For the first time since Thane arrived, the sun was shining outside. It was still cold outside, but one breath of the crisp air was enough to invigorate him for the entire day. From the balcony, Thane saw a dark gray sedan parked below, free of the snow that blanketed everything else in the area.

Downstairs, he greeted the front desk clerk with a nod and said, “I’m Thane Edwards from forty-two A checking out. I’m also here for the keys to the gray sedan outside.” He set his ...