Principal Harrison: Mr. Vance, let us watch the cafeteria video footage together before we make any drastic legal decisions.
Mr. Vance: Fine! Show me the video so we can prove this foster girl started the fight!
Principal Harrison turned to his computer monitor, clicking a few buttons on his mouse to pull up the high-definition camera feed from twelve-fifteen PM.
He turned the monitor toward Mr. Vance, Chloe, and the attorney.
On the screen, the video played in crystal clarity: Maya was walking peacefully with her lunch tray, attempting to pass a table, when Chloe stood up, blocked her path, screamed at her, and delivered a violent strike across Maya's face.
The entire office fell into a heavy, uncomfortable silence as the clip played on a loop.
Ethan: There. Look at that. Maya didn't even raise her hands.
Mr. Vance: Chloe... what is this?
Chloe: Dad... she... she mouthed something rude to me before the camera started recording!
Mr. Vance: You told me she attacked you first!
Chloe: She did! Psychologically! She was staring at me funny all morning!
Nurse Jenkins: Staring at someone doesn't justify giving them a swollen cheek, young lady.
Mr. Vance: Silence! Lawson, can we suppress this footage in court?
Attorney Lawson: Mr. Vance... this is primary digital evidence. If a police report is filed, this video will be subpoenaed immediately.
Ethan: And we ARE filing a police report, sir.
Mr. Vance: You listen to me, boy! If you go to the police, I will make sure your parents lose their jobs in this city!
Ethan: My father is the district judge, Mr. Vance. Good luck trying to fire him.
Mr. Vance froze, his face twitching slightly as he realized he was losing control of the situation.
Chloe: Dad! Do something! Don't let them put this on my permanent record! I won't get into Ivy League colleges!
Mr. Vance: Harrison, how much money will it take to delete this file from the school server?
Principal Harrison: Mr. Vance! Are you attempting to bribe a school official to destroy evidence of a crime?!