Page 51 of Soul

“Hamilton punched Toby here, and as you know, we’ve a strict anti-bullying policy,” Mr Kane explained.

“That’s fine. What happened?” I inquired.

“Toby, would you like to tell Miss Teague? Miss Teague, these are Toby’s parents, Mr and Mrs Watcher.”

“Hello,” I offered shortly. I’d taken their measure. Assholes, the pair of them. I could predict their argument already; their precious Toby was innocent in all this.

“We were in the playground when Hamilton punched me three times and knocked me down,” Toby whined.

“Without provocation?” I asked.

“No, I was playing with my friends, and Hamilton’s a big mean bully and pushed me down and hit me four times,” Toby replied.

“Lie,” Maci announced.

“Oh, this is getting interesting,” Lindy muttered as she made another note.

I held up a hand to Maci. “Toby, which version is correct? Hamilton punched you three times and knocked you down, or he pushed you down and hit you four times?” I asked.

“Does it matter?” Mrs Watcher demanded.

“Yes. Clearly, he has just told a lie. His story has changed,” I replied.

“He’s upset. Toby isn’t used to getting beaten on,” Mr Watcher exclaimed.

“Okay. So, you can see why we’ve called you here. We’re going to have to suspend Hamilton for fighting,” Mr Kane said.

“I don’t think so, not yet anyway. Why is Maci here?” I inquired.

“What?” Mr Kane blinked.

“Why is my daughter here?” I repeated. “Was she involved?”

“No,” Mr Kane answered, yanking at his tie.

“So, why is she here?”

“Hamilton refused to leave her. The co-dependency is rather worrying,” Mr Kane muttered.

“So why did Ham hit Toby?” Lindy asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Hamilton raised his fists to another boy. That behaviour can’t be tolerated,” Mr Kane stated.

“Wait a minute. You’ve not investigated what occurred? Are you kidding me?” I exclaimed.

“As I said, Hamilton…” Mr Kane began.

“Shut up, you incompetent nincompoop,” I snapped. “Hamilton, what happened?”

Mr Kane cried indignantly, “Miss Teague, I object to your—”

“And I must protest your wilful blindness and lack of sensibility. Anyone gets the full story before phoning parents! Hamilton, I want the truth!” I boomed, turning to face him.

“Maci was playing with some friends when Toby walked up to her and began calling her nasty names,” Hamilton explained, his cheeks flushing red.

“That’s a lie!” Toby cried.

“You had your turn. It’s Hamilton’s,” I snapped at the little snot.

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