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"Don't move!"

Jack swore and raised his hand in surrender. His fingers twiched to get his hands on his gun but he had to wait for right moment. Chris! Oh God please don't let them see the boy. Jack spoke loud enough for the boy to hear and hoped he would get the message "Okay you got me! But that's all you're gonna get. I'm all alone okay. No one is there with me"

Chris trembled with fear while trying his best to stay hidden in the tree. He was literally shaking like the leaves beside him. The boy heard Jack loud and clear and understood he had to stay hidden. Chris titled his head to look what were the bad guys doing to Jack.

"Where are the boys?" asked a man who came close to Jack and pointed his gun at him. The older agent stiffened at first but maintained his calm posture "I don't know what are you talking about dude. I'm all alone here"

A punch to Jack's gut was the answer and that was when Chris started to shake even more. He didn't want his friend to get hurt because of him but he also knew he couldn't show himself to the bad guys.

Jack coughed and gritted his teeth "What was that for? I told you there's no one with me!" Another hit by the gun and Jack had enough. He bend down and fisted mud and tiny stones in his hand and threw it on one of the man's eyes. Chris nearly clapped for this move but controlled himself

Jack punched the second man and knocked his gun off his hand. He immediately pulls his own gun and smashed it on the second man's head who crumpled down like a heap. Jack then quickly tied him with a help of long thick wines. What he didn't know was the first man had recovered and was aiming at him, ready to pull the trigger

Chris's eyes widened when he saw the threat on Jack's life. His heart began to speed at no limits. He had to warn his friend "Jack lookout!"

The man got confused on hearing a new voice and that was enough distraction for Jack to take the upper hand. He turned around and in a quick reflex shot the guy right in his chest. Chris closed his ears with his hands and shut his eyes in fear. He had never seen someone shot dead before and it scared him to death

Jack panted as he laid on the ground. He didn't want to kill anyone infront of Chris but he had no choice. He eyed at the tree where Chris was hiding "Chris? You okay kid?"

When Jack heard no answer he got worried. He pulled himself up and yelled "Chris! Everything is okay. See all the bad guys are taken care of"

No answer

"C'mon kid. You've to come down here. I need you to be brave...plus you saved my life. You should be proud of yourself"

"Jack?" a small voice was heard and it broke Jack's heart. No child ever deserved to see violence and blood in this young age. The boy probably was scared to death right now "I'm right here buddy but we gotta keep moving. We've to get back to Mac and Sam. They're counting on us right?

On hearing Sam's name Chris was finally able to force himself out of his fear. He slowly climbed back down. The boy then threw himself on Jack and hugged him with all his strength. Jack held the boy and spoke softly "I got you. You're good" he sighed and hoped Mac and Sam didn't have to face something like they did

OTHER SIDE

"Where is your gun Mac?" asked Sam while playing with leaves. Mac shifted until he was comfortable. His shoulder was thumping in pain but now his body too had started aching with little shivers running down. Mac knew these were clear signs of infection. He gave a small smile "I don't carry one"

"Why?"

"Not everything can be sloved by guns Sam. God has given us something that is more powerful than gun" Mac closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the tree. Sam's curious voice reached his ears "More powerful than gun? What is it? Do I have it? How did you get it? Can I've some please?"

Mac laughed lightly and ruffled Sam's hair "I'm talking about this little masterpiece" he pointed at the boy's head "Violence is not always the answer to our problems. We can use our brain to handle tough situations"

Eight year old Sam made a face not actually understanding what Mac meant and mumbled "I like guns" Mac shook his head "Why not we go back to you watching over me. I think that's an easy job"

"Will your partner pay me later?" Sam shook Mac's arm vigorously causing a wave of pain to shoot in Mac's shoulder. The young agent bit his lips hard and took a deep breath "Sam...not the arm okay. I'm still hurt"

"Sorry. I'm so sorry"

Mac nodded "It's fine. By the way how much are you expecting for babysitting me?" he asked to distract himself. Sam thought deeply about it and announced "Twenty dollars"

"Twenty dollars?"

"Is it too much? I get two dollars for cleaning my room but this is a biiiiig job" Sam widened his hands to show how exactly big it was "Plus we are in the jungle and it's dangerous. So I should get twenty dollars right?'

Mac nodded in seriousness but inside he had to control his laughter. He imagined Jack's face when Sam would ask him for twenty dollars for looking out for him "You know if Jack doesn't pay. I'll give you reward for your work"

"Yay! I knew you were the good one"

Suddenly they heard rustle of leaves that came from left side. Mac tensed and brought Sam close to him "What happened?" asked Sam but Mac hushed him. The sound grew louder and Mac knew it wasn't Jack. Did the kidnappers found them?

A loud angry growl

Sam scooted closer on hearing the sound "Mac" he whispered and felt himself being held tighter. Mac quickly got up taking Sam with him. He was not prepared for the sight infront of him. A huge angry looking cougar leaped out of the thick bushes and stood right infront of them. Mac's heart dropped to his stomach

Making explosives...easy

Disarming bombs...easy

Consuming nerve gas and surviving...easy

Making solutions out of hand wash liquid...easy

Fighting a cougar...NOT easy

Mac sucked in a breath and time seemed to stop. He could feel Sam was trembling beside him. For few seconds no one moved before the cougar snapped it's tail angrily and let out another irritated growl, his yellow eyes fixed on the little boy beside Mac who's mind swirled thinking how to tackle the cougar away from Sam. He slowly pushed Sam away from him and started taking few steps to his side "Mac where are you going?" Sam's eyes widened in fear

"When he strikes...run!" Mac whispered back

"No..Mac"

"Sam do as I say!" hissed Mac and Sam flinched, tears flowing from his eyes. Mac gulped down the heavy lump and walked towards the cougar. He knew if he ran it would only trigger an instant attack on them "Easy...take it easy" he tried to coax the beast but the animal got even more angrier. He eyed Mac with his sharp yellow eyes, the only thing that was in his way of him and his lunch...Sam.

"HEY! Come and get me...I'm here! C'mon tough guy..." Mac started waving at cougar and threw a long branch at him. This made the animal growl in return and made a mad dash towards Mac

"MAC!"

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