First High Perch

Scaling a radiator is definitely warmer than I expected, but those metal ribs make surprisingly solid handholds. Once I hauled myself over the wooden lip of the windowsill, I grabbed the brass sash latch to steady my footing and got my first real look outside. Streetlights were humming down below, carving long amber ribbons across the pavement, with yellow cabs cruising past like tiny illuminated beetles. My grip held firm, my knees locked into a clean crouch, and from up here, the entire block opened right up. Not a bad spot for a first patrol.