“What is your name, young man?”

Luke froze. He had to stop himself from saying his real name automatically. Then he had a split second of fearing he wouldn’t be able to remember the name he was supposed to use. Was he taking too long? The man’s glare intensified.

“L–L-Lee. Lee Grant,” Luke finally stammered.

“Well, Mr. Grant,” the man snapped. “This is a fine way to begin your academic career at Hendricks. You and Mr. Sturgeon each have two demerits for this disgraceful display. You may report to my room after the final bell to do your time.”

“But, sir, I told you,” Rally protested. “He attacked me.”

“Very well, Mr. Sturgeon. Make that three demerits for each of you.”

“But—” Rally was undeterred.

“Four.”

Rolly was going to complain again. Luke could tell by the way he was standing. But the man turned away and began walking down the hall, as if Rally and Luke were both too unimportant to bother with, and he’d wasted enough time already.

Luke’s head swam with questions. What were demerits? When was final bell? Where was this man’s room? Who was he, anyway? Luke tried to muster up the nerve to call after the man — or to ask Rally, which seemed even more dangerous. But then he was blindsided with a shove that sent him crashing into the wall.

“Fonrol!” Rolly exploded.

Luke slumped against the wall. Hi~ shoulder throbbed. Why did Rolly seem to hate him so much?

“Well, come on, you little exnay,” Rally taunted. “Want to get demerits from Mr. Dirk, too?”

He stepped backwards, tugging on Luke’s suitcase. Then he shoved it through a nearby doorway. Luke looked up and saw 156 etched on a copper plaque on the door. Relief overwhelmed him. Finally something made sense. This was his room. The rest of the day would be horrible — he’d already resigned himself to that. But eventually it would be night, and he’d be sent to bed, and he could come to this room and shut the door. And then he could read the note from Jen’s dad, if he didn’t get a chance to read it before bedtime. Come nightfall, he’d know everything and be safe, alone in his own room.