When the committee reconvened, the room felt different, heavier, but also somehow lighter. The way air feels after a long storm finally breaks. Dean Voss addressed the room directly. “After careful review of all evidence presented,” she said, “this committee finds the original complaint filed against Josephine Callaway to be without merit and further finds that it was based on deliberately edited and misleading evidence.”
She turned to Dalton, whose face had gone pale, his earlier confidence entirely drained away. “Mr. Reeve, this committee finds sufficient evidence of harassment, dishonesty, and physical negligence resulting in harm to another individual. Effective immediately, you are suspended from Milbrook State University, pending a full review that may result in permanent expulsion.”
Dalton’s father stood immediately, his voice rising. “This is outrageous. My son deserves due process.” “He has received due process, Mr. Reeve,” Dean Voss said firmly. “The evidence speaks for itself. I would also add that given the circumstances of this hearing, including your own role as assistant dean overseeing student conduct matters your son has been involved in, the university will be conducting a separate review of your position as well.” The color drained further from Marcus Reeve’s face.
Dean Voss turned to Reed, who sat frozen in his seat. “Mr. Colton, your role in editing and distributing misleading footage will also be reviewed by this committee. I’d suggest you cooperate fully going forward.” Finally, she turned to Nolan. “Mr. Ashby, your willingness to come forward today, despite the difficulty of that decision, will be noted favorably in this committee’s records. I hope you’ll continue making choices like this one going forward.” Nolan nodded, unable to speak. Relief and shame mixing together on his face in equal measure.
“Miss Callaway,” Dean Voss said finally, turning to Josie. “This committee sincerely apologizes for the distress this process has caused you. Your scholarship remains fully intact, and this matter will be closed with no record against your name whatsoever.” Josie exhaled a breath she felt like she’d been holding for six days straight. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Outside the building, the late morning sun had finally broken through the gray clouds that had hung over Milbrook all week. Dalton walked out ahead of his father, who was already on the phone, his voice tight and urgent, arranging what sounded like a call to the university president. Dalton didn’t look at anyone as he crossed the courtyard, his shoulders hunched in a way they’d never been before. The easy swagger gone completely.
Reed followed a few steps behind, phone nowhere in sight for once, his face pale and drawn. Nolan lingered near the door, uncertain, watching Josie and her family gathered together a short distance away. After a long moment, he walked over. “I know it doesn’t fix anything,” he said quietly. “But I’m sorry for all of it, for not saying something sooner.”
Josie studied him for a moment before answering. “You said something when it mattered most,” she said. “That counts for a lot more than most people manage.” “I don’t deserve that,” Nolan said. “Maybe not yet,” Josie said. “But you can start earning it starting today.” Nolan nodded, something like hope flickering across his tired face for the first time in weeks. “I’d like a chance to be better.” “Everybody deserves that chance,” Josie said, “as long as they actually take it.”