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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n1YXM77UB
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD89DUJcVj
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF0S3VzjjJ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8rJXNYRJc
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEsseSdfNu
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx9UnVHnqi
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA8rYgFhxa
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtWIB4OteK
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntfhkbPgpg
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNvchPdFig
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mfxORqbQa
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdiIsGy09l
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?637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvh7nFKDXT
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4w9uSqg82
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanKvoKiEQT
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvf1WJNNOy
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7Rke87fmc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13gNDonU1o
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjVa6oHHws
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eEDIwGTkr
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgALd1vq68s
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqqyDt9Cfu
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyklvKs9L1q
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ3Ma3rCe3
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsOx350zvJ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EmfTl84zZ
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfRi2GF43J
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6TIaQq9ho
"No, did you?" came another male voice.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX55BYX30v
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS30lKltFHL
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbp4GW3AuI
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOGrvdJATh
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkBP5MI55H
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM9ovfyxSr
"Me neither. But orders are orders."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEoFhnmB8u
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxhmaUfvTD
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdEpmtldrs
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5hyFZ1OZY
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAA305OkL2
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRWoQof8IQ
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXa877r8n8
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvUMgbdWNF
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwne4NJ8Fy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR4fPTxS3B
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2w4fV87Uz
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWHqlVqnTv
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvv46O3EpC
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUpFGUQVbV
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysITUg0ML4
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtozbgXdxRW
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu3fNDBE5j
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQtpnfJXJm
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiRMdtPPQp
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADF8gj5YJu
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrMt98oD1R
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiyGSkwvrh
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....637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6gpObZ1cv
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GcU4lPcY5
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3bIKIiBoI
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfZc8vxbj5
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSUdnvL2VR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx0iGjFL5o
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ931DmTfEXY
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRT5gbYmiK
"I'm going to check it out."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIF8KokeRA
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpeMoyXphC
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvuq7BJ5aB
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VbE4totlQ
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBiFEcu34h
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE7tLWh0aS
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSv6NYm3K4
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP5Vf3FQQX
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCnHRnkSPY
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEIQkcyhXA
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zeej2e30S
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcpGjKevYP
"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?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoesucu5ISO
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJtfWJwZMr
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudPqX2PcgJ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukhjJDR08G
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUFhtF0UwX
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0RYzn5iR6
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgL39koEtR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfSqCF233Y
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxW5AYq4Vy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYWMAqqVoP
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:637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvMgPNbehC
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHLhuaij6h
"I see her! There she is!"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiycOVvG3Xd
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaZ11f3utW
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZCSl6Hh2Y
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFiYrxQyc8
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuqzKdOvv2
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaS1i7HY4O
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN98YyfasJ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLxjlj6NMN
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh4aZyrDqG
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI9GJ0bEyZ
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkigUidN8Ua
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP7UasPGZv
***637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauAoDJsS8e
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ734249TpxS
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu83gKsPOls
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JtulTA0JU
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLyeMIQvSX
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Low782tFL
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvwmtyyhND
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHBqxotvBA
"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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9euLSI4V7o
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTQZP4v0cl
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47OXz92hvh
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZXfZiTsN4
"I hope so too."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWju1bbJxsR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgz7qaqQnq
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1m7oZz6AL
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs22g9Vz8O
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51H42nE7dc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq02f2Xnp4
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpSYH2XmBR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTCLqsuluA
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0LEIdRq3S
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CTu7oyapH
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodpG8CU3nS
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OKNKQLWmd
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKlRf74Qez
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpahnMAq2Zz
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0MYyDn4NC
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s7oIMQpwA
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6grPV1IJOg
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbCFzXg9YM
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtneujQosU3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJFkepHwBr
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8gH9MYboX
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzDzpm8V5x
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM4tu7O52r
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK2T4HccBA
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLETyn3rsu
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQrjqEw1yQ
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFGgjHBwKZ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbAg4pK4cx
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlNCcCHWNh
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOd3aB29h8
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ghX5kUtuu
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB7d0gvoYE
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!"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84BU8x5lum
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcJWKk5b9z
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdGivQtPDi
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ8oZwY2y0
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRtyF4nisK
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclZG0GNsC9
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7H58qBtwn
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH5ffrW6zi
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFl681OBKy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnUEpWMPmD
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLc3IqLo3i
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeokXkwk54
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNlSFWAHZ9
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxip0c1u2f
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwSdPlGVMg
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoWJpBcB8r
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection633ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeDNZhJOKd 維尼

Malcom took hold of one of Rhénee's hands while the other held Sophie close to her chest. Just as they were running back, Kevin came into view and he couldn't help but sigh in relief when he saw Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDMU3zhBez
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrb8dRT6Aj
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3avl3TNAqX
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUodUcXBar
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTFu61moKn
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEKhIDiFsu
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixey4de3kw
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YjR3O4NTC
"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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrNOYdaInA
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSF06BizuF
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tHVR3ZdS3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1HhC9eoib
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiUaUCKFjk
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlwLa8b59E
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVnoWbMp2L
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIbI3tZOjf
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gyGb35fBm
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACOLkpzEmt
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbAMSbmcOZ
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09MA3BIZxW
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgCZh62HsM
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25AIuiQQzv
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1HhThj6Pw
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5nz37AzdN
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJTwGKdR2b
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzn0pS4PSB
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6T6SO4Wqw
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ445xUivUEM
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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmgkLPIJHw
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSszI6xZwY9
"I'm not leaving without him."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmcb0eh19Q
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYstybJbBtn
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFE55pTGHi
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0AxaOjfYv
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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroeTh2ymID
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquns8ASc2g
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk88tspYTRn
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoKWzpN3ik
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKJ1QOf1yS
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzeOfs4BHB
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSJm8W0fmc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4iN7CTBXP
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmg3GQOwUo
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlPEGDZptl
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bMTckQxMq
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGu6rtSILY
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijwaZBuA2I
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF3ouPAQrT
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKtTt6IjH7
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPKBVHfi0Z
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrG6GzMBAN
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Je7p0H7uk
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLvgbwyp9W
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll9TsvLMR6
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflxpyBwIR5
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRe9vEOOwC
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0rgeSzzIY
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTKcE0NYxE
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw0291eiP3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrmew8aSzQ
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSudoVTDhP
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNoMaIggiE
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2CoaOIWwi
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcnPgluJGW
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gMvUiqna3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxfphMQ6f3
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ4h0rSqSW
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w82uUegT2
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09hf5JEf9s
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcxEY0zcTd
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzGOp2lD6f
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM7X95iM8e
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwYFIedMG5
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY02DMUFma
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxLpbSLF0v
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKCddxM7S7
"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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFrVaosRfc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFSSl67a0p
"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?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L9YifLLa0
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPbhIGMwDi
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T7gotLdhA
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4Q8oA0CQ
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIVIZrLZD3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kw8sw6U3A
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5yQRVCwHf
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7YYRj1VVW
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O4lI1RQYK
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C6MmnJqzw
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZsrhSxZKB
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdq24JrmiT
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90kFu8py7c
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNK1QAeKEx
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FmMpWvAYH
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vyuhQdZEb
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwvmm6TtQF
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsJoMfMgmX
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xilUsCp1e
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLASl5J5nQQ
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq8K2uJvrH
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRIAYAOpCL
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9CdDS8xI4
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmjP8sGuhm
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPCjW75dtR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSRMHRWtsX
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLrKIKfhLc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYQWCHmKYG
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMaz94eCc8
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3UnKtZcQ1
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr6aSZSEnz
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7Jc9ZeLcv
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7kmjsRJSO
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYkRfj8GTf
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IORQtEnOi
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo7vHHYaXM
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWSInYuT4g
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoCfmY0Cqb
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAyKfwj8yl
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn3qQdz72i
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMUHpBPih8
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYauyh7ZEHs
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qLAVu525F
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll7c9fqsII
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTtqSwSBpF
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAvPk5wV5O
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfZay8APzy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcCKyVs1AP
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQFon5CkP4
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcsYalnD06
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi75leSKro7
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjutejtrsu
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi4y20BVds
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF6bBykLiS
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuYseOhAuB
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaWVEXT7QF
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXmY1Kkdmy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZq6kKa0AM
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILjQWTUcsU
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwNBCbkWrj
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsagcCqzrdL
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRFrER3TeG
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ypXwBL8OC
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl3oRqEY0t
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxgIr8hEsb
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3XxwCq9oD
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKSguXZR5M
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94mNAEFKd9
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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaiNJE9FhC
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUUEsys2mc
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GsKr2fuN3
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjFcfV3RfU
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBzt5g1l5
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0ZPjRKI0x
"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.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoetwil7hcf
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlGZOkjv7N
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQCgpURSQy
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnyIBUBtX6
"For what?" Kevin asked.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5BKEakOlD
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5cox6G0KI
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYa2waTCKg
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe9qz4zCQz
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dpQJ1GCUc
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChDQDZwZF6
"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."637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e1UvZV3GI
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgENmtx9cW
"And that was not leaving me behind?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT5Fv0CneE
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxGaGnnP1J
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWrAwlMtQN
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXT0hEenhe
"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?"637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRmsqQ0DhR
637Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTEavb82Xu
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection633ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS3V7mzlBQ 維尼

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