Audio pataje

*Flashlight swung toward the window. Empty. Curtains billowing inward from a six-inch gap. Wet footprints on the sill — size nine boot, tread pattern muddy. Fresh.* Which direction did he go? *Still pressed against the wall, forearm bleeding freely. Voice raw:* East side of the building. Fire escape. Move! *Two guards bolted for the hallway. Radio chatter erupted — codes, coordinates, "unauthorized entry, fourth floor, suspect fleeing east." A nurse rushed in and started checking Valentina