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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR49ZMV7fW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDQRkB71zJ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHSFxG1e2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndQvxA447P
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXznypG2l4r
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxP1f4dGW2
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqupnDwtPl
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpJWJDme2g
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHzhu2AU4d
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2iQN1BURk
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAzg7lRd6S
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT5sh9SxDp
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?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cUzhqzYs9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6q7oijdxV
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3nv078HRx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd8TW2Qpjp
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdbWqymiMs
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCJMPmitau
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqiQ23xNd2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02OOrl4wNN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScWFY0NZ7G
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq9XldT9qM
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29E8w5fqLv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSWcHsOBxG
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLyMt6VdN5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXVrETTNw2
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t3oSYyDxm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp4BMFl7Ns
"No, did you?" came another male voice.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAzqq1L0ve
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStXDwddrcE
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHIbRv2nHJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFzigorG7o
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo9zwu4YIn
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMExrSsuz0H
"Me neither. But orders are orders."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0czqcyT0nX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MDxd2sOsV
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yQxpB2mvH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZTyW15Nx4
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC6as8MiIX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPPvznCiPq
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ggcwwUXok
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKdjaCLCNa
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrNQ8n4rc3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVfs3SmWve
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAWNP5wOx2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiewvd5MsjH
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGakTMpXNe
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4afyD7UkW
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDsgLp42g3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJrQxpAhPM
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTeYl3xTVg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4ktf8Ymw9
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkx9sMmWtJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw1PoovDb8
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JYwknRCuX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CPYtw8bM8
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....1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRmRYwGoSq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7rPOmo7yt
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfBMliUXGS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCYS1Mm6JZ
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uN1WF9pTX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3CRJnHeZU
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqx1thzavW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9r3mqn5am
"I'm going to check it out."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0YpMp11E7
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRhIXvGqoI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOHDJT94vw
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh14kCkiMT5
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7N69ixXYD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaAdK9MNPm
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ4WP0x1Up
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsSG8Yo95C
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GYRGZgOnm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9yqhtHQt4
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVu4NytskV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaUb6tOs3i
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GdovAYRx3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRa2P0lowI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIOPE1oauL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3ydh9PxTi
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsyWyG1Tux
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5KxAZVzsa
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3Gblhrmz2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYPVrHCJup
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDqifnRHXT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjDdJTjHWX
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:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0bQauxxD3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybQ5aWmv1b
"I see her! There she is!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT178kwKfYV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmRv4lcpsr
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacxCdsjbEj
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC1UuTmDUe
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn1QDdNAJG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z33WkaXKU
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjQiIL9meM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzZJLcAUK4
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNV1UDATmS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ7ykHCDm7
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ8oJuq549
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtr6KLtTSr
***1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVSus0AHvg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkywWpMAwkc
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCr1S03Txt
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5c4b4ffUc
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRgfzYofDA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBHOAg1Ceu
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6dl1SvVHN
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuFFL2sdBU
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKoFoabvE4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBG7QE5gao
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyWDtdgvUG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmedpkump0B
"I hope so too."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwexfguXd1T
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT3VMAyNh6
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8PgpRDEIV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqnCAM1ct2
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJdZ1Rcme4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XIfjSYb2b
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs4kRcyYoW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZiVcf4SEn
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB60z5trml
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKGL0InNqQ
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMdGdJ6Y6b
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTlZy4x5eC
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEdGQYnDkL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ2fWrAjtp
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehOAbB9yli
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGQFFUgVY1
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZkPnSPM6F
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYAq8YJOS7
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLs1RgT9K3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI5skMxhQu
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKVaIjGGxi
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1GOvIcqwQ
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX1efWSxNG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1y55DubD5
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGzGmLdEc2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fS9L0JS63
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VTyqyAjIx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJNqVQil0Y
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPAgT9lzgE
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBA5CBLf4z
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EU4lVaAze
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj96GvIv4q
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!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1c3vE89cB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UiYlFIUiY
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI80DMI9Fxw
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYcuNLw9Tx
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgCsQJse3T
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlMqMw2D2B
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCWCpbbNbr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngYDN8EcH7
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LyuzVWD3I
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XpawO9Ubh
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3BcOMZZi6
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFloAgGWiAJ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RrcDdsErn
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN4lgGzdmy
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95cSGqdDCQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP4MBmYgee
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkb303VHNm 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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEpFzXp0ex
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1OUYXjS8m
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UUA5CytBm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLULZrwt5K
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWgaVTiO7P
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKnp5Nhf0S
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTdRVMmVh
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNazKvIn0p
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ZbOxPWZO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqWkQz75DG
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho9v5wnils
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcwkCvn2NU
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR560niRo8W
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqHH9KzvMe
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNwbL2Bpsv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhKUEWnmJr
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxMtDO0VpY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwLkoFrt2J
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX8bTY50EF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfuzLl7cgb
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZELxWAuv7
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDJi1HvSvS
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiJzume6o0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlWgnhxpPw
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHkWYry0Q5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxiHUUBW5Z
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbuZbWw3Hg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MS40MarZw
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dy0dLTxOz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ207zsgBlHq
"I'm not leaving without him."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6w2FlYoHO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8mlO0WKab
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2737atbXyJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvVkgUGPR0
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsTCwMR14m
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR5X5LuKoC
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGwZHufNlw
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwxpyKnpoW
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrSQXbHUgY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7L27agkJp
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WpGO1RnHU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuOVfH0biC
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBLWBahEX4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuZw2qEa4I
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4nTqmurOY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6YZaOAdix
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9w2ZKZ3IA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiAbZ2idH5
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMJ6YXa8kx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKYuzmIOyO
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6nJ9iyAi8
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRT9Q7JAMs
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzaHCe1UTb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5RYtBtXCe
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRZ7VlM7k6
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE7gNNSSjO
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSp8xzbcgB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nIXunD0CM
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOoEt0H3GM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTsVL50DX6
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlORW5hzBS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrgQl3NeyF
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjUbjSI1nr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeh7PkL6Ti
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvT5DVOhln
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZy5DU8FDt
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jGvzwYzfI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrozkjevIm
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKmzSBHWP1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoSDyfa8GE
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTdacMTxbM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kgugIPXNz
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8NurWy0kt
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfSQabd2FR
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlxGvRLzpK
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLqVAiTv39
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW67AhLjCxu
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2fzWbEdYy
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XQzrmH33u
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfQuMWhVUz
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UgNJrGo6B
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U13vXpjdT
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnQ9kObTTL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpw4sQ7rr8
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD95gsNi8We
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNLfWG84np
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm5R3rafBx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIkXG18o7I
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUHocmztP5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriBMnKjFDZ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ991V5Gn6BG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk5RbUcbxc
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbeBquWgEw
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaCce2rf6S
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgaVfM9et9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDzIHi8hQu
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuzYWPq97V
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuW5PFSaba
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGXbTRXdZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKoFrnLILO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mmZPqaJik
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGdVNKTeSO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA02InRp6J
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSggmJ7JQJP
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBwlbspnYx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWZJCNjhVu
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpd2vIvzOQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjXbEqZEev
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC1XVYOVnA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0OKIL8NP7
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqWEMvH8f0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsfKI0yxEN
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMRBWIYWu2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S1QQhbryi
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxlRRnLKt0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTYGNShzdU
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNMhJK6qvy
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaxJrOU2i3
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOv5ex2OGc
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqxfyTuTja
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD7NPgKqSi
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJMWeeJRWd
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWjDiGvJ5J
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnezIJwFUQp
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xl8NCqiQA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0gSNQTDId
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbZJ1btI0d
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMcqzmukoW
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh41j2wz6b
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpekVbvFYx
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l43xoGqiF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYCPAwYwYc
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QLysq5u4M
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtuQWq8NpB
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5qe6d5wEt
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemUauqjMzs
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhwYW4dZ6C
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzYb2MHO2h
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlINWcon9lg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKe99BrwPl
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr16WObqGV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT7tQYF7qF
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBv3SUPv37
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnPNl6tZQa
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACfixRV6HQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvwmlQkUdl
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC269LPgh3X
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m6GO1EhrW
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj0h4YTdPD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk1j9JEXCT
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrKnLZFMlH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7NxekZfQx
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0r6WEgSJy
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLqUkfVMi1
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoyApVws37
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoenwOCXvjg
"For what?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrKbtxqDcu
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3nx83e0BM
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvTwHiVqVU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazgm7W8kta
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl1pbXhsxU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ts1ZRmTmE
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEOYYexoUj
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HwShZWh6d
"And that was not leaving me behind?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YpyoJ6XLg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe21JEclC07
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAAU1RIfOm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn6de0jBpc
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOVOnsM9Yo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwF539pp2q
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuxIYo6aeI 尼

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