So what? That doesn't excuse her provoking. She warned them twice. Henderson cut in coldly. Your son ignored both warnings and then he tried to kill her.
No one spoke. Principal Green finally straightened his posture. Well, with this information and the severity of the assault, the school has no choice. He looked each parent in the eye one by one. The administration must take decisive action because Silver Ridge had no option but to deliver a punishment severe enough to match the crime.
The school resource officer's office, usually a quiet corner of Silver Ridge High, where kids got warnings for vaping or skipped detentions, had never held this much weight. Today, it felt like a federal command center. Radios buzzed, officers moved with purpose. The atmosphere was tense enough to make even the walls feel nervous. Carter, Logan, and Bryce sat on a metal bench along the back wall, their hands cuffed, their faces pale.
Hours had passed since the rooftop incident, but none of them had recovered from the shock. Their eyes flicked anxiously between each officer who walked by, each sealed folder, each whispered, "Exchange." Major Henderson stood near the central desk, speaking with the school's onduty officer and a federal liaison. Ayana remained outside the office, seated calmly in a chair. No cuffs, no accusations, no fear, just steady control, and that alone made Carter tremble with rage and dread.
The resource officer, Lieutenant Marks, turned to the boys, his voice clipped and official. U3 are being processed under section 18 to 210 aggravated assault with intent to cause bodily harm to a minor. Because the victim is a registered federal juvenile operative, your case qualifies for federal review. Bryce's jaw dropped. Federal?
Like prison? Federal? Logan burst into tears again, chest heaving. We didn't mean to kill her, Carter said. It was just a scare.
Carter barked. Shut up, Logan. But this time, Logan didn't listen. He sobbed harder, shaking his cuffed hands. You pushed her.
You told us to help you. You said she deserved it. The officers exchanged glances. Every word was being recorded. Bryce swallowed, trembling so hard his shoulders shook.
"We didn't want to," Carter said. She was faking everything. Carter said the dogs wouldn't attack. Carter said, Carter snapped. Shut your mouths, both of you.
Lieutenant Marks slammed his hand on the desk. That's enough. Silence fell instantly. Major Henderson stepped forward, eyes cold, expression unreadable. Your actions weren't a prank.
They were premeditated. You coordinated. You restrained her. You transported her against her will. And then you shoved her off a rooftop.
That is felony level intent. Bryce's knees buckled and he slid halfway off the bench before an officer hauled him upright. Logan whispered, "We're going to jail." "Oh god, we're actually going to jail." Carter glared at them both with venom.