33A light lit up the end of the street. The corner house was prone to false alarms. Nobody paid any attention to the warning beacon. Two shadows moved against the building. One figure was lithe and quick. The other slower, more cautious. But all four feet moved expertly through the first garden and then the second. Six houses guarded the colonel, all manned with ex–military personnel. But each retired soldier missed the silent assault happening in their backyards.
Charlie replaced his crutch with a slim cane. He used it like an oar, propelling himself after his brother. John scanned the pathway ahead before moving, all Charlie had to do was concentrate on staying vertical and keeping up.
The colonel's garden had been gravelled over. Their steps automatically lightened. John moved towards
