I started talking.
I spent nearly half an hour in that room. When I left, I found Principal Davis pacing in the outer office. “What did you say?” he asked.
“The truth.”
“Well, I might as well pack up and leave.” He groaned and hurried into the room with the inspectors. As the door closed behind him, I could hear his nervous chatter. “Now, remember, that’s just one student. There are dozens of wonderful kids here. Martin can be a bit abrasive at times. He’s actually one of our most difficult cases. Don’t let that bother you.”
I left the office. Bloodbath and a couple of his gang were lined up on chairs just inside the door. I guess Principal Davis wanted to talk with them. I walked past, trying not to catch anyone’s eye.
As I went down the hall, I heard footsteps. Two pairs. Following me. One big and heavy pair of feet, one small pair. I walked toward the stairs. The footsteps sped up. Before I got to the steps, Bloodbath reached me, grabbed my shoulder, and spun me around.
“You bastard,” he said, grabbing me by the shirt. He shoved me against the wall.