They're former national champions. For the first time, Charles's expression changed. Not much. A tightening around the eyes. He looked at Naomi differently now.
Not with respect, with calculation. Naomi saw it immediately. Charles turned toward the administrator nearest him. Then this becomes a serious conduct matter. Walter stared at him.
Excuse me. Charles gestured toward the corridor. If two trained national level martial artists were involved in a physical incident on campus. They defended themselves, Walter said. Charles's tone stayed polished.
We need to avoid assumptions. Naomi almost laughed, not because it was funny, because the words were so familiar. Avoid assumptions. Coming from a room that had spent days making them. President David Mercer had not arrived yet, but several senior staff members were listening.
Charles kept speaking. This should be reviewed as mutual misconduct until all facts are established. Nia looked at Naomi. There it was, exactly what they had feared. Their hidden skill was already being turned into evidence against them.
Ryan saw it, too. His confidence returned by half an inch. Exactly. Naomi looked at Walter. He looked furious.
She touched his arm. No. Walter stared at her. Naomi, no. She turned toward Charles. Review it.
Charles seemed surprised. Naomi continued. Review the full video. Jake looked down. Review the hallway cameras.
Connor looked at Ryan. Review the complaints. Charles's face remained still. Naomi watched him closely. At the word complaints, something flickered.
Small, but there. She filed it away. Evidence first, anger later. Charles folded his hands. That is precisely what should happen.
Ryan relaxed. Too soon. Because Connor had stopped looking afraid. He looked ashamed now. And shame Naomi had learned sometimes made people tell the truth.
A campus staff member brought a first aid kit. Naomi took it. Not for herself, for Connor. He had scraped one palm against the wall when Nia redirected him. Naomi held out an antiseptic wipe.
Connor blinked. For me? You're bleeding. He looked down. A thin red line crossed his palm.
I'm fine, probably. She offered the wipe again. Still clean it. Connor accepted it slowly. Ryan stared at them.
You're helping him now. Naomi looked at him. He's hurt. He was with us. I know.