Naomi didn't raise her voice. She simply stepped between him and Ila. He froze, not because she touched him, but because she never blinked. You don't get to scream at children, Naomi said coldly. Not when you've already targeted mine.
Blake's chest heaved, but the fire behind his eyes flickered. Naomi turned towards Seth next. Do you want to add something? Seth shook his head violently. No, I I just recorded.
I didn't hit her. Naomi's gaze sharpened. And you edited evidence. That is a crime, not an accident. Seth collapsed into silence.
Naomi exhaled once the quiet before a hammer falls. Then she said, "All of you listen carefully. I want you to hear the truth you've been hiding from yourselves. " She reached into her briefcase and pulled out a small device, the micro recording unit she retrieved from Ila's braid earlier. Ramirez recognized it instantly.
"Is that? " "Yes, " Naomi said. Ila wears it when walking alone. After months of harassment, she needed protection. She clicked play.
A voice crackled through the room speakers. Blake's voice clear. Undeniable. Today's the day. I'm done with that green girl.
We're going to teach her a lesson. You hear me? Record everything. Edit it later so she looks crazy. Trust me, nobody's going to believe a black girl over us.
Ila flinched. Connor covered his mouth. Mason stared at the table like it was a grave. But Blake Blake's face drained completely. The recording continued.
Her mom thinks she can walk into our school board meetings and talk down to us. Not after today. We're going to fix that. Then laughter. Then the slamming sound.
Then Ila's muffled cry. The room erupted. What the hell? He actually said that? Oh my god.
Blake, you racist piece of officer Colt finally had to shout, "Enough! Everyone quiet. " But the damage was done. The lies had shattered. The truth stood naked in the center of the room, and Blake's mask of superiority had been ripped off by his own words.
He lunged toward the recorder. "Turn that off. You can't use that. That's illegal. " Naomi stepped forward.
It is perfectly legal, actually, and admissible. Blake froze. You targeted my daughter because she is black. Naomi continued. You planned her humiliation.