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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBlTGJwtdo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe83uQKFRoK
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JEzHo41VS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaWsWSOqDN
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6ENZJDbG3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZusBheCK9u
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNspzLKVIG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrxSWZJIQY
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7DfYyKMzi
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoNua8wTnD
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0KdLglynO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7hRzWt02E
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?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbuY6ArMLS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP8xiwDp1l
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqdXFMnGjq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdf8obgeDm
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz12xKNzCDq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kFNfoHyXg
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX6BdNUkIA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡankYojtL1V
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oUi5SpUHy
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaox56Q3iVe
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKSpLCI9sQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW8rbOssWR
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ497GC3Qnug
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBgDMByjLw
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDJdptSQiB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fiDkFQkfX
"No, did you?" came another male voice.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWOzbWYVjM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcOrDkDLUL
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD3YRAHErX
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCTed5wmXJ
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWjpi6r1ZZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcY3t7Lohj
"Me neither. But orders are orders."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPdjp4Oen5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLId7OF8ea
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4Im85DxAb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukmuofw4NU
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTTSNxUAnT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHHQBOyGZ1
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJZblGpVFQ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjCLyrQCVV
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5FHk6QP2Y
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7FTZZZlbK
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnkSa9cpUt
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ0RMybcnL
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RGbqgrPjT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKW1IWGxYR
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzxMQzLV7X
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2N0P6beuO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcqqQ7dHuK
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07iflutKdl
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhImzhtgDOO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuWXqWxMb1
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9NZiXKP7u
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBSCKRXDE2
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....1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7D314H68K
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9BviMDl6R
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K8LuCTyA5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD91YYMOJpt
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d9G2DTAiM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVr0x5qk3C
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46JLIXohaD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjmG6laN6I
"I'm going to check it out."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6B1FQG1uY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdBMUlBloS
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hbhfI7Eis
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIk87gjjfN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUbhxNQg9W
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKFvjSAT2z
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3tpiQNpA6
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbeYYMOSiO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRWNhlzMVV
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE2Gof78uu
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9EwCfF2Sk
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTpaVRpGyS
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qGt1iy8vb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq6S4uzarN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnrlSISU3J
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetxfrWWQHk
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR61Or32GrZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tPvTaOco8
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALTCccwEeM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8xbHT0m5P
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjp3LS83Qz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobCbvuyRqo
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:1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrAX4kvDYM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg424azrvY1
"I see her! There she is!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPHfmQgVYD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4KMoC7B5T
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMESL5nqxv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Wrc7XydO
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuFO97DdV1
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk6o4ONlLH
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupQOvdOXCZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3Mtmb9Mr3
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAeHOxPcLF
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6DikcFQdX
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q8LFlTsFB
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3KGrO23cR
***1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrpYOasS25
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hKG5t5TXM
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDu1uNKzHa
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoZj5Nlrg1
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGOiyPjjUv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL8W8mUaBc
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIozEwTn7tO
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuQo5TrWxt
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkobu8Wg9V
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3vbAAnoyj
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4V4Bf2uB3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYOCEjc7qz
"I hope so too."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZAyrMuHyp
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8AEots6Cv
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChDtqtEB86
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0flcWShv5E
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0RcSqp3OZ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRossXRL5IU
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7LJ18VOjn
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCYOerTrlE
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPgjHIfTbH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsLHFRVtVq
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHVYhnWLJL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0ylOBP56l
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIabt6Hi382
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2K4fV9TVU
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0fodnOzUG
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsps7NN5g2O
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPr9Tcu0Fd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTTldhzRj0
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgibd7Dm0h
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR3EVGaDuq
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOXisrzSqm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20TABD455u
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sYN7BQ6Vc
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Ek9gHj3B
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vwsAbS3vq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4styiyNHZe
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa56MHT3Dfb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES6spRCmPt
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFYV6XA9nx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhPbPQBies
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHBzdWKNI9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDN3W0a2uF
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!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG8ggHuLEW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBhPH19jpY
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9vd4oqQHo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsePnjCYc7
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgEXPtC7ud
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcldqzWZ8MB
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDijdpkvVbo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJhqELquvf
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUfZ1xKvQS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGAy8ry81c
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXOe97f7ZU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R8K1oRYmX
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXlFAPQ8E4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPXY2DCDSK
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0llDfnLca
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ3I82TcyY
"No, I'm fine," said Rhénee as she took a look  behind her. "We have to go. There are men after me."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgXS8BMHjq 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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHuIGyHjQS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZSoFfDv8P
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUtiXusXqv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGiQses9NL
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrluo7QpQZb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKvxtUyfMZ
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF71T1ohqOx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFhBCHTgCO
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4wErsfHsa
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0Niftsh32
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMNFM3CuWl
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfEPDxwKc3
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmWwMj7ikW
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6jToMIFG3
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cPln1rTlT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsMyUjEx6P
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xFGfjopCl
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2knr1fngN
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QpcXKUxiH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kcp3gn7LS
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V3nJYRrA4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDBhFPxBsb
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ8U5triiU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0Lmc8sCTs
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnvyqPYKmT
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnOUECh89f
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSsQ9cjIio
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwx6fakJ9H
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VJg59AJPP
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzYScveoKA
"I'm not leaving without him."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk70JmFlbFm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiO4BuYJbC
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx8Wj7rpcc
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vQ8LHw2cj
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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTNG5C1W3d
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeCuLsuiaP
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54HyRLKVOd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhE8EBD1CH
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaP0mylOib
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW66HzQZ7Ep
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV0SC757Mx
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXboL0UXbS
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIB97eJ4wJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc3ZTMGTfE
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo94xlkR7xa
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkLCa667mX
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzvFk4y3Xq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJHfZMJtDX
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDk0qi2C7G
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmfuH54hp0
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIZXNxliDD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxagkzB8Uki
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8OkFU1SfC
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh0oxz8Ksm
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ722f9QcLUe
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpohTBlopj3
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdkCAqMawS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBOOGcnlQQ
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97A8bYMUiJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rR9LPE1MG
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvaUpErQvo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2hYGAwu6c
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MvIX9Bk52
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoTQLQ5gLb
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ9MM5PNH4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhbcmBckeC
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIy2wB7EGo
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiAGuY2EaI
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnr1kl2Pjz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40Po63o2Wo
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBrnecmqCd
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2WFG5imnH
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivL1wLQKNM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFvZIJr68m
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9yCAKEEej
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu2qpiuOiL
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxkRhIayCL
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVlzlF6DN0
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQBInTgdTr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1lQmvnpXq
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmSk3lSBDm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMmXveS2df
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk8fRDN1Pq
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxIhqjYX0W
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RRg40om9i
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBmEEaVwbW
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sU0cDbLGD
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kono1fLN8
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6LTDWFJZ4
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPtSkULQ4g
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iHT2S53Fb
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFzlxOZ1IN
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrtdxbjGuI
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQCSSYjt1u
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqu4LhDbyw
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm9iTYt9jL
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2MNApqEjA
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oNBy5mhV7
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAyolZfFMM
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQEgmhtZKl
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ488m1si1nr
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQezecVadX
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFPcwDhkrz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TtKppU0Pf
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy3CjrpTUY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7NyH3S7Lz
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bPlN0zmkY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DU9t8fCea
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVPebN0K9l
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsTnqfHR5G
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKz5oUZkQH
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cbfHRBtqP
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6VQz0dNM0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhDGkQ9EFm
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJlVjebVS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBgHJ12W0s
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWuXJnDzKS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmDY4nPSPy
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaez6XF3Sf
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO0tsf6mmZ
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF4Dxr2lzv
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYDd5yLydG
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw21Nsg4OU5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4qXKfgFEw
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui8OeGoSif
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AFoSordPg
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhFGTxhowm
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb95GoaMQ9
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXbfL05VjY
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lVQBooKvT
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb5pNdPn83
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjKehPAgkn
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMRTojPCAU
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDBYFmx1Qj
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TUVGzxgqi
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BS7zJZFOn
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46sRs6uni0
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIvd8IM7Lq
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuuyJmGbAJ
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKxdHwoo1s
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0BvSoB4r7
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJLhhX8P7F
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uPpqr9VK
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8QjQDipoA
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW1A5evLFz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVYUa0GY3L
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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSX876AhF2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dig102GVa
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTc4P8T4bz
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QXsuiZNRO
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlGDVjt5Er
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aazh3Iz7b
"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.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vNsIkuTX2
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuXB8Z0UdK
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Blg3fjv9
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDXZfRdR6p
"For what?" Kevin asked.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvoB3FSLB5
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhqTsxBcNZ
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm6R64V85H
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPUgrbfCwU
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbccQiQvpg
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tvM5x88AP
"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."1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CmEWNrUrS
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpdpZ4lTvk
"And that was not leaving me behind?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufz4UZe2f3
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCeX785j0p
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IVKNDZ4Ls
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOwFmdipRA
"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?"1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3GmZoULks
1093Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OOPm4U4aU
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."1234 copyright protection1089ＰＥＮＡＮＡJctDk4r4KT 尼

216.73.216.253