Anomaly Two

One

From twenty-five storeys up, it's a long drop to the bottom. All I can see from this angle is murky navy sky and light pollution, but if I shuffle forward maybe eight steps, I'd be able to see the street below. It'd only take a second, maybe two, if I sprint.

Privacy is a pricey commodity these days. But up here on an empty rooftop, I feel free. A badass freedom fighter, smacking the chains of restricted access and protocol permission to the outskirts of civilization.

I lean back against one of the slanted skylights, the glass cool against my back. The skyscaper is painted with dancing cones of light. I can't remember the last time I really saw the stars. I take out my EyeView anyway and snap a quick pic.

So lost in reverie, it doesn't immediately register when a creak sounds behind me. I turn around slowly – too slow.

"Hey," someone protests, huffing heavily. "You're not allowed to be here." He's thickset and dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit, one pudgy hand resting on the doorknob.

I bolt up, poised to run past him. There's no other way down.

He takes an uncertain step toward me. "How did you get up here anyway?"

I press my eyelids together. Maybe if I ignore him, he'll disappear.

"You know this is an infraction of the Code, right?"

I open my eyes. No such luck. Of course I'm well aware this is illegal – even if I hadn't been, the numerous signs on the hatch door would've been a pretty good indicator.

He inches forward hesitantly, still somewhat out of breath. Clearly this building is lacking in the security department. "Hey. Have you understood anything I've said?"

There are more clanks in the stairwell and another man, crisply dressed and brisk, emerges from the doorway. "Object in sight," the EyeView in his hand announces. He stares me down.

Oh. Shit.

"Scarlett?" he asks.

How the hell does he know my name? Please tell me he's not what I think he is. The two men are blocking the only exit. There's only one thing to do then – I start to inch backwards until I'm halfway between the edge of the roof and the skylight. "Who are you?"

He flashes his EyeView at me. "Agent Rex. You need to come with me."

Oh hell no. I keep moving until my lower back hits the guard rail. "Don't come near me." I lean back slightly. It's an empty threat, but I hope I come off as at least semi-credible – all I need is for them to give me the benefit of the doubt.

The security guard seems to be positively sweating. "What's going on here?" he asks nervously, looking between Agent Rex and me.

"Don't be ridiculous, Scarlett," Agent Rex snaps. "Get over here. Now."

I'm beyond perplexed myself; they don't usually send Special Services Agents after minor infractions such as trespassing or breaking and entering. I lean a little further over the edge, then jerk quickly, pretending to falter.

They both surge forward reflexively.

I recover my stance and dart between them, turning into a side gallop as I squeeze through.

I've loped into the stairway and gripped the banister before either of them have managed to turn around.

"Scarlett!" Agent Rex thunders, pivoting. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Well then, it's a good thing he's not. Using my wrist as a fulcrum, I swing up and over the railing, bending my knees and bracing for the impact. I land a level down, roll upright and jump down another flight of stairs, taking them two at a time.