“Sarah is tied up with administrative duties on base.

Military schedules are so rigid, you know, so we told her not to strain herself trying to come.”

Two feet away from her, Derek tapped his right foot on the patterned carpet in a quick, nervous rhythm.

He wore a dark navy suit with silver cufflinks and was typing on his phone with both thumbs while talking over Eleanor’s shoulder.

“Our early burn rate is completely manageable,” Derek told a nearby donor in a fast corporate clip.