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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljSsZkYxg2
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKQdUeRIeb
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMcvlflDTS
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI0defBsyS
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5PagXF80H
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jhfMnRGQ
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7tFyfaQqO
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsyDYlk6Vz
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZC7qURzCe
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXTqo6BGZC
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fhVEPhzN4
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch5inTvp60
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?633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYJ94SrhzQ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCp5THI42L
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJKt66RdTQ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIHfy5opAk
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aoURz9FjC
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Rki6cmQi
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL23wvx9ibg
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2sTCeFeKz
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FjS8E0zcl
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst8xJ7Xywv
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1VlUoT9T5
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNkh8D4yFQ
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5glIYl9e9
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaa6PHFFiD
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaNVf9JQoq
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RGJGinsGE
"No, did you?" came another male voice.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrDcDsSja9
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfjuQhiXza
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdktvBSK3qU
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2Yoh5t0Rl
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaF3CE8VY2
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkKGhodkjJ
"Me neither. But orders are orders."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTd1jTXnZ1
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNrk1s1n8B
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ngQADXJho
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiIBv9oaXk
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQnx6h25zC
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW4E3U1rSv
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hwIv0qiRi
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDtxi9MnAV
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyEKr2h0n1
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MDBIDjs7J
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpBA2R1zQ4
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBeG4QacnX
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6zNvgy4wv
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4OJ6DASwZ
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUXlTaPaLw
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95j5ChNUZm
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wey3MXKjk
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazJSzZZw9C
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYPBjaPxb1
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCD1xwgCN7
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75SA7kedjG
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWRqjPGdfa
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....633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTVupKUQZe
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjn0XYdI0K
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmBu1IoyvD
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3OAncuKXD
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq9tLvV8wc
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fk93JE7Ns
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJl4LcVblw
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZGxGfPtvR
"I'm going to check it out."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94L6KWyncs
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0RCsiVUAu
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkJRUbbsOG
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57U2zMqyH5
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmUrvp5Ta4
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTwbwgDmMs
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiXaEC599i
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIdjno6kXu
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGDokPl11b
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuItz08YgU6
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaSe5ajU1v
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegPjCvtsRh
"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?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ697toO3Y
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB8jFLTpUA
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmj3R18sLp
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqxcenHXfC
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNW9Rze5At
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL9mjsdQtq
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqlJmu5WBQ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJXufeiINU
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRWlmK7Cjy
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI4kgcs8vJ
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:633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WtP08dbvb
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrVm8p1H0X
"I see her! There she is!"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDzMSwf5eY
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEnKFiiUC6
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFMcB05PqX
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvrcnrFs1G
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU44PfGDhe
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbpyTm3Z0n
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDVUFwloh
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDTCjdCCFE
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d67puVicB
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rX5DZYBLU
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIRaoSy1b5
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSpaZL5dIq
***633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQRDVhTEfW
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5QUuxwlTl
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6btXgtzdj7
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9ydrRRUnY
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CLby0o5Qd
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VMv5OTCzs
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhywjV6YAC
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnl32CV7qB
"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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaOZKZZEQ0
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLNpSsYMjh
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf7cv8h9rn
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUMIQC4JPL
"I hope so too."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxoXfRISfM
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6P5cRJj5B
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJbpu9MXnF
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxq7OH6oPy
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAejYFw5MM
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSldmvVeJ2q
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeWfJvTHA0
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SAqqICVwz
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYgdKm4qHV
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9EKS6TUoK
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgO3wDjGjE
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcp0r9umO2
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxxjIn6VGQ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdSBZ79HFM
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESbhnbILMJ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAK9LSRO0u
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ut7l4Wcbp
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJDNWKzkTW
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa8zzkX4VY
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EuutT1hjr
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO81yullNx
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tb3SV8N9U
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGztJq3qmp
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWcwCkgGbz
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmt40m6bt1
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLdAJJpvAD
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8k85S6LxF
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nulXobMwS
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQg1DQlmUi
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwF8GcUiVG
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ovkH80Va
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidJ9Ec0rTL
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!"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW86jqcznl
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhchj621FX9
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNqfq6b1Ao
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx5YsIA3LT
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3TvCHFDgK
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlBujfEPvE
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22HIn6NXvD
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg2N5k1DF3
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkRlvpTExh
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc8HlZ7DUf
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHMPEEJJ5W
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtwDadYaTm
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgOtSaPHC1
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9daPo1PSg9
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjeeZr33aK
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBcPkWpthc
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection629ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJSYcIzAzZ 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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin1Etcs3Ag
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm3GokE2a4
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFdClC79VI
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmDylw2oUh
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv0YPEz6Eu
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHLlHqbJMP
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXhI2Wy9PR
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOci0ABeNrz
"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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3xXK79y7V
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFd72zRSy3
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFRdjsDnRd
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgzTLuBFMq
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B2IrQ4lsW
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mmVgXha5y
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrcaJyqszF
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEicFR3F3li
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo4SWUTRvF
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd1RxpBiJI
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvcE3GsFVf
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprmMAohxT6
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpABnudYqH
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmMZzYwbkD
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Pca5E3vZ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0pSL3BsOG
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F6VW5xi4D
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBNx014UEh
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskM74NylcW
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HUHvA6gDR
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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLiBoPfCg
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWhOokhatV
"I'm not leaving without him."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkDxHYOTjH
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYGbyvoogc
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpXR7PFrSJ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQyUisu3R
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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbISAWTxyh6
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43aYlVM0Zg
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv7WeBwmXo
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo9kHIvSz5
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6rfmsZ0Tt
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DZs1AuSsc
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EPGgBjs9J
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkiX1xMJWX
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRZIGcDezQ
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lVmpHNWrI
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLBPeLC7x8
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFY97ucQmE
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslH7dDOGkv
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8PqUi6cpM
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh5z5kOIDS
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C9o4ua4ew
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjk2J3RjgS
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH9WGBnTG0
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzRuCc2lgg
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQNroqoxpK
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH4ZnfU6dF
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcntj4k3Ghz
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxkzPk5gN7
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY859qtSNBD
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblofH1PoWA
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyqIEgPJvm
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkgkWHUEkm
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVqmN9TC9D
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySNyzJLnah
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtAtGB8jfi
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlmgxjzh7V
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TdSkjhgZG
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM6Ta5U2mw
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK11n1Zae3e
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw4TXgicMU
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYRqe9HQaO
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yjRWQnMEv
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8XuluHzN1
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpIH3JMIm5
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtCJiUHoCD
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzMiT51lh7
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn7BXguDPA
"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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4jS4ahNCr
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvytQ68pbRI
"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?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMXiKWIMu8
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxQv13mt3Q
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFKpKP8EPe
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gwu0jZOrg
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolkht8gObd
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S5638Mjp9
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h1z3wUfY7
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0LJ85Bjho
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JvRiGRsXx
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Q8AyEev7
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkW0IKjziM
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo8jicYPDc
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eQnm0cTQz
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhc4zrMOBs
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQAsoHrbAl
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37VF6mx9Vh
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1OSvwAEH7
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ934gk75Uro
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaBuSW5UYS
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQZmXFXt9q
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCFMpQjHKz
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ4dCL5j1I
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb9AIdbUJt
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2INp5g6y9A
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhdrxUjeFD
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSs6PlqZl1
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiePWrjOZ3M
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxlOlDMyqF
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn6FJB35Ir
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Flggsw6C8
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3goocru9H
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksFzrGEwTo
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ1uLMM1w3
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGRyy8nTFg
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf7OyCB2GK
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fllq2jbgy
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCleGbmI9k
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdmMDwUtfG
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGKhknsvWk
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF8C9FenFz
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4qeu2rzhc
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigrfrsaY16
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTYotxmg3y
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvBNLDKDWI
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZJ9LgoslX
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkpGfUnAz8
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD0blIpbPB
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hjNE8xOAb
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVUoOnl3yW
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPt4xuf3IF
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimbq3fjeER
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScT8TFgDk6
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU8gvUXoCE
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDehFlnInwZ
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PuKuRhbPs
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt58JG6xktr
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAMTp5jNh5
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxhErdLZQE
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnBztxZfXd
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2jmq4WSsh
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YPodpqToW
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6FaOGUWZn
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS3FcaVowA
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtJIvT3ew0
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvO4pNzytp
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz2VzS6pz3
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvtPiIG6dM
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EV8JSSgCh
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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRbca95556
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFgJDKfFlf
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmJDefQWwE
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb18RZMlkg
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqgyyrWjcq
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNR9tjrhx5
"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.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aCzh7Al8r
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTMjdYhXRI
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsfM6ggK2O
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMQBD0eeys
"For what?" Kevin asked.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HXzaENq1W
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEdAJ5h8fb
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgsuYTa8eT
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenbZ5FXYh5
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFKZJ1uDMe
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBixRkIWEj
"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."633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Elmvyq3Ao
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMG2ez3lcF
"And that was not leaving me behind?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEvSSjlgeB
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUhiIJyLnR
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20ZIZiBuPI
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTavb3rOFT
"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?"633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDZuyPrnXS
633Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLqequ4r3d
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection629ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmYS93VpDJ 維尼

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