Page 13 of Seduction

“Everyone, listen up,” Jamie, the leasing manager, said loudly enough to claim my attention.

I stopped staring at Sparrow and set my gaze on her.

“There was a fire in the basement. As a precaution, we’re not letting anyone in until we know the building is safe and secure.”

I rubbed my neck.Am I flushed?

“I heard people are heading to the hospital,” she continued. “Thank you for that. We’ll figure out ways to reimburse you for this night of not being able to live in your condos.” She sounded so tired. “Oh, and make sure you log on to our Facebook page, where we’ll be posting hourly updates, and I’ll text all tenants when I get the all clear for your return.”

“Jamie, come on. What about me? I don’t work at the hospital,” a guy named Pete groused.

“I can set you up in one of the call rooms,” Sparrow said.

I did a double take, surprised he had the fortitude to be so charitable, or the pull.

Pete nodded as if he were an obedient robot. “That’ll be nice. I don’t have the extra cash for a hotel.”

“And anyone else who needs a bed tonight, let’s go to the hospital, and I’ll get you one,” Sparrow, the man who’d only arrived days ago, said.

Chatter broke out in the group. I was still dead set on staying in a hotel room for the night or as long as needed. I could afford it. Then Sparrow took me by the hand, and I felt a business card in my palm.

“Go here,” he whispered in my ear. “It’s within walking distance. The doorman will be waiting for you.”

I was still holding the card as I watched him lead the rest of the tenants down the street. He was like the Pied Piper. They were all so fixated on him that nobody noticed me remaining behind, confused about what to do next.