The first pull lifted the service grate from the laundromat floor. Waddell put his boot across it before it could strike the wall. Under the grate, an old pipe rang against its bracket, then drew a breath of its own.
He braced the handle of his wrench against the floor. Gojaro held the other end of the grate while Rosa watched the south lane. Oscar's voice came through the radio from the north door, low and scratchy.
"The return's pulling again. Keep the north door clear."
"Two neighbors want water before they go back to their rooms. I can't tell them when this corridor will be safe."
