Chapter Thirteen. Red Lion

Walden goes to the Marshal barracks and finds Laura packing to leave after being dismissed. They acknowledge the formal review is in motion under consultant Mark Daubery, and Walden tries to reassure Laura about her efforts during the incursion. Laura, not seeking comfort, suggests a drink.

At the Red Lion, Laura bluntly says the sacking could only have been her or Walden, and argues Chetwood needs Walden more. She warns that, with Old Faithful gone, other demons will now target the school, while she expects reassignment to London fieldwork, likely retaining most of her Order rank.

Their talk turns to the almost-date after the crisis. Both admit attraction but agree long‑distance would be unsustainable, given careers and time. Walden reflects on preferring her independent life, and they let the possibility go with mutual goodwill.

Walking back, they debate Chetwood’s privilege versus its genuine value to students, touching on access, fees, and scholarships. Laura voices mixed feelings about the school’s rarefied world and admits she’ll miss parts of it even as she’s ready to leave.

They agree the Marshal barracks should be upgraded, which Laura has recommended. Reaching the path to the barracks, an attempted parting kiss fumbles into awkwardness. They say goodnight and separate, each accepting the end of their brief, unrealized connection.