We were plunged into complete darkness, the only light coming from the city skyline through the massive windows.

A low, mechanical hum began to sound from the hallway.

It was the sound of the emergency fire doors sliding shut.

“Andrew?” I called out, reaching my hand into the dark.

His hand found mine instantly, his fingers locking with mine.

“Stay close to me,” Andrew whispered.

In the hallway, a soft click echoed.

The red light of a security card reader flashed once, then turned solid green.

The heavy glass door of the boardroom began to slide open.

The glass door slid open with a soft hiss.

Andrew pulled me behind his back, his body tense.

A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted by the dim light of the emergency exit sign.

“Who’s there?” Andrew demanded.

“Sir? It’s Marcus, night security,” a voice called out.

The beam of a flashlight cut through the darkness, sweeping across the room.

“The main power grid went down,” Marcus said, lowering the light. “I came to check on the executive suite.”

Andrew let out a slow breath, his hand still holding mine.