Security, the chief barked. Remove her. But Jada was already halfway to the podium holding the documents high. It's all here, dated, signed, and verified. Your whole system of protection for bullies and racists.
Phones swiveled to follow her. The live stream count on Luna's screen ticked up rapidly. Hundred, thousands, tens of thousands. This is your final warning, Chief Whitmore growled. His hand moved to his belt.
What are you afraid of, Jada demanded. The truth that everyone will finally see. The chief's hand slammed a red button on the podium. Instantly, piercing alarms filled the air. Emergency strobes cast wild shadows as people jumped up in confusion.
Active threat protocol, Whitmore shouted over the noise. Clear the building. Before Jada could react, two officers tackled her from behind. Her papers scattered across the floor as they drove her to the ground. She didn't resist.
She'd expected this. Instead, she turned her face toward Luna's camera and spoke clearly. Check the school's cloud secure archives. It's all there. They can't hide it any A hand roughly turned her head as cold metal clicked around her wrists.
Through the chaos, she glimpsed Luna's phone screen. The viewer count had exploded. Comments and shares flooded in faster than they could load. Stand with Jada flashed past again and again. But mixed with the support, doubt crept in.
"Another troublemaker playing victim, " one comment read. "If she had proof, why not go through proper channels? " asked another. They hauled her to her feet. Chief Whitmore stood at the podium, projecting calm authority as he addressed the cameras.
"As you can see, this is exactly the kind of disruptive behavior we've been dealing with. Rest assured, we will maintain order in Beaumont Crossing. " "Mrs. Price's voice cut through the noise. "I am her lawyer. You have no grounds for this arrest.
" But they were already moving Jada toward the exit. She caught glimpses of faces in the crowd. Some shocked, some satisfied, some simply turning away. Her evidence lay scattered and trampled on the floor. Through the glass doors, she saw more police cars arriving, lights flashing.
News reporters shoved microphones forward, shouting questions. The scene felt surreal, like something from a movie. Just before they pushed her into a cruiser, Jada locked eyes with Luna, who was still filming. She gave a slight nod. The truth was out there now, spreading through the digital ether.