Goldy follows and hunkers down as well. From their hidden vantage point, she scrutinizes the opposite building.

"Which floor are we aiming for?" she asks while taking off her backpack and unclipping the flap.

Out come several coils of kernmantle climbing rope, three smallish grappling hooks with their prongs folded in, and an odd-looking pistol—short and stubby with a very wide barrel and muzzle, a bit like a flare gun. From the side pockets come a handful of carabiners and figure-of-eight belays.

She lays everything out on the asphalt beneath them.