Rivalries, pranks, that sort of thing. Noah's phone was still recording. Student mischief? That's an interesting way to describe criminal property damage targeting a specific student. You writing this up for that paper of yours?
Benton's tone sharpened. Because all I see is two flat tires in a college parking lot. Two slashed tires, Danielle said firmly, following a physical assault on the field, a deliberate drop during the halftime show that injured my shoulder, threatening notes left at my dorm room, and verbal intimidation by Tyler Grayson and his friends who were here minutes ago. Officer Benton's posture changed, becoming more guarded. That's quite a list of accusations against specific students without any proof.
I have documentation for everything, Danielle replied. And witnesses. Well, file a formal complaint then, Benton said, already turning back toward his cruiser. Can't do much about flat tires except write a report. Which you haven't even started doing, Noah observed, camera still recording.
30 Minutes later, with a nearly blank incident report listing unknown persons as suspects despite Danielle naming names, Officer Benton departed. A tow truck Danielle could barely afford would arrive within the hour. Dean Holloway's office next, she said, her voice steady despite the pain in her shoulder and the deepening hole in her bank account. You sure you want to go tonight, Noah asked, concern evident in his voice. Every hour I wait is another hour they have to prepare a defense.
The administration building stood like a fortress in the center of campus. Windows still lit on the top floor where important offices overlooked the quad. The security guard recognized Danielle from the cheer squad and waved them through. Another small confirmation that everyone knew who she was. Dean Holloway's waiting area buzzed with activity despite the late hour.
Men in suits with donor badges moved freely through the inner office door. Assistant coaches carrying folders nodded to the receptionist and walked straight in. Meanwhile, Danielle and Noah sat on uncomfortable chairs, ignored for nearly 40 minutes. Interesting how Foundation Week means donors get priority, Noah murmured, making notes in his phone. When they were finally admitted, Dean Holloway stood behind his massive desk, his silver hair perfectly styled, his smile practiced and empty.
Ms. Brooks, I understand you've had some concerns, he began, gesturing toward chairs without actually looking at her sling. Danielle placed her folder on his desk. Not concerns, complaints. Documented incidents of harassment, assault, and retaliation.
Holloway's expression shifted to something resembling sympathy, though it didn't reach his eyes. College can be a challenging adjustment period, especially for non-traditional students returning to academia after time away. This isn't about adjustment, Danielle said firmly. Tyler Grayson grabbed me without consent. I was deliberately dropped during a cheer stunt.
I've received threatening messages. My tires were slashed tonight. These are serious personality conflicts that Not personality conflicts, crimes. The Dean's practiced smile tightened. Ms.
Brooks, Langford State takes all student concerns seriously, but we must be careful about characterizing interpersonal difficulties as criminal matters without substantial evidence. As he spoke, Danielle noticed a filing cabinet against the wall labeled student conduct with a large shred bin beside it. Papers spilled from the bin's top, forms with colored edges matching the complaint she'd just handed over. I have evidence, she replied. And witnesses.