Leo’s stomach dropped. “Complaints about Sarge?”
“Complaints about everything,” Danner said softly. “About bikers on campus. About safety. About precedent. About the definition of ‘family’.”
Mara’s jaw clenched. “Of course.”
Danner held Mara’s gaze. “And I want Leo there. If he wants to come.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “A meeting with grown-ups?”
Danner nodded. “You started something yesterday without meaning to. People are talking about you like you’re an idea instead of a person. I want them to see you as a person.”
Mara’s voice was protective. “He’s ten. He doesn’t owe anyone his trauma for their debate.”
Danner’s face softened. “I know. That’s why I’m asking. Not telling.”
Leo looked down at Sarge. Sarge looked up at him, steady.
Leo remembered Bear’s voice: We aren’t hiding him.
He took a shaky breath. “If I go… will they take him?”
Danner’s voice was quiet but firm. “No. Not if I have anything to say about it.”
Mara scoffed. “And yesterday you had plenty to say.”
Danner didn’t flinch. “Yes. And I’m ashamed of it.”
She straightened. “I’ll be honest with you. Some people want the rule changed back. Some people want consequences. Some people want me fired.”
Mara’s eyebrows lifted. “And why are you telling us that?”
“Because,” Danner said, voice trembling, “I deserve whatever comes from my choices. But Leo doesn’t.”
Leo’s throat tightened. “I don’t want you fired.”
Mara looked at him sharply.
Leo blinked back tears. “I just… I want people to stop talking about my dog like he’s a problem.”
Principal Danner nodded slowly. “Then come tomorrow. And say that.”
When she left, the house felt quieter than before.
Mara locked the door and leaned against it, eyes closed for a moment.
Leo whispered, “Do you trust her?”
Mara opened her eyes. “I trust that she’s scared. And I trust that scared people can do the right thing… or the wrong thing… depending on who’s watching.”
Leo hugged Sarge’s neck. “Will Bear come?”
Mara exhaled. “I’m sure he already knows about the meeting.”
As if the universe had timed it, Leo’s tablet buzzed on the carpet—an incoming call from a number he didn’t recognize.
Mara glanced at it. “Unknown.”
Leo’s heart jumped. “Don’t answer.”
Mara answered anyway.
“Hello?”
