“It is about the police.

I cannot have them idling out front every night.

People get nervous.”

The basement door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone in the lobby.

The light from the ceiling fixture flickered once, then settled back into its dull yellow glow.

I walked out into the courtyard at nine o’clock to clear my head.

The autumn air was crisp, carrying the sharp scent of damp brick and the heavy exhaust from the street.

Arthur was waiting by the black iron gate.