A petite girl with glasses approached the stand, visibly nervous, but determined. After being sworn in, she spoke clearly into the microphone. Evan's bullying has been going on for years, she testified. Last semester, he pushed my brother down the stairs for sitting in his lunch spot. When we reported it, the principal said we must have misunderstood.
The next day, officer Lauren showed up at our house to discuss the false accusations against his son. More students followed, each account more damning than the last. A former football player described being kicked off the team after standing up to Evan. A teacher's aid revealed overhearing administrators discussing how to minimize bullying reports involving the Lorn name. The panel then recalled Evan to the stand.
Gone was his earlier swagger. He slumped in the witness chair, eyes darting between his father and grandfather. Mr. Lorn, Walsh began, these testimonies directly contradict your earlier statement about having no history of disciplinary issues. Would you like to explain? They're all lying, Evan snapped, but his voice cracked.
They're just jealous because what? Walsh interrupted. Because your family name protected you? Because your father's badge meant you never faced consequences. That's not I mean, Evan stumbled over his words.
Did you or did you not deliberately provoke Miss Kingsley on her first day? She was asking for it, Evan blurted out, walking around like she owned the place, acting all superior. From the gallery, Sheriff Daniel Lorn suddenly stood up, face red with rage. This is outrageous. This whole hearing is a witch hunt against my family.
I've served this community for 40 years, and I won't sit here while. You'll sit down immediately, Walsh commanded. Or be removed. Like hell I will, the elder roared. I've made too many calls, pulled too many strings to let this little charade.