Fragments Chapter 18 Page 2

the street they just came from. They look at each other wondering what the hell possessed him to take such a risk, but he reappears moments later with a tow rope over his shoulder. Tommy examines it with a tilt of his head, then a nod and asks: What’s that for?

Brian looks at the ladder and tries to think of a way to explain: It’ll come in handy. You’ll see.

Tommy flicks his eyebrows, dismissing it as just another “Brian thing” and, driven by a sense of urgency, the team stands to begin their quiet journey down through the shadows of the alleyway. Brian skips ahead to take the lead position and clears their path, pointing out potential opportunities for making noise or tripping. Tommy carries the ladder in the rear with the two girls in the middle.