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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvZQaiiYwq
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ62JHUGfz
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhydmvihHTz
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmVecJYBeO
"I feel like we've been walking for hours," she said to herself.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy4NzIrYKN
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBeoFUGRWH
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCGCfQkoI1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9q3W17uvO
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9SdNkx9uv
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh2GHZXMHN
"There it is," she said. Sophie stopped and looked at Rhénee.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIWdqotJ28
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSf8BbiXkW
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?635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a5HM2w7AR
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5F1MQbC0B
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraNTYA1sET
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYin0AEYHgS
"How did you know the cottage was here, Sophie?" Rhénee asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxOq7YEz5I
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsnotlXXw2
The cat didn't even let out a "meow." Rhénee thought as much. She was talking to a cat for goodness' sake.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FP6ySxVWi
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ4Ia7lRgS
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubCoNhwrDo
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqo9PKDdI9
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsUeObqKKD
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQbHCF4Hg
"Hey, did you hear something just now?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHceg18kB2W
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbom6AhFbrg
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx4gu0Q7PL
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF2ASSGml4
"No, did you?" came another male voice.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4jl22l3VF
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwSIvxhngo
"I thought I did," came the voice of the man who spoke first. "Must be an animal or something."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9kf93csO7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZM1frjl6i
"Should we leave? I don't like being here."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VRzIOpOGj
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GaeBQC2YK
"Me neither. But orders are orders."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxubhPxAil
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlZPadUKLc
"Maybe we should have listened to the madam and called this off."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubM8tb4wB4
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft3zvpKTMH
"But you heard what he said. We have to wait till she shows up."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WF6fmkBCw
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIcDuOlTPX
Rhénee held her breath for a moment. These men were here for her.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTSZVM4WKl
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pFbE27DDV
"What if she doesn't show?" the second man asked. "What then?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QAx6cML7J
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBV7hIRNkT
"The boss assured me that she would come today. If she doesn't show till sunset, we can leave."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEcRIPyszT
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK4nyBYQDx
"We better get back in position. We don't want her running off when she shows up and sees us."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpocluSUSs
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVN0bKBDy8
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA91Fl83TY4
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUjE9za6B2
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQg0vPA8eP
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJJZzB3XLw
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojxHfZFhy6
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSPrGPpGiV
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlQwn0nAka
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvCGRJjT2R
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....635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9WhITR0fe
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnFqN5rZTE
"Is that an animal out there?" came the man's voice at the cottage.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYvdju2Tyy
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYq3E18W3B
Rhénee stopped her attempt as she remained on all fours, bent even further down in case the man made her out in the vegetation.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw33dKBzehX
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU1EGKgYmo
Rhénee couldn't hear the response of the other man, but he heard the man who spoke out first say:635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3XZQDgO7N
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn5Rf9PFFb
"I'm going to check it out."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZAr1P0yIx
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPaFH8Qcut
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA8vFIAYuF
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DuWWufZB2
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh1ZPwZkd5
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1rqw24OaP
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJhPqgSd0d
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6l5Bde2WN
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh1ktcvJK1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4CRc0KykH
She looked around for Sophie to see where the cat was, but Sophie was nowhere in sight.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntd3eZyml3
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtii7ZJlebZ
"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?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaYH8FaVua
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCP4MTzgFz
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKqVdnXdex
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtobRL8vP5
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM3P0O8fAR
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnvP1cIqVK
Rhénee felt the tension ease off her for a second. This was her time to run.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV9pMaOHir
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNoZSGJeYZ
She quickly walked away from the tree, but as she did so, she looked to see if the man was completely distracted.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9IymY2UIs
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQBexTw7ep
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:635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss1Rene2so
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqj25J7zpv
"I see her! There she is!"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqXyPOqQWU
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0alUXIsIGf
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C5OJhrmDI
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EQCz1ryJz
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7JmZDbPXi
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDrnYLlJo
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7pMQL1hBT
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxYoKQubf7
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPuJgDuBJY
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPfkyoAOYa
"I needed to stop her somehow," the other replied. "We need to catch her, let's go."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JkRK1mlLw
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJd60BjFBI
***635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXAJsuYWaO
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66ruD06YmF
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9t2DLDvKl
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfCaa7Kgnr
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQes7f1PvSa
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7uvbDMfx0
"How far do you think we are?" Kevin asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZq1kRtQr1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4szRVPUCG
"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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKKlV9BU3L
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLyCYcm0n2
"I just hope she's okay," said Kevin.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR9ERHrtHu
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbBEzxOHmE
"I hope so too."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKY8Ug06Xd
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbnvzawomc
"If the late Emelda were still alive, she would never forgive us for letting Rhénee run off like that."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtatWsOgPO
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgorwC41XR
"If she were still alive, Rhénee wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be walking in these woods."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJYHHHIhNM
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3XDOKpl7T
"True." Kevin turned his head now and then to see if he could spot Rhénee.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc9ttKh66K
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpsDDYmvXm
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ccfOXCqKU
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOjCtsWsqQ
"It must be some wild animal," said Malcom. "You don't want to upset it."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4r7ci4x3k
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu6bHEsN3E
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRujsYVftM
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2mevydzkh
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkFpe32yYx
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26bZ1kS1yr
"Sophie?" Malcom couldn't quite believe it.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsViSOWuYL6
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z0WyMuW1X
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR7TLX78oQ
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoKJIraEaZ
The cat still continued to howl, and this time, it sounded desperate. Malcom and Kevin looked at each other and knew something was wrong.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRESswnFFV
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0EaX1QEIv
"Come on, Sophie," said Kevin. "Lead us to Rhénee."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLCVCXA3x7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj1sLt7sHA
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarRpWoGo6h
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjFOMN3eyE
Malcom and Kevin stopped on their tracks, including the cat. Could the worse have happened?635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJDQ9PiFL1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Y1Z5QMfz
"No, no, no," said Kevin as he couldn't help but imagine it.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjZQjFGuHY
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMGPLQbgli
Sophie continued on her way, aware that they had to get to Rhénee, hurt or not.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42LO8O1LvH
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnF7fvcWLU
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!"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7N6GWBXjR
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOieF1oS20
Kevin snapped out of it and followed Malcom. The image of Rhénee with a gunshot wound still on his mind.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLia9uUPSPI
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9t040rauu
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qXQhs6PCb
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lqPSgimVv
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg01OfypmFo
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJuBUIYSTb
Just as she was about to reach Sophie, she saw someone else coming from the same direction; Malcom.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGhWRNTyZk
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41zcP0sokv
"Malcom!" she exclaimed as she ran.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UpbAD5d32
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaRrEn3bKJ
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JLO0CozqE
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKV1Qul9pM
"Are you okay?" Malcom asked, almost out of breath. "I heard a gunshot. Are you hurt?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq0DiywT5p
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NHZki0UMC
"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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1bSkuBfTL
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasgba38cSY
"Thank goodness you're okay," said Kevin when Malcom and Rhénee stopped in front of him.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtsxtftA2C
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadnUGjJWT0
"We can chit chat later," said Malcom. "Right now we have to-"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNJ9ODvA0O
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8KaNCwbxI
"There she is!" came a voice behind him. "And she isn't alone."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJxUXGa74R
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMTBn2Zb1x
"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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpElcKxpW7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAd0uRfooS
"Wait, we can't leave you here," said Rhénee as she looked at him.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWLQiD9y2E
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaqJ1G7esq
"Your protection is what's most important." Malcom looked at Kevin. "Take her, now!"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ie8bha0gC
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RJXwfJFvx
Kevin didn't have to be told a third time. He turned around, taking Rhénee and Sophie with him.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSAge1tJH7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifpExkyb7d
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjawOluTtyH
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQfe5jA1eE
Rhénee and Kevin continued to run and they reached the stream. The sound of gunshots still rang in the forest.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP3qOQoqmf
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkb9mygDua
Rhénee stopped on her tracks and so did Kevin as their hands fell apart.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW5t2XTojl
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lkyyma1o9
"We can't leave Malcom behind, Kevin," said Rhénee.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWryB0DUq6X
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFDG2Q6hmW
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefYjKPDJmw
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZILlgZlB1
"And what if he runs out of bullets? The worse can happen, you know?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkdoZtWGMP
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVLxdELCpB
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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn3QFMsCoD
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSRmSqadGy
"I'm not leaving without him."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bhCSdvEbS
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYgc01zm8O
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzop3CzC6UE
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmFRLPbH4J
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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzO9pcfyoy
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PITFclePL
"That's not for you to decide. Come on."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj0MkaQGeB
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAEYfNdzLL
Kevin held her hand again and they continued running down the banks of the stream.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCd3PXqh08
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNHQ5LWmjk
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6z3zIXNCI
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnl0GTR78j
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqadGGVDi8
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox4ha7tcC0
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vFqhOIrIW
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf0lTZTIOE
"I've been hit!" the man warned his comrade on the other side. "Finish him off and go get the girl!"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMhUlgSp7F
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR0jq1f8aB
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcFAR3lXn7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxXxe2eodM
Malcom looked and saw the man slowly approach. Whenever Malcom thought he had a clear shot, he would shoot, but he missed everytime.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5zb3k9bzY
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbEFYdGrgU
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzphv9x6jS
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLV5iaC3rQ
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8ohnot7uM
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqCOmBOeYA
Malcom ran quickly, yet a bullet flew past his head.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUMm9PUhGe
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uLH7bVVh5
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQEROOZcvQ
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5p9h5fmat
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrnuJnrmYm
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzmmuIN3IS
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLPos9NMt2
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZd1XkStUa
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl39xckI94E
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7fGIWp1rA
"Says who?" Miss Marie asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90JTYeDPz2
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTqCS74gKG
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k9ywM3SLf
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH4ZaWhPKz
"You carry a gun with you?" Kevin asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLScxenEbdK
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwlOoqDZiq
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HIopobf29
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjNr22KWDi
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeiMDmqW0s
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILFiEalwpG
"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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtqMT5GaGx
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCHNJzIA8s
"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?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5yB52976q
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubsJgZSD6q
Rhénee opened the car door, "you're about to find out," she said. "Get in."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLTR1tycmT
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITL4VeCR4H
Kevin quickly helped Miss Marie into the car and Sophie jumped into the backseat with her. Kevin joined Rhénee at the front.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQsqIX8ZWJ
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3URA3jbhK
"What are you planning to do?" Kevin asked as he nervously looked at Rhénee.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexBYB7aK6W
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkECEZlDHdv
"Whatever it takes to save Malcom," she answered as she turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Blyjn30ML
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rM2dpsYQx
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8fkDrFMFB
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdvjSvwRmH
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOQNGQkMYq
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDkBfouRmz
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORDv0TPwy0
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrayT7AdvG
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWud6j37Tc
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwkMLTj2UG
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzD3pCpNB9
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy5XPtZlNp
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g8ZoD2Ag7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GzJWQpLJl
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWZonIYgvl
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIUQuPA8S2
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY1Q8xeDat
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdDQ8Fm4v3
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzYKdHMU54
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1iTbeEYMG
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelhwj2mU3y
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdWXSOhm8Q
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrsGCl9YdN
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYMOzBxT6N
The man pointed the gun directly at Malcom's forehead. He even grinned.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj4L52vtkc
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelvEmnZSoE
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChrn3iCHFT
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwKq7eu7dd
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrarbbGyMBq
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIsYy0QaAn
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKyEfZaraU
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlE18Nsycr
The man dropped heavily to the ground, lifeless. Malcom couldn't help but look at the dead man. He painfully tried to sit up.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3n9uS1kfk
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DUyyd8rHt
The car doors flew open and Kevin and Rhénee got out. Rhénee ran for Malcom and reached him first.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWSsSUXtht
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAOkOQ4v3U
"Malcom, are you okay?" Rhénee asked as she knelt right beside him. She noticed the bullet wound to his shoulder and gasped.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTERzSFaEH
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdmszGu5Eu
"It's nothing," he said as he tried to put up a smile. But then he noticed the gun in Rhénee's hand.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4bDlHHWDa
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA7nwakmhN
"You know how to use a gun?" Malcom asked. For a moment, he even forgot about his shoulder.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLZiNOGuci
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fhEBY7lJk
"You can say that," said Rhénee, trying her best to smile, tucking the gun away to the back of her jeans.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPBGFQx8LL
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHInaqlhBOg
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUpd4U8PGA
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8CbWhE1XX
"We need to get him out of here," said Kevin. "It's best to take him to your place, Rhénee."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXzBnV26DS
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHw5alqdwI
"No," came Miss Marie's voice from the car, her head sticking out of the open window. "Let's take him to mine."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5BIYEVKZh
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTFLEAkUsa
"Greta will faint when she sees you like this," said Rhénee.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSP9tdAT3F
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZvooHYhhj
"Don't worry, it's not the first time she sees me like this," said Malcom as he smirked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQC7bsjCe1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcYkYtrRHq
"Let's lift him up," said Kevin.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGl9BVcdD0
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlHEDlXc2H
"No, it's fine," said Malcom, as he held the handkerchief to his wound. "It's just a shoulder wound."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAnvICrIl7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTrGqAdhgI
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYMuf3tlno
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqH2mbwRWD
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxwFXzef0Y
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrwELaOtO6
"Do you think we should have hid the body or something?" Rhénee asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt43Id6Xgw8
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccBQE5rSve
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7nUZk638o
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQkMCx4NHp
"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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q2sPzef6r
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBV2Jv1fy3
"Thanks, guys," said Malcom as he groaned. His blue shirt was now bloody and so was Rhénee's hanky.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NyJbFaoJ3
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNSX4wJdm2
"For what?" Kevin asked.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJVfUauqIF
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkblpYrgKdB
"For coming back for me. You shouldn't have."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqKihvEWS6
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu05emroQH
"Rhénee insisted that we should," said Miss Marie with a smile on her face. "That's why she took my gun."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMonqvMjaBH
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg4lD1THlk
"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."635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mka6N8tz7
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kGzAwzeth
"And that was not leaving me behind?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOMOVZQ6E8
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTQfQR1Pvc
Rhénee didn't say anything as she looked ahead. They were now on the main road heading back.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMyQ62fWHr
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTYBOHmBJg
"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?"635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydQhZ673As
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS948t2Sc3
Rhénee sighed when she answered, "this isn't my first rodeo."
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