Twelve.

Maria

Outside, the steady points of light from skyscrapers appear impossibly distant. I stick my head out the window, and fear laces into my stomach when I see nothing below me. But there's a ledge that extends a bit further to a perpendicular wall with a metal ladder.

I have no idea where the ladder goes, but I know that it's away from here.

Deep breaths. I'm just sneaking out of the house. This is no different than climbing down the trellis in Holtsville. It's just a matter of scale.

Except if you fall, it's a long way down.

"What choices do you have, Maria?" I whisper. "You wanna stay here and marry this maniac?"

With that, I push the window wide open, turn around, and wiggle through the small opening. My toe touches a narrow ledge. Crap. It's not only narrow, it's slippery. Even if I want to, I can't go back now, not from this bent position. Sliding down, I kick off my shoes as I cling to the side of the building, and the wind whips my hair into my face.

Don't look down. Don't loo