She took a step toward me, her hand reaching into her coat.

Outside the office, the elevator bell chimed.

Heavy footsteps began down the carpeted hallway.

I turned and ran out of the office, heading toward the emergency exit stairs.

The air in the stairwell was freezing, smelling of dust and concrete.

I flew down the stairs, holding the handrail to keep from falling.

My heart was hammering in my ears.

I reached the ground floor and pushed open the heavy door to the alley.

The cold night air hit my face like a slap.

Snow was beginning to fall over Newport, the white flakes swirling in the yellow glow of the streetlights.

I ran toward my car, which I had parked two blocks away to avoid the security cameras.

My hands were shaking so hard I could barely press the unlock button on my key fob.

I got into the driver’s seat and locked the doors immediately.

I threw my wet gloves onto the passenger seat and pulled out the silver tablet.

The screen was locked, requiring a passcode.