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Page 122
across the expanse of the tiny room at the man who claimed he wasn't Klinger.
The hand was stymied. She knew it was impossible, but it was almost as if it was confused by the temporary obstacle she had thrown into its path.
Cappy's eyes darted about the room, probing the shadows for a weapon, something, anything she could use to defend herself. ''Hey! Can you hear me?"
The dulled eyes of the fat Airman fluttered open, momentarily establishing contact with her and reality. Somehow he managed to convey that he could indeed hear her.
"You've got to get out of there," she panted. "If you can get through the kitchen door, I can shut it and bolt it."
His first effort was nearly imperceptible. With the blood still gushing from his shattered hand, he initiated the laborious effort. He slumped over on his side, like a snake, inching his way along the floor. He was no more than four feet from the door that would give him sanctuary from the hideous thing.
The hand continued to grope after him, gaining ground, seemingly sensing its way along the trail of blood left behind by the wounded man.
Harvey Klinger, or whatever his name was, never made it. The severed hand caught up with him just inches short of his goal. Slowly,

 
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