Mason appeared behind him. Tyler came last. You embarrassed yourself in there. Tyler said. Maya adjusted the strap of her sports bag.
No. I asked about money. You implied corruption. I asked whether conflicts are disclosed. You think those are different? Yes.
Tyler stepped closer. Students passed around them. Some slowed. Nobody stopped. "You should be careful," he said.
Maya looked directly at him, about asking questions, about making accusations you can't prove. Then show everyone the records. Evan raised his phone. Maya noticed the lens again. Tyler noticed her noticing it.
His voice softened. You really have a problem with me, don't you? I want you to leave me alone. Why are you threatening me? Maya blinked.
I didn't. Evan's phone remained pointed at her. Tyler took another half step closer. So, what happens if I don't? Maya understood.
He wanted a sentence, something they could cut loose from everything around it. She looked at Evan. Then Tyler, nothing happens. I walk away and she did. That evening, the video appeared online.
It was 17 seconds long. The beginning was gone. So was Maya's sentence about walking away. The clip opened with Tyler saying, "You really have a problem with me, don't you?" Then Maya, I want you to leave me alone.
Tyler. So, what happens if I don't? A jump in the recording. Maya's face. Serious.
Silent. Then the clip ended. The caption read, "Student threatens SGAVP after public confrontation. By 9:00, it had been shared dozens of times. By 10, strangers were arguing about what Maya had meant.
At 10:14 the next morning, student affairs called her. The office was on Riverton's second floor behind frosted glass. Maya sat across from an administrator while Tyler occupied a chair against the opposite wall. He looked concerned, almost sympathetic. It was a performance so polished Mia might have admired it if she weren't trapped inside it.
"We're not assigning blame," the administrator said. Mia looked at Tyler. Then why is he here? Mr. Whitmore reported feeling unsafe. Tyler lowered his eyes.
I don't want Maya punished. Maya almost laughed. The administrator continued. He says he wants everyone to feel safe. Ask for the whole video.
We have the video that was submitted. It's edited. Tyler looked wounded. I didn't edit anything. Evan did.