I pulled my hood over my head and ran toward the edge of campus.

Once I reached the sidewalk of the main street, I pulled out my phone and dialed Arthur Pendelton’s office.

The receptionist answered on the second ring.

“Arthur Pendelton’s office.”

“It’s Ava Parker,” I said, walking fast. “I need to speak with Arthur. It is an emergency.”

A second later, Arthur’s deep, calm voice came through the line.

“Ava? What is happening?”

“My father just tried to trap me at the dean’s office,” I said. “I’m on my way to meet Sean. Brandon’s old partner.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

“Sean?” Arthur asked. “The partner who disappeared after their tech venture went under?”

“Yes,” I said. “He texted me. He says he has something for me. He wants to meet at the diner on Fourth Street.”

“I am leaving my office now,” Arthur said. “Do not sign anything, and do not make any deals until I get there.”

“Just hurry,” I said.

I hung up and tucked the phone into my pocket, keeping my head down against the wind.