I steady my hand on the door handle as I close it behind me.
“I’m sorry I rushed you out yesterday. Your first day and I barely said hello.”
“I understand. You’re a busy man.”
He nods and waves his hand toward a chair in front of his desk. “Yes, but that’s no excuse. Have a seat. How are you finding Madison Academy so far?”
“It’s still early, I think. The food is great.”
He laughs and rubs his chin. “Well, that’s something, I guess. And your room? Is it satisfactory?”
“It’s wonderful, thanks.”
“Your roommates? Ben and Laura are two of our best and brightest.”
“They’re popular. That’s clear.”
His brow lifts, and I force more enthusiasm into my expression.
“I heard your group session was colorful. I hope you’re not as discouraged by your start as your instructor made it sound.”
My pulse pounds in anger. “She talks about what we discuss?”
He covers his slip with a patient smile. “Only with me, my dear. Don’t worry. And I’m not here to judge you for your opinions. I’m only worried about you and want to make sure we get off on the right foot.”
“I see. Well, I’m fine. I was just being honest, like she wanted.”
He rests his elbows on his desk and leans forward. “Look, I’ll be honest with you too. It’s only fair since we ask it of our students. I hesitated to put you in Birchwood, but, in the end, it was the only opening in a senior room, and I thought you’d get along with Ben and Laura.”
I remain silent, waiting for the inevitable warning that’s become an anthem at this school. When he hesitates, I continue for him. “You’re worried about Daniel Mueller.”
The director shifts uncomfortably. “Yes. Unfortunately not all of our students are as enthusiastic about their enrollment here as they should be.”
“So why is he here? Why doesn’t he leave if he hates it so much?”
“Well, it’s more complicated than that.”
Surprised, I straighten a bit in my chair. “He’s not here voluntarily?”
“Not entirely, no. But I’m not at liberty to discuss specific details about other students, especially our mandated ones.”
Mandated? No details allowed—except that one for some reason. I recast Daniel’s situation in a whole new light, also while distrusting Clausen even more.
“Daniel has an accent. It sounds German or something.”
Even the director’s nod seems calculated now. Funny how different this interview feels from the session with Anna just minutes ago. “You have a good ear. He was born in Germany and spent half his life there.”
“How long has he been here?”
“A long time.” More tantalizing half-truths. Is he trying to hook me or deflect me? “Look, there’s a reason he keeps to himself. It’s best for everyone if you all just attend your classes and enjoy everything our lovely school has to offer separate from him as much as possible. If we could move Daniel to another room, we would, but unfortunately, he’s had the most success in the isolated Birchwood Suite.”
“He’s not there much anyway,” I say, watching his face for more clues. “Where does he go all the time? This is a closed campus.”
He must be on to me because his smile only looks sincere this time. “Like I said, his situation doesn’t concern anyone else and we’re dealing with him as best we can.”
“You didn’t say that.”
“Didn’t I? I suppose not. It was just an expression.”
