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cringed from the anger he radiated. ''Oh, come on. You can come up with something better than that. Why a wagon train? Why not a UFO, if you're so determined not to tell the truth." |
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She was too terrified to ask what a UFO was; the question might inflame him further. When she said nothing, she had the frightening impression that he might grab her and shake her, but she watched as he visibly got his emotions under control. When he sat back down, he said pleasantly, though his eyes flashed with restrained anger, "Pennsylvania? I'm originally from Boston, myself, but I've been in California for a long time. I suppose you'd say you're just moving here. How do you like California?" |
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She was glad to focus on a conversational topic that seemed almost neutral. They spoke for a while on the relative merits of the weather in all three places, and Abby began to relax. The wine was delightfully pungent, the meat and salad delicious, and Abby found the company of a calmed Mike Danziger enjoyable. |
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She let herself forget, for a little while, her fear of him and the inexplicable situation in which she found herself. |
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Abby helped Mike clear the table after dinner. "Sorry I don't have a dishwasher," he said, "but I've heard they're not too good for septic systems." |
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Abby had no idea what a septic system was, but she said, "We left our servants behind, so we have been cleaning our own dishes, too." |
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She had done it again. He looked at her as |
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