From a drawer, Keller pulled a heavy black trash bag and dropped it on the table. Inside were essays, tests, and quizzes, crumpled and torn, some taped back together. Reynolds examined the top sheet: Sarah Miller’s history test, perfectly written, yet marked with a failing grade in harsh red ink. Beneath it was Preston Bradford’s sloppy, high-scoring paper.
Keller whispered, “She manipulates the grades. Any student who threatens the status of the senator’s kids gets targeted. I’ve been saving these for years.”
Financial records confirmed the scheme. Emily Sanders and Principal Hayes were receiving monthly payments from a nonprofit linked to Senator Bradford, disguised as educational support. Meritocracy had been corrupted.
“Now the assault,” Reynolds said.
“Not entirely lost,” Keller replied. “Principal Hayes kept a backup of the bleachers camera footage on an encrypted drive. Thought he could use it as leverage. They handed it over.”
The drive connected to a secure military laptop. Decryption completed. High-definition footage filled the screen: Preston hitting Sarah, the slap echoing clearly. In the background, Emily Sanders watched from the window, a cruel smile on her face.