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Page 286
13
Lou, searching the alley behind Buddy's house, caught a glimpse of someone ducking behind a garbage can.
All right! he thought.
When Buddy had ordered them to split up and search for Maureen, picking Lou to hop the high redwood fence and check the alley, he had nearly given up hope of being the one to get her. He was sure she'd gone a different way, probably fleeing along either side of the house and escaping through a gate rather than trying to climb the fence at the rear. Buddy and Doug had taken those routes. One or the other of them would end up with Maureen, and Lou would be out of luck.
Now, he realized how wrong he'd been.
She had gone over the fence.
She's mine, all mine.
Lou's heart thudded wildly as he strode toward the garbage can. The rain felt great splashing against his bare skin, running down his body in hot rivulets. He thought about stopping long enough to take off his pants so he could feel the rain all over him. And feel Maureen's body and blood all over him when he took her. Too tricky, though. He knew he couldn't get his pants off without removing his shoes. Then he would have to put the shoes on again because what if she made a run for it and he had to chase her? He sure didn't want to go racing down the dark alley barefoot.

 
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