Several students walking nearby stopped to stare. Brett's face went white with pain and panic. I didn't mean to. Brett's voice cracked. They kept asking why I grabbed her twice if she attacked first.
It didn't make sense. I just said you wanted to scare her a little, that's all. Grayson shoved him harder against the column. You weak, pathetic coward. You're going to destroy everything because you can't handle a few questions.
Grayson, please shut up. Grayson's face was flushed with rage. If you open your mouth again about what really happened, I'll make sure you regret it. My father has more influence in one phone call than your entire family has in their whole worthless lives." Brett nodded frantically, tears starting in his eyes. Grayson released him with a disgusted shove and stalked away toward the parking lot.
Brett remained pressed against the concrete column, shaking and looking around to see who had witnessed his humiliation. His eyes met Aaliyah's across the courtyard for just a moment before he quickly looked away and hurried toward the dormitories. "Did you see that?" Marcus asked quietly. Aaliyah nodded, watching Brett's retreating figure. "He's scared of Grayson now.
And Grayson is scared of losing control." Aaliyah stood up immediately. "We need to report this." Marcus nodded grimly. "Witness intimidation is a serious violation. They walked quickly to the administration building where the same receptionist directed them to Ms. Patterson's office. The conduct officer looked up from her paperwork with barely concealed irritation.
Ms. Brooks, you've already given your statement. Grayson Vale just physically assaulted Brett Maddox in the courtyard, Aaliyah said clearly. He slammed him against a concrete column and threatened him for telling the truth during his interview. Ms. Patterson's expression shifted to concern. "You witnessed this directly?" "Both of us did," Marcus confirmed, along with at least six other students who stopped to watch.
Aaliyah described exactly what she had seen and heard, including Grayson's specific threats about his father's influence. Ms. Patterson took notes, but seemed increasingly uncomfortable as the report continued. "I'll speak with Mr. Vale immediately," she said finally. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Outside the building, Marcus shook his head.
She didn't seem surprised enough. She's probably dealing with pressure from above, Aaliyah replied. But at least it's documented now. They returned to the courtyard where the afternoon interviews were supposed to continue. But something was wrong.
The building remained unusually quiet with few students entering or leaving. Nia appeared around 3:00, her face tight with anger. We've got a problem. She led them to a bench near the library steps, away from other students. Remember Sarah Martinez?
She was standing right by the brick building when everything happened yesterday. She was supposed to give her statement at 2:30. Did she show up? Marcus asked. She canled 20 minutes before her appointment, Nia said.