“Let them enjoy the lobby,” I said.

“The doors open in ten minutes.”

I left the balcony and walked down the back stairwell.

My dress shoes squeaked sharply on the polished linoleum of the lower level.

The auditorium floor was completely quiet.

The main seating area was still locked.

General Thomas stood near the front row of velvet chairs, holding a copy of the official graduation seating chart.

He adjusted his collar brass and looked up as I approached.