Jordan smiled. For the first time since Chase had called him an easy target, he felt something close to peace. Then Walter asked a question. What happens to the others? The laughter faded.
Jordan looked at him. Walter sat across the table with both hands around a coffee mug. What others? The people in those files. Jordan's smile disappeared.
Coach Brooks lowered his fork. Emily looked toward Professor Hayes. Angela's hand rested lightly on Jordan's arm. Nobody answered. Walter continued.
Crownbridge cleared you. Yes. Your job is safe. Yes. Good.
He nodded. That's good. Jordan knew what was coming. Walter looked directly at him. But they didn't clear those other people.
Professor Hayes spoke carefully. Those cases would require separate review. Are they reviewing them? Not yet. Walter nodded once.
Shh. That answer told him enough. Jordan looked down at the table. Beside his coffee cup lay the 417 key. He had placed it there without thinking.
The brass caught the yellow light. Angela noticed where his eyes had gone. Jordan. He looked at her. You don't owe everybody another fight.
He heard the fear beneath the words. Not fear of chase. Fear for him. Angela had buried her husband, lost a home, worked hospital floors until her back hurt, watched her son carry too much because he rarely complained. She reached for his hand.
You got your future back. Jordan nodded. I know you've you've done enough. The room stayed quiet. Angela's voice softened.
I am proud of what you did. I'm proud of how you handled yourself, but being right doesn't mean you have to let this consume you. Jordan looked around Ruth's kitchen. Rachel wiping down the counter. Coach Brooks staring into his plate.
Emily sitting with the evidence that saved him. Walter alive because 3 years earlier, Jordan had refused to stop pressing his hands against the man's chest until help arrived. Professor Hayes beside a stack of copied documents. Jordan could walk away. For the first time, nobody could reasonably accuse him of cowardice for doing it.
He had protected himself, protected his degree, protected his career. Maybe enough really was enough. Rachel turned off the front neon sign. The red glow vanished from the window. Ruth's kitchen became quieter.
Only the refrigerator Jordan had repaired hummed beneath the counter. Jordan picked up the key. What happens to the next man when nobody records it? Nobody answered. Walter studied him.
Jordan continued, "They fixed mine because everybody was watching." Professor Hayes leaned back slowly. Emily lowered her eyes. Jordan looked at Walter. "And what happens when nobody is?"