by Mark Lemke
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The man inside saw shadows move across the window.? Stone told him to expect something like this, just before he'd left several hours ago.? Stone wasn't supposed to leave but said something about needing to get to the plant.? Who was he to argue with him about it?? Besides, guarding a woman and some kids for one night wasn't a real challenge.?
On his own now that Stone had left, he was on alert and believed he still had the upper hand.? He had the hostages, but his heart was beating a lot faster now.? He'd have been more comfortable if there were two of them there, instead of just him.? Damn Stone for leaving!? After he saw the shadow, he decided being closer to the hostages was his best bet.? So he quickly and quietly moved into the back bedroom with the kids.? He had the front door rigged so if anyone came in that way, it'd be the last thing they'd ever do.? In the smoke and confusion, it would also allow him to kill the hostages, sneak out the back door, and make his way to a car down the road he had parked there for just this reason.? That was the plan, anyway.? He got out his weapon and readied himself.?
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