Page 53 of Mending Fences
The coach’s face burned red—from anger or embarrassment, Mandy couldn’t tell. He took a menacing step toward the new woman. “Well, well. What do we have here? A woman with beauty and brawn. Perhaps you—”
“Would like to file a sexual harassment complaint?” she said to Mandy.
Coach took another step and raised his hand to the newcomer’s shoulder. In a flash, he was face down on the table again.
“Or I can give some self-defense lessons to the teachers at this school. You are easier to take down than you look.”
The door opened, and three teachers walked in, their laughter fading as they took in the spectacle. The shortest female started laughing again. “I’ve wanted to do that to him forever!”
The science teacher adjusted his tie. “Do you need any help?”
“Would you kindly go get your school officer? I believe your coach needs to be arrested on assault charges.”
The coach let out a string of profanities.
When the resource officer and the principal appeared, the brunette stepped back, keeping the coach restrained.
“Just what is going on here?” Mr. Lee walked to the coach’s side.
The coach opened his mouth, but the woman spoke first. “I witnessed this man sexually assaulting Miss Fowler. I would like you to arrest him.”
The principal stepped away from the coach. “Arrest?”
“Yes, I believe in this state, the charge is sexual battery.” The brunette looked to the short teacher. “Possibly multiple counts.”
“Miss Fowler, do you agree?” The officer pulled out his cuffs.
“She doesn’t have to. I witnessed it, I can bring the charges.”
“And who exactly are you?” asked the principal.
“Abbie Hastings, of Hastings Security.”
Mandy felt like she might faint.
And she did.
Two trips to the ER in the space of a month. At this rate she should get a frequent-patient pass. The doctor had recognized her, but the boot may have helped.
“There you go,” he said as he set the half-empty glue tube on the tray. “Unlike stitches, with glue, there should be no visible scarring on your cheek. Let’s peek at those X-rays. Good. No fracture to the cheekbone, and your foot is healing nicely. Another two weeks and you can take that boot off.”
Not exactly good. A week longer than she planned. She would still be wearing the boot for her MFA show.
“I’ll have someone come in with your paperwork, and you can leave.”
Mandy sat up and faced Abbie. “Thanks for your help. Did you really have him arrested, or did I imagine everything?”
“Wedid. Between what Alex witnessed last week and what I did today, there is a case there. The short teacher also filed charges. I won’t be surprised if other women step up to add more counts.”
Wincing, Mandy stopped mid-nod. “Yes, I know at least ten who have filed harassment complaints with the district.”
“Alex guessed as much.”
“Alex?”
“My brother. He goes by Mr. Alexander on the job. I’m part of his team. You didn’t think he was the only one watching out for you?”
“I hadn’t thought about it.”
