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poker like a golf club. Its brass handle struck him above the ear. The impact knocked his head sideways. His grip on Denise went loose. She fell against him as he flopped onto his back. |
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Tom was sprawled out motionless, Kara raising the poker for another swing. |
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On her knees, panting for air, Denise rubbed the front of her neck and stared down at Tom. His hair, normally the same light shade of blond as Denise's hair, was slicked down and black. Only the lids of his closed eyes and an area under his chin were unsoiled by the ebony liquid. |
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'Did I kill him?' Kara asked. Her voice sounded high and frightened. |
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The soaked front of Tom's jacket rose and fell, so he was breathing. |
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'No,' Denise gasped. 'You only knocked him out.' She looked up at Kara. 'Thanks.' |
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'Why'd he go and do that?' |
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'I've never ever seen him fight with anyone. I just can't . . . it's like he lost his mind. It's crazy.' |
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'What is that all over him?' |
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'Is the rain dirty tonight? It looks dirty. I thought rain was always supposed to be clean. Do you think he |
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