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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz7TeN4S9R
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vVzL0mtLi
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14gOgqVp4Y
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yryjhgs0D
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmLjkqYsNE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVucWEzHbi
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoZC8Tntxe
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD7o8aQfQl
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rs83H0C6H
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTjz4hLjUW
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFckEAcHSca
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKXLrY0tUx
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?762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT2GD2rOh2
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqq4kx8N8a
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a24OKLS5Q
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XZq187vEt
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q91MmbEyf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhRGm8mkpn
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVwZUfS68h
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkpcrxxqZj
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1x8s3VUTa
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek2wCN4lhB
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pDRHFZbLm
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYIQ3sLUYY
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ78JzdiKo
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rjyACkwVa
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENki0WCBl3
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm33tc0XLXL
"No, did you?" came another male voice.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdKC7ngtqr
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP7Dn1Ikth
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUGuZz8IDj
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLZFt8xgLm
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7T0vv8M2M
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC3peDsRLG
"Me neither. But orders are orders."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGBIKojqzu
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLaKPFFcX3
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRDjNdV7ZQ
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXQd72NGbd
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm3qsfKDkf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjnlXYkWUZ
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tYhqNwLa0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAc6qb6RAK
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvYrUoekhb
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvVnaqLAif
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMl42up2mB
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf5Hm7A5qz
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ5USbW9hf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxRFFcg7LD
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEpbd7D8tH
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGrmy15OLb
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3mmWKqvkt
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN6Un6jeZ2
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe3dVPCYFV
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq0hygEKaw
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEXkLCqpdu
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHp1vrL3VT
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....762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITVWyxiol6
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jp5Ot3KvW
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWoYIPrrSS
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSIXKxszXd
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbbF9y85gW
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gZe9nGkEV
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJXgr7Ot2y
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnfgfgHsv1
"I'm going to check it out."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJWhxjvSwQ
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLZON5DNLp
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qwnhCkSIm
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHQReDlmr6
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJetrYz8rV
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8HopykKwz
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuCoiS6q1E
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjef0QbxDu
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnHw2vpJ4u
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY8CnJBw63
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdj2Dcr03w
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3hdmCn2qf
"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?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bA84X2v4k
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4xpf7M5TH
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMaaSzX1le
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKu5Ci1Ihv
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqsCPZ8TQ0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rae0pR5nc
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJKgz65v48
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7GTQISN9f
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiIRAQY4f5
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3eMGbUo8p
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:762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBReIZEZ6A
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbtny4s4du
"I see her! There she is!"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxdolOXDzO
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHroel3gwm
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxv2Xpyftt
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto0cGxiP4E
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeurYUMioX
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpylMdjjXW
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOa0xr4URh
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadReDeJ2BR
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCvHWB8TVH
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnnuu3Dmf8
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMMtJ6FpcW
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsfiIV0lOC
***762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtAMeUntqs
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1WzlrMOVU
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiCFgRvUTd
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPGF7EGaU2
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdCm8cbkrg
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyMEm1IqC3
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI9QYI6d2q
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15k1lmzrZW
"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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbs08QjkbH
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ouv40IeuJ
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN8hxCkQNn
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YbmmlsUjF
"I hope so too."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLEtL9kpA5
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD8F74MNtU
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq6bIMDaPG
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbbJaFlH7Z
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOlmC54oIT
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GG99yudhm
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DndV7aq5K
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmZFaG6iNa
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJTj4lbC0n
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdUELwNfN0
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR9XqDGFqV
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMFuWTzfeN
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhcldgRIuw
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ5nEhvSkv
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqIB4fmuHy
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTBoNXSlxy
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYjMuAcknE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZEGJU5yW3
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXQzdAoZPP
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxnBXvc1RX
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYW0cBJsLY
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybxdJq73D3
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JZ8FeY6fj
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj8z5nChU3
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLswDYkrOX5
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZChX568Lkk
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BQvk2Ovlc
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFgQ89pu0l
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmY59mNLfD
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujAH0UFIEb
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU4LISnSnm
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TESLdc4SS
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!"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRGN3XqofR
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLw3oTd2U9
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BwKPDRXxP
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbUMcyGwoj
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbvaZuB7TW
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheq0EPq2o6
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6ndDqT5ax
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwfF6EK4Ga
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUQOaD9hbT
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc132WwCvs
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1Isio1cjr
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAjIwuQaKN
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwGlfg5LXk
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcWKGJSvG0
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtKKpNaXIw
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZgXh35hyV
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."8964 copyright protection758ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzX0j83QO1 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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgwFrt5PDz
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrPvcWHEir
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBunwJ6yLD1
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqnUVs4Ihl
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YqzLzQpRE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdmwKSQ3mH
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz5zjcABrr
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMwHjba0Bp
"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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbmE4bp1Fn
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8C9pbYISz
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxH9FriN9d
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk10xZBz2VE
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLBpvjqoRg
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsTTSngKW3
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3RX9RtTPi
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg4zMpjLff
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYBc9oBoyk
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaf6WCKils
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90642wdzC0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKSyn3DIUJ
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpbQSNEGa4
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjzjDahlJ7
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQQ6lU5CRO
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdftD5SdBcd
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LuBuKQtmi
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4IZdwG2qx
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgezd4EdHZ
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fPZDTMOHq
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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1Lmmnx6xL
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjvOAywYFQ
"I'm not leaving without him."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcI4MMHMi6
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLo0gI7RMw
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMACCzIoVL
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSULagu8Kgo
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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvRFaV4plt
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAtsdl5DIy
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L74J1eGji
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlfmaEo4Zg
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYakQUeVw6K
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncBvJB9ouR
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaAu8uIbw7
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSLNXoiBRJ
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Yab0AbvT
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgvYsWeilN
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7yzxlmZJi
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygL4a8uIGy
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z42sLzCfO
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0lY4Og4vI
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2JhX0sV24
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTfLbVjAn6
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNUPrh2suE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mj4NKYphC
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YChtWBayO
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqk5EYSahe
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQXigZavLb
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xbRiVJKsM
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcb8gt4ypt
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesc6NUSWY9
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqomKNWft6
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbEsYvjkKi
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITZ6fnKUwk
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVFHGnXAlL
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYhSClLem3
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7e3NhefZS
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kJiDzk4f
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR2x1AO3GG
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxBwLCzBFm
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oI1ay6DT3
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFjrnBRLEk
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qQZlKu75X
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmYJDBLPRt
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9SC06DcZo
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP6g7nRXq4
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iPh5vf995
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq0JZ7C5io
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccCu9aUHiG
"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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuHDQBhCYU
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspyqZUmuHp
"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?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD0v4IsqlE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KryHCRqTN
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHKt4wLXxa
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijKuua4NiQ
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrePG7h0XB
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLQM4GgVhl
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPZ3apGxCM
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83l3XdswJs
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyhAQ3kIo0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5QTYkBjcj
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRBS5MOxjN
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWhTc3muPm
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J3ZsbUKxf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr2ahQCT0f
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS4rlt5yE4
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQosXOFXmRO
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTHDEJJb1R
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogtGYESzcB
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfQ6aFWBz0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPGNsazJUu
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINucVArJ5K
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTcnY7JeV2
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1zHEGJCjK
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdlfPNND1K
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJH5REbbkE
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiLmgvAM7y
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz3drcvOaR
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuunJmfAsY2
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL52ft0Y4A
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooh78qN30C
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84U2MGQZ50
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRpD2IAOxr
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCfxzO2UC5
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgly1Wpftq
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz0F3RHHX3
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO8UECKA7r
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMOuPFBukR
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquPlpf0GJj
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNX4znFClW
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ89SsaejHN
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOrLzrtPzG
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAJxH1ovdb
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQxoaCdBqX
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlprR6N8Kr
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qprK7lrxf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tC7tLKizt
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8Rx7D2SXi
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq6CvcNbLh
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvKZG87Dsy
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK31KfKhzG
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsClozJXdKv
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjHqM1UsNv
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vq3tdPS3Y
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo1Htm6XT8
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsrZDTfLTs
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjsy8CyErU
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnctaE9r92G
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndvWARLZsE
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKFe1eMM3a
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFuscmF2BU
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsHD1i8aRb
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1OKgRe6QH
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWonpYaYT4z
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23tVWZCHq8
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtrHhsDxt4
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ0FnXdr7W
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QbvLJfGD7
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v22Z3qaLT
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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvhXypiHrf
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxRHTBKb63
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UoprLBDu6
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVB0UlJyBk
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9vDBXFUMK
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0m3EYLshx
"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.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgCIDQ7k9N
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97tXuDssqt
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55Bayim4W6
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qCuIWQnCS
"For what?" Kevin asked.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LJnDzQxIm
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cMPcElfaA
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQpLUWSUBJ
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALjebQa1U0
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4H8V58ovJ
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQYGEEuBYn
"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."762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2viNulzs0
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIYQfE694C
"And that was not leaving me behind?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmT3siwBI4
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFgfRhXXXk
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo04KdWF1r
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Un2YXZH98
"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?"762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgaPfdylos
762Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMoZBQO3EC
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."8964 copyright protection758ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT8I9QXFJL 維尼

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