Avoid them. Is there another way out?

"Too risky to try to engage with them." You think a moment. "A public building like this has to have some fire exits, maybe we can sneak out the back while they are at the door."

The once-illuminated signs are completely dark, but it doesn't take long to identify one of the emergency exit signs above a set of swing doors down a corridor going eastwards. That should take you out from the next side around from the front, and if you're quick, you should be able to disappear into the next block without catching the group's attention. You'll be taking a risk that there aren't any other scavengers covering the exits, and its unlikely that you'll be able to see much out of the fire exit door before you go through, so to some degree you'll be blind to what awaits you.

However, the group didn't look that all together, and the chances of them having split up to catch you out seem pretty slim, so this feels to you like the best course of action.

Confident that you're alone inside the building, you hurry through the swing doors and down the next short corridor, which intersects with another that runs the length of the east side of the building. Just beyond the intersection, there is a solid-looking emergency door that has a quick release lever on the inside, and will be nigh-impregnable from the outside. The fire exits in a building like this would be extremely secure. It does however mean that once you're through and it shuts, you'll be stuck on the other side.

There is a small window that gives you a very limited view of the street and the staff car park, which is almost completely vacant. The remains of one patrol car are right ahead of you, smashed to pieces and set alight. Somebody must have looted it trying to access valuable items inside, perhaps once they figured out that the weren't going to be getting into the main building. Across the wide street beyond the car park is a block of deserted low-rise office buildings, many windows smashed and some also showing signs of fire damage.

"Okay Todd, here's the plan. I will open the door and go through. You hold it open behind me, and wait for my signal. I will go as far as that burned out car and have a look around. If it looks clear, I will signal. When you move, go straight for that alley in between the offices over there. You see the one I mean?" He nods. "Ok, head straight there, but try to be quiet. Don't run - with that bag you'll tire yourself out in no time, and probably make a load of noise as well. Do Not Run. Save your energy for if we need it. Understand? Tell me what you're going to do."

His hands are shaking and his face is pale, but he nods and repeats the plan to you. Now's the time to kiss him, for luck, and in case something bad happens.

Reaching for his face, you stroke his cheek and plant a tender kiss on his lips. He looks at you in surprise.

"Yes I'm still mad, but we're all we've got and we have to have each other's backs. We're gonna be ok Todd. We can do this."

You sound much more confident than you feel, but you know that Todd is completely depending on your having a plan.

"One more thing. If you hear me shout, or fire my gun, or anything that sounds bad, drop the bag and draw your gun. You won't be any use while carrying the bag, and we can always run to get it later. Or leave it if we have to."

Ok, it's time. One more kiss for luck, and you push the door release lever with your left hand while holding the sawn-off shotgun at the ready with your right. Forcing yourself to move slowly, and as quietly as possible, you peek through the crack and push the door the rest of the way.

Looks clear so far. Keeping low, you set off at a brisk but controlled pace to the wrecked squad car, looking about you as you go. Ten more yards. Five... You're there. Nothing seen on either side, no reaction to your movements.

Scooting into cover behind the vehicle, you take your time to look again, feeling your pulse surging and your breath already short. Adrenalin is hitting you, and you have to stay in control. Still no movement... no sound.

You prepare to give the signal to Todd.