I could see the muscles in Samuel 's jaw clench when he realized Derek was right. He clearly didn't like it, but didn't have a response.
Robert stepped in, "There will be a hearing to discuss the events of that night tomorrow. The Council members and I need to return to the auditorium. Derek, I think you should let Ms. Sparks and Mr. Nash have some time alone to catch up. Why don't you come with us? Ms. Sparks will join you in the auditorium shortly."
Derek started to protest, but his grandfather silenced him with a look. "There will be guards posted outside the door. She will be perfectly safe. After you."
Robert raised a hand to indicate everyone should follow Derek out of the room. Derek threw one last frustrated look at me and Samuel , but with his grandfather's hand on his elbow he
