Chapter 10 - The Fall of the Prodigy
Two hours later, the local squad cars had cleared out, taking Marcus away in handcuffs for aggravated assault and unauthorized access to classified law enforcement records. Hayes had personally taken Marcus's phone as evidence for a wider probe into the illicit data ring that had supplied the leaked files.
The gym was quiet again, the sharp smell of rain and ozone drifting through the open bay doors. The remaining students stood in tight, hushed clusters around the locker room corridor, watching Maya clean and bandage the shallow cut on her shoulder.
Julian Sterling stood outside Vance’s office, looking visibly shaken. When Maya finished taping the gauze, he walked over, clearing his throat awkwardly.
""Ms. Thorne,"" Sterling began, his polished boardroom swagger entirely replaced by contrite formality. ""On behalf of the board... I want to extend an unreserved apology. We were fed manipulated intelligence, and I acted with unforgivable haste.""
Maya picked up a clean dry shirt from her bag and pulled it over her head, ignoring the throbbing pain in her shoulder. ""You acted out of fear for your money and your brand, Mr. Sterling. That’s what boards do.""
Sterling winced slightly. ""Be that as it may, Officer Hayes and the municipal police commission just made it very clear that their ongoing tactical training contracts are strictly contingent on your leadership. We are prepared to double the initial retainer offer and grant you complete operational autonomy over the tactical division.""
Maya zipped her duffel bag slowly. She looked past Sterling, catching the eye of Master Vance, who was leaning against the doorpost of his office with an unreadable expression.
""I don't teach to build trophies for investors,"" Maya said, her voice even. ""If I run this program, your junior instructors train under my syllabus. No shortcuts, no tournament theatrics, no inflated egos. We teach real defense. If you can't stomach that, keep your money.""
May you like
Sterling didn't hesitate. ""Whatever you need. You have full authority.""
Maya slung her duffel over her uninjured shoulder and walked toward the office. But Master Vance didn't look relieved. In fact, his eyes were full of a dark, lingering worry.
