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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXhHlyDMMw
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRi1nbFuuX
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cu3X9tQX
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CSbhFddqC
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7h7q6bVEW
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHCZ6bu6NW
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXm55Te0nB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb4XpvPDQI
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ603ZOGeg3y
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTNum1g2b1
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6Rn2O2wvp
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcWeIVuohD
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?761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPX6tGcxFD
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN4qttENP4
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4deNPVqbd
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrkWJ8sbSV
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7xCBB3dr9
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZKwTyHWyQ
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOyJDbz5RJ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf13B1ryt5T
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdkDdpRjrG
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgVxhzVxQm
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwMOJ9hsEi
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zM231XUw9
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOXYit9XrH
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH3sRCXCBY
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ntJWMMnNm
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomEGdUQ58f
"No, did you?" came another male voice.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBQ5rOt3cz
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cJ975sEh6
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4MkuNsj9c
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrffnl5YPt4
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt29cGIO7CT
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW4Dpgtynd
"Me neither. But orders are orders."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BnLAHjWAo
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPfoIpqIsq
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xvdMVQVef
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHkmOvLtWv
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64u61Qc8g3
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4vx4F3SuD
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QUcUjadjr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZYXlOmNOw
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKaEVzsavr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmckLQe0fq
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73s7kpqmkl
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyQ5sJGzJn
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MfaFDwNWF
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl5lF8t1Op
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDhCPvnLTu
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BNMCnOqvw
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLdmNB1AWO
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iVk0ZB6h8
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkCxYWKcIZ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz6qjGpvxH
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV20bb1OMO
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSYCIuDJv6
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....761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ngwtCOfW6
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7223Qaq9s
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLaaYqCDB3
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxOsbkPXy6
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DKuoqpZ5p
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE44OR1JdQE
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbn4UUibl0
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSKuiJtufe
"I'm going to check it out."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGqT3DPdIZ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxgiuFNAha
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9HuhKQGAk
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIJr27Yfgh
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKCOCUlFg3
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFd6HlDXtA
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyZ2C7PVEB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvswOrMEC4
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC47veFZBB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6gQf0hQ0s
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U4KbACTno
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY277Xyvv7b
"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?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vpYgnN2HP
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8zrBt1CtN
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJRm5JgVg0
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatuN1TgCqj
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDhHJtMOuJ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRbAvFug4n
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoLTtjVYmy
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1H7Pa3Jao
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnG5gDDSVO
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1YrEtJliQ
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:761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPLd2kyFAe
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSQCD1Hyhj
"I see her! There she is!"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXbdrXMiKG
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy4DbdJow5
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi8U7DTNcP
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xInWe3ssX
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeZQIYeTGS
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeWLiVTbmK
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtYBJMOmUb
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDWcWpQQFx
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdavOms9DQ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEFYpflq5n
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6TnUEAfys
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnYQzRocAo
***761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW1Z4LeJ3F
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH2t4pchc2
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzOxa5qQ06
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTz7EZIcU
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pO7Bnhli1
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xLPNrlYxO
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxAHWy2pBB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKiT9eX4lZ
"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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99FdFvBjzr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx9jBsJnV7
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVIMkWLf1R
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlLyGpQU7f
"I hope so too."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5YrXLcL3G
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYj072Lrk3
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfmLdjKyBX
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zuj7t8LW8
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5yuLI4G27
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9WhZb0sUu
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRR1artKTO
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKQPO7S1Nv
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJDx6pkI6J
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TIVjwv12y
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuVusFwQve
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoAp43F5Jw
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Jvoz2Oyf
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiezkGa9WJ
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GzvUEHtr0
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPWlU4xoez
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywW15nuwgr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03WCJnFO46
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAoR6fP2Y7
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkknStqrX2U
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1feL3Fvg2q
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtP7PnBgDb
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZITdpb3ET
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajZzDISEtV
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F2GHlWqde
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JRLtEjWc0
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZfJl7IeTd
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGj1lMaM9l
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMcufzmqYB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih7YAmPUO2
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiUxBvNcCD
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIwaHtxD8n
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!"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2zXSf7ygF
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3n4p2PB4U
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQjKBY5XOu
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSsnsoP2Dn
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN1mv1CsXl
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9yjTbbxHa
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlyOdU2g4S
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iSLViYnyf
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oOK6Eu9Uu
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9sM0j0L6Q
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LJ08ukdon
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxAvEJhuQg
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdmXIZRZ2p
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv31LPxcJX
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfVP6NBB3a
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRjsXrVOws
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection757ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21NVGOOBDd 維尼

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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z29dMNSZm
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm75ZPrcGLd
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFWmZ4FZCn
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6C00h2mCJ
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32qVFm7TEs
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJhzpL7cT2
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTLJc3rpvT
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZK70KEleR
"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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSEEflonHl
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov8B2RNRgq
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUpFjVaiNH
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkkYXLbn46
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaPkTwMA1B
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRDnlc8o0l
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V04Ahr5QS
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0HvBZsoKR
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaPF6Z2aei
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp8wx4hest
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx4bUO4z0U
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BUumcJ3Tl
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgkf796sQh
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51UiM0Qjfg
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Im3RA91D
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1xZrfI9qI
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE09jQfrtM
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtH3VTYcWXL
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAz26ibEo7
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGYYyeTXHo
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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE7KaQ8qNu
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDNPSR7vOX
"I'm not leaving without him."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzFrUXiuTi
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jJTP4UZp4
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgfhEJqBIv
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UthrQUNZF
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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJDU1Tg5Xp
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnH5BguRaA
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9259gKnKiQ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBbS1dEmTQ
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSpi9y5ZK3
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyRUp1S08H
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82vdEjcia7
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03so2KVMZG
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnVCnk5Q0b
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t9fLk25QH
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Vt3EVO3v
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7WcgeCm1O
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw17uHfCKD
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N9ClJb6PD
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9Hzrz7E7o
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOslW7AYKCV
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lrZbg6rRn
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBUF68L3iZ
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUnCZHTOPB
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb34pRS9fb
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2nSXM9S99
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6OGAoQiBY
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUpxnmOGoP
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxFWzla0PN
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMJbd3gFDZ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONKDE5pmIl
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLXxFatPbn
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyZgMgEmlj
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrwwf9Ssn8
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCYD9HgcoB
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjkpZZSASs
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrWq1ciSWi
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40Rn05QFaF
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLfZNqKkJG
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanvHaa5C3q
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcTeY8jVAq
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzVULcMgt6
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIORoeoEWRL
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUE0EmEFEf
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWEY7Dvml5
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0luH8AgYQ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFwaGQ4lhU
"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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYNUYZ5p3S
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4L6DAvMIz
"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?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCarWUYuVT
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hGiCIn0J1
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRICsVDBWb8
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWAJkDqdaj
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdamgqIIM5q
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKEhThLl3g
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM8NGT9LJc
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvpwRDYetH
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1CEmkO1gD
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5em0vDTDXc
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdxcYNSFlp
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxobXdlqL8J
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p9Fgegbec
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprrUmggX5Q
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlSymBA0ZZ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCtNgvt5GL
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1CZikhY1f
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmBkKAVDQE
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VCSF2VodG
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJrDwe3rxJ
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa2U553zsr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHSErxiopO
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD4CSgXsxr
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hC1Lhe8HJ
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVLPe5ZqJ4
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaKFAB5GMY
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqvDwiTvcZ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t7C28mQ3o
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8igj3IgkW
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RaUW4rfI7
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd7jwRc6kb
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoTvI6iaXD
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TlvwOODnE
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjGR3l6Ha9
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGQbRJKAAJ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhMIxB9YQr
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSoJEZ7hns
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpV7hIBGkx
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAmI8RH8VP
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnC7NnKB9K
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxySG7QUgk
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0QI3jEcjA
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgktuafS0j7
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK8O165bdC
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjQ41BVLdY
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfrpyG3MhP
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2wFEXxWIn
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1ITmfPdcG
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRRMEiFqDA
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMAZlsIztk
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWgebWw9Ns
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhQt7kv5oE
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuigDgX0LTI
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLT6aUtM2G
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ545KDHccSD
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrHq4vk1g1
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyJodSTr8f
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWma3q1kWj
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvwv8NOcs0
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIjPHSbHkK
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt386ktOVhT
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN8mnlMR07
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQdW3afKq6
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZF1Mq8wvN
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhRG0HLhom
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFkDB8WSSC
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpZ4NnlVu5
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvxU5S79fE
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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtrqZ31qtQ
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghutmrBng7
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOTemMtO3i
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokReDzm9l9
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o6iw1zpUN
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp5ee7aLXb
"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.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCXSwM4hnF
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiWtf9xVMe
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1auTlMFvmy
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoEUn4hmTI
"For what?" Kevin asked.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgViTmVyIe
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSazA69FzyE
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLfEoGpq0g
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73JqvwevZS
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCwg84tvm7
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgbtuVWjMB
"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."761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWlIVaZnFI
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHm7ttAScd
"And that was not leaving me behind?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwlzt8yQ09
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD8lC3PHgI
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxHCBFtuy3
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ruueFZEM
"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?"761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCQPG21XVL
761Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4W0N3EIvs
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection757ＰＥＮＡＮＡERjBIsPFPj 維尼

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