Tell her again what happened this afternoon. The same way you told Dr. Hris. Brett's mouth opened, then closed. His eyes darted between Grayson and the study room window. I we already gave our statements.
Say it again, Grayson ordered, his voice sharper. She attacked us without warning. Right, Brett? The silence stretched for long seconds. Brett's hands trembled slightly as he stared at the floor instead of meeting anyone's gaze.
Aaliyah stood calmly and walked to the door. She looked directly at Grayson through the glass, her voice steady and clear. Every threat you make creates another record against you, she said. Keep talking. Grayson's smile widened, but something flickered in his eyes.
Uncertainty. He gestured for his group to follow him and walked away down the hallway, his laughter echoing off the walls. The administration building felt cold and sterile as Aaliyah walked through the heavy glass doors the next morning. Marcus stayed close beside her, carrying a thick folder of documentation they had prepared the night before. Remember, he said quietly as they approached the reception desk, "Answer only what they ask.
Don't volunteer extra information." The receptionist directed them to a waiting area with uncomfortable plastic chairs. Other students sat scattered around the room, some looking nervous, others defiant. Aaliyah recognized a few faces from the crowd that had gathered yesterday during the confrontation. Aaliyah Brooks. A woman in a navy suit appeared in the doorway.
I'm Dr. Patricia Hendris, assistant dean of student affairs. Please come with me. The interview room was small and windowless with a conference table and recording equipment. Dr. Hendrix sat across from Aaliyah while a second administrator operated the recording device. This is a formal disciplinary interview regarding yesterday's incident, Dr. Hrix began.
You have the right to have an adviser present. Marcus Reed is my adviser, Aaliyah said, gesturing to Marcus as he took the chair beside her. The questions started simply. Name, student ID number, class schedule. Then Dr. Hris leaned forward.
Tell me what happened yesterday afternoon near the brick academic building. Aaliyah spoke clearly and methodically. She described walking toward her next class, finding her path blocked, refusing to move aside when intimidated, and defending herself only after being physically grabbed. She mentioned no emotions, no speculation about motives, just the sequence of events. You claim you were defending yourself, Dr. Hendrick said, "But witnesses say you attacked first." "The security camera above the building entrance will show exactly what happened." Aaliyah replied, "I submitted a formal request for that footage yesterday evening." Dr. Hendris made notes without responding to the camera request.
After 30 more minutes of questions, she dismissed them. In the hallway, Marcus handed over his folder to the second administrator. competition records for Aaliyah Brooks spanning six years. No disciplinary actions, no excessive force violations, no complaints from any tournament or training facility. The interviews continued throughout the morning in separate rooms. Aaliyah and Marcus waited in the courtyard, watching other students enter the building.
Cody emerged first, walking with the same arrogant swagger he had shown yesterday. He didn't glance in their direction as he crossed toward the dining hall. Tessa came out 20 minutes later, her expression perfectly composed. She moved with the confidence of someone who believed her story was unshakable. Then Brett appeared in the doorway.