Harris noticed Leo looking.
“Sit down.”
Leo obeyed.
The principal settled behind his mahogany desk and opened a disciplinary form.
“Assaulting another student is grounds for immediate expulsion.”
“Troy assaulted me first.”
“According to whom?”
“Everyone in the cafeteria.”
Harris gave a humorless smile.
“Students often misunderstand what they witness.”
“Then review the security footage.”
The principal’s pen stopped.
“Excuse me?”
“The cafeteria cameras.
They should show the entire incident.”
Harris leaned back.
“Unfortunately, our security system has been experiencing technical problems.”
“Again?”
The word escaped Leo before he could stop it.
Harris narrowed his eyes.
“What do you mean, again?”
“The east staircase camera wasn’t working when Maya Collins’s brother was injured.”
The principal’s face changed almost imperceptibly.
“That’s none of your concern.”
“Neither was Troy’s behavior until he hit me.”
Harris placed his pen down.
“Young man, I suggest you consider your position carefully.”
Leo said nothing.
“You’ve been here less than a month.
Your academic record is unusual.
You have no established friendships, no extracurricular involvement, and frankly, your attitude concerns me.”
“My grades are good.”
“Grades aren’t everything.”
“Neither is football.”
Harris’s palm struck the desk.
“Enough!”
Silence followed.
Then the principal lowered his voice.
“Troy Maddox has an exceptional future.
Colleges are watching him.
This school has invested years in developing his talent.”
Leo stared at him.
“And that gives him permission to hurt people?”
“It means you need to understand the consequences of your actions.”
“My actions?”
“You humiliated him publicly.”
“He attacked me.”
Harris leaned forward.
“Listen carefully, Bennett.
Troy’s father has contributed more to this school than you can imagine.
Your little confrontation could jeopardize opportunities for hundreds of students.”
Leo considered the statement.
“So protecting Troy protects the school?”
“Precisely.”
“And protecting the school matters more than protecting students?”
Harris hesitated.
“Don’t twist my words.”
Leo’s gaze drifted toward the framed photograph.
For the first time, he understood why his earlier complaints had vanished.
The principal wasn’t simply afraid of Troy.
He was afraid of losing the Maddox family’s money.
Harris opened a drawer and removed a document.
“You’re going to sign this.”
He slid the paper across the desk.
Leo read the first paragraph.
It was a written admission stating that he had initiated the cafeteria fight, physically attacked Troy and Jax, and accepted full responsibility for the resulting injuries and property damage.
The final paragraph waived his right to challenge the school’s disciplinary decision.
Leo looked up.
“This isn’t true.”
“It’s the easiest way to resolve the matter.”
“For whom?”
“For everyone.”
Leo pushed the paper back.
“I’m not signing.”
Harris’s expression turned cold.
“Then I will recommend your immediate expulsion.”
“On what evidence?”
“Eyewitness statements.”
“From Troy and Jax?”
“Among others.”
Leo leaned forward slightly.
“Principal Harris, are you asking me to confess to something you know I didn’t do?”
Harris stared at him.
“You’re testing my patience.”
“No, sir.
I’m asking a question.”
The principal reached for his office telephone.
“Perhaps your guardian can explain the importance of cooperation.”
Leo’s stomach tightened.
For the first time that afternoon, his calm expression faltered.
“Please don’t involve my mother.”
Harris noticed.
A small, unpleasant smile appeared.
“So there is something you care about.”
Leo lowered his eyes.
His mother had already endured enough.
He remembered her exhausted face at the kitchen table, surrounded by unpaid bills, and the way she sometimes stared at the empty chair where his father used to sit.
He had promised her that their move to Atlanta would be a fresh start.
He had promised not to cause trouble.
And now, after only three weeks, he was sitting in the principal’s office facing expulsion.
Harris picked up the receiver.
“What’s her number?”
Leo remained silent.
“Mr.
Bennett?”
Slowly, Leo reached into his pocket.
Harris’s eyes sharpened.
“Keep your hands where I can see them.”
Leo withdrew a folded emergency contact card.
But as he placed it on the desk, his fingers brushed the side of his glasses.
A tiny vibration touched the skin behind his ear.
Once.
Then twice.
Leo’s breathing slowed.
The principal dialed the number.
After several rings, someone answered.
“Mrs.
Bennett?
This is Principal Harris from Westbridge High School.”
He paused.
“I’m afraid your son has been involved in a very serious violent incident.”
Leo stared at the desk.
Harris continued.
“Yes, ma’am.
Unfortunately, he attacked two students, including our football captain.”
Another pause.
“I’m aware this is upsetting, but we have witnesses.”
Leo lifted his head.
“Tell her about the cameras.”
Harris covered the receiver.
“Be quiet.”
“Tell her they weren’t working.”
“I said be quiet!”
A voice came through the telephone, loud enough for Leo to hear.
“Mr.
Harris, put my son on the phone.”
The principal hesitated.
Then he extended the receiver.
Leo took it.
“Mom?”
“Are you hurt?”
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