Out of Order | ONC 2022

8

It wasn't like the movies or televisions shows; no crowbars or brute strength to open the doors, just a few clicks and undetermined sounds from somewhere inside the elevator shaft before the doors slowly opened. The hallway lights were blinding compared to the weak phone flashlight that Callum and Logan had to squint for his eyes to adjust.

Once adjusted, four firefighters and an annoyed-looking Charlotte were revealed with her arms crossed. Callum was no stranger to that glare of hers, but it was behind her that Callum let out a groan. Behind the firefighters and his secretary were about five members of the finance team, all with their belongings to head home. Most likely, the other elevators had shut off once the lights were off, too, leaving them stranded on the twenty-fifth floor—if they hadn't taken the many flights of stairs down. Spencer, the head of finance, was there with a glare that rivaled Charlotte's, obviously peeved at the situation, finding Callum at fault for the inconvenience. Because who else was to blame for the inconvenience but the CEO himself.

Logan stepped out of the elevator first, nearly stumbling if it hadn't been for the taller firefighter lending out a hand. The marketing lead didn't flinch or recoil from his touch, which made Callum frown. One of the firefighters asked Logan, "you alright?"

Even with a nod, the other men asked him a series of questions before inspecting the elevator car. Logan laughed at one of their jokes before jeering a thumb at Callum.

The firefighters walked over to Callum. "You alright, sir?"

"Yeah, just sweaty and tired."

According to the name alongside the man's helmet, McNeil had smiled and pointed to the death trap they escaped. "Looks like the inspection is overdue. I'd make sure that gets checked up as soon as possible. The young man says you're the CEO."

"Yes, I am." Callum pursed his lips. "We scheduled an inspection later this week."

McNeil nodded. "Luckily, nothing appears damaged, and they should all be operable now with the power back on."

"Thanks."

McNeil and another firefighter walked over to Charlotte, discussing some tips for any future problems with the elevator before packing up their things.

Callum turned to Logan, who was on his phone scrolling through new messages, presumably from the ex-boyfriend Logan was referring to earlier.

He cleared his throat, and Logan retracted his phone, placing it against his chest as if caught doing something he shouldn't. He craned his neck up to look at Callum. "Sorry, did you say something?"

"I'll buy you lunch or whatever," Callum said, his words stumbling after one another. "For putting up with my nonsense."

Logan's brows shot up. He held his free hand out in front of him. "Oh, no, it's fine. You had to deal with me too."

Callum would've argued and insisted, but Charlotte cleared her throat, beckoning Callum with her finger from the other side of the hall. He turned back to the marketing lead. "Right, well, get home safe."

Logan slowly nodded and walked over to the firefighters and finance team with a confused look, waiting for the next elevators. Callum turned around, cursing himself internally. His feet dragged behind him as he walked over to Charlotte, her eyes narrowed from their exchange.

Callum made a face. "Yes, Ms. Ching?"

"Glad to see that you two are decent," Charlotte said quietly. "So much for ignoring him, huh?"

"Decent?" He raised a brow. She scoffed before pointing at his loose tie and the jacket draped over his arm. Callum grabbed her shirt sleeve, pulling her further away from the firefighters and Logan. "Charlotte. It was hot in there. The suit isn't exactly breathable."