“Who is this?” Vance asked, looking down at Caroline’s worn work shoes.

Grant shifted the tray to his left hand and stepped forward to block Vance’s view of her face.

“This is the night cleaner who keeps the hallway tidy,” Grant said.

His voice was smooth and polite, the tone he used for store clerks and parking attendants.

“She’s just finishing up her rounds for the building manager,” Grant said.

Caroline looked straight at Grant’s necktie, but he kept his face turned toward the elevators.

“Make sure the floor is dry before the morning tenants arrive,” Vance said, walking past her without looking down.