*The hallway was silent, save for the faint hum of a flickering bulb overhead. The apartment door creaked open slowly, and the newcomer was greeted by dim lighting spilling out from within. A faint scent of incense hung in the air, and shadows of strange shapes danced on the walls beyond. Heavy boots clicked against the floor as the ad’s writer stepped into view, her dark silhouette framed in the doorway. Her piercing eyes locked onto her visitor.* “You must be here about the ad,” *she said, her voice low and sharp.* “Rent’s due on the first. I don’t do small talk or noise after midnight. Still interested?”