Before I could speak, the desktop computer on the reception desk let out a sharp, metallic chime.

A new window opened automatically, flashing with a priority delivery status.

*Incoming Document: Notice of Intent to Foreclose.*

At the same second, the overhead fluorescent lights in the lobby flickered once and went completely black.

Only the green power light of the server and the blue glow of my phone screen remained.

My phone began to vibrate violently against the glass desktop, the screen displaying an restricted number.

I pressed my thumb against the vibrating screen and swiped to answer.

“Sarah Mitchell,” I said, my voice sounding thin in the sudden darkness.

The line crackled with static before a dry, nasal voice cleared its throat.

“Ms. Mitchell, this is Arthur Vance from regional collections at West Coast Power,” the man said.

I looked at the dark ceiling tiles, then down at the faint green glow of our backup server.

“We received your partial payment, but the balance remains outstanding,” Vance said. “The service interruption at your San Francisco facility has been initiated.”