We were getting out of here a little sooner than we’d thought. That was when I ran smack dab into Anna.She cried out as we both collapsed to the floor. Ruth stood above the both of us, offering us each a hand, her face an expression of alarm.“What’s going on? We heard the door slamming.”“There’s Howlers out there,” I said, pointing behind me. “Your friend let them in.”Ruth narrowed her eyes, looking through the foliage toward the door. “He’s trying to flush us out.”“Well, where do we go?” I asked.“The only way we can go,” Ruth said. “Out. Follow me.”She led us through the rows of plants at a run. She turned sharply toward the entrance we had come through to get in here.“That way?” I asked. “Isn’t that what he would expect?”“We’re sure as hell going to try!” Ruth said.She stopped before the thick metal door, unbolting it.“Have that flashlight ready,” she said to me.Anna drew her katana.Ruth opened the door with a creak, revealing the dark chamber containing the recycling tanks beyond.
