The Last Days of Duane Dayton
Duane's hands closed around Meryl's neck, stifling her screams to harsh, guttural choking. Her terrified eyes widened. Yes, this time he was really going to do it. She twisted and squirmed. She tore at his fingers, reached up to claw his face. But his arms were longer and he pulled his head out of harm's way. She dug her nails into the flesh of his hands and arms, but the pain only drove him on. Legs thrashing, she heaved and wrenched as her face turned purple and her eyes bulged. Her lungs fought to draw air. Gradually her efforts weakened and subsided. Duane felt her neck give as he crushed her voice box in his meaty grip. She scrabbled at his hands. Tears slid from her eyes, and they closed. Her body went limp. Duane maintained the vice around her throat,
