Laura heard a faint rustle near the west fence. She paused mid-step, her hand instinctively going to the stun baton clipped to her belt. Her brown eyes scanned the dimly lit perimeter, but nothing seemed out of place—at least, not yet.

"Who’s there?" she called, her voice steady and authoritative. No response. Of course not. They never answered when they were up to no good.

She moved closer, her boots crunching softly on the gravel path. She kept to the shadows, her long brown hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, out of her way, but her senses alert. This wasn’t the first time someone had tried to sneak in. Or out.

Her eyes narrowed. A silhouette darted between two buildings, too quick for her to make out any details.

Laura tapped her comms. "Possible intruder near Sector C. I’m checking it out."

Before the dispatcher could reply, she slipped around the corner, keeping low. She wasn’t about to let whoever it was get any further.

The figure was just ahead now, near the fence. Too close. Laura drew her baton, ready.