"It means I'm getting the hell out of this place even if it means I'll get shot," said Melissa plainly. She was so sick of this, of being messed around by the people who ran this place, of being treated like unruly livestock. She crossed her arms with a haughty air that made it clear her decision didn't need any thinking through: it was already made. She was careful, though, to put an extra step between herself and Brutus. The little extra distance wouldn't put the dog off if he decided she was a threat, but it made her feel safer.