CHAPTER 50
The automatic doors at the front of the commissary slid open. An uncertain velociraptor recoiled at the swift and unexpected action. Robinson ducked where he was, pressing his back against the lower cabinets of the breakfast bar. Shelly and Dallas were across from him, huddled right where he left them. He held up a hushing finger, and Shelly nodded. Dallas was just staring off into space. His breaths were short and quick.
Robinson heard the double doors slide closed. A moment later they popped open again. A moment after that they shut once more, then opened again, then shut. Robinson was beginning to wonder what was going on, and he didn't want to risk exposing himself by leaning out to see. He remembered he had seen a shiny chrome toaster on the counter above his head. He reached up and grabbed it. The chord popped out of the wall socket and fell in his face. He pushed it aside and ducked across to where Shelly and Dallas were crouched. Robinson tucked the electrical chord into one of the toaster slots and then angled the appliance so he could view the entrance. The reflection was a bit distorted, however the image was more or less discernible.
The velociraptors had not entered the commissary yet. Robinson saw that they were more than perplexed by the automatic doors. They were actually threatened by them.
The glass slid open again. Two male velociraptors stood at the threshold, barking and snapping at the doors. One raptor decided to approach. The doors began to shut. The raptor backed away hissing.
Robinson imagined from their point of view that it might appear to be some kind of defense mechanism. He pondered if perhaps they even thought the doors to be alive.
Robinson caught Shelly watching the reflection in the toaster. "Let's hope that keeps them busy." He whispered to her.
Robinson put down the toaster and took Dallas by the shoulders. He looked him straight in the eyes. "I need you to focus now. You understand?"
Dallas nodded. His breathing had slowed down. The expression on his face was blank and distant.
Robinson turned to Shelly. "Keep an eye on him." He crouched low. "Follow me."
Robinson led them over to the breakfast bar and stopped near the hallway that led to the back door. He poked his head around the corner. The window was still clear. They crawled to the back door and huddled against it. Robinson took a look behind them to make certain they had not been spotted or followed. Everything seemed ok. When he turned back to reach for the door handle something was different. The lighting had changed. It was as though someone were standing in front of the window now. By the time Robinson understood what it meant, the handle was already turning. The door was opening. Through the crack between the door and the door frame the sunlight cast a frightening shadow, and Robinson heard the soft purring of a velociraptor.