The Plant - A Steampunk Story Chapter 5

“Dude! We triggered the silent alarm, the police are going to be here any moment. Drop everything and run!” he said, simultaneously opening the window and jumping out, as police sirens were blaring close by in the neighborhood. Richard grabbed his notepad and jumped quickly after him, making a promise to himself to strangle Jack later, if and when they reached safety again, and fumbled so much to get out of that window that he almost got noticed by an elderly lady who was making her way to the grocery store. 

The boys didn't stop to watch as the officers pointed to the open window and canvased the area for suspects, they never stopped running until they reached the woods, from where they walked as fast as they could back to school. 

Even the best laid plans succumb to the cruelty of fate. How unfortunate of Richard to have forgotten his packed lunch that day! His mother had prepared it for him, to make sure the boy didn't starve as he volunteered his effort for the benefit of his peers.