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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD8zv48aXk
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc2kBsMNcK
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNobOFJHk7
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCmBPeSGnE
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3WnrNRoFO
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSJxzmDjgC
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCXEFjq7n
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xeDqMvWT5
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w59fMOA2C
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ5PQB3uIQ
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxmG9Y9oiA
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHHYQVH5te
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?660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22LlZ07Paj
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAgM6cImXm
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEPbSb4Ttk
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6AUkKf4qc
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpEVZYMETl
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnmW90K8Dw
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbCoJRWf1R
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEYsU4nkWz
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWOz1AFU50
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XHMYoHnzj
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ay8xZcPSk
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFT4IpTwpT
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8U3DbPL0K
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlnEuAUDaP
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeQHhzY10X
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGAVeakESd
"No, did you?" came another male voice.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vFJ1MjxiP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc27PAHo06
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5t7nqHQuw
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtAPy9eYE8
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVLGyUMa28
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyLT1DsOHK
"Me neither. But orders are orders."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoorhu4JUL
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ2JxcACxz
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUtHM6WdDP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr6S0Irzyk
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Jh6bl1QY
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDA7nwHr49
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc5Q0tA41N
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lvSrAl1bK
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwi0vsViuT
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRxhGmSWqY
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOCaLi26Jx
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveK9Azq8oV
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6coXfIilqf
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SEMXBOIp4
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkkxw4uF0O
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiE1evaq8Z
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsckRd8V5al
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMMqkMOIzp
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs5bt9KxUm
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9kVjdlpOi
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu5YXZWoii
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTFZEWlsqp
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....660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZazI9b5lI
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20UZk5FTGD
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR19Oy1CIht
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDo8a42S41
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBzCPFYjin
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bo2MDrYlI
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVv7OcWhiU
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06KeGrXcxi
"I'm going to check it out."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGO434lX6e
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9ZF8Ugm4I
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtfKB5u76V
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtnnClNvhR
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGyYkOSREb
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWEEoIEo6H
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeQTUHDIDi
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJokeTRsCI
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2wnlmoUnG
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl8fctnthI
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9hOQH1MZC
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrkr2gatGR
"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?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZzFbn6jJ4
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8bt5Q5tux
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTMHTjArS7
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXhVBbPCJc
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVTjuxVBxv
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjlHW39iK5
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEEyBQoCVj
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqWgpflrHN
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V4vfJC47p
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6nftTEewe
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:660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWzolnRxfz
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCrOWY7WDh
"I see her! There she is!"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aXRSzbl7h
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBetrb9axLG
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDAedxiDgC
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNdMoUXVt6
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMyqbAzfmz
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37UIxbaiUZ
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopag1vCG0n
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH1nZmgljK
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA47aAfCOMY
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIPUEXvBjk
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1VKccGcmP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywHt4wtL9r
***660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoINY2uwTq
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsknrYFtwfP
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMOnajURu7
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Iknu9wMC
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPsROpJZeH
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJWEfjQGf7
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV534qGWBz
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48b4aybz6J
"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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW41R7U817
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLffc5Xuqun
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ehTvBKEnS
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneZgPAvmge
"I hope so too."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciIKGeuruE
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAvLxtK4zV
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X3HRqyY20
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HIlsJBNRo
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fnlz9gIxo
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XgLSUFJ8h
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquJ9hl5C4J
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQesHiKOMhy
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo5J3BNNQV
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt4VMgMvpz
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57f3XJU07q
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04tVkXLOvq
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XYl2ZEmNu
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag12k8VC7L
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7vpC0kSxF
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoeICR7LIC
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5DhlDu8dy
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozegGLYl1N
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3j3uSkW2M
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rh47QSrV5
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGiyc2UIxZ
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsvC2WgLTD
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj49q0wcNM
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb1URciOPe
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gedae1fNX
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuohw9Pvc9g
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXZSW4W0qO
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL957ffiHyp
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzavT5urfKo
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbW2K6Z0Xw
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI2MoB98rN
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MIm6QScaf
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!"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCkYypOkPs
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDf52KeCcA
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5a1R1ClMN
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjv3xL5sYX
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAkmjRd1iG
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99x7MYGYBC
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO4jDp9bXO
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5QfNn8f54
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwbAuMsIWP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7FIsE6zLB
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaiKrf09Wr
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIFH6HTet2
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmNt2OJ7iF
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71bB5Rj7rw
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDM8xBH59I
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ULkZULDr
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMLsHjLeUS
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wQNI4cNrl
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJoNy9g03n
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aWff8KSTu
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruLU04T3pr
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD4V431Cc9
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgNO19Piuj
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV2TqDkOft
"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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40GDmXTJCd
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dtm6tr1vl
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNgrXcKtQR
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P2KS09iW2
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGEUbimBBo
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuRyUrL2Zz
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S2Qe3cuFw
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLvvqxRLrO
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWItJX0tydL
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJLyqYiTo4
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEQFIcTjeF
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0itEDlTMKv
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrR7mZleZ2
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGWQYUql12
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6QaHPlhVN
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLxOiiRzIe
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoTfh3wwHe
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFu7n9O6yh
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOsCjpdA9I
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwyzC0Ml17
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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0gGkA5LrW
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB5lhPFefD
"I'm not leaving without him."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOqcTbr0qn
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4a2Xq38HC
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sP0bw6D06
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV3t8kPVi5
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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzDJDYqZ48
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6WqLnC1hX
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WZU97Yqrt
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGNAIKH5U3
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoMTSjz6jQ
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8703XeBRV
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcBEDIpr9s
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlUBMEamxZ
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIORvZ1LX5I
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0znZ7a8q
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfKueRchmj
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOzxftFoRK
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ7dEV0jxb
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFXMOQpNx0
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78LcaMbrUC
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pXPdv0mOe
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK1DoDxfpj
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68MGisyR5y
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQXGrn6EwF
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBVxN8a4Ou
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkjbUvUsF4
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBASfrV068
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBfJ1yy6wg
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SRExRrddq
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ2teNroVP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6UPENSTB8
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpaXavkuzn
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfx5kUjGA3
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPpz5214pl
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mmV6KEhDc
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGiQGc7CYQ
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEZh4WmO77
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz2Nsg82eW
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GwfhYAvaU
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGyPFZOvWg
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUzyK2cYHP
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8l0KURGyf
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnlcBectFJ
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTAD0CTJmx
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXPAWUv9Al
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb5CXPUd8k
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHwJ9FV1WI
"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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gq9nemkmS
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Rum0FVVE
"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?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bvYi87PZ8
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNk4c78ixs
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aogdUeG2U
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0okU63K9K
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlDiCJqeET
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PR9NgGAWL
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSRvR7TWmN
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXdiLvdzPh
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkifqFNPv0
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW3La9Qv7v
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJAeZha5Af
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtRBGInU8I
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTY9pwiN4X
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXhfum8FKe
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNnJumDjvE
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZjiWxx0Pd
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02qd1sZcGw
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMMVmz4QBB
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1jGrKCQpy
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR47Tqcz5w
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA7Xi5H8Dk
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9esSShuEaO
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0ggCG3yK9
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOvuta4hHC
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6AT0C5dSP
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgzxUriwWt
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtML4VqSvmh
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD0Alexl4Y
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEd9TjvAY2
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqxNqMqfCE
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWV1YOPeIU
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6gMU6wwQC
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp5XaY5Uk7
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrITWcnllC
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEECruyrJX
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjiDEownMQ
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYg8TxP4o4
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuzOtYiZSX
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nMhEJilml
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2OTJmrlCy
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweWD9Nv7WE
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDg7UY64xj
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVvLzTz5nI
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyWnGSWnVv
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJON78pvsgZ
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W5rJVj8wX
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIgZ04dgKi
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgwSL6rd8G
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdgo9EoysT
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYfAXnkyNP
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MbCqrPUEw
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEpebopTuL
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBuUFUNNS1
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOto3Snl9nm
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcEEuNDj1U
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxkiEhcFtw
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHxD4ieEj8
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I0kQiteyJ
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6h0zlVk4B
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaU315AcZb
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Gvo9N7Rrw
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeV1KzhbFn
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyrDz2LZ6v
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3syXKyyIT
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5o5FX3781
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW9kTAfg0c
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKczTNkUxi
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5FowVACZr
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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4c9jTPiEW
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZqC5MVjIP
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fq0ti0Tyo
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjGKIdd91M
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62zqCF6o9e
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZPchMZIdR
"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.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLDLP8H7J5
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5Edps9ATZ
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAV7G4pGWq
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfCHpeoSva
"For what?" Kevin asked.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDiznSQ4ee
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJuy6ZmYkP
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXfH01XEZz
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8TgWNtj9V
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvuqHPtNtV
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZjmFjO2rt
"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."660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF9RVIFDPl
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0a4YaQMJH
"And that was not leaving me behind?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrnWTz5dTu
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVvlYk5I2w
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjrRIlr7xq
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDGBLf87t2
"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?"660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP68hCh8bKI
660Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ppKzVMAvg
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
and then Add to home screen.