"Can he do that legally?" Amaya asked.
Elijah's mouth quirked. "Let's just say he has resources."
By morning, when Amaya woke, Elijah had a list of names. The attackers had been identified through a combination of surveillance footage, cell phone locations, and facial recognition software.
"Thomas Kesler, Roger Kesler's nephew," Elijah said, pointing to the first name. "Currently a senior at Westbridge. The one with a broken wrist."
"I didn't know he was connected to Brett," Amaya said, surprised.
"That's because he usually operates behind the scenes."
"The second attacker was Jack Wilson, another senior. The third, the one who got away, was none other than Troy Mitchell."
Amaya's eyes widened. "Brett's friend. So this was definitely connected."
"Without question. And there's more. Roger Kesler's badge was used to access the school at 7:30 p.m. right before the attack. But according to his official schedule, he was at a fundraising dinner across town, so someone stole his badge..."
"Or he loaned it to them," Elijah suggested. "Either way, it connects the school board directly to the attack."
Before they could discuss further, Amaya's phone exploded with notifications. Videos of the parking lot fight had appeared on multiple social media platforms overnight. Someone had captured the entire confrontation on their phone from a nearby window.
The headlines were unmistakable: Student cheerleader fends off attackers, school ties suspected. Navy SEAL's daughter uses combat training to defeat assailants. Westbridge Prep scandal deepens, board member's nephew identified in attack.
The video showed Amaya clearly defending herself against the masked attackers. Comments flooded in, most supporting Amaya and condemning the violence against her. Local news stations were requesting interviews. Parents were demanding an emergency school board meeting.
"This changes everything," Elijah said, scanning the coverage. "Now it's not just our word against theirs. The whole community is watching."
Principal Harrison called that afternoon, her voice strained. "There will be an emergency school board meeting tomorrow evening," she informed them. "Your presence is requested."
"We'll be there," Elijah assured her. "With all our evidence."
The next day, Amaya returned to school to find the atmosphere dramatically changed. Students moved aside as she walked the halls, some whispering, others offering supportive nods or words of encouragement. The video had transformed her overnight from victim to symbol of resistance.
Even more surprising was the reaction from the cheer squad. Coach Williams pulled Amaya aside before first period.