It wasn't the principal. Cory's dad pulled them out after some bikers showed up at his office. My breath catches. What bikers? I don't know, but my mom cleans Judge Finch's office.
She said he was white as a sheet after they left. She leans closer. She said they didn't threaten him. They didn't have to. I don't know what to say to that.
Did Hawk confront Judge Finch? What did he say? Why are you telling me this? I ask. Emily shrugs again.
Because no one else would. She takes another bite of her sandwich. And because what they did to you was wrong. We eat in silence after that. It's not uncomfortable.
When the bell rings, she gathers her. See you tomorrow? She asks. I nod, still a little stunned. Same table, I say.
She smiles. It transforms her face. It's a date. My cheeks burn as she walks away. The rest of the day drags.
I keep checking the At 3, I wheel out the front entrance. Patch isn't there. I wait inside, watching through the glass door. 10 minutes 15. The Finch brothers might be suspended, but they have friends.
I glance over my shoulder, suddenly aware of how empty the school is getting. A group of older boys loiter near the locker. They look my way, nudge each other. I reach into my pocket, feel the patch patch gave me for courage. 20 minutes now.
Something's wrong. I take out my phone, call mom. No answer. She's at work in meetings all afternoon. The group of boys moves closer.
Five of them. Seniors from the looks of it. Cory's basketball teammates. Hey, Wheelie. One calls.
Your bodyguards stand you up? I ignore them. Keep my eyes on the doors. Willing patch to appear. They circle my chair.
My heart pounds. Think you're special because you got some bikers watching you? Another says, "Think that makes you untouchable? " I swallow heart. Leave me alone. They laugh.
The tallest one leans down, gets in my face. Your biker buddies can't be everywhere, he says. Remember that. A motorcycle roars into the parking lot. Not Hawk.
The boys back away quickly. Hawk strides through the doors, helmet under his arm. His eyes scan the hall, taking in the situation instantly. Problem here? He asks, his voice echoes against the lockers.
No sir, the tall boy says quickly. Just talking. Hawk looks at me. That right, Eli? I could lie.
Say everything's fine, but I'm tired of letting them off easy. They were threatening me, I say. Because of you. Hawk's jaw tightens. He turns to the boys.
Names? He says no one answers. Fine, Hawk says. I can find out or you can tell me now. Save us both time.