It seemed like waiting for the fire to burn through the wall was elongating the process, so we took turns on the skateboard and pondered what obstacle would meet us on the other side of the wall.

“Laser cats.” Jinxx rolled his eyes. “That’s all I have to say about that.”

“I am fully prepared to charm an army of laser beam cats.” Andy said proudly.

“Fire trucks.” Jinxx said.

“Dude, fire trucks?” Andy questioned.

“With lasers.” He added.

I looked at him and cocked my head to the side in confusion.

“Okay.” Andy nodded. “His turn’s over, what do you think’s on the other side Ceese?”

My eyes met his. “The way I see it.” I looked at the wall with hope. “Nothing.” I looked at Jinxx. “When we break through the wall we’re free. We’ll walk away.”

“I like that.” Andy nodded.

“Guys.” Jinxx said.

“We’re done with your laser beams.” Andy put his hand up.

“No seriously.” Jinxx pointed to the wall.

“There’s no such thing as laser cats.” I nodded dismissively.

“THE SMOKE IS CLEARING!” Jinxx shouted impatiently, running back toward the garage a moment later.

Andy and I followed while still processing the thought. If the smoke was clearing, we’d burned a hole through the other side of the wall. The plastic would be melting rapidly and Ashley and Jake would be shoving Jake’s girder contraption into the hole to keep it from caving in.

Notes

pew! pew! pew!

Chapter 31's title is from In The End by Black Veil Brides