“If you came here to talk about back payments or the mortgage letters, this is completely inappropriate,” Daniel said.

He spoke quickly, in the clipped, formal tone of a board meeting.

“I’m on the event host committee.”

“I didn’t come here for your money,” Claire said.

“Then why are you standing outside the testing wing?” Daniel asked.

He did not look at her face; his eyes stayed fixed on the hallway clock above her head.

“This is an invitation-only academic event for accredited programs.”

Claire reached into her purse and felt the rough edge of the manila folder resting against the bottom lining.