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Denise's right hand and forearm felt as if they were still burning. She stepped to the sink, and set down her knife, and splashed cool water against her skin. |
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'Are you hurt bad?' Kara whispered. |
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'I don't think so. How about you?' |
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'I'm OK. Did you stab him?' |
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'Never mind. Why don't you light a couple of the . . .' Denise jumped as something crashed against the door. From the sound, she guessed Tom must've struck it with the poker. She pulled her arm out from under the water, hurried to the door, and pressed her back against it. |
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The next blow jolted her. |
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That was a kick, she thought. |
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While she braced the door, Kara lit a candle, dripped some paraffin onto the side of the sink, then stood the candle upright in the small puddle. |
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Tom struck the door again. |
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Kara said, 'Somebody better keep that gizmo in.' She stepped up close to Denise and clutched the doorknob. Her small thumb pushed against the lock button. 'It can get popped out real easy,' she whispered. 'It doesn't even take a key.' |
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Denise curled a hand around the back of the girl's head. As she caressed the soft hair, Kara leaned forward, slumped a little against her, and rested a cheek against her chest. |
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