Chapter 7 - THE SCHOOL BOARD
Westbridge’s board wanted quiet.
Badly.
The school had just launched a thirty-million-dollar capital campaign.
Richard Reed was one of its largest donors.
Margaret’s evidence threatened:
foundation credibility,
donor confidence,
old scholarship records,
possible tax scrutiny.
Principal Dana Collins called Emily and Margaret into a meeting.
She said:
“We are committed to student safety.”
Emily waited.
Then:
“But we need to avoid turning this into a public conflict before facts are established.”
Margaret asked:
“Meaning?”
“Please do not discuss foundation allegations with students or media.”
Emily laughed.
“So Ashley can call me trash for months, but I can’t say why she attacked us?”
Collins stiffened.
“That’s not what I said.”
“It’s what it does.”
Margaret touched Emily’s arm.
Then asked:
“Is Richard Reed still on the foundation board?”
Silence.
“Yes.”
“Is he involved in this review?”
“Recused.”
“Since when?”
“Yesterday.”
After the street attack.
Margaret nodded.
Then placed a USB drive on the table.
“This is a copy.”
Collins stared.
“The original is with counsel.”
Good.
No single bag anymore.
No evidence that could disappear through intimidation.
Margaret continued:
“If anyone touches my granddaughter again, the question will not be whether we embarrassed the school.”
Pause.
“It will be why the school let donor power become student power.”
May you like
Collins went pale.
That sentence traveled quickly.
