Chapter 21: The Second Gauntlet Thrown
The next morning I awoke in my dorm room covered with blankets. I looked out the window and noticed the planter box. Daffodils had started to sprout from the soil. It seemed Louis had planted them there a while ago but with colder weather coming soon, I wasn't sure how they would fare. I slowly rose up out of bed and heard my younger brother come rushing to my side.
"I told you drinking is not your strong suit," Louis said with concern but a hint of a smile. "I'm just happy you are alright."
I smiled at my brother. But the smile faded as I was remembering the events that transpired last night. Arthur's piercing eyes still haunted me and I shook my head as if trying to shake away what happened. Louis took notice of this and handed me a cup of tea. "Drink," he said softly. I took a small sip and started to feel a little better. "It's a shame," he said. "The flowers probably will die come Winter."
Nothing I thought could ruin this warm and relaxing moment. That was until I heard a voice I could recognize in a crowded room.
"There he is Professor," Arthur said.
I turned and saw Arthur standing in our doorway with Professor Woods. The teacher wore an expression of frustration and sadness. I slowly got out of bed; my school clothes were still on me but were greatly disheveled. Embarrassment flushed across my face.
"I'm so sorry for my appearance, Professor Woods," I said with a bow. "I was out too late last night and I-"
"The board will see you tomorrow morning Moriarty," he replied coldly.
My stomach dropped. I had already put two and two together. Arthur had blamed me for the thefts around campus.
"Here's the brooch I found in his room," Arthur said, handing it to Professor Woods. "I hope you'll find the other items soon."
Anger and fire consumed my body. How I so wanted to attack Arthur. I could feel the back of my neck growing red and my hands clenched into fists. I wanted to speak up for myself but my mind kept flashing back to the incident in Arthur's room. No doubt he would twist that story up too. But I had a plan. I was going to figure everything I could about Arthur Raffles and make sure that somehow, some way the truth would come out.
"I will see you tomorrow morning Professor Woods. To proclaim my innocence," I said confidently.
The professor looked taken aback from my words but I didn't care. I had been helping this university in more ways that I could count. Private tutoring for one. And even helping teachers at times. The only thing Raffles had going for him was being a King's Scholar and a great cricket player. I made my mind up then and there that brains would win over brawn. The rest of the day Louis and I talked about Arthur with other classmates. One particular thing we found interesting was that he couldn't keep a fag. These were usually younger students that helped King's Scholars with chores, tasks or errands. For example, they would help shine boots and make tea. Almost like a servant. I despised this system as all it did was further promote bullying and teasing in a school setting. Louis and I spoke to his former fags. It seemed that each semester that would request the headmaster delegate them to someone else. However, I couldn't get a reason as to why.
"I can't tell you," Jeremy replied after I pressured him as to why he was no longer a servant to Arthur.
Noticeably his hands were shaking and it appeared he was almost on the verge of tears. I also began trembling as I knew what I had to do to get him to trust me.
"Follow me Jeremy," I said. He followed me with fear toward a garden. Making sure no one was around, I then asked him to hide behind a large tree. "What I am about to tell you should remain in secrecy. I offer the same to you."
The next few moments with him were heartbreaking to hear. After I opened up to him about what happened to me he began to share that he too was also violated, bullied, and picked on while he was a drudge to Arthur. This only confirmed my theories. Every underclassmen that served for Arthur was treated horribly. I now had the ammunition I needed at tomorrow morning's hearing.