"Back," he shouted to Kumiko and Scarf. "Around the bend. Now."
Kumiko whirled and raced around the corner. Scarf rolled back on to his feet and dashed after her. Brad followed.
Rimov's guards were nowhere in sight.
There was a roar of rage behind them.
Cordy.
"They shot Rimov. After 'em. Shoot to kill."
The passageway was long; they would be at the wrong end of a shooting gallery as soon as Cordy reached the bend. The only break was a narrow ladder through a hatch in the overhead.
"Up," Brad commanded. "Fast."
Kumiko first, then Scarf. Brad followed.
As Brad drew his legs up through the hatchway a searing blast struck the frame, missing him by centimeters. Brad twisted away as another bolt flashed up through the hatch, scorching the bulkhead from which he had just moved.