“I don’t want to go around touching strangers. It’s weird.”
“We came all this way, and if touching a stranger leads to uncovering Ian’s whereabouts, isn’t it worth it?”
She swallows, bobbing her head. “If I have to in this meeting, I will,” she promises.
“I’m coming in with you.”
Nina skids to a stop, whirling on me. “That’s not necessary, Alyssa. I’m more than capable of having a conversation.”
“I know that, but I want to be there. I might pick up on something that you don’t.”
We’ve stopped at the base of what appears to be one of the oldest buildings at Providence University, Rexton Hall. It towers above us, its imposing stone structure adorned with hanging buttresses. A plaque, standing a foot taller than me, explains that Rexton Hall is a black-foliated building dating back to the 1800s.Originally a church, it was acquired by the university in the early 1900s and became the first building to house classes for Providence University, formerly known as Hathor University, named after its founder, Arin Hathor.
“This place is…”
“Petrifying?” Nina says, staring up at the Gothic monstrosity.
“It’s a bit creepy.”
The clock tower bell chimes, signaling it’s ten a.m. and we need to be meeting with the professor.
We burst through the weighty doors, our footsteps echoing as we race up the stairs to the right, making a beeline for the third floor, where the professor’s offices are situated. By the time we reach the landing, we’re breathless, and to our humiliation, the professor is already waiting outside his door, a faint hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he witnesses our panting.
“Hello, ladies.” He greets us with a smooth, almost suave tone that sets my instincts on edge. “Come in.” With a polite gesture, he steps aside, allowing us to enter.
The room is sparsely furnished, dominated by a basic oak desk positioned across from two empty chairs. Cream walls adorned with an array of framed certificates and awards lend an air of academic authority to the space.
“How can I assist you?” he inquires, taking his seat and intertwining his fingers beneath his chin.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Professor Drake,” Nina begins, her tone polite but tinged with underlying tension.
“Dillon is fine, please,” he interjects, flashing a toothy grin.
“Dillon,” Nina corrects with a smile, maintaining her composure. “I realize this may seem rather unorthodox, but I’m in search of someone, and I was hoping you might be able to provide some insight.” As she speaks, I can’t help but notice the slight raise of his eyebrow.
“And who would you be seeking?”
“Ian Whalen.”
His eyes widen momentarily before he swiftly masks his expression, adopting an air of indifference. “I’m afraid I’m not certain how I can assist you. It’s been quite some time since Ian was associated with Providence.”
“I’m aware,” she says. “But you were roommates. Surely, you’ve remained in touch.”
“I haven’t been in contact with him since he left.”
His right eye twitches, and his fingers tap on his desk. Two signs that tell me he isn’t being truthful.
“Do you have any idea where Ian might’ve gone? Another university?” she asks, and he slams his lips together, shaking his head.
“I’m sorry. I have no information. I wish I could be more help.”
Nina’s expression falls, indicating she’s giving up, but I won’t allow it. I subtly nudge her foot with my own, silently urging her to continue with her questioning. She glances up at me from the corner of her eye, and I tap her foot again, hoping to convey the importance of making physical contact with him. After a deep breath, she leans forward and places her hand on top of his, halting the rhythmic strumming. Although he eyes her hand with curiosity, he doesn’t move his hand out from under hers.
“Are you sure he never mentioned where he was going? He must have said something,” I press, noticing the bob of his throat as he prepares to fabricate another lie.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have any information,” he repeats, finally withdrawing his hand.
Rising from his chair, he moves toward the door. “If there’s nothing else I can assist you with, I’m afraid I must make my way across campus for my next class.”
