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.
So did Jake Morrison and Ashley Park. Three witnesses, all suddenly unavailable. Aaliyah felt a cold knot forming in her stomach. "That's not a coincidence. It gets worse," Nia continued.
"I found Sarah at the coffee shop near her dorm. She looked terrified when she saw me coming. She kept saying she didn't want any trouble, that she couldn't afford to get involved." Marcus leaned forward. "Did she say why?" "Eventually." Nia's voice was grim. Grayson cornered her after lunch, told her she'd better think carefully before she ruined her future over someone like Aaliyah.
Said her work study position in the admissions office could disappear if she made the wrong choice. Reminded her that her recommendation letters for graduate school come from professors who respect influential families. He threatened her job and her future. Aaliyah said quietly. That's not all.
Nia said. Sarah heard him having similar conversations with other witnesses. He's systematically intimidating everyone who saw what really happened. Marcus stood up abruptly, his hands clenched into fists. This is deliberate witness tampering.
We need to document everything, Aaliyah said, forcing herself to remain calm. Every name, every threat, every detail Sarah can remember. I already started. Nia pulled out her phone. Sarah gave me a list of who she saw talking to Grayson.
Jake Morrison, Ashley Park, David Kim, Jessica Torres. All of them were scheduled for interviews today. Marcus paced in front of the bench. This is exactly how privileged students get away with things. They don't just lie about what happened.