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Page 57
ning would find things to strike other than the two wet people.
Mike could understand why the skirt had impeded Abby's progress; the sopping pile of material must have weighed 20 pounds. He dropped it and put his hand on the small of her back, pushing her ahead as his pumping adrenaline gave him strength to climb. Daylight had all but given up to the storm-generated darkness, but he spotted, in one particularly bright lightning flash, a huge boulder perhaps two dozen yards ahead. If it were high enough so the water would not reach them, it might provide some shelter from the wind-driven rain.
Mike kept looking behind them. Their minutes of scrambling felt like hours as he continued to push Abby before him. By the time they reached the uphill side of the rock, the rain had tapered off. He thrust her behind the boulder.
The torrent sparkled in the dim light as it continued its raging rush, but it was still some distance below. Soon it seemed to stop its perilous rise.
Mike returned to Abby. Huddled near the ground, she shivered. He wished he had a sweatshirt or jacket, anything to warm her. All he had was himself, and he was cold, too. Still, their bodies together might generate enough heat to keep them from becoming too chilled. He sat and held her close. She pulled back at first. "For warmth, Abby," he said, tightening his grip. She stopped struggling.
A short while later, she even nestled close to

 
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