Chapter 76
Chapter 76:
Arthur Vance stepped out of a black town car. He adjusted the lapels of his Italian wool suit. He wasn’t here to work; he was here to visit Joe Miller, his oldest friend who was recovering from hip surgery.
He walked into the lobby of his old apartment complex. The smell of damp plaster and bleach brought back memories of long shifts and aching backs. But today, he walked with his head high.
“Joe?” Arthur called out as he reached the mailboxes.
Joe Miller was standing there, looking distressed. Next to him was Zack Lane, the property manager, holding a clipboard and chewing on a toothpick.
“I’m telling you, Joe,” Zack sneered. “Rent is late. You’re out p>
“It’s not late!” Joe argued, his voice shaking. “I paid it yesterday p>
Zack saw Arthur. His eyes narrowed. He took in the suit, the polished shoes, the air of dignity.
“Well, well,” Zack laughed. “Look who it is. The janitor returns. Who did you rob to buy that suit, Arthur? Or is your granddaughter still turning tricks for billionaires p>
Arthur’s face hardened. “Watch your mouth, Zack. I am here to see a friend p>
“You have no friends here,” Zack spat. He stepped closer, invading Arthur’s personal space. “You think because you put on a costume you’re better than us? You’re still trash. And Joe here is trash. In fact, I’m evicting Joe right now. Just because I don’t like his face. And I don’t like yours p>
Zack shoved Joe. The frail man stumbled.
Arthur moved instantly. He caught Joe before he fell.
“You cannot evict him without cause,” Arthur said, his voice steady but cold. “That is illegal p>
“I am the law here!” Zack yelled. He poked a finger into Arthur’s chest, leaving a wet mark on the expensive wool. “Get out. Both of you. Before I call the cops and tell them you’re trespassing p>
gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝖼0𝗺, 𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒸𝒽 𝒽𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓃 𝗈𝗇
Two other maintenance workers, Liam and Mark, stepped forward. “Hey, take it easy, Zack. Mr. Vance is just visiting p>
“Shut up, or you’re fired too!” Zack yelled. He turned back to Arthur. “Go on, ‘Mr. Vance.’ Run back to your sugar baby granddaughter p>
Arthur didn’t flinch. He carefully brushed the spot where Zack had touched him.
“You have made a mistake, Mr. Lane,” Arthur said softly.
“Get out!” Zack screamed.
Arthur helped Joe toward the door. He didn’t run. He walked with a calm purpose that was far more terrifying than rage.
Once outside, under the shelter of the awning, Arthur pulled out his phone. He dialed Aurora.
Aurora was in a board meeting at Pulse. The room was discussing quarterly projections. Her phone buzzed. She saw Grandpa’s name.
She raised a hand, stopping Victor King mid-sentence.
She answered. “Grandpa? Is everything okay p>