The same woman they had judged by faded EMT pants and worn sneakers had helped shape the very rules governing how conflict was supposed to be handled here. Nia looked at her sister. She already knew pieces of the truth, but hearing someone else say it publicly was different. Trevor tried to laugh. So what?
That means she can do whatever she wants? Naomi finally looked at him. No. Her voice was quiet. It means I knew exactly how much force not to use. Ryan looked away.
He knew. Derek knew. Neither of them had been seriously hurt. Mitchell looked toward the security officers. Did anyone require medical attention?
No, ma'am. Did Ms. Brooks strike anyone? The officer hesitated. No. Did she continue using force after the threat stopped? No. Mitchell nodded.
Then she looked at the crowd beneath the awning. Who saw the beginning? Nobody moved. That silence again. The old protection.
Mitchell's expression hardened. A dozen people are standing here. One adult witness shifted his weight. Another looked at the ground. Mitchell raised her voice.
Who saw the beginning? A woman near the back finally spoke. Trevor had Nia's wrist. Trevor turned. What?
The woman flinched but continued. Ryan moved toward Naomi first. Another witness cleared his throat. And Derek was blocking the door. The silence cracked.
Not completely, but enough. Sloan looked increasingly pale. Mitchell noticed. What am I missing? Nia stepped forward.
A lot. She pointed toward the papers scattered across the courtyard. That folder was for my suspension appeal. Mitchell's eyes narrowed. Suspension.
Nia laughed once bitterly. Yes. Sloan stepped in quickly. We can discuss administrative matters privately. Mitchell did not look at him.
Why was she suspended? An incident in the athletic center. Nia pulled out her phone. An edited video. Madison's face drained.
Mitchell looked at her. You recorded it? Madison said nothing. Nia continued. She posted only the part where I pushed Ryan's arm away.
Ryan snapped. You did push me. After you shoved me twice. Mitchell looked toward the building. Was there security coverage?
Naomi answered. Yes. Everyone looked at her. Naomi pointed toward the glass wall. There.
High in the corner, behind the rain-streaked reflection, a fixed camera faced the courtyard approach and service corridor. Mitchell's eyes moved to Sloan. He had gone completely still. That was when Naomi understood. Not proof.
Not yet, but fear. The kind people carried when a locked door might suddenly open. Mitchell looked at one of the administrators behind her. Call Campus IT. Sloan stepped forward.
Rebecca, let's not overreact. She turned slowly. Overreact? We need to follow procedure. I intend to.