When you pull up outside Chalidah's, you notice there are far more people around the building than the first time you came here, as if someone has leaked the location of the establishment. Groups of three or four people are gathered around cars or hanging out outside the other derelict buildings in the block. Chalidah's building looks as inconspicuous as ever, but everyone in this crowd gives you the impression that they know it's there. So far, they don't look organized, or even menacing for that matter, so you let it go.
For now.
It's Sendra who greets you at the door. Her face is tense, full of angles. "You've heard about the fire?"
You nod.
"I guess you've annoyed someone good this time."
You could say you're playing with fire, but that would be cynical, wouldn't it? "I guess so."
Sendra nods toward the lobby. "Come on in," she says. "I'll stay over here, keep an eye on the faces outside."
Go Inside