“We don’t know exactly where to find MC 4,” said Steve. “Or Judy.”

“We can ask someone,” Jane added.

“No need,” said Hunter. “Judy called me and told me where she is. But MC 4 is not there.”

“What?” Jane asked. “What happened?”

“MC 4 never got on the trucks to return to the city. He slipped out of the crowd and disappeared. She saw him heading westward across the steppe, but it was too late for her to get off the truck. She rode back to the school used by that particular work brigade for shelter.”

“So we should start by joining up again,” said Steve. “Or do you want to have us spend the night where we are and start again tomorrow?”

“No, I do not dare risk that now,” said Hunter. “Judy does not have your experience with living in other times. Also, we now know something about MC 4’s location and direction. Last, I fear that the NKVD may yet come back here searching for me again. They might take you two for questioning this time.”

“Then let’s get out of here,” said Jane. “How should we do it this time?”

“The lights will be turned off in a few minutes,” said Hunter. “We can afford to wait that long. I suggest we leave the same way as last time, from that other warehouse.” He nodded toward the rear door, then toward the circuit breaker box. “This establishment has the same basic design as our previous residence.”

“Good idea.” Steve glanced around. “I guess it will work again. But I hope we don’t need another shelter. If we keep sneaking out of every place we can spend the night, then pretty soon we’ll use up all the public housing.”

As Hunter had said, the overhead lights were turned out shortly; leaving only a small table lamp burning in the front. Steve and Jane worked their way across the crowded room and flipped the circuit breaker, while Hunter opened the rear door in the sudden darkness and held it. The procedure worked just as well this time as it had before. In a few moments, the team again ran up a back alley out in the cold, clear, night air.

When they were sure no one was chasing them, Hunter stopped to allow his team members to put their coats on and catch their breath.

“Are you both all right?” Hunter asked. His appearance had now returned to normal.

“Yeah,” said Jane, as she buttoned her coat. “Wow, it’s cold out here.”

“I’m fine,” said Steve. “Which way do we go?”

“Please simply follow me. It will be faster and quieter than explaining.”

Hunter led them at a brisk walk through the darkened city. He kept to alleys and side streets as much as possible, ducking into shadows on the rare moments when vehicles appeared nearby. When they reached the school Judy had told him about, Hunter knocked on the door.

A tall, stocky man opened the door and looked at Hunter coldly. “We are full, comrade. Sorry.” He started to close the door.

“We are not seeking shelter.” Hunter grabbed the edge of the door in one hand and held it fast. His tone was firm and authoritative. “Please tell Judy Taub to come to the door.”

The guard made one more attempt to jerk the door shut. His eyes shifted to Hunter in surprise when he realized that he could not move it even slightly. He turned and called Judy’s name over his shoulder.

Judy, with a big smile of relief, was already hurrying to the door.

“We shall relieve you of your overcrowding,” Hunter said, as Judy slipped out past the guard. “Thank you.”

The guard slammed the door loudly.