Flashing Red and Blue

Sirens whined. Sharp. Blue and red flashes painted the store's glass front. Heavy footsteps thudded near the front counter, voices urgent and low. I did not flinch. Stepped back from the canned goods into the shadow of the rear aisle. Found an unlatched metal emergency door. A solid nudge with my flank pushed it a crack open. Cold night air rushed in. I slipped through into the alley, tail brushing a row of heavy plastic milk crates. Behind me, the cruiser doors slammed shut. I climbed atop an overturned crate and stood motionless in the brick shadows, watching the pulsing light spill onto the wet asphalt. Firm footing. Uncaught.