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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D8Ezfpc45
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZJl44Gswu
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KslMnPYNp
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vaUR95xIC
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ333qT3AS
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYJybsX8vv
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5QBuJIuJF
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOjopPbVuq
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ507OjLv7dk
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjIXR3atOX
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFHTHOAtPD
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3tE0KHRMB
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?1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrtiJ9cgFV
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDATyvrXYXH
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjDiBppK0W
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrv839iDOI
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmBoR9A41P
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTiV2va53S
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGLZba7lTb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSTWRbT81Q
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TTgb7GeE4
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCi15zARik
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwpIjdCKgy
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyooWoGkL1e
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohBndcP4Rd
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08SSHOldR1
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWXrb03Xc9
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzawncolj6n
"No, did you?" came another male voice.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj5f0IbDbl
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcAsj8VL64
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRnx0tWAs7
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZHgD5qQwJ
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqu0vwM8Hf
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOaNvyUmFo
"Me neither. But orders are orders."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaigE9RQEHk
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHk11Hqvea
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TbdeZBAEL
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bFbrYKqVu
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75mlpe7Zc6
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUYOFUi7R0
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpnCdLnAxx
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD9ceqLb2w
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWVYdM3uTw
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPEyW26HoR
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5Z3THa0O6
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCSQAEe7Z9
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbEhuDP6IB
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm54xA1gUv
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyFq61hyZA
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKmR77UDY5
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQvXKWlNFb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomC2UErdaJ
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbzq4llkXj
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLh4NysuNe
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeokbetn8fz
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPIJrVqAxP
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....1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xs5MPbIIk
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYktoCy7tCI
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fZztaeLlo
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLH5Agj9TO
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDoeKYc3cN
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJlT9IC9Rz
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxYKbjQ6Nj
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDqcnavTeP
"I'm going to check it out."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs5dX5Ys4j
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ZgfwTJcs
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv6NyzINmU
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNgP9buoPo
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElcQMwFJTJ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQCvOJGFms
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEIDdJ44Mb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiXDpFjaaV
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KswF0u5RL
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1qkSth72g
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcLG2gK7wr
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfcTfI62db
"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?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09YoM8vhts
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH85tAbhnA
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTAdyQD384
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhXS1j9N5M
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajzQUZBiYy
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bUFcKweu7
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFnKmWPeYT
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBujUHnU2jP
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJix0JYZfH
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi68eITNFGm
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:1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxJgKBc4DW
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfSjk8wgPV
"I see her! There she is!"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILhB6sYFEG
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs5u0B0pbj
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYPThS2vev
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xqyy5Oj4h
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgkbIY7mvb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKD7Z1Vgdg
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vBOpK7qjw
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9445D0Py6y
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcALIlQ1qka
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoRoj56r6q
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQr7NGggwD
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS2Gc8JagQ
***1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7M2DSVj1L
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXdOAa8W51
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TXONAv7ym
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOF7zKDdRb
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsdt3DEpK6
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoZlcfJ2So
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0OHEBb0dg
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB9xIWLPRQ
"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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtHPwOWVqh
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7HAYKxVBI
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWXTRr0IYn
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3AH53bQwJ
"I hope so too."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBNBLq8qJI
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisGCe9SxYe
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziOFWzj7e8
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxsGeA2FYe
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2j8hlBG4Y
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEwyGbvdMe
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1l7LcSIb8
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh92x0ufrCx
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRZ0oSEGU
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlT4tJnpjT
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmtxIpag4l
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh0SrGU4o1
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVibsyGghJQ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hM7chlrYQ
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVhhT3GTKM
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO6Uvh6GgC
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzMfslA1Ef
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUVMprEwOf
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqk4ngaPmw
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue4YuRik6u
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIdCGfJMQ9
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ622fTswHfR
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgofBgY6zS
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu8xsaRhqW
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyYW3Kc6Tm
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnN0bdIB2
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0giqZEkZZ5
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0h1uLMk7l
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8soneJFXb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24riUTZaP0
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jMrNc3ukV
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63VPjtnMMW
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!"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv56hjFNZ31
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehkKz5z01f
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHt7FxPsMv
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz3ygFGdwJ
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMurCrQvNc
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5jEma8Lsj
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffCVUV7zvE
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduX4V2woU7
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrajixuA9T
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIEhYSvkAh
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFEOYw9DBz
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWsj7JXKpc
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXxyshI3jp
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS73mYiGeG
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09kTfcICyf
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLj2viZ2GK
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."1234 copyright protection1088ＰＥＮＡＮＡydudq9nMaU 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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MudpDYMr2
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZCTKHsKdo
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcHsMg6A6u
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtKX7LodYq
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq6es28HEI
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3eyJmVvAg
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6ZgONCPJr
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNxXeQFe7d
"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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C0DbFGNVU
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jqFd1xfNx
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUNPOLU83w
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7YEk1U1NW
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GLXOOzWg
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVTGH4Rkm8
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEwGz8VQPQ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYHV7VgRDE
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncAGk2cc4c
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxAUm1RzSQ
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLiu8VnIkq
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAy1zDENJf
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQaBGCONHU
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CJeOKx8AB
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3OXhvXUrh
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtk5eT1S4L
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz02065Iirj
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPzz6miChc
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4FlmcpY3U
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw5KzMLpUP
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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2c5x6K2H6
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuKNieor59
"I'm not leaving without him."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDpcTrvF1t
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIJj5Kg1IF
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFHttCglni
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDAgt1zOF6
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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSB47JTqWr
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfSWjd5Bfa
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmk4avBxak
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTlsKIiiDN
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPpunFosqP
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qyXNFrFdm
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWwUfIWhiv
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiZY19M6wa
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J8pI1sSBG
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4gFRu7nVv
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvCcfXTJ5G
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGGO3N6giF
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQo9ZjK0OJ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooMdXPUkJR
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqBonR0V6b
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBCgxK1XIX
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEmXHjWjzc
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpQ4hSfvMt
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW7eeqQjBh
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOqrVEhvZi
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF86m50fqp
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgqFxDRn24
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQnbYmPA0v
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbThKLDKTqR
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvha326xFhf
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPWxZ4hGTr
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LxcwbpPhO
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ8ZhnizlY
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3agAUoYGbA
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVzZpyWIk1
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwFuVAKpBk
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62lZhTrdGU
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztx3rYhBsO
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZs6luxxze
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqHUZX42Of
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN0gwic6k0
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoi8E4tvnW
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHXjni0S4M
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXpdNlCzQE
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1SRlOkoPf
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7RquHIeW3
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqDeWdUyz4
"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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiPYhR0Ohi
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJfMMkapdo
"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?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKhTVcYNDi
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGF9Mhsf6A
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bqwhfR21T
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25RTjTO0Y5
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTfWAzWrrN
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr1CDGZaEt
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCstR9jV9m
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoW873K8rz
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK0dWuK52U
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTrvDSJXH7
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxyLecSRvg
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFra6nhLY2A
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDQUiskVOo
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzrTvyibR8
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9OZy8nTQV
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1oO9M7itn
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWXfuKEMnS
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQormrIMeRQ
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeyhZZMGzk
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37rHFMp9Lk
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6azclJ4kfu
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioBu3fT9gF
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXVKjCyDZu
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA47bxlbss
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErmlMBhUK7
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrBHpAnPZW
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSDVQuPhq0
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB8cbAqf9o
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaayYqR2m9l
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSlNDzIKKe
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvz6z63ppW
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvCypK7Za7
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2LdeU8u42
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHrzaPOjUF
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUC77SqyLr
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30DjS4UNar
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZMevY5g4m
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUKz9zNJZJ
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z3EaUk5yu
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTn0QVtrFQ
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uYVmpKTRZ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2Ppp1CYkW
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPPwdMRasx
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SnpKCwpIB
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cJzuYOOsE
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnDXpBXkgW
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryc26WFkpa
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprorZeI1PJ
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gf9hy4aeP
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtEoFfk8rM
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5YDuQZ57l
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYNu9OEWi3
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVtMe4MuDZ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEHRd8OJC6
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvGgVEayxf
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuHPFRk5n8
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcbwsnbdmF
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnakp2pPf07
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaRRberSKD
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1dnlj6k2R
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh3t4REY8F
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H5VWoGoUg
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh16IP6WMPM
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEoC4ZIfxo
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt6rE3E1uJ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ8Vq8P4it
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwNIegkcOA
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZriajHeAF
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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqCM6QdnG1
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpsB1aWKK6
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKHcvkXl0V
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIDoKNA5vE
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xI6YF6Vlb
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHMKTd0XCE
"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.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm4zzpwDLr
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkwmCWilBk
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN5gkF26Ep
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLgG7NxpTd
"For what?" Kevin asked.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwY2tlg31W
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60rQds75wd
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWWngpXfHQ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMhXjpORpi
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXO5YmWwLw
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ102MjEpZ
"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."1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYuFfy0GJy
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyzptKX2Xu
"And that was not leaving me behind?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoorw0Acd8
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNLqj0cZdx
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDrBjDlxYQ
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck0pdQ6xud
"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?"1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbWrSlmNdv
1092Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR0LOH9Xid
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."1234 copyright protection1088ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBeD4JUBsC 尼

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