Playing dead was harder than she ever could have imagined. Despite the pain and the warm blood that surrounded her, she fought to lie perfectly still. It was quiet. Too quiet. There was no doubt in her mind that if he thought she was still alive, he would come back and finish the job.
How could this be happening? Only two hours ago she and Kelly were at a party, celebrating. Then they’d come home to find a man hiding in the bathroom. Kate hadn’t known anything was wrong until she’d found him with one arm around Kelly’s neck, his other hand holding a knife to her throat. He’d looked shocked to see her. As if he hadn’t known Kelly had a sister.
“Back up,” he’d ordered. “Or I’ll slit her throat.”
Kate wanted to stop him. Wanted to free her sister, but she couldn’t find a way to do it. If she angered him, she was certain Kelly would die. So she stayed where she was, praying he would leave.
But he didn’t. Not until Kelly was dead, and Kate wished she could join her. She lay on the floor until she was absolutely sure he was gone. Then she crawled over to the phone and dialed 911.
When the dispatcher answered, all she could do was cry.