Page 63 of Her Sloth

Cass loosens the knot of my rope the moment I am down.

“They’re coming,” says Ahmed, and I already see the blue and red light around the corner accompanied by the blaring sirens. “They’re harsher than expected; they just bumped into Blair.”

“I need one more second—“ says Nikki.

I look up; she’s still fixing the banner

“What’s up?” I ask.

“The eyelet ripped, knotting it right now⁠—“

Suddenly the sound of a crash behind us.

Nikki won’t make it in time.

“Cass,” I shout, “Throw me the crossbow.”

For one infinite second I believe she’s about to fight me, but then she throws it without hesitation.

I take it.

Load it.

Turn around towards the incoming cops.

Step into the middle of the road.

“Get down now!” I shout at Nikki, aiming at the car racing up to us.

“Coming!” she shouts, and I shoot. Directly at the front of the car. It hits the grille, and the officer in it brakes. Meaning none of the other cars behind it will get through.

I load it again.

“Nikki, get into the van. Cass and I will distract. Are the exits free?”

“All clear as of now,” says Joy, with Illy confirming on her end.

Nikki slips into the van, and they’re gone.

Cops are turning up on foot with guns drawn in the safety of the surrounding parked cars.

They shout their normal sermon. I don’t care; I stand there aiming at them with the crossbow.

“Cass, you ready?”

“Ready when you are. She’s ready to roll,” she says, and I hear the Mustang gurgling.

I walk backward until I reach the Mustang; the door is open for me, she’s in neutral, waiting for me to set her free.

The Hellcat roars.

“On three,” I say and count down.

“One.”

I get ready to jump into the car.

“Two.”