“Go the other way!” Sher waved her arm away from the van. The pain shooting through her ankle and back muffled her voice.
Kristin slipped sideways through the gate, took two steps toward the van, turned the other way, and ran west down Larpenter toward a grove of pines and stunted cedar trees on the boulevard.
Sher ran as best she could. She had not yet reached the gate. Dan would be next to Sher in a few more steps. Jer struggled to his feet behind them, barely able to walk.
Sher called out, “Cousin.” But the word barely left her lips.
Dan reached Sher and with one swift punch to her shoulder, sent her flying.
Sher slid belly first on the pavement. Pain flushed through her body like hives, her palms, chin, and elbows skinned raw. Her jeans tore at the knees.
Dan ran past Sher. He wa
