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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjmUUAt3Kq
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26oLxb9dvh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIScKvuu3lN
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1tbiYe8MF
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxLv6bWDP8
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu7leLKA8W
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTBrGgkXjF
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcowQEQhtsl
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzghgEUJlgF
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QVLTDQDzA
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlujiXpO2m
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtLo9eNAjo
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?632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNUa3bepjH
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTys32taRG
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGuN7oWSw5
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihoEO7JBpT
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhAC70V0J0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs6UgZ4IZh
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaIt0hC0B4
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC3F5jEcTj
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiwSPiwKHm
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxbaUDy2P3
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrGdC7F8DZ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eFGlbZ4y7
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVANR1gXAA
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TdwM5U1dy
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H6EUtlxli
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAlNys3UUf
"No, did you?" came another male voice.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHN1yPRjJu
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpFmcizAny
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDadZNkKJ5
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPiVAmeupj
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlaZoWMnnO
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiyTvyLC2V
"Me neither. But orders are orders."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Seu7mEAUL
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9RyHhwkJW
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX8EH5H5Ya
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDQoGJNbv6
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtCSU3XwDI
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2FykNMKQu
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyVLEFzbsx
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnijNHhmUp1
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAjYjvWuOv
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB0IeIyBn7
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wDujvNjsE
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QCoHw4ckG
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQALyy5qCL
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4yKbnSXu6
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWP3213HjJ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF41M7Fz8SS
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbovGr9C9W9
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M0LckmHzL
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXKoMilF5G
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqqBvHrd3A
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf7SCIysRE
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoAPCHxvjr
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....632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p9efmvk82
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxlojUzW9S
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDXpbtFE18
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjIz2bF64V
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKIO4vH8yY
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmygtS7L5b
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepkWgtZ8yR
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzzV9wB1Yn
"I'm going to check it out."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCuNr390Ik
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11HgVEtubA
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRFoJzgcnS
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP123Icioh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W3RCkAb9Z
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR1P3W0a5w
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NpFB6pWgr
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSzbMd9T8Z
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPOdDSehXV
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVff1YJmaW
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX3XeCnzRu
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyV1NTtdsy
"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?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJy5mccl5V
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Vb7XT2cq
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m80EMsVY8
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnJ0tVmwR7
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4rNfT8qe6
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPDVNbuE6g
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVdzPs6WHa
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZNHASKdS7
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHq8e7tJ9g
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7XXRZEt1N
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:632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2InSsDbByq
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYfegFKmqP
"I see her! There she is!"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD4bfK8kZu
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwezpjMoE5X
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujCfO0yEax
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYZEGOdsgh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXv1eeMc9v
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKt1pJfZgQ
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXxVf3r10X
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobut5WXWa9
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGcNMxFUjY
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwnbQVIEyd
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTIJmr2fyY
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWkMGiebwl
***632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZsgdDFMG
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsW6FUXe7T
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pdV046WfQ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S9kn8pOyK
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6VPw9ii6v
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRywPguiIG
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeoMsPFfW0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMlVV66xc4
"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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4CVzn1dkB
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvEKAhDFPB
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvy9PQDx92
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvAYyqhJrJ
"I hope so too."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Gyxwc15B
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5NulUMtjU
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRKNHjiYbv
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKoSVP1KHB
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFs0Wi7eWe
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRJ6vu89BS
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDoc4jeT5L
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxkVyo2Fvn
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcgs16K0ch
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWyQnuWQ71
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8jnPzScof
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlaEMukU0R
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGCUGd7Wr3
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcim97twI4
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LnH3qCFF8
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOSC06cOmB
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaT1QWLvxE
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwUwJXVfK6
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguiThjk804
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4qZUCme5j
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QwrG88Nkt
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoUSCxVUMn
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdtO2kgPHa
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bxrkNYU3v
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGpAeuzi0J
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnIeEDvpMe
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w80p9cf7O
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc1juxitxj
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrxs06DIpM
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEvSjgJrvX
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3NQslH11V
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFAT2ihQ4P
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!"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYZ8b0ugyX
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJwgTd2AkZ
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDYVRbaVBo
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViWIyxdJri
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBPFZ85WMW
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVvKQ11P3M
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG5j7HKxz2
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF3qi6cyUY
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4C7rwk8M5
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOyajXLGVF
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhkLlS58fm
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmXQJ5oxEs
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmEfsGPH2K
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyANkqRvil
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxeEI67qG5
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBppKFSDtIF
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection628ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24PqRJklCZ 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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaN37sUZW3
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7mXgXazsh
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJRgIOYgPW
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UixySgHGc
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYEp61zsTr
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpnRbv5rZT
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2bN80pWHb
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kHaiBi7xK
"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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U5HhPnsDc
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvkqmCWTgc
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmwh4urmxc
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k6az2w0Zn
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGZzqrv2aZ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxMnnsPhs6
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaYflChnBU
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk273uBFNf
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVICrofLvrc
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM8MFbVukt
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4PfUOwtyN
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGypkzDLdob
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtAXzvkMd4
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSKMJ3KeSt
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2wvwAtPX9
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRnLW4nXpO
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer109A0C3C
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFO7rTiyLG
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6iOqVmoqL
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm7sNNsuim
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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK1QJsCsrB
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pi6UkWfce
"I'm not leaving without him."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRJDqYbW3G
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogjH1EkB2O
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb73DxD3ggh
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7db2NVBo6H
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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6xTTlAbB9
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENa32kIhyW
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbbITRx41H
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKUR6mg3CI
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5At9ft1WP
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNO65H8Xqd
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9SkiwZDMZ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcnvdd6lhw
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZti1RNinM
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsRJE9yoSU
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Esi4HTtC
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NOwkmd11F
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu29nRWMYkB
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajfyJWRTHl
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykzsCFQTOq
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUCOXkvl9G
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQurppCppI
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmkQe54nbh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHeUjGN49R
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPRho53sST
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexRk7mA6zZ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUI2swotqD
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxRTMWRKiX
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhzbA21xTL
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyyvvRLq0Z
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKZnsmyuma
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgsGM9QN6B
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvqRC1XsF8
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc7SXYzTg0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDban2GvQH
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQiVFR1F7R
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArYO75fw7y
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3y924eGNx
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcCybCEVCl
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVFH0e4qjz
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg37a7TtON
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxdiEyEj8x
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfPDe2TBhs
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR7u4nxUmR
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZRw3OoryL
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5VXNf13AP
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPwBFI7CXg
"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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEZrsUVZu3
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiRiDuei46
"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?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkjZbntNQg
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOjMZkpaRA
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceVmeuqBpC
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj7lf0EzAD
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkhtrYu2vV
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRpYscUYY5
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGaZoVqV4O
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsu5t6yKTi
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVSPrz8qQX
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzLRf1rZ3f
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfZzPW5FMv
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspOCywJIzU
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV5QYmtQAe
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUATUfVU0g9
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxenVVKosc
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOJ95idZo3
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI6eBzGWr1
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xCPyVnAqi
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv5Kqrc4i7
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd1tZFGCCW
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItwdbcRzpm
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwFNAwZZYG
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03D2QpNsJW
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrt1kImuoJ
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzD12bD1GA
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzA5iNm1As
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMaSUlBB9u
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQwoAB7bWm
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEntc43ZlH
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSpisOIyBh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mVwMBdOFJ
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxYpO4YtCA
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkN3PbOBPj
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO3Dqca4Gj
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpsDKeKZs0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3v48J5Wf1
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLetkVRz8x
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokUwibHqRW
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8yBz3K0E9
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzmGKDG4gZ
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrynsTMTqms
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf2s1gsEaY
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U8QfS8Vpm
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfXOQXDLIT
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRetFgnIIFj
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rAWxEze3v
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Rf8n3K5V
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi2YWy1ZsL
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5jIfImC66
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMU1CsZ9tq
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1dQtcbfOG
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGU7YKMfWh
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr9L83WIEp
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc63ltOzJsg
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw91agVLtKC
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQTX9uwIY0
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriA1Oq4inU
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB3ir5TgsB
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oD21lVW2K
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRlhWUjLDv
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVDhytkBIh
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UKCchCv5l
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpG4lQI1AW
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGMtYwNgn8
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR64F5JSRbh
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW24VzhA6o
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFEFqdAYz0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJFl5f9K8m
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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ebx5W88kr
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj8xt33VEs
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzA3ATgI7Z
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWOSPN4V9J
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFXbTVfpVP
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LwZx1pFJV
"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.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrcHoJOYqt
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnguZSPCyvG
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojXbCfV5B3
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqWH7kabGC
"For what?" Kevin asked.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHolKuvooES
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6oMdKyoJB
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRzrjMNmY0
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzALGlhAxsr
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquTmmifYb5
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WZxSDa36F
"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."632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxItt00XhO
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8ecpCJ2BD
"And that was not leaving me behind?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAwOXPd5gf
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnq7lvHJGy
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3JxTzoReU
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUPPfuSzcb
"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?"632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaRt77SQla
632Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6QmxPiZ65
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection628ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLvveEA4Gx 維尼

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