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYBNOlf0yE
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCbRHgto5z
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLJ31LMcqm
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArjiZ5yUaL
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxsIYXs0Ir
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE13HsQbUPd
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbf1cgJ6oa
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0kStFDoT9
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1OQdoy199
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsazYbjExl
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpbAHx1Bup
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8chH2BtFFw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhTk7pCKtP
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJ8sHh3AP
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj2NymON64
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCdPTSOq4E
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTzUcFDAx6
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dm5Aico3U
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7HXXknKPE
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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1WN9Ze74Q
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8rBTF1O5N
"I'm not leaving without him."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInNRHtN2vV
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN6L9HlwzK
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPurikiZhgt
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPHlHRmnli
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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBK4E2Urew
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8DkoYhU1c
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNFfjgWYQw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RVnEgG4Ff
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6cfw0xcE3
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuG9IDjWvh
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1c0tAUtdb
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG2KRYo6ke
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOtneVCh4K
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFpW6ggMBm
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gsEN89icJ
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0jMuG9qLB
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl2Mv8j4a2
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aiGAhL9LZ
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5DJ6rgS2R
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLTQHOj20J
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlkUDoneTd
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZHPxHm0B1
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30P3bejh0L
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj9MUnDEtZ
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih7fHe0fGw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwJy6HysnJ
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS434WFdwWB
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMljpuMYSZj
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mQparfouy
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZLXgV5uKL
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRIE9yhjIf
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ3Tt1hrDm
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3VyB7Fx3M
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsF2sg7glE
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4y2vKDuMI
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFymnvHTRE
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsBzw2pQv0
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmHnWxx8l8
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsrKu76rL5
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgmIp7UcKU
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGctmNrThiI
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM3U11tprM
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlKjl0h9jk
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcMsUfpT9X
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQKTruuEBF
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1hIm6Xsp1
"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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmL7VpYsj5
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMcqvolqhW
"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?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEBbYEhiYe
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllbSNf2M5e
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoUHqw7fx0
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvLeyT6adq
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMLf6aS6eX
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwjeHKieng
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNp1ordS8R
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgiHOQuBQw
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCNwcBqKDw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5zolXhl6I
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtkoVQvbWl
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67eUz0l91m
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRPqKcW8Ze
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8edY00LE8G
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLEKLTclrN
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64pfXi1lqH
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwVFlTXtF6
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m2rYC9HZJ
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1qsmgwlfr
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxLi0VJojv
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2aBZ5JUTS
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhr4sclkX6
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qJaoJ9Cpa
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlaZjlriFg
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3DyOWCCuV
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeirRtiLPaZ
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6cV5Me7Sd
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOy0qKjFAv
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXRM2GN1HF
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcknwSEYiQr
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfj0b9G7jO
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1yhs8X1o6
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEsfAFGaik
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhwYUHuLkX
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOJjjwhRJl
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW7D3W7quI
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvFvuTSBD9
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLqPwy11zU
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWMpiIyXau
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKZzxHk66d
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFXhGDR8Aa
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOdoqduGIk
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NtSK80FW8
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4FaWi2ZgV
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Rj6uQfLV
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fnzL0MmJH
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlnQJRWOEW
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ig2Mf5Ad
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFvcB3Ggc3
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6kGpB5FAr
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FQQ703q6K
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfawFgYpU0
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyvkjilMC4
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcempmk43f
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWHhjH5oiw
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFwuXnk9Mt
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ6SBbeO3q
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKz2UXVXvr
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jT710tRXg
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZki7xdF1R
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2af19wHUDU
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXwit0Z6U0
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHfz2L3Rs0
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmSV1shjp6
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRzSMy6mcg
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8NX1hMwWd
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdn99W1xc9
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvZWmOauR8
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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuzcUE1Avg
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkiEpBfM04
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGQMD0tJlK
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA05PUHyIq
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRsERYCXJP
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRycMWLwDbX
"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.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtXkRBJCcW
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yMOvgANXJ
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKIBT3bB6d
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcksXoq9j6z
"For what?" Kevin asked.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZqxCvcDl1
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5HtZg8qu8
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQuaow0zch
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSZg1JLbLM
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmtXSup14d
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvwJ1XFYbl
"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."666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vwW36tvxu
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A90hiEJhO
"And that was not leaving me behind?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTow3wx9Htk
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw36xLW7cNp
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcHnugJp3a
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3zQV3XJmB
"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?"666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJcV0IDya4
666Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxVIppK4X0
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
and then Add to home screen.