The Empty Chair at Nine O’Clock
Chapter 06 - The Empty Chair at Nine O’Clock
Blackwell University’s doctoral defense room opened at 8:30 a.m.
The committee expected Nora might postpone.
Instead, she entered wearing a navy suit borrowed from Lena. Her hair ended unevenly at her jaw. A small adhesive strip covered one scratch near her neck.
The room became silent.
Professor Samuel Cole, the committee chair, asked whether she wanted a closed session.
Nora declined.
Several hospital researchers, students, and university counsel sat in the audience. Two investigators remained near the doors.
Daniel’s chair was empty.
Margaret’s was not.
She entered at 8:57 with an attorney and demanded cancellation.
“This candidate is experiencing a documented psychiatric crisis.”
Professor Cole held up the submitted dissertation record.
“The university received an attempted unauthorized withdrawal and a recording relevant to coercion. The candidate has been independently evaluated and has chosen to proceed.”
Margaret looked at Nora.
“You are destroying your mother’s legacy.”
Nora connected her laptop to the screen.
“My mother’s legacy survived you.”
The first slide appeared.
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WHEN AUTHORITY EDITS THE RECORD.
At exactly nine o’clock, the defense began.
