He exhaled through his nose, slow and deliberate, the way he did when he needed to keep his thoughts in line. It didn’t help. His mind had already jumped ahead, assembling scenes he hadn’t invited.
Something had interrupted Adrik. Something close. Something sudden.
Then there was a knock on his door. He got up and answered it. Amelia stood there carrying folders.
“Looks like you have your work cut out,” Hans said.
“Yes, but half is already done. I haven’t seen Adrik in a while.”
“He’s visiting his mother.”
“I miss seeing him.”
“Really?” Hans paused. “I don’t think Adrik has relationships.”
“Relationships? I just want to dance with him at a club. Why do you have a problem with that?”
“No problem. He told me he doesn’t go on dates or have relationships.”
“What does he do then?”
He answered slowly, buying himself time to steady his voice. “Ask him.”
Amelia sat in a chair in front of his desk and began working.
Hans was halfway through answering student emails when his phone rang. An internal number. University extension.
He frowned at the screen and picked up.
“Morning, Professor Schroeger,” a woman said, brisk but pleasant. Administrative pleasant. “This is the Rector’s office.”
Ah. That tone. Neutral. Smiling through the receiver. Dangerous.
“Yes?” Hans said, sitting a little straighter.
“Rector Hoffmann would like to meet with you,” she continued. “Today in an hour, if that suits your schedule.”
In one hour. Not sometime next week. Not when convenient. Today in one hour meant important, which in university language usually meant paperwork, or worse, decisions.
“Of course,” Hans said. “May I ask what the meeting is regarding?”
There was the briefest pause. A breath taken with professional precision.
“It’s a formal discussion,” she said smoothly. “The Rector will explain everything.”
Of course he would.
Hans nodded, even though she couldn’t see it. “All right.”
“Excellent. His office, main building, third floor,” she added, as if Hans hadn’t been there a dozen times already. “You’ll receive a calendar confirmation shortly.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Professor Schroeger. Have a nice day.”
The line went dead.
Hans stared at the phone for a second longer than necessary.
