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Reaching down, Denise slipped the knife from between her knees. She pressed the flat of its blade against her belly. She decided to leave the hammer in her pocket so her right hand would remain free. |
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'OK,' she whispered. 'Now, stay behind me. Maybe hold onto my shirt tail.' She stepped past Kara and felt a small tug as the girl clutched her shirt. |
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They left the small room and slowly crossed the kitchen. Their sneakers made quiet squeaky sounds on the tile. Denise couldn't see a thing in front of her. She reached out, hand exploring the area ahead. After a few steps, her fingertips brushed the refrigerator. Keeping to its side, she moved straight forward. |
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The dining room carpet silenced their shoes. Denise heard nothing except rain pounding the roof, her own thudding heart and shaky breathing, and Kara's trembling breaths behind her. |
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She touched the back of a chair, pictured the layout of the dining room, and turned in the direction of the entryway. She half expected Tom to be waiting just inside the living room. Any second, he would jump them. |
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He can't see us, she told herself. |
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But he might be able to hear us. |
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She had a sudden, strong urge to whirl around and race for the kitchen. |
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She kept moving forward, sweeping the area ahead with her open hand. |
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We must be in the living room by now, she thought. So far, so good. Maybe we've already snuck past him. Hell, he might be anywhere. He might be right in |
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