Free The Spire by Richard North Patterson

'I have to tell Clark Durbin, and you're coming with me.'

5
    T
    HEY RUSHED TO D URBIN'S HOUSE ON FOOT. S TILL disoriented, unsure of his role here, Mark sensed that Farr meant to keep him close, away from Steve or Joe or the police. His face careworn, Farr said little. Only when they approached the door of the president's house did he pause, saying softly and sadly, 'That beautiful girl.' Then he stood taller, fully himself, and rapped the brass door knocker.
    Opening the door, Durbin looked from Farr to Darrow, his reflexive half smile at odds with his expression of puzzlement. 'There's been a terrible tragedy,' Farr said in a low voice. 'Angela Hall, a black scholarship student. Mark found her at the Spire, strangled. The police are already there.'
    Durbin stared at Mark, lips parting slightly. He had been president for three months. Yesterday at the Spire, when Mark had met him for the first time, his fleeting impression had been of a slight dark-haired man in his forties with a ready smile and warm blue eyes who gave off a jittery energy. Now his body seemed to sag; in his slack expression and softening chin, Mark saw only shock. For an instant, Mark compared his reaction to Farr's'Durbin seemed momentarily paralyzed.
    'Come in,' he said haltingly. 'Please.'
    Mark followed Farr inside. The one-story house was modern and light, with an open floor plan and tall windows that looked out on a patio and garden. Durbin waved them to a couch, sitting across from them with his hands clasped, his expression more focused. 'A student's lost her life,' he said. 'That's the worst thing that can hit any school. I need to hear everything you know.'
    Farr took a moment to gather himself. 'That's why I'm here. Not many'if any'people know. By this afternoon everyone will. No matter the shock, you'll have to move quickly. But it's worth taking an hour now to design the best response.' Farr nodded toward Mark. 'From what I understand, this tragedy may have started with a party at the DBE house. Mark was there. He has a story to tell you that may bear on what you should do.'
    Surprised, Mark stared at Farr. 'Go ahead,' Durbin urged Mark. 'Please.'
    Facing him, Mark outlined the events, culminating in Angela's departure with Steve. He could not shake the sense of betraying his friend. But Durbin listened closely, his expression open and even kind. 'Thank you, Mark,' he said, then turned to Farr. 'Obviously, I need to address the school right away. The students will need a sense of calmness.'
    'That's only part of it,' Farr ventured. 'The police know all this from Mark'no doubt they're questioning Steve Tillman right now. Inevitably, this story will be tinged with drugs, alcohol, and overtones of racism. It heightens the risk of frightening our students and our applicants, including minorities. How you react in the next twenty-four hours, and then the next few days, will help determine how bad that gets.' Farr leaned forward, saying gently, 'I've had a few more minutes to think about this. May I offer some suggestions''
    To Mark, Durbin appeared freshly appalled by what he faced. 'Please.'
    'First, call an all-school meeting for seven o'clock tonight'use the school's voice-mail system. Between then and now, phone Angela's mother to express our grief and ask what we can do. Call any leader of the black community you can find. Also our board chair and general counsel'you'll need their advice, and there'll be hell to pay if you don't take it. Especially about preventing a racial or town-gown conflict.'
    Durbin held up his hand. Walking to a desk, he took out a legal pad and pen. Sitting again, he asked, 'How do you see this all-school meeting''
    'The purpose'as you say'is to calm the campus. Offer the students grief counseling. Announce a memorial service for Angela, and a day of reflection in our classrooms on what this tragedy means to Caldwell. Invite student leaders in for meetings'including leaders of minority groups.'
    'What about campus