“We have a storm outside. It is my duty to ensure the building is secure.”

I reached into my winter coat pocket and pulled out the crumpled piece of paper.

My fingers were cold, and the paper was damp from the rain.

“You need to look at this, Mr. Graves,” I said, stepping forward.

I smoothed out the creases of the paper against my thigh.

It was the notice that had been taped to my apartment door yesterday morning.

Nathaniel took the paper from my hand.

Our fingers brushed, and a strange, familiar chill ran down my spine.

He held the document under the amber glow of the nearest emergency light.

“What is this?” Nathaniel asked.

“An eviction notice,” I said. “And a warning that the building is being condemned.”

Arthur took a quick step toward us, his hands raised in a defensive gesture.

“That is a preliminary notice,” Arthur said, his voice rising a pitch.

“It was sent out by the administrative team to ensure safety compliance.”

“Safety compliance?” I asked, looking him dead in the eye.