Because now we have to see what Dean Hayes is willing to present when he believes he still controls the record. The final disciplinary hearing began at two that afternoon. The conference room overlooked Hawthorne's central courtyard. Rain clouds had cleared. Leaving a hard silver light across the windows.
Dean Hayes sat at the head of the table. Charles Blake sat to his right. Madison beside him. Tyler farther down. Danny entered with Angela, Rachel and Professor Miller.
Angela took Danny's hand once before they sat. No speech. No advice. Just pressure. I'm here.
Evelyn Price sat apart from both sides. Dean Hayes, she said. You may begin. Hayes opened a folder. His voice was smooth.
The university's concern remains Ms. Carter's use of advanced combat training against individuals who did not possess comparable skill. He played a short clip. Tyler hitting the padded floor. The video stopped. No first slap.
No second swing. No charge. Just impact. Danny felt something inside her go cold. Even now.
Even here. They were still cutting the truth. Hayes continued. This footage demonstrates the danger involved. Evelyn looked at him.
Is that the complete recording? Hayes paused. It is the relevant portion. Rachel's pen stopped. Professor Miller looked toward Danny.
Evelyn folded her hands. Then let's define relevant. She nodded toward Marcus Hill. The lights dimmed. A different file appeared.
Continuous research archive. Madison's face changed first. Then Hayes's. The recording began before the confrontation. Madison approaching.
Tyler forming the semicircle. The demand for an apology. Danny trying to leave. Madison gripping her wrist. Danny warning her.
Once. Twice. The first slap. The room watched in silence. Then Danny's voice.
Don't do that again. Madison's second swing. Tyler moving forward. Five seconds. Danny redirecting Madison.
Tyler charging. Danny guiding him safely onto the padded floor. Then stepping back. Hands open. No follow up strike.
No celebration. Nothing but restraint. The recording ended. No one spoke. Evelyn said.
That is the relevant portion. Charles Blake shifted in his chair. This proves nothing beyond what we already know. Evelyn looked at him. Then we'll continue.