I imagined him standing at the window, having just seen the door open and shut without anybody entering the room. He could be heading our way now. My heartbeat thudded in my ears and I could smell the sweat coming off Pete from where he crouched several steps away. “I’ll go around the corner,” I said, “make sure it's clear, and then you go to your desk.” I looked at the bright red gasoline containers. “Leave one with me, just in case. You’ll also move faster that way.” Pete shook his head, glaring at me. “Don’t be cavalier with the gas. This isn’t like the cement box we call home. A fire in here will do a lot of damage. I’ll want the data we have here if things really are going to hell. All I need is a minute. My computer is booted up, I just have to log in and get the information. Use your shotgun to hold Pratt at bay. That gas is only a last resort.” I didn’t reply as I poked my head around the corner because I didn’t like his tone.
