Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

42

“My parents will be here any minute,” Jason hissed at me, his eyes narrowing. “You’re going to regret ever touching me, you psycho bitch.”

I didn’t bother looking up from my phone. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

Jason let out another exaggerated groan. “Jesus Christ, it hurts so much! Coach was talking to scouts

from State about me. Now I’ll never get that scholarship!”

The nurse rolled her eyes slightly behind Jason’s back, clearly unimpressed by his theatrics.

“Mr. Reynolds, I’ve already told you it’s a simple fracture. It will heal completely with proper care,” she said, adjusting the temporary splint on his leg.

“What do you know?” Jason snapped. “You’re just a school nurse!”

Dr. Winters cleared her throat. “Jason, please try to remain calm. Your parents should be here any

minute.”

Outside the office, I could hear footsteps approaching. Through the frosted glass of the door, I could make out several silhouettes – more than just two people. The Reynolds were apparently bringing

reinforcements.

“That’s them,” Jason said, a smug smile replacing his pained expression for just a moment before he

resumed his victim act. “Now you’ll see.”

The door remained closed as voices drifted in from the hallway.

“I want this girl expelled at minimum,” came a deep, authoritative male voice. “Find me everything we can use against her. Assault charges, civil suit for medical expenses and emotional distress…”

“And check if there’s any history of violence or mental illness in her family,” added a crisp female voice. “No one hurts our son and gets away with it, especially not some girl from the poor side of

town.”

Max’s hand found mine, squeezing it gently. I gave him a reassuring nod.

“Morgan family has no resources to fight us,” the man continued. “This will be quick,”

Through the glass, I could see a woman in a dark pantsuit typing rapidly on a tablet, presumably

ļ

1/5

10:07 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 33

–

taking notes. Next to her stood a man in an expensive suit clutching a leather briefcase their lawyer, no doubt.

Suddenly, a phone rang in the hallway.

142

“Councilman Reynolds,” a secretary’s voice called out. “There’s a call for you from the mayor’s office. Felix Huxley is on the line personally.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Felix?” The man’s voice changed instantly, surprise replacing the arrogance. “What can I do for

you?”

Though I couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation, the effect was immediate and visible even through the frosted glass. The Reynolds‘ postures stiffened, then seemed to deflate simultaneously.

“Haxton? Did you say…” The man’s voice had risen half an octave.

The woman’s silhouette moved closer. “What’s happening, Andrew?”

The man covered the phone and whispered something to his wife that made her physically step backward. Their body language had transformed completely.

“Of course, Felix. I understand completely. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We’ll handle it appropriately.”

The call ended, and another hushed, frantic conversation followed outside the door. I could make out only fragments:

“…can’t touch her…”

“…Haxton would destroy us…”

“…political suicide…”

After a minute of intense whispering, the door finally opened. A tall, distinguished–looking man in his fifties entered, followed by an elegant woman with surgical precision to her appearance – every hair in place, makeup flawless, designer clothes immaculate.

What I hadn’t expected was the look of barely concealed panic on both their faces.

2/5

10:07 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 33

:

:

“Dr. Winters,” Councilman Reynolds began, his voice artificially calm. “I apologize for the delay.”

“Dad!” Jason called out, his face lighting up with vindictive hope. “Look what she did to me! This psycho attacked me for no reason!”

Both Reynolds parents shot their son a warning look that shut him up instantly.

“Jason,” his father said with forced patience. “Not now.”

Dr. Winters rose quickly from her desk. “Councilman Reynolds, Dr. Reynolds, thank you for coming. I’m terribly sorry about this unfortunate incident-”

“Yes, unfortunate indeed,” Mrs. Reynolds cut in, her eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. Not anger, but something closer to fear.

42

Jason, not reading the room, tried again. “Mom, Dad, she broke my leg! You should see what she did!

I might never play again!”

Dr. Reynolds finally turned to her son, her professional demeanor taking over. She moved to examine

his knee, pressing it in several places with practiced efficiency.

“It’s a simple fracture, Jason,” she said briskly. “The hospital will set it properly, and you’ll be back on

the field before winter training. Stop being dramatic.”

Jason’s mouth fell open in shock. “But Mom-”

“Enough!” Councilman Reynolds snapped, then visibly composed himself. He turned to me, and to

everyone’s surprise, especially Jason’s, he approached with a respectful bow of his head.

“Ms. Morgan, I want to personally apologize for my son’s behavior. Whatever transpired between you

two, I’m certain he bears significant responsibility.”

The room went silent. Jason’s face turned from shock to betrayal.

“Dad? What the hell are you talking about? She attacked me!”

His father shot him a glare that could have frozen fire. “Be quiet, Jason. Do you have any idea who you’ve been antagonizing, you idiot?”

Jason looked between his parents in confusion, his victim act momentarily forgotten.

3/5

10:07 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 33

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify