Taming My Bullies novel · Chapter 12 of 24

Chapter 12: The Notice

The chair of the board didn't raise his voice.

He didn't have to.

He stood at the foot of the Commons steps in a charcoal coat, one hand on a silver-topped cane.

A hundred students went quiet.

"Miss Kincaid," he said. "The Conduct Board has reviewed your file."

"The hearing was set for Monday," I said.

"It has been moved. I find it more efficient to settle things in the open."

Beside him, Delaney's father looked pleased.

A pale coat flashed behind the second car, and Delaney stepped out with her phone.

She wasn't smiling.

She was watching me with flat, careful eyes.

"We have received complaints," the chair went on. "Three students, each with a dozen witnesses, each pressured into a public confession."

"No one pressured..." Grayson began.

"Mr. Tull, you will have your turn."

Grayson shut his mouth.

The chair took a slim folder from his coat and opened it with one gloved hand.

"Ms. Kincaid, this table has received a stack of letters about you."

"They concern the Commons, the steps, and a school assembly."

"That's a lot of words for a thing the whole school asked to watch," I said.

A few students snickered, quickly choked.

"The Hollis Fund," the chair said, "carries a conduct clause."

"A recipient who disturbs the community loses her place. I would prefer not to enforce it."

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