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Page 86
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On the other hand, Mike thought a while later, he at least deserved some answers.
Abby Wynne looked astounded as they reached the outskirts of Barstow. When traces of civilizationgas stations, restaurants, clumps of houses, and house trailersbegan to appear in the distance, she leaned forward in her seat and grasped the dashboard as though holding on for dear life.
But she said not a word.
As traffic increased, her eyes grew even larger until she looked like a frightened, forlorn waif. And then there were her reactions after they pulled among the myriad automobiles in the parking lot of the huge, stucco manufacturers' outlet shopping center just outside Barstow. She seemed surprised at the beeping noise his car made when he pushed the button on his key chain. "Just turning on the car alarm," he said.
Her earlier fear seemed to change into delighted astonishment as he walked beside her to the outdoor mall area and began to point out all the stores she might consider for her shopping.
Before she made any decisions he took her hands and said, "What's going on, Abby?"
Those expressive brown eyes clouded over. "I honestly don't know, Mike."
"But . . . Look, maybe I'd better call the police, see if they can help you."
A look of terror flashed over her face, and she shook her head vehemently in the negative. "I am certain," she said, her voice quavering, "that at

 
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