I walked past him into the long administration hallway leading to the faculty offices.

Derek stepped out from behind a stone pillar by the double doors, holding a yellow legal pad and a single white document stamped with blue bank lettering.

His hair was damp at the temples, and his silk tie had pulled a little away from his starched collar.

“I heard what you told Dad in the alcove,” Derek said, his voice fast and defensive.

“You think you proved something up on that stage today?”