“You don’t have a choice,” Principal Tanner’s voice from the hallway cut off whatever Dean almost asked me.

We glanced at each other, confused by the hushed but harsh tone in Tanner’s voice. Then, in some silent agreement, we stood up and moved closer toward the door. A stealthy peek revealed a student in Tessa’s class, a redheaded girl I couldn’t remember the name of, as she stood at her open locker.

“I didn’t copy anything, Principal Tanner. I swear,” she said, staring up at him where he stood with his hands in his pockets.

“The matching papers say otherwise.”

“Have you talked to Todd?” she asked. “Because maybe we used the same sources? Mr. Coldwell gave us all a list of preferred sites he wanted us to use for research.”

Tanner shook his head, sharp like a razor. “No. What you and Mr. Langwater did was unacceptable. I have grounds to expel you.”

Tears filled her eyes, and I glanced at Dean.

Should we say something? Should we leave?

Dean shook his head, returning focus to the scene happening just outside.

Did Tanner forget we had the club today? Or did he assume we were locked in?

The girl shook her head. “Please,” she said. “My parents would kill me. And I swear I didn’t copy.”

“Then perhaps Mr. Langwater did.”

The girl sagged in relief.

“However,” Tanner continued, and she tensed again. “You are as culpable as he is.”

“What do you want me to do?” she asked. “I’ll rewrite the paper. On a different topic this time—”

“That won’t be necessary,” he said. “You focus on your current schoolwork. Don’t let your grades dip a fraction.” She nodded enthusiastically. “And,” he said, placing his hands behind his back. “If I need you to tutor some struggling students, you will. It would also be beneficial if you mentioned to your father how I’m letting you off easy…dare say, scot-free, after such an infraction.”

The girl froze, confusion transforming her face.

That made three of us by the look Dean and I shared.

“You want me to tell my dad about this?” she asked.

“He’s on our academic board, is he not?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then if you want to keep this incident a secret, you could perhaps simply mention how you have an understanding principal. One who cares about what happens in your future. One who doesn’t immediately punish despite there being grounds to do so.”

Her lips parted, to argue or merely respond, I wasn’t sure, but she clamped them shut.

“I wouldn’t want to see your record marred for the sake of formalities.” He straightened his tie. “Do we understand each other?”

“Yes, sir.” She lowered her head, completely defeated.

Anger roared in my gut. Without thinking, I took a step toward the hallway, ready to flip him off and give the girl a fucking hug.