Earlier—

Zerina had slowly climbed the ladder leading to the roof. Her body trembled slightly, both from fear and from the cold. She refused to look down as she continued upward, step by careful step, a blanket draped over one shoulder. After several more cautious movements, she finally reached the rooftop.

Fortunately, the day had been sunny, leaving the roof completely dry. Had it been wet from rain or moisture, it would have been dangerously slippery.

When she straightened, a wide ...