The board chair leaned over and whispered something to him. The admiral didn’t seem to hear.
Then he set his note cards down on the podium.
He stepped away from the microphone.
He walked to the edge of the stage. He stepped off it. Down the three wooden steps to the gymnasium floor.
Part Ten: The Walk
Dr. Prentiss rushed to intercept him.
He met the admiral at the bottom of the stage steps. He leaned in close. He was whispering. Fast.
Panicked. Gesturing toward our table and then toward the stage.
I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I didn’t need to.
I’m so sorry, Admiral. I’ve already asked him to leave. I’ll take care of it. Please, go back to the podium.
The admiral did not break his stride.
He walked right past Dr. Prentiss. Like Dr. Prentiss wasn’t there.
He walked between the crowded tables. Past two hundred fathers and sons. Past the men in tailored suits and the boys in navy blazers. Past the string quartet in the corner, who’d put down
