The Dean's Office

The summons came an hour later.

Dean Vance sat behind a mahogany desk that looked like a coffin. He held a tablet in his hand.

"Mr. Finch," the Dean said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "We have some concerning security footage."

He turned the tablet around.

It was grainy footage from the steam tunnels. Two figures. One with blue hair. One with a lab coat.

"We identified Ms. Wilder immediately, of course," the Dean said. "But the other figure... well, we were surprised. You are our brightest candidate, Oliver. You have the Fellowship grant."

Oliver felt the blood drain from his face. His career. His funding. His entire carefully constructed future.

"We know Ms. Wilder is planning some... stunt," the Dean said. "Vandalism of the Clock Tower. If you were assisting her, Oliver, that makes you an accessory. We would have to revoke your grant. Expulsion is likely."

The Dean leaned forward. "However. If you were merely... observing a hazard? If you were trying to stop her? Then perhaps we can overlook this indiscretion."

Oliver looked at the tablet. He looked at the Dean.

He thought about the 4.2%. He thought about Bex on the roof, disappointed in him.

Fear won.

"I was trying to stop her," Oliver lied, his voice hollow. "I told her it was dangerous. I have nothing to do with it."

The Dean smiled. "Excellent. Then you won't mind if we lock down the tower access tonight? We'll put extra security on the ground."

"No," Oliver said. "I don't mind."

He walked out of the office. He felt safer than he had in weeks. And he felt like he was rotting from the inside out.

He found Bex in the cafeteria. She was eating an apple, studying the schematics.

"I talked to the Dean," Oliver said.

Bex looked up, hopeful. "Did you distract him?"

"I told him I had nothing to do with you," Oliver said. "I told him I tried to stop you."

Bex went still. "You what?"

"He has footage of the tunnels, Bex. He threatened my grant."

"So you sold me out?" she asked quietly.

"I saved my career!" Oliver snapped, desperate to justify his cowardice. "And I saved you! They're locking the tower. You can't do the jump. You're safe."

Bex stood up. She looked at him with a profound sadness. It was worse than anger.

"You think safety is the point," she said. "I thought... I thought you were brave enough to trust the fall. I thought you were different."

She picked up her backpack.

"I'll find another way up," she said. "Enjoy your grant, Oliver. I hope it keeps you warm."

She walked away, leaving him alone in the crowded room.

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