37 - 17 - Fence

"I so knew you were going to say that." Marco turned to Ax and Tobias. "I knew she was going to say that."

"On the count of three, guys. One. Two. THREE!"

We were off!

Scrambling up the first fence, fingers grasping, sneakers jamming into then out of too-small toeholds. No electric jolt but plenty of barbed wire at the top. Launching ourselves over the prickly coils and dropping to the ground on the other side.

"Owowow!" Good thing we'd worn jeans and sweatshirts - stuff we'd stashed in Cassie's barn for emergencies - against the cool night air. Across the concrete apron! Running full out! Weird to be running as a human. It had been a longtime.

"Hey! You kids! Stop!"

"ROWROWROWROW!"

I glanced over my shoulder to see two German shepherds being held by their collars, straining to do what they were trained to do.

Take down the intruders!

I raced on. Our sneakers slapped the ground like hands clapping too fast and too loud.

A bullhorn now. "I said, stop in the name of the law! Or I'll let the dogs go!"

"Anyone got any liver snacks?" Marco panted. "Nice doggies!"

"Almost there! C'mon!"

I reached out desperately for the handrail of the retractable staircase and yanked myself up the first few steps.