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The third time she heard it, she looked to the back door It opened to a srass, where Trevor used to play when he was little She’d have to juet out that way Once she found Trevor, they could go for help

She didn’t even know if she could actually get over the fence Still, she had to try, and she started to edge her way toward the kitchen table All she needed to do was get on the other side of it, open the door

If Frank opened his eyes, he’d be able to see the back door from the armchair

What if he was setting her up?

Grabbing a dish towel, she dried her hands, casually walking toward the living room to take a look

Frank’s head was tilted back, eyes closed, mouth open

Seconds ticked by

Slowly she started to back toward the kitchen table She could do this Three more steps

Two

One

As Allegra reached for the handle, the front door burst open She dropped her hand, looked over, saw Dex, carrying two bags of groceries A look of suspicion clouded his face when he noticed her proximity to the back door

“Where is he?” Dex demanded

Frank ith a start “What the—?”

Allegra’s heart was thu Dex’s eyes bored into hers, and he stalked over to the table, du onto its side A yellow onion rolled out, across the dark wood tabletop and to the floor

“Trevor!” Dex called