Chapter 144

Ice broken, they chatted about their favorite restaurants around the city. They finished the drive without further incident. As she guided him into the underground parking garage situated beneath her condo complex, his jovial manner migrated to serious, as, once again, he scrutinized the darkness and the shadowy space between parked vehicles.

"What's up with the lack of lighting?" he asked.

"We've had problems lately with vagrants sneaking in and smashing the bulbs. Management keeps saying they'll do something about it, but they haven't yet. Something about the budget and needing enough votes from the residents."

"It's a safety issue. How can a matter like that even be up for debate?"

"Nowadays, every decision, even the most basic ones, seems to require a committee. Lucky for me, my spot isn't far from the elevators."

Exiting the car, she hadn't taken a step when Adam loomed by her side. He gripped her upper arm and strode quickly to the elevator.

"What's the rush?"