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.
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.
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.