Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 24

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 24

I leaned against the brick wall outside the school entrance, checking my watch for the third time. The afternoon sun beat down on my face, warming my skin despite the crisp spring air. Students streamed past me, casting curious glances my way–word about my academic integrity hearing had spread like wildfire.

A sleek black Mercedes pulled up to the curb, drawing even more attention. The engine purred to a stop, and out stepped a man who looked like he’d walked straight off a GQ cover. Chris Jensen stood about six–foot–two, with dark hair perfectly styled, wearing a charcoal suit. His presence immediately commanded attention, making the chattering students fall silent.

Even before Night had mentioned him to me, I’d known about Chris Jensen. His reputation preceded him–America’s most formidable trial lawyer who had never lost a case. Street gangs respected him, calling him “Mr. Jensen” with a reverence usually reserved for mob bosses. Rumors circulated that he was the son of the head of America’s largest crime syndicate, though anyone foolish enough to investigate those claims found their lives systematically dismantled.

“Ms. Morgan?” he asked, his voice smooth and controlled:

I nodded. “Mr. Jensen. Thank you for coming.”

We found an empty classroom, and I watched as he placed his briefcase on a desk.

“Tell me exactly what happened,” he said, his eyes sharp. “Don’t omit any details.”

I explained the situation methodically: the AP Calculus exam I’d completed in twenty–five minutes, Mr. Peterson’s accusations, the initial hearing where they’d refused to let me demonstrate my

abilities.

“They’re convinced I cheated because my previous grades were bad, and because I didn’t show my work on the exam,” I concluded.

Jensen nodded, his expression thoughtful. “They’re making assumptions based on past performance rather than considering current evidence.” He closed his briefcase with a decisive click. “Let’s go change their minds.”

The academic integrity committee members were already seated when we arrived at the hearing room. Their eyes widened collectively when they saw Chris Jensen walk in behind me. Mr. Peterson,

6:58 Tue, Sep 16

Chapter 24

who had been leaning casually against the wall, immediately straightened his posture.

“Excuse me,” the committee chairwoman said, adjusting her glasses nervously, “but who is this gentleman?”

“Chris Jensen,” he replied before I could speak, handing her his business card. I’m Ms. Morgan’s legal representative.”

Mr. Peterson stepped forward, his face flushing slightly. “This is just a school academic integrity matter. There’s no need for lawyers to be involved.”

Jensen smiled–the kind of smile that doesn’t reach the eyes. “Any allegation that could impact a student’s future academic prospects deserves proper representation.”

He pulled out a thick folder and placed it on the table.

“Before we begin,” he said, “I’d like to present some documentation.”

He slid copies of what appeared to be a legal brief across the table to each committee mer

“This is… a defamation claim?” the chairwoman asked, her voice rising slightly.

“Along with academic misconduct allegations against the school and relevant faculty,” Jensen confirmed, his tone matter–of–fact. “To be filed only if necessary, of course.”

Mr. Peterson snatched up his copy, flipping through it with growing agitation. “This is ridiculous! We’re following standard procedure for a suspected cheating case.”

“Procedure?” Jensen raised an eyebrow. “Is it standard procedure to deny a student the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge?”

“My client,” Jensen continued, “has the right to prove her abilities in a fair environment. She’s willing to take any test you put before her.”

Mr. Peterson broke the silence, his voice dripping with disdain. “Hiring a fancy lawyer doesn’t change the facts, Ms. Morgan. Your historical academic performance has been mediocre at best. Suddenly completing an exam in twenty–five minutes with perfect answers and no work shown? It’s implausible.”

I met his gaze directly. “Is it implausible, Mr. Peterson, or are you simply unable to comprehend that a student might understand concepts beyond your teaching capacity?”

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“Your previous records don’t support your claim of mathematical genius, one committee member finally said.

‘My previous choice not to demonstrate my abilities doesn’t negate their existence,” I replied coolly. “That’s a historical induction fallacy–assuming past performance determines current capability.”

Mr. Peterson’s face flushed crimson. “Don’t try to distract us with fancy terminology!”

“My client is willing to take any test right now, under your supervision,” Jensen added.

Before anyone could respond, a knock at the door interrupted the proceedings. Dr. Thompson rose to answer it, his expression shifting from annoyance to surprise as he pulled the door open.

A tall man in an expensive suit stepped into the room. I recognized him immediately from campaign posters around town–Felix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud City.

“Good afternoon,” he said, his deep voice filling the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything

important.”

The committee members scrambled to their feet, murmuring greetings.

“Mayor Huxley, this is unexpected. What brings you to our school today?” Dr. Thompson asked.

Felix Huxley smiled, the practiced smile of a career politician. “I heard that Cloud City High was handling an academic integrity case today. As mayor, I take a personal interest in ensuring our educational system operates with fairness and transparency.”

“We were just discussing the appropriate way to resolve this matter,” the chairwoman explained.

“Indeed,” Jensen interjected. “My client has been accused of cheating on an exam, despite no evidence beyond the fact that she completed it quickly and correctly. She’s offered to demonstrate her knowledge in person, but that request has been denied.”

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