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Denise crossed the foyer. As she reached for the switch panel, Kara frowned. 'You're not going to make it dark again, are you?' |
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'You can turn on the hallway light. But your dad thought we'd be safer if the house looks deserted.' |
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'Most people leave lights on when they're gone,' Tom pointed out. |
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'Yeah, you're right. OK.' She dropped her hand away from the switches. |
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Kara started up the hallway, then halted. 'Maybe it'd be better if somebody else goes first.' |
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Denise stepped forward. 'Let's go together.' She took the girl's hand. |
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'Sure.' The hallway smelled smoky. Though there didn't seem to be any ashes on the beige carpeting, Denise's burning shirt had left a grimy trial along the ceiling. She wondered if soap and water might take care of it. |
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When they came to Kara's bedroom, Denise reached around the doorframe and turned on the light. They entered. Tom stopped in the doorway. 'Are there fresh towels somewhere?' he asked. |
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'Oh, that's a good idea. They're in the closet by the bathroom.' |
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'Do you think he's OK?' Kara whispered. |
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'Me, too. He seems really nice. Though he does tell a lot of fibs.' She sat on the edge of her bed and started to undress. 'I try never to tell a lie, especially to |
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