Richard Whitmore stood near the center of the reception, speaking with a university vice president beneath a donor wall bearing the Witmore family name. At 57, Richard looked exactly like what Crownbridge rewarded. Silver at the temples, dark tailored suit, measured smile. The calm of a man accustomed to walking into rooms where people already knew he mattered. Chase watched his father shake hands.
Then he looked back at Jordan. Jordan was laughing quietly with two faculty members. People were listening to him, not laughing at him. Listening. Chase's jaw tightened.
Tyler noticed. What's wrong? Chase lifted his glass. Nothing. Logan followed his gaze.
Oh. Jordan was explaining his model again. A woman from a local engineering company handed him a business card. Chase's expression changed. The joke had worked when Jordan was alone on a walkway.
It worked less well when Jordan stood beside a professional display answering technical questions while people with money nodded. Tyler smirked. Want me to go congratulate him? Chase took a sip. No. Then after a moment, "Wait until he leaves the room."
Jordan remained inside another half hour. He spoke with donors. He thanked Professor Hayes. He carefully slid his recommendation letter and supporting documents back into the portfolio. At 7:15, he checked the route 417 schedule on his phone.
If he missed the 738, the next bus would make him wait nearly 40 minutes in the rain. Professor Hayes noticed. You heading out? Trying to. You did well tonight.
Jordan looked at the display. Think so? I know so. For a moment, the weak loosened its grip on him. Then, Professor Hayes was called toward another faculty group.
Jordan zipped his portfolio. He stepped outside. Rain hissed against the terrace. The covered section near the entrance was crowded with donors waiting for cars, students talking in clusters, and staff gathering empty glasses from outdoor tables. Jordan had gone less than 20 ft when Tyler stepped in front of him again.
For a second, Jordan simply stared, not because he was surprised, because he was tired. Chase stood several feet behind Tyler. Logan already had his phone raised. The red recording light was on. Jordan looked past them.
The glass doors behind him reflected dozens of faces. Some students, some donors, some faculty. Richard Whitmore stood inside near the doors, still talking with two university administrators. Jordan could see him clearly. Chase followed Jordan's gaze.
My father's busy. Jordan looked back at him. I didn't ask about your father. No, you just spend a lot of time thinking everybody should care what happens to you. Jordan shifted the portfolio under his arm.
I need to catch my bus. Tyler laughed. There it is. What? The bus.
Chase smiled. Big engineering star rides home on public transit. Jordan said nothing. Logan moved slightly to the side. Better angle.
Jordan saw it. The same arrangement as before. The same trap. He tried to step around Tyler. Tyler moved with him.