Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

I sat perfectly still in Dr. Winters‘ office, watching her fidget behind her imposing mahogany desk. The afternoon light filtered through the blinds, casting stripes across the room that highlighted the tension hanging in the air. I kept my posture relaxed, one leg crossed casually over the other, hands resting in my lap.

Max sat beside me, his bruised face making my blood boil all over again. In the corner, Jason Reynolds was still whimpering, clutching his twisted knee while a school nurse hovered over him. The sound of his pain was oddly satisfying.

“My leg! You fucking broke my leg, you psycho bitch!” Jason’s voice cracked, echoing off the wood- paneled walls. “I’m the quarterback! The fucking quarterback! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? My scholarship to State is gone!”

I suppressed a smile. Good. Actions have consequences, even for entitled brats like him.

Dr. Winters cleared her throat, shooting Jason a warning glance before turning her stern gaze toward me. Her fingers nervously straightened an already immaculate stack of papers on her desk.

“Ms. Morgan, do you understand the severity of what you’ve done? Violence on school grounds is a serious violation of our code of conduct.” She gestured toward a framed document on the wall as if it were the Constitution itself. “This kind of behavior could result in immediate expulsion.”

I met her gaze directly, keeping my voice calm and measured. “And what about bullying a disabled student, Dr. Winters? What does your code of conduct say about that?” The hypocrisy was astounding.

Max shifted uncomfortably beside me. “Jason started it,” he said, his words slightly slurred from his swollen lip. “He’s been at it for weeks.” My heart ached at the sight of his injuries, fueling the cold rage I kept carefully contained.

Before the principal could respond, Jason’s voice cut through the room. “Do you know who my parents are? My dad is City Councilman Andrew Reynolds! My mom is the chief surgeon at Mercy Medical Center!” His face reddened with outrage as he pointed a shaking finger at me. “You’re finished! They’ll have you expelled! You can forget about graduating, let alone college!”

I’d faced down professional assassins and international crime syndicates in my previous life. This spoiled child thought he could intimidate me with mommy and daddy’s job titles? Pathetic.

Jason turned toward the principal, his voice dropping to a threatening tone. “Wilson, if you don’t

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Chapter 32

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deal with this psycho immediately, my dad will have the board fire you before the week is out! He practically runs this town!”

Dr. Winters‘ face paled visibly as she adjusted her tie, beads of sweat forming along her hairline.

“Reynolds, I assure you this matter will be handled with appropriate seriousness-”

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“What a shame,” I interrupted, allowing myself a cold smile. “Looks like your football dreams are over

with that knee. All those years of practice, wasted in an instant.” Perhaps cruel, but I wasn’t feeling particularly merciful today.

“You’re mocking me?” Jason bellowed, trying unsuccessfully to stand before the nurse pushed him

back down. “When my parents get here, you’ll regret ever being born! They’ll destroy you and your entire pathetic family!”

That was enough. I rose from my chair, my movements fluid and controlled. In my past life, I would have ended him for far less than what he’d done to Max. Even now, the muscle memory was there,

the knowledge of exactly where to strike to silence him permanently.

“Perhaps I should make sure you stay quiet permanently,” I said, taking a step toward him. “How about the other leg? Seems only fair to make things symmetrical.”

“Ms. Morgan, please!” Dr. Winters jumped up in panic, knocking over her coffee mug. She quickly positioned herself between us, hands raised. “Violence solves nothing! Return to your seat immediately!”

I stepped back, never breaking eye contact with Jason. I could see fear beginning to creep into his eyes beneath the anger. Good. He should be afraid.

“Dr. Winters, please call Mayor Felix Huxley.” I knew exactly which cards to play, and when.

The principal blinked rapidly, confusion evident as coffee seeped into her desk calendar. “The… the

mayor? Ms. Morgan, this is just a school disciplinary matter-”

“Now,” I said firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. “Call him and put it on speaker.”

Max looked up at me, concern written across his bruised face, His fingers nervously played with his shirt hem. “Jade, is this really necessary? Maybe we should just-”

I gently squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring nod. “Trust me,” I whispered.

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With trembling fingers, Dr. Winters dialed and placed the phone on her desk. After a few rings, a professional female voice answered, “Mayor’s office.”

“This is Dr. Rebecca Winters from Cloud City High School. I need to speak with Mayor Huxley regarding an urgent matter.”

“I’m afraid the mayor is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed,” the secretary replied smoothly.

I leaned forward. “Please tell Felix that Jade Morgan is calling. It’s an emergency.” I’d calculated correctly–less than a minute later, Felix’s voice filled the room.

“Jade? What’s happened? Are you and Max alright?” The concern in his voice was exactly what I needed everyone in this room to hear.

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