At eight am Amanda solemly walked into 'the Dungeon'. Harry sat at his
desk quietly going through a text book with post its to for a class lesson,
he looked and smiled at her as she closed the door behind her.
"Good morning,"said Harry.
"Morning,"said Amanda giving a half smile as she walked over to the desk.
"So how you feeling?"asked Harry.
"Fine,"nodded Amanda.
"That's good,"said Harry. Amanda could see it in his eyes, he was biting his lip to ask her about Miranda.
"You can ask,"said Amanda.
"What happened to Andy?"asked Harry.
"It's better you don't know anything,"said Amanda,"It's nothing serious it's just you don't need pulled into the situation."
"Yeah I got that impression from Miranda,"said Harry looking away.
"Don't worry about what she said,"said Amanda shaking her head slightly,"She was upset."
"But you know she could,"said Harry.
"She could, but she only would if you say something. Harry just act like nothing happened,"said Amanda.
"And if I don't?"asked Harry.
"Then I will go with her,"said Amanda,"Harry's it's nothing personal or me picking her over you, it's just something harsh happened to her. She just needs to deal with it and put it behind her."
"I understand,"said Harry,"But what if they ask? What am I going to say?"
"Tell them exactly what she told her parents, she got in a scrap with a girl,"said Amanda as she seen the doubt in his face,"Harry I know this sounds stupid and like some plan that's going to crash but this is Miranda's situation we're all by-standers and we can't get involved unless she involves us. Just let it be, she's got the support of everyone."
"Okay,"said Harry,"Are you okay? Did you get hurt last night?"
"No, not a scratch,"said Amanda,"Couldn't get one, I remembered what you did to that guy New Year's Eve." Harry just smirked as he sat back.
"Well I hope you guys know what you're doing,"said Harry.
"We do,"reassured Amanda,"Now about the homework due today?"
"Under the circumstances and my unmentionable support to the asshole having his head kicked in, it'll be collected tomorrow,"said Harry.
"See Harry told ya you were a good guy,"said Amanda smiling.
"Well what can I say I try,"smirked Harry. Amanda leaned down and kissed him quickly then stood back up.
"I gotta go met some others,"said Amanda,"I'll see you in class." Harry reached out for her hand and pulled it up to his lips as he kissed it lightly. Amanda smiled down at him as she slowly pulled her hand back.
"See you in class,"said Harry as Amanda backed up towards the door. As she reached it she blew him a quick kiss and smiled.
*****
Amanda sat in second block oddly, rumors were flying widly that the cops were searching the school and questioning people over the incident with Andy. Nobody invloved yet had been pulled out of class but it was only time before were able to narrow it down but no one was speaking. They had Miranda in the office questioning her what she knew, who had hit her but like the rest of them she sat silently.
"Can I go to the washroom?"Amanda asked the substitute teacher, Ms.Miles.
"Sure,"said Ms.Miles nodding. Amanda got up out of her desk and left the class, she walked down the silent and empty halls. Ignoring footsteps behind her Amanda turned the corner down to the bathroom.
"AJ," Amanda finally stopped at the sound of her father's voice. She turned to see him turning the corner with a police officer next to him.
"What's up Dad?"asked Amanda actingly like she knew nothing about what was going on.
"AJ, we're gonna have to talk to you in the office,"said Scott.
"About what?"asked Amanda as the two men approached her.
"Andy Williams,"said the officer.
"What about him?"asked Amanda innocently.
"We'll continue in the office,"said the officer. Amanda nodded and walked next to her father as they went up to the office.
They entered the office to find a man aruging with Lousia. He held his jacket over one arm and his briefcase in the other.
"Pardon me? What is going on here?"asked Scott moving into the situation.
"Who are you?"snapped the man.
"I'm Scott Guber, vice-principal here,"said Scott full of confidence.
"Well I'm Peter Mitchell, legal counsil for any student here being questioned,"said the man.
"Pardon?"asked Scott again.
"I'm Harleem's father, he called me and told me what's going on here. These are minors, they are required to have an adult present during questioning of any sort and as far as I know they have elected me as their legal consil,"said Peter,"Now I either sit on questioning or none of it is admissable in court." Scott looked over at the officer who nodded that Peter Mitchell was correct. Scott lead them into the room that the questioning was taking place, Steven sat on one side of the table with another man in a suit. On the other side was Karen, Luke, Harleem, Marty and Jake. Amanda took a set next to Karen and Marty and looked over as Scott took a seat next to Steven. Each of the students gave a look to each other then to Peter who was now sitting next to Harleem.
"Okay well first I'd like to know are you planning on arresting any of these students?"asked Peter.
"No, not at this point,"said the man in the suit next to Steven, he turned to the others,"I'm Detective Kandins, do you all know why you're here?"
"No,"said Karen shaking her head.
"Andrew Williams, a student and close friend to some of you was beaten last night, he was in coma for most of the night but barely hanging on now as it is. We want to find out who did this, and we believe one of you or more know who is responsible,"said Detective Kandins.
"Sorry we have no clue,"said Luke sitting back.
"Luke I would suggest at this point you drop the cocky act,"said Steven sternly.
"Wait, I'm eighteen, I'm not a minor here what about me,"said Amanda speaking up.
"Miss. Guber is it?"asked Detective Kandins,"If you have nothing to hide that should not be a problem."
"I want a lawyer here,"said Amanda demandingly.
"We have a lawyer,"said Steven sternly.
"I want my own, I'm an adult here,"said Amanda.
"I'd advise her to have an attorney here, what can be let go on the others can incriminate her,"said Peter.
"I believe Ms.Cook has a free block,"said Scott getting up,"She can sit in for AJ."
"Dad,"said Amanda defensively knowing Ronnie wouldn't lift a finger to help her. Scott just looked at her and left the room.
"We will hold questioning until Miss Guber can have a lawyer present,"sighed Detective Kandins.
****
Ten minutes later Amanda stood inside her father's office with Ronnie. Ronnie had agreed to sit in for Amanda but she wanted to know exactly what Amanda knew before she walked in there because she was not going to make a fool out of herself.
"Okay screw the teacher bullshit, what the hell did you guys do to that kid?"asked Ronnie.
"Nothing,"said Amanda.
"Now is not the time to lie, what did you do to Andy?"asked Ronnie,"Just you, not the others."
"Nothing,"said Amanda.
"Fine,"said Ronnie.
"Look you don't gotta do this, cause I don't want someone screwing me into something I didn't do,"said Amanda.
"When I'm in there I'm a lawyer, not a teacher and I'm a damn good lawyer so don't you dare go into that,"said Ronnie before leading Amanda out of the office and into the room the others were in. Once they were all seated Detective Kandins sat forward and began the questioning.
"Does anyone know what happened to Andrew Williams?"asked Kandins.
"He was beaten up,"said Luke quietly.
"By who?"asked Kandins. Everyone was silent as they stared off into different directions.
"Oh c'mon his girlfriend is mysteriously beaten up and the next day he's beaten. C'mon one of you have to know something,"said Kandins,"Who knocked his girlfriend around?"
"Aren't you questioning her?"asked Marty.
"We are,"said Kandins.
"Well then if you haven't found out from her, then how are we suppose to know,"said Jake.
"Lying is only going to get you into more trouble,"said Kandins,"C'mon we can get this done quick and easy, who was in on it? If it was any of you the consquences will be less if you turn yourself in now."
"We don't know anything,"said Amanda.
"Okay Miss Guber where were you last night?"asked Kandins.
"With Marty at the mall,"said Amanda.
"Did you know about the incident with Miranda?"asked Kandins. Amanda bit her lip as she looked at him.
"I did,"said Amanda.
"Did she tell you who did it?"asked Kandins.
"No,"said Amanda.
"Who did you assume it was?"asked Kandins.
"Andy could be a possiblity,"said Amanda.
"So you decided to punish him for it,"said Kandins.
"AJ, don't answer that,"said Ronnie,"That's assuming guilt, Mr.Kandins all of these kids are pressumed innocent." Kandins nodded and moved his questioning on to Marty.
"So where did you and AJ go well at the mall?"asked Kandins.
"Around,"shrugged Marty,"Just looked at stuff and talked."
"Talked about what?"asked Kandins.
"School, people, the usual,"said Marty.
"Andy Williams?"asked Kandins.
"She mentioned it but said Miranda didn't want her talking about it,"said Marty.
"AJ, what did Miranda say to you?"asked Kandins.
"She wasn't talking to me,"lied Amanda.
"Who was she talking too?"asked Kandins.
"I dunno I overheard them,"said Amanda,"I came in afterwards."
"What was said?"asked Kandins. Amanda looked over at Ronnie who nodded at her.
"It's hearsay and not permissable,"said Ronnie.
"She said she was beaten up and she didn't want to go to the cops,"said Amanda.
"Why?"asked Kandins.
"She didn't want her parents to find out,"said Amanda.
"Why was that?"asked Kandins.
"I dunno ask her, they're her parents,"said Amanda.
"Miss Guber, please watch your tone,"said Kandins.
"Look obviously these kids know nothing of the situation of hand so why not let them go back to class and stop wasting everyone's time,"said Peter.
"Mr.Mitchell, I realize these kids are throwing the law around to their advantage but it is also my advantage to keep them here until I see fit,"said Kandins,"Now Harleem Mitchell, where were you last night?"
"At home,"said Harleem.
"Who else was home?"asked Kandins.
"No one, my dad was out,"said Harleem.
"Did you know last night Miranda's situation?"asked Kandins.
"Yeah, I took her home from school,"said Harleem.
"Did she tell you what happened to her?"asked Kandins.
"No,"said Harleem.
"So you're telling me you took her all the way home and you didn't ask or discuss her injuries? That sounds a little far fetch don't you think? Could you be lying?"asked Kandins.
"Don't bagger my son please,"said Peter sternly.
"The babykiller got what he deserved,"muttered Harleem.
"What?"asked Kandins catching clearly what Harleem had said.
"Nothing,"said Harleem.
"You said the babykiller got what he deserved,"said Kandins.
"No I didn't,"said Harleem.
"Look someone here start telling the goddamn truth or you'll all be arrested on contempt, I know you're all lying so just spit out the truth,"said Kandins angrily as he stood up.
"Detective Kandins, these are outright threats,"said Peter standing up as well,"They are minors and there is no reason to doubt them. You are getting no where this them."
"Well this one isn't a minor,"said Kandins pointing at Amanda,"She can be arrested for contempt."
"What the fuck?"cried Amanda.
"You can't do that,"said Ronnie loudly,"She's don't nothing to be charged on."
"This is out of hand,"said Scott.
"I want to know exactly what is going on here,"said Kandins almost yelling. Soon everyone was yelling and getting no where.
"She was pregnant,"yelled Karen. Quickly everyone fell silently looking at Karen who sat there obviously upset and on the verge of tears.
"She was pregnant, he beat her up until she lost the baby,"said Karen quickly,"Andy beat her up she didn't want to tell the cops because she didn't want her mom to find out she was pregnant."
"Who went after Andy?"asked Kandins focusing in on Karen.
"I don't know, no one here we honored Miranda's word to leave it be,"said Karen,"No one here is guilty, go arrest that fucking bastard he killed her baby and beat her for no fucking reason." Everyone was quiet as Karen burst into tears, everyone who didn't know the truth let it set in and those who did tried to block out the thoughts of what was to come.
"Good morning,"said Harry.
"Morning,"said Amanda giving a half smile as she walked over to the desk.
"So how you feeling?"asked Harry.
"Fine,"nodded Amanda.
"That's good,"said Harry. Amanda could see it in his eyes, he was biting his lip to ask her about Miranda.
"You can ask,"said Amanda.
"What happened to Andy?"asked Harry.
"It's better you don't know anything,"said Amanda,"It's nothing serious it's just you don't need pulled into the situation."
"Yeah I got that impression from Miranda,"said Harry looking away.
"Don't worry about what she said,"said Amanda shaking her head slightly,"She was upset."
"But you know she could,"said Harry.
"She could, but she only would if you say something. Harry just act like nothing happened,"said Amanda.
"And if I don't?"asked Harry.
"Then I will go with her,"said Amanda,"Harry's it's nothing personal or me picking her over you, it's just something harsh happened to her. She just needs to deal with it and put it behind her."
"I understand,"said Harry,"But what if they ask? What am I going to say?"
"Tell them exactly what she told her parents, she got in a scrap with a girl,"said Amanda as she seen the doubt in his face,"Harry I know this sounds stupid and like some plan that's going to crash but this is Miranda's situation we're all by-standers and we can't get involved unless she involves us. Just let it be, she's got the support of everyone."
"Okay,"said Harry,"Are you okay? Did you get hurt last night?"
"No, not a scratch,"said Amanda,"Couldn't get one, I remembered what you did to that guy New Year's Eve." Harry just smirked as he sat back.
"Well I hope you guys know what you're doing,"said Harry.
"We do,"reassured Amanda,"Now about the homework due today?"
"Under the circumstances and my unmentionable support to the asshole having his head kicked in, it'll be collected tomorrow,"said Harry.
"See Harry told ya you were a good guy,"said Amanda smiling.
"Well what can I say I try,"smirked Harry. Amanda leaned down and kissed him quickly then stood back up.
"I gotta go met some others,"said Amanda,"I'll see you in class." Harry reached out for her hand and pulled it up to his lips as he kissed it lightly. Amanda smiled down at him as she slowly pulled her hand back.
"See you in class,"said Harry as Amanda backed up towards the door. As she reached it she blew him a quick kiss and smiled.
*****
Amanda sat in second block oddly, rumors were flying widly that the cops were searching the school and questioning people over the incident with Andy. Nobody invloved yet had been pulled out of class but it was only time before were able to narrow it down but no one was speaking. They had Miranda in the office questioning her what she knew, who had hit her but like the rest of them she sat silently.
"Can I go to the washroom?"Amanda asked the substitute teacher, Ms.Miles.
"Sure,"said Ms.Miles nodding. Amanda got up out of her desk and left the class, she walked down the silent and empty halls. Ignoring footsteps behind her Amanda turned the corner down to the bathroom.
"AJ," Amanda finally stopped at the sound of her father's voice. She turned to see him turning the corner with a police officer next to him.
"What's up Dad?"asked Amanda actingly like she knew nothing about what was going on.
"AJ, we're gonna have to talk to you in the office,"said Scott.
"About what?"asked Amanda as the two men approached her.
"Andy Williams,"said the officer.
"What about him?"asked Amanda innocently.
"We'll continue in the office,"said the officer. Amanda nodded and walked next to her father as they went up to the office.
They entered the office to find a man aruging with Lousia. He held his jacket over one arm and his briefcase in the other.
"Pardon me? What is going on here?"asked Scott moving into the situation.
"Who are you?"snapped the man.
"I'm Scott Guber, vice-principal here,"said Scott full of confidence.
"Well I'm Peter Mitchell, legal counsil for any student here being questioned,"said the man.
"Pardon?"asked Scott again.
"I'm Harleem's father, he called me and told me what's going on here. These are minors, they are required to have an adult present during questioning of any sort and as far as I know they have elected me as their legal consil,"said Peter,"Now I either sit on questioning or none of it is admissable in court." Scott looked over at the officer who nodded that Peter Mitchell was correct. Scott lead them into the room that the questioning was taking place, Steven sat on one side of the table with another man in a suit. On the other side was Karen, Luke, Harleem, Marty and Jake. Amanda took a set next to Karen and Marty and looked over as Scott took a seat next to Steven. Each of the students gave a look to each other then to Peter who was now sitting next to Harleem.
"Okay well first I'd like to know are you planning on arresting any of these students?"asked Peter.
"No, not at this point,"said the man in the suit next to Steven, he turned to the others,"I'm Detective Kandins, do you all know why you're here?"
"No,"said Karen shaking her head.
"Andrew Williams, a student and close friend to some of you was beaten last night, he was in coma for most of the night but barely hanging on now as it is. We want to find out who did this, and we believe one of you or more know who is responsible,"said Detective Kandins.
"Sorry we have no clue,"said Luke sitting back.
"Luke I would suggest at this point you drop the cocky act,"said Steven sternly.
"Wait, I'm eighteen, I'm not a minor here what about me,"said Amanda speaking up.
"Miss. Guber is it?"asked Detective Kandins,"If you have nothing to hide that should not be a problem."
"I want a lawyer here,"said Amanda demandingly.
"We have a lawyer,"said Steven sternly.
"I want my own, I'm an adult here,"said Amanda.
"I'd advise her to have an attorney here, what can be let go on the others can incriminate her,"said Peter.
"I believe Ms.Cook has a free block,"said Scott getting up,"She can sit in for AJ."
"Dad,"said Amanda defensively knowing Ronnie wouldn't lift a finger to help her. Scott just looked at her and left the room.
"We will hold questioning until Miss Guber can have a lawyer present,"sighed Detective Kandins.
****
Ten minutes later Amanda stood inside her father's office with Ronnie. Ronnie had agreed to sit in for Amanda but she wanted to know exactly what Amanda knew before she walked in there because she was not going to make a fool out of herself.
"Okay screw the teacher bullshit, what the hell did you guys do to that kid?"asked Ronnie.
"Nothing,"said Amanda.
"Now is not the time to lie, what did you do to Andy?"asked Ronnie,"Just you, not the others."
"Nothing,"said Amanda.
"Fine,"said Ronnie.
"Look you don't gotta do this, cause I don't want someone screwing me into something I didn't do,"said Amanda.
"When I'm in there I'm a lawyer, not a teacher and I'm a damn good lawyer so don't you dare go into that,"said Ronnie before leading Amanda out of the office and into the room the others were in. Once they were all seated Detective Kandins sat forward and began the questioning.
"Does anyone know what happened to Andrew Williams?"asked Kandins.
"He was beaten up,"said Luke quietly.
"By who?"asked Kandins. Everyone was silent as they stared off into different directions.
"Oh c'mon his girlfriend is mysteriously beaten up and the next day he's beaten. C'mon one of you have to know something,"said Kandins,"Who knocked his girlfriend around?"
"Aren't you questioning her?"asked Marty.
"We are,"said Kandins.
"Well then if you haven't found out from her, then how are we suppose to know,"said Jake.
"Lying is only going to get you into more trouble,"said Kandins,"C'mon we can get this done quick and easy, who was in on it? If it was any of you the consquences will be less if you turn yourself in now."
"We don't know anything,"said Amanda.
"Okay Miss Guber where were you last night?"asked Kandins.
"With Marty at the mall,"said Amanda.
"Did you know about the incident with Miranda?"asked Kandins. Amanda bit her lip as she looked at him.
"I did,"said Amanda.
"Did she tell you who did it?"asked Kandins.
"No,"said Amanda.
"Who did you assume it was?"asked Kandins.
"Andy could be a possiblity,"said Amanda.
"So you decided to punish him for it,"said Kandins.
"AJ, don't answer that,"said Ronnie,"That's assuming guilt, Mr.Kandins all of these kids are pressumed innocent." Kandins nodded and moved his questioning on to Marty.
"So where did you and AJ go well at the mall?"asked Kandins.
"Around,"shrugged Marty,"Just looked at stuff and talked."
"Talked about what?"asked Kandins.
"School, people, the usual,"said Marty.
"Andy Williams?"asked Kandins.
"She mentioned it but said Miranda didn't want her talking about it,"said Marty.
"AJ, what did Miranda say to you?"asked Kandins.
"She wasn't talking to me,"lied Amanda.
"Who was she talking too?"asked Kandins.
"I dunno I overheard them,"said Amanda,"I came in afterwards."
"What was said?"asked Kandins. Amanda looked over at Ronnie who nodded at her.
"It's hearsay and not permissable,"said Ronnie.
"She said she was beaten up and she didn't want to go to the cops,"said Amanda.
"Why?"asked Kandins.
"She didn't want her parents to find out,"said Amanda.
"Why was that?"asked Kandins.
"I dunno ask her, they're her parents,"said Amanda.
"Miss Guber, please watch your tone,"said Kandins.
"Look obviously these kids know nothing of the situation of hand so why not let them go back to class and stop wasting everyone's time,"said Peter.
"Mr.Mitchell, I realize these kids are throwing the law around to their advantage but it is also my advantage to keep them here until I see fit,"said Kandins,"Now Harleem Mitchell, where were you last night?"
"At home,"said Harleem.
"Who else was home?"asked Kandins.
"No one, my dad was out,"said Harleem.
"Did you know last night Miranda's situation?"asked Kandins.
"Yeah, I took her home from school,"said Harleem.
"Did she tell you what happened to her?"asked Kandins.
"No,"said Harleem.
"So you're telling me you took her all the way home and you didn't ask or discuss her injuries? That sounds a little far fetch don't you think? Could you be lying?"asked Kandins.
"Don't bagger my son please,"said Peter sternly.
"The babykiller got what he deserved,"muttered Harleem.
"What?"asked Kandins catching clearly what Harleem had said.
"Nothing,"said Harleem.
"You said the babykiller got what he deserved,"said Kandins.
"No I didn't,"said Harleem.
"Look someone here start telling the goddamn truth or you'll all be arrested on contempt, I know you're all lying so just spit out the truth,"said Kandins angrily as he stood up.
"Detective Kandins, these are outright threats,"said Peter standing up as well,"They are minors and there is no reason to doubt them. You are getting no where this them."
"Well this one isn't a minor,"said Kandins pointing at Amanda,"She can be arrested for contempt."
"What the fuck?"cried Amanda.
"You can't do that,"said Ronnie loudly,"She's don't nothing to be charged on."
"This is out of hand,"said Scott.
"I want to know exactly what is going on here,"said Kandins almost yelling. Soon everyone was yelling and getting no where.
"She was pregnant,"yelled Karen. Quickly everyone fell silently looking at Karen who sat there obviously upset and on the verge of tears.
"She was pregnant, he beat her up until she lost the baby,"said Karen quickly,"Andy beat her up she didn't want to tell the cops because she didn't want her mom to find out she was pregnant."
"Who went after Andy?"asked Kandins focusing in on Karen.
"I don't know, no one here we honored Miranda's word to leave it be,"said Karen,"No one here is guilty, go arrest that fucking bastard he killed her baby and beat her for no fucking reason." Everyone was quiet as Karen burst into tears, everyone who didn't know the truth let it set in and those who did tried to block out the thoughts of what was to come.