Chapter 24

• Once more, the accomplice moved, casting a shadow that threatened Marie like a menacing storm. His fist erupted, striking her shoulder with a punch that forced air out of her lungs. Waves of pain erupted all over her body, appearing to be trying to wash her away from the place of impact.
• Struggling to maintain her equilibrium, Marie staggered backward, her eyesight becoming blurry. Beneath her skin, she could feel the bruise forming, a sharp reminder of her weakness. Every gasp for air was a struggle, every heartbeat an entreaty to live.
• She managed, "Please... don't...", the words barely audible as she readied herself for the next blow.