The federal investigators sat aligned in a cold, disciplined row. Their folders closed, their decisions final. Principal Garrison looked hollow, drained of the authority he once abused. Miss Alder's hands trembled uncontrollably. Troy Maddox and his three accomplices sat stiff in their chairs, pale, sweating, terrified.
Nia sat beside Major Carter, calm, straight-backed, not victorious, just steady, as if bracing for the weight of what must come next. The lead investigator stood. After reviewing all evidence, he began, voice resonating across the room like a gavel strike. The council has reached a unanimous decision. Troy swallowed audibly.
Reed lowered his head. Bryce wiped his palms against his jeans. Colton whispered a frantic prayer under his breath. The investigator faced them directly. Troy Maddox, he announced.
You are hereby expelled from Crestfall High School. Effective immediately. A gasp rippled through the room. Troy flinched as if struck. Expelled?
You You can't. And furthermore, the investigator continued, "You are permanently banned from enrolling in any public school within this state. Troy's mother shot to her feet. This is outrageous. He's 17.
You're ruining his entire life. " The investigator didn't even look at her. "Your son ruined his own life the moment he chose violence and intimidation as tools of racism. " Troy's mother opened her mouth again, but the council chair snapped. "Sit down.
" The entire room froze at the authority in his tone. She sat barely. The investigator moved on. Reed Dalton, Bryce Haron, and Colton Meyers are to be transferred to the Eaton Behavioral Reform Academy, a state supervised institution for youth offenders. Reed whimpered.
Bryce's face crumpled. "Please, we didn't mean you held a child down, " the investigator said sharply. "You filmed her humiliation. You encouraged the attack. Colton's knees knocked together beneath the table.
No pity, no excuse, only consequences. The investigator turned to Alder next. Miss Alder, due to your deliberate negligence, obstruction of evidence, and enabling of racial harassment, you are hereby suspended pending criminal investigation. Alder covered her mouth with shaking fingers. Criminal?
Yes, the investigator said firmly. Criminal. She slumped back, pale as parchment. Finally, the council shifted their gaze to Garrison. Principal Garrison, the chair said, "Your failure to protect your students, your favoritism toward influential families, and your immediate suspension of an innocent victim demonstrate gross misconduct.
" Garrison stared at the table, sweating through his shirt. "You are hereby removed from your position as principal of Crestfall High, effective today. " A collective murmur rose. Shock, anger, relief, disbelief. Troy's father leapt from his seat.
This entire process is biased. You are destroying boy's futures over a misunderstanding. The council chair slammed his palm on the table. Silence. The room jolted.
This is not a misunderstanding, he continued fiercely. This was a hat-driven assault covered by corrupt staff ignored by a negligent administration and enabled by parental privilege. He pointed toward Nia. That girl deserved safety. She deserved dignity.