Back up, please. The officers separated the group. Danny complied immediately. She stepped toward the rehabilitation platform with her hands visible. I'm not going anywhere.
One officer looked at her reddening cheek. Were you struck? Yes, by whom? Danny nodded toward Madison. She slapped me once.
She attempted to do it again. Madison scoffed. Attempted? She nearly ripped my arm off. No one ripped anything off, Margaret said.
Madison glared at her. Michael Harris moved closer. His eyes traveled from Madison to Tyler, then to Danny. You all need medical evaluation. I'm fine, Danny said.
Tyler laughed bitterly. Of course she is. Danny bent to retrieve her messenger bag. Her hands were steady now. The adrenaline would come later.
She knew that pattern, too. The shaking after the danger, never during. As she lifted the bag, her keys slipped from the side pocket. They struck the polished floor with a metallic clink. The bronze medallion spun away.
Once, twice. Then settled face up beneath the white pavilion lights. N-A-C. 19-O. Quiet storm.
Michael stopped moving. His face changed so suddenly that Rachel noticed. What, she asked. Michael did not answer. He stepped closer to the metal.
Tyler saw it, too. Even now, his instinct was mockery. He gave a breathless laugh. There's that little karate souvenir. Danny's eyes were open.
His eyes hardened. She bent toward it. Michael spoke before she could pick it up. Where did you get that? Danny stopped.
The room around them remained noisy, but something in Michael's voice drew attention. Danny straightened. It's mine. Michael stared at her. No. He shook his head slowly.
I mean, where did you get that exact medallion? Danny looked at him. You recognize it? Michael crouched and studied the bronze face without touching it. His lips moved silently as he read the inscription.
N-A-C. 19-O. Quiet storm. When he looked up again, the color had drained from his face. What's your full name?
Danny hesitated. Danielle Carter. Michael stared at her for several seconds. Then he whispered, I knew it. Tyler rolled his eyes.
Knew what? Michael ignored him. His attention stayed on Danny. You fought out of North Carolina. Danny said nothing.
Welterweight division. Silence began spreading outward again. Rachel lowered her phone slightly. Professor Miller looked between them. Michael continued.