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Satisfied that she was all right, she turned her gaze toward the patio. |
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Doug was standing, pulling Lou's arm. Helping him up? |
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A chill gripped Maureen's bowels. |
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Lou got to his feet. He was hunched over slightly as if hurting, but he nodded eagerly. |
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She knew what would happen next. They would come for her. |
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Then the two guys, side by side, turned away. |
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And Maureen saw Sheila dash through the lighted kitchen, arms stretched out, face twisted with terror. Cyndi ran into view, and for a moment Maureen thought Cyndi was chasing the girl. Then she understood. |
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They were racing for the door. |
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Doug, apparently realizing what they intended, suddenly bolted for it. |
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Sheila reached the door first and hurled it sideways. Over the sound of the splashing rain, Maureen heard the door rumble across its rails and thud shut. |
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Doug slid to a halt. He yanked the outside handle. The door didn't budge. |
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The girls on the other side of the glass gazed out. Sheila started backing away. Cyndi wiped blood off her lips and chin. They both jumped when Doug hammered his fists against the pane. Sheila, shaking her head, shouted at him. Cyndi darted behind her and vanished. Doug pounded the door again, then |
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