Even from across the courtyard, Aaliyah could see his distress. His shoulders were hunched, his face pale. He kept looking back at the building as if he expected someone to follow him. That doesn't look like a kid who just gave a confident statement," Marcus observed. Brett walked slowly toward the dormitories, glancing around nervously.
He pulled out his phone, typed something quickly, then put it away without sending the message. 15 minutes later, Grayson stroed out of the administration building. His jaw was clenched, his movement sharp with barely controlled anger. He scanned the courtyard until he spotted Brett near the concrete columns that supported the dining hall overhang. "This won't be good," Marcus muttered.
Grayson crossed the courtyard in long, aggressive strides. Brett saw him coming and backed against one of the concrete columns, his face showing obvious fear. "You stupid piece of trash." Grayson's voice carried clearly across the open space. "What did you tell them?" Brett raised his hands defensively. I said what we agreed.
I swear, Grayson, I You're lying. Grayson grabbed Brett by the shirt and slammed him back against the concrete column. The impact made a dull thud that echoed off the surrounding buildings. They asked me about blocking her path. How would they know that unless you told them?
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.