Her attorney canceled because of court.
The engineer was delayed on another job.
Jonathan texted Evelyn at 9:42.
Traffic. About 20 min late. Go ahead without me if Brad is there.
Evelyn arrived at 9:55.
She wore the camel-colored coat Thomas had bought her five Christmases earlier, beige heels, pearl earrings, and the silk scarf Camille gave her for Mother’s Day. Her brown briefcase contained the master lease, architectural plans, inspection reports, contractor bids, and property credentials required to access utility areas.
She entered through the main doors.
The security guard, Leon Davis, recognized her.
“Morning, Ms. Monroe.”
“Morning, Leon.”
“You here for the upstairs leak?”
“That obvious?”
He smiled.
“Everybody knows about the leak.”
Evelyn walked toward the counter.
Bradley was speaking with two tellers.
She waited.
He glanced at her.
Then looked away.
Evelyn waited another minute.
Finally she said, “Bradley.”
He turned.
For one second, she saw no recognition at all.
Then something uncertain.
“Can I help you?”
“It’s Evelyn Monroe.”
She watched the name arrive in his mind.
“Oh.”
He looked slightly embarrassed.
“Right.”
Evelyn did not react.
“I’m meeting Jonathan upstairs.”
“Today?”
“Yes.”
Bradley checked his phone.
“I don’t have anything scheduled.”
“Jonathan does.”
“He isn’t here.”
“He’s late.”
Evelyn lifted the briefcase.
“I’m going to start with the mechanical room.”
Bradley stepped slightly into her path.
“You can’t go upstairs without an escort.”
Evelyn stared at him.
“I have access.”
“Bank areas are restricted.”
“Part of the second floor is landlord-controlled.”
“Not during business hours.”
“That is incorrect.”
Bradley’s tone shifted.
“Ma’am, I’m trying to avoid a problem.”
“So am I.”
Evelyn reached into her handbag.
“I’ll show you my access card.”
Bradley lifted one hand.
“Don’t.”
She stopped.
“Don’t what?”
“Start pulling things out.”
Evelyn looked at him.
There it was again.
A small sentence carrying a larger assumption.
Her hand remained visible.
“My access card is in my bag.”
“We can verify who you are first.”
“You already know who I am.”
Bradley glanced toward nearby customers.
His discomfort increased because the conversation had become public.
“I met you once.”