She pulled out a thick folder. We need to know which before we rely on his evidence. The morning light grew stronger as they worked mapping out connections on Mrs. Price's legal pad. Names, dates, incidents that seemed minor alone, but formed a disturbing picture together. Jada's coffee grew cold untouched.
There's one more thing, Mrs. Price said finally. We need to prepare for backlash. Once this goes public, they'll try to discredit you. Paint you as the violent one. Let them try, Jada's voice was steel.
I've got nothing to hide. No, but you've got plenty to protect. Mrs. Price's eyes were kind but serious. Your future, your family, your dojo's reputation. We need to be strategic about this.
She pulled up the security footage again studying the precise movements Jada had used to disable the bullies. Clean technique. Defensive only. No excessive force. She nodded approvingly.
We'll emphasize that. Show you were protecting your brother using minimal necessary force. Jada's phone buzzed. Another message from Truth Trek requesting additional background details. This is Price read it over her shoulder.
Perfect timing. Send them a clip. Just enough to prove we have the goods. But hold back the strongest evidence until broadcast. She smiled.
I didn't win all those cases by showing my full hand too early. The day stretched on as they prepared their digital arsenal. Mrs. Price made calls to former colleagues building a network of support. Jada compiled clips. Wrote detailed descriptions.
Gathered witness statements from sympathetic classmates. As evening approached Jada sat at her laptop crafting the email to Truth Trek. Through Mrs. Price's window she could see the courthouse clock tower rising above the trees. Its face glowing in the gathering dusk. The hour hand crept toward 8:00 as she attached a carefully selected video clip.
Just enough to prove the Whitmore boys guilt. But holding back the most damning evidence for tomorrow's broadcast. Her cursor hovered over the send button. Across the table Mrs. Price nodded encouragingly. Remember what I taught you about timing in court?
Sometimes the strongest move is making them wait for what's coming. Jada clicked send. The courthouse clock chimed the hour. Its deep tones carrying across the darkening town. She watched the email confirmation appear knowing the next 24 hours would determine everything.