Chapter 3:

The Elevator Incident

It was almost 8 PM and the building had mostly emptied out. I was running late for a last minute strategy meeting on the executive floor thirty-fifth floor because of course the client needed revisions at the worst possible time. I jabbed the elevator button harder than necessary, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up.

The doors slid open and there was Alex, already inside, looking just as drained as I felt in his charcoal suit.

“Heading up too?” I asked, stepping in beside him.

“Yeah. Emergency damage-control meeting. You?” He gave me a tired smile as the doors closed.

“Same bullshit, different department.” I leaned against...