Filed to story: Brace Face Betty Drama Story
“Really? This is actually, really happening?” I laugh, unable to stop myself in time.
“Young lady, you will take this seriously or lose the right to give your version of events at all,” Mr. Weaving snaps.
“Actually…no. That’s not…we can’t do that, Caleb,” Principle Darhower says wearily. “There are protocols in place for this type of thing. They have to be observed. Betty, just get on with it and tell us what happened. We all have things to be getting on with here.”
“Okay. I arrived at school with Marcus-“
“That’s Marcusandro Moretti, correct?” Sheriff Hainsworth asks stiffly. He doesn’t turn around.
“Yes.”
He grunts, and I feel like, in confirming Marcus’s name I’ve basically just signed some sort of confession of guilt. “Continue,” Principle Darhower urges.
I give him a run-down of everything that happened, bar any mention that was made about my assault. With Jake’s father in the room, seems like a prudent plan. It takes all of five seconds to recount the petty spat that took place in the parking lot. When I’m done, Principle Darhower bridges his hands in front of him, frowning deeply. “So, there were no threats of physical violence made by Marcus? Toward Kacey?”
“I’m sorry?
What?”
“Ms. Winters is claiming that Marcus Moretti pulled a knife from his bag and brandished it in her face. She said he told her he was going to slit her throat from ear to ear if she didn’t leave you alone.”
What the hell did he just say? I heard the words, but he could not have just said that. “That is a flat-out lie, Principal Darhower. Marcus did tell Kacey to leave me alone, but he didn’t have a knife. He sure as hell didn’t stick it in her face.”
“Jim, Kacey’s been dating Jake all summer. She was at my house, with my family every single day for weeks. I know that girl, and she’s sweet, kind, and thoughtful. I’m telling you. She wouldn’t lie about something like this.”
I burst out laughing, even as Principle Darhower rolls his eyes at Caleb Weaving’s preposterous statement. “Caleb, come on now. We all know that’s not true. Kacey’s been known to spin a yarn in the past if it’s helped get out of hot water. She’s no saint.”
“What about everything else she said?” Caleb hisses. “That Marcus Moretti punk threatened my son, too.”
Principle Darhower ignores Mr. Weaving, but still-tiredly-gives him what he wants. “Kacey claims Marcus threatened to hurt Jacob, Betty. She said he swore he and his biker friends were going to jump him and break every single one of his ribs.”
Oh…my…god. This is getting more and more ridiculous by the minute. “Marcus said nothing of the sort. This is all just…fuck, it’s a complete fabrication!”
Darhower rocks back into his chair. Caleb Weaving stabs a finger in my direction. “See! Listen to the language on her. You’re going to believe this little upstart over my son and his girlfriend?”
I have had enough of this bullshit to last me a lifetime. I narrow my eyes, digging my fingernails into my palms. “Why is he even here right now? Shouldn’t my dad be present if I’m being accused of something?”
“I fund this entire school, young lady. I own this building down to its crumbling foundations! Don’t you dare presume to-“
I ignore the bastard, looking Darhower square in the eye. “Marcus did not have a knife. He did not threaten to hurt Jake, either. I mean, what would he possibly have to gain?”
Revenge.
Justice.
Satisfaction.
“Jake already told me this kid wants his spot on the team, Jim. He’s already tried to hurt him during practice. Poor sportsmanship. Late hits. Whispering all kinds of foul nonsense in his ears. I don’t like it. I want that boy gone.”
“There was no knife on him when we searched him,” Sheriff Hainsworth interjects. “And his story matches up with the girl’s. Can I get the hell out of here now? This is not a police matter.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” Mr. Weaving snarls. “This most definitely is a police matter. That little shit’s broken the rules of his probation.”
“By telling a prissy little rich girl that she’s a prissy little rich girl?” He clucks his tongue disapprovingly as he shoves past Mr. Weaving, headed for the door. “Fortunately, callin’ a spade a spade ain’t illegal in the fine State of Washington just yet. If he sets something on fire or actually starts stabbing people, then you give me a call. In the meantime, I’m gonna release him and let him get back to class. I’m sure you two gents can handle an argument between two teenagers without me holding your hands.”
I watch him go, horrified. “Release him? What did he mean, release him?”
Principle Darhower rubs at the lenses of his glasses, clearly very over this meeting. “Sheriff Hainsworth detained Marcus in the back of his squad car. Just for a moment, while we talked in here.”