Nikki’s heartbeat quickened. “People say that all the time. I do soap commercials. Maybe that’s where you’ve seen me. Ah, here’s my floor. Nice talking to you.”

“Hey, what apartment are you in? I’m always looking for a running partner. I’m in 1706. If you ever come back, just knock on my door.”

Nikki waved airily. “Nice to know. Seventeen oh six, I’ll remember that.” She was out the door before the woman could ask again for her apartment number.

Nikki immediately ran down the hall to the red EXIT sign. She galloped up the four flights of stairs to the eighth floor. She almost jumped out of her skin when she saw Kathryn sitting on the top step.

“Something’s wrong with me, Nikki. I can’t move.”

“You need water. So do I. Just sit here, I’ll be right back.”

“Like I’m really going to go somewhere. If John Law shows up in the next few minutes, I’m done for.”

Nikki was back within minutes, her arms full. “Drink the water first, then the Gatorade.” She followed her own instructions as she sat down next to Kathryn and swigged until both bottles were empty.

“What’s going on?” Kathryn asked.

“Myra and Annie are holding the fort. Annie said Charles called and said his people will be delivering a package once it gets dark. I take that to mean Bonnie and Clyde. No one else is here yet.” She went on to explain how Jack had found her and brought her home. “I was ready to cave, Kathryn. How did you make it here on your own?”

“Honest to God, Nikki, I don’t know. I just kept pushing. My blisters have blisters. I’m afraid to take off my sneakers and socks. Fear is my only answer.”

“Some woman got a little too close to me when I hit the front door of our building. I had to ride the elevator with her. I got off on the fourth floor and walked up the other four. We need to get out of here. Listen, we both made it, that’s the good thing. Come on, I’ll help you. A shower and a few more bottles of water, and you’ll be good as new.”

“I feel like such a…wuss. I really thought I was in good shape, Nikki.”

“Like you said, it’s the heat. We trained on a mountain where the air is cool. You are in good shape, so don’t go berating yourself.”

“I feel like a bag of wet noodles.”

“I feel the same way you do. Myra and Annie have news. Wait till you see it.”

“I don’t want to see anything but the shower,” Kathryn said as she hobbled behind Nikki to Apartment 809, where Myra and Annie were waiting in the open doorway. “What?” she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.