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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfgJzR84vL
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUYSzZOZQ5
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kbN91oZdr
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQc3CcgTJD
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGquoNcVp6L
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS8tvZcRL0
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHDdIp0wr5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn2TtdPKsc
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Je5ARksj
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNFHdqMmFs
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpcEu1UFiw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5bZGBct2k
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?603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWvFmk0lOX
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx1pqPmUGj
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvnJ4dMtl1
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xFvrVqNaA
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2kYGZH0wG
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTQ6RPTSi
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaaOYMXQNZ
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoaP3yBPO7
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPduOTRLKn9
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd4Y0CB0KI
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGCOFaSQ4m
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwT0ejjYs7
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE4TkSZk4U
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFyOiix0CL
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic488MBCUg
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzhjTHFESq
"No, did you?" came another male voice.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcdvfgCCGm
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiWwAZlDsy
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLFy68clE4
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzZKVe4ZVn
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZobQ9p0SEp
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrNwQbCmTu
"Me neither. But orders are orders."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oaRbDkbZh
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T1o1mw1rS
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99RBVupGmS
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQreSkRhmso
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG2RBGeGZx
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05Xo7WKxwh
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz6E9pYzXK
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbkWjXgyuS
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmilq9rIwY8
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsHlbqlbf8
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyVuGvHJSd
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoLAXR86Sz
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP08dzynDA
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPEUVRnjsU
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkOApHlNIl
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5InpcnzXW7
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQmfZ0QGEC
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBjDsl41Uy
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C858VoatY
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw6kB98Fz4
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4xkj3JngO
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw3NXvhzPN
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....603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROCUAiBcqt
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKSBkwJNTI
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDojiUotll
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5GeQra1GG
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpTPL9hKR5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2dzPzJV1e
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGSX3qhhEn
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW3wa0tXgx
"I'm going to check it out."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI8orc4xyE
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44NnWi7VzL
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW883uUSKtJ
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LjZdJRiHW
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TVwJE6P2k
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzTNKOv4Bn
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FIutYN2J0
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzldnzMa26
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6SyVJkRHX
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfKXit78Lb
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxob6HeW1w5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiJRs1MV2W
"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?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1VgDTDINN
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMBuWoscns
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M53mVd3zP
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8DlmwhpmF
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYc9kqbqc0
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI0ndHnrrw
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV0qRGcYBH
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgNUxgE9OV
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZuJC1daXN
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a3ZJU9ttT
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:603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneu3M5UAzt
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeszS1mm97
"I see her! There she is!"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiULs3BoqU
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7BwnAtlBR
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fca2lMzwO
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMjK0oniG3
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFSbZETjN8
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd2CGYQ6vV
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcBhIdESwD
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3uz8Z6qLZ
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQkK8ZeZLB
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFeBbMxDJy
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61sae8Eo9Y
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6LtCLT8uf
***603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh9OE6bsnx
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PC2R61CH1
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWReEKBGe26
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOXj7R7MNM
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg88JoBpcjG
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kqk5QWJq5
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DUk48xpAH
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD93QRxplP
"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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnzYDGh6Rr
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnYhPyR01z
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmjLS0OXfW
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcASy0ovZlt
"I hope so too."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJQQdTZUvr
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDYFDoSsoE
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6IheWB5Ey
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtdrpskb6I
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2MO0k1uLm
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BnN9ZwzOG
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBMpFjq5zQ
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNlmlVwIUE
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnJqKylFu9
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hKuaQOglV
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHl88lRzJz
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FAWbd9uJj
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWJcheL8Ja
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT0rkYIe8U
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9SIVGEkUy
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvARBAJPH2Q
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGPkjlKW09
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQdDUPLg6A
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAidmJy2G9
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEykJUPSDt
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnyTmz1DjK
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsIk080b22
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLAUiSRnWJ
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf0J3OGwgt
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw74NkZ3Ql
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i2bdmvYDG
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCML6PpMYvm
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9jW07Ca06
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF98ZeME8nM
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rq2NFSJcZ
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4uJeeMXHG
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlbZWFDTWP
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!"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JyrmRFRA4
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1l1XXsX1D
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzO2uqteXK
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y6F2Dq9mG
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm8WeokAJm
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU22e8WyHg
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LhO7K0N2S
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CsYFzEUkg
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8ckptUYSA
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuScUOgiePe
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHKKreUNa7
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6UHkiNUfj
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zVHMZqxA3
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8fPwSm9tg
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpnlMknu4x
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi5NVushX2
"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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcpi8fldfi
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmelOmVTtlj
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiZSsqyXxi
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kLFwVKPpe
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkTaL54ibW
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuVwUIkA5q
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqQtx8eNPy
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFijhC39WER
"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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgXsiAAeSr
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6vCgLNhD4
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUQeBKVsaB
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl42H6iDlKI
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwMMpS6njh
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI56rHTEwUB
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoEbGP3jE6
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O43oSfwXU
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkKRw5gTpw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhsfpm7Mg9
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLy9TrqbVD
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjA1cTC7uF
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIBRXoOz5Q
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT650WCGvB
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KZbnq6tUL
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrxal5O75P
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KiSk0bGTW
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q6XNUUjkq
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUeof4tat6
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaUP5yIZbY
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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw4DJ4kQQ7
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7nrkPYhX9
"I'm not leaving without him."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGeFmahGlk
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXcr5CB3dD
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF5FlwljDy
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZV4UPnYwg
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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnc5ZMyvdd
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aKS982QEe
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMls5InRjuB
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF995kesVh
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ57t6orOa5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejJK40AcwG
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0hju6bBXw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk8rNCgyLX
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6EkjXRtjK
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6fmdPG2Vx
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNKKHIqw7X
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0Aqgu94cH
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtVf8Kxzr0
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAOJhEC77c
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cmH5NMlIG
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqN0KF5awl
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAMCYorD2w
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSowO72drJq
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2MTfiuOiv
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WzWN81T68
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfprlow7tye
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DmMse54hB
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAQ66Erajk
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeO8iOlteY
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sk5DbFvbX
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SGSLNrnxb
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwowUtREte
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE78ImBYus
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchHSBV0H3
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVJikwTAIa
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDWcxLdZZV
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74k6TzQoJC
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf1xcnGFFH
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pcn6t7GZA
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKN64tXq0H
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz61nEYaqPs
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVdj87NX9S
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP6CqSxlke
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGXg6U7wFc
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ86RaMcccN
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNOKrHsTX5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2NmnPSBmL
"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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISnrVh7RAo
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtoT81cNpA
"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?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvcBIUuwa8
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7h3H9zRFN
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuZxSl8MGI
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ask8WEWEe
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh72geHlww
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxtD05CShB
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncN1NTcOlT
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxxFejnTgu
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO1vwVPzYe
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzoiTYBNYa
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx5xBIo54m
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl6Mhw3e36
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC56ZQF6YLu
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VqA0gLxDg
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68eL5iuvrm
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYkKmMGcv2
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmqT6OpaZ5
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA2sai9nnH
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ106xNzYt41
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolDGbRvem5
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mKBw5MwaE
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs92IWXoBv3
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLnF3vwqhw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TFlJ69Uw9
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9znAaqJQ6
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsqsdukPLM
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa2CcZejaN
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLzfTNU4uI
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgq1XMsnkL
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5lV4bfU8J
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3teknC5d0h
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw0KstBTWi
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq73sLP7Pw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTFRfhIImK
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXJSuZbSAc
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwoWOYFRsQ
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj8mysGJQA
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XIStvQJN1
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LOBYPahSw
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8NJPOX5hA
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBRluDOlzT
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjfN9c6Ylz
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8WxqNAPZG
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpzECxVqEY
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91dTC1VuZt
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnf7cuTGVn
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXZiNJZXjz
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENMmSYksMG
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpt82wHCp1
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZqseV9LWo
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysiw4us6R9
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ax242CsK
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NcJ2cjcY2
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflGiszeIpo
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpoMtlfGPo
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs7YpULmr3
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnp6iYYWtg
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuChrTB9q7
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5zByJvEnI
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjWNSq6e2U
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwsgAJIhez
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SixYHZrFX
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRDkDHmUXH
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6hOybHpiT
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkxh5rjRRv
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWyrM8APPt
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFVFJkUtIB
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDZPk6ymgi
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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgoKLlSh9m
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXDPVvTHCV
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gCfHfYtkN
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45muQ15A7r
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXNhk0IHAk
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr96g85qOh
"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.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU9fIqRdqC
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMobCrCiv6
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0ok0rKeh9
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugQfRhN5N5
"For what?" Kevin asked.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tWeQGEU1y
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTzbIkGUMd
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdzJ2G6ZbF
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpgIoH2uez
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoc4URc3sl
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppSec299eZ
"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."603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcXPVtOTvZ
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmhzN6SAiX
"And that was not leaving me behind?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0xZ5pWBb7
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWjfm2ZWyx
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKR2Zs3Ht3
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSPneCyQcR
"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?"603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSVcGMpwlb
603Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtMx0YO0ez
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
and then Add to home screen.