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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuVksD4jsk
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3joNEW57Q
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL5VrpsMhd
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYOEMfd8fQ
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Tml7nBkjm
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIwlg33hb6
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHilQgw9Zv
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hQ5Djge8y
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ794p5sfRAI
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTD1MkSjYc
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaNbSOvPXq
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHafgCIXA2
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?588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsIo56BJmV
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0j62cWI0b
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9SRnr3tNS
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0EAZ1wHpL
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr8axKBW4x
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8bu89rVLz
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ54pVD5LZv
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AXoXV6uQI
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULxO4tO2eI
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivzAKElH9A
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy80WmVf1B
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrA4d1l2YI
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnaFkM7b1C
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl7MfeVIiY
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUyYXWDtki
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dneT8Meab
"No, did you?" came another male voice.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRy9HmnZgh
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrgFjrfR1a
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHqGnDRTsC
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJOCjdmJZG
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnYfsqoijf
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESJEQ0L8Oa
"Me neither. But orders are orders."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AoaTny3Ki
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejwRVYSuDV
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoV33kq5CZ
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4mZidz8om
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKbfHtlM7E
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQW5q04NC9
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT0VKU2zlz
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa5tWqDLU5
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLydBfLAHa
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdZPF4S6Gl
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCC6rKGLw8
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr3O8jXMRn
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoZLHPe71H
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEtlWhlzDu
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hxLAwNEjZ
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebyqbMl6bd
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ4BDjU6Wp
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8MjDQWgf7
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef72HnU9Zg
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIKZN5Wp59
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMeVhpe2Ay
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ok09TXHzZ
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....588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkI9YyfNiB
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jqRHmZWr5
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2qhwPsO4x
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BxK3IM6yU
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgXasothSe
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4HMJkhIcE
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIufE8JOi7
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzlDTMCWof
"I'm going to check it out."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHlgk2BGKC
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4UsvueYRr
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC4vwoYsae
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35CBadcXSl
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6kbB8Q2ga
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvwnbyacaq
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ya4cltt2s
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGakmF7jFz
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC8iCvAhPo
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wE0GWOJvn
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSxJPmSMAA
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3tNEIIfw5
"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?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSndRuFz5u9
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bUoRX2dVl
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZreqmz3IN
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01KVcxmtg5
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYfcin35Jc
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZYrAFeTDn
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeCwtf054W
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbaUYGOZS3
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvIZ3TzPJY
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLiqUVCzez
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:588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhTKId24uG
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCy88qnoYj
"I see her! There she is!"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfvebnOqz4
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMhknUiO4Z
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjALEWcYqH
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtogQ8P1qu
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl5qQ4z2DD
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWPY1bz1rm
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbORPad7K0l
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97a3mtbrsr
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDdAl562Ti
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mljcbhRLP
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqICMwOUztr
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7WyNh6BXd
***588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw95xI4Bk4a
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fh0JABgq8
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnkyyU1H84
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc5oX1XLyp
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9WOuzyQn8
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzcueX7fvg
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXKEkklmym
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ2W9wmQD9
"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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdPqAxxueJ
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhPVPngeez
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL8LxVtV3T
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwdftkODfh
"I hope so too."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTZGpUGKK0
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ54didbZI
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSAJdKuuMd
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc4c44dFTo
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KeyexHVxI
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5jocHTQZw
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ934Z49HkrP
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Nrw81hlwG
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9IqFLeY5s
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfVpAy6Y3t
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEU2F1LbNL
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9fmH14TVj
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPovM1QGHV
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRMgd9sieP
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE7L5ZjqnF
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdegAxf9UX
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGuJjIwTzk
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysfxbNcGwU
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK0jKFYIpD
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrqNYRpDOJ
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih2JUUrspd
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJQsjWchEa
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuASIz6lTOU
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky5vb4WNAn
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fa3yo4SbD
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBU9JGKdze
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnJfK2CmyD
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajQaRMZ1e1
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHwMAEkbC8
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtbaNmYFMT
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xBdtbxQKV
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN1muOdmfp
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!"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmkOJ58Aqz
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Jj2EMsG4
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pbxjNmDFa
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc58Up4gWR4
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulwtGdjsBb
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJi0WTAq6X
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUrmGiv9CU
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTqBInQOpF
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LQETKPAWm
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6a4GjY0Gg
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYuLGVlF90
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJlMjzIw6H
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9Dps9vpG2
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G2b1I1ZM4
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0k3AbSdOm
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHoJg0mTD9
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection584ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n4z3CLmOy 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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzMMXZtIEE
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o7sH0UaJi
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNeZpX24qx
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznTxkK6kOz
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Xi0OiksH
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6K5JmQk3q
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51NzUdG0Sw
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemqhcHDX77
"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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSfj74iLir
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w4fJhw6A4
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGzsRv1vvC
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwO5LYg55m
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlaahbbFdo
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PaQW24QLu
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNMAG0VHvB
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L0dBFJxLo
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJFCaAbZ0V
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUMOIJenxU
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmnxfuTwAU
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4PJExiBsP
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin6yxPeDHL
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv8rJOKgX7
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglEpabs8uB
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRrBxmtHhi
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6va2eCexd
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFAoXO68f4
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE87S3Q6If
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsGJakD7X1
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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrg7gxuOx7
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmxlZ00Brf
"I'm not leaving without him."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5pTcWsCrz
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVNbcp8ZUG
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45rUGrDLvZ
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDVNdICTZP
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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ143bY6Mx6i
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ULIOm0vXD
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjVZOxb0gX
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nHC2PcN8A
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwx6KiWMTR
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkUX39NpDY
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1eci8NSYH
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrz2VJ9tje
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aEAOSMgnI
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoYXIYvHp2
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxptRuBBi9
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VR2kU6bvT
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEwaNPqy7A
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopIUnP5c3o
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFXsmWabLF
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB5l0FW1i6
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIbPdrHQJX
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhnQfylFiv
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDHu3NatH2
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8Kjpn8Vns
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpB3nQCxHp
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJLE5naSY0
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAUn5gNue1
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzQkpOdSZF
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVzoos4UiL
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlRIYuFsca
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV76F3pyzgc
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR33Hw649oD
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvij1KQP9F
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVvK7g2prC
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5hv7dv8Tc
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGZe2TdFAi
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyUgolVhcR
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr74YEngtKk
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Hp7T5b50
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MkFMdNJNP
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfckzIzhKEn
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN4xAnpW3h
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsT5ICZQYy
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e8j5KqSw2
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtDqOwb6md
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TCs8izHdj
"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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA0mpWbaNR
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1DHc5sDnV
"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?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQS81NFY8B
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqTIGwwWlB
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB8OYmTrQx
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQA3duAbLu
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw1JDOgH3I
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6c2aAF4M
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd6iIej3aB
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U03sAuVcn
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItRBUGznuH
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbNUOb5MmQ
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvJ2sv1qaJ
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0KWzHMs1H
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qHwim3iAk
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Iraa0ISeY
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC2kBOCL6q
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ58k6NRVjL
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKmTYsNu03
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNEl42bWPA
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkmVKH6MKX
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YgGvjtamW
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyb1JE7IFe
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0VMJNGU7l
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD6C4bp5RO
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUynWbsMfE
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nt0lUhSay
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhvwNUrWg9
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYY8C9zVb0
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUcfbnkqpK
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2on4C8CAv
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjs3AUuZ0y
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6XTXrFabg
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pqmgmeo5g
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWLS0Q60rk
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh9lU9L2bo
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRMDeUOOhR
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQmDNmNuh6
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZkrK4drMd
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQImj0cgfgA
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDbK2EXMcP
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpVIH99tAj
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPZzzyCuC2
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunbsFCzHKq
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80pGdyDNsu
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexcdQexoyR
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X6AOP33kw
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnNVQ1nGFk
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduUrRRbTd9
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKxuYLwYju
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7lRaNCi4D
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QU4aYff2I
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOqp5Qowjh
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2p3UMdzB9
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEkrrXUgXA
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlocNQZjrY
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSaa193ojm
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE0Za4JKCR
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5RQHQHUdL
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxnb5EEVgY
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaniNSmUE8
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLm2634nHJ
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUjkR1vVTp
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZg7wH7bI4
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAgFNLN2F2
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkto7gzhMy9
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FNxCYGF3i
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBf0RKUcjb
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA14VLxNinM
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJl93PRzAC
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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVSyWzUMef
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIuAipPpPl
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ9txpaMun
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVdE85vI2H
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat63OXi8VP
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaauExPOAZV
"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.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uZ7NCxs7V
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX4cbk07w8
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bd7ddvuMf
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCE94pxQIB
"For what?" Kevin asked.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbSy98h8s3
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqFM9428oF
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFenyJSXcJV
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EYl4jUAoi
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO4NhLO1tE
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fO8d6Itcv
"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."588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA9PhWQ7Bz
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGlrbhUKD3
"And that was not leaving me behind?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMyONKEjb1
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YdJAzgDLo
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHZxyVy8vB
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7mRKIFWan
"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?"588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFGlH2JIE2
588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHZISQlMQ3
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection584ＰＥＮＡＮＡW32u3V2n2p 維尼

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