Chapter 5: Over the Roof

I did not bang on the door.

Anyone who locks a child in a room is waiting to hear her scream.

I went to the window instead and pushed up the sash.

The porch roof ran under it, slanted and slick with evening damp.

I climbed out in my boots, crouched low, and slid down to the gutter on my heels.

A light was burning in the window next to mine.

It was the study.

The curtains were drawn, but one panel hung a hand's width open, and I saw Renata's silver twist and the phone against her ear.

I stopped, flat against the shingles, and listened.

"Yes, nine o'clock," she was saying. "Every officer you can spare. Tell them it's a gambling den with minors inside."

She paused.

"No, don't touch the old man. Take the girl's trainer. Take him in front of everyone, and let her watch."

My heart slammed against my ribs.

"And the building?" Renata said. "Once it's empty, it comes down. The order is already signed."

She laughed softly and hung up.

I looked at my watch.

It was ten to nine.

I did not wait to see what she did next.

I dropped off the roof onto the lawn and ran for the gate.

Two guards stood by the front steps, smoking, with their backs to me.

Beto's old motorcycle leaned against the drive where I had left it.

The key was still in the ignition.

I swung my leg over, kicked it into gear, and tore down the drive before either man turned around.

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