He was twice her size, but she wasn’t thinking. Survival instinct took over. His first blow, open-handed, was a crack across her face. It spun her backward. Light exploded over her vision. She was on her side, on the ground, the taste of blood in her mouth. She crawled away on hands and knees, ears ringing. He hauled her up by her hair. She slapped at his arm. His meaty palm slapped against her face. Stunned, her legs buck led, and she dangled like a doll by her hair. He swiped the tabletop, pushing papers, maps, cups, and plates onto the floor.
