The PulseTeam, Book Two: Evolution

Chapter Twenty-Five: Shots Fired

Part One: Meeting Detective Wesley Hayward

Allen Manor Ballroom | Cleveland, Ohio
Friday, June 23, 2034 | 20:35 EST

During this gala, we have made connections and exchanged contacts with more movers and shakers than I would care to count. Truth be told, even though I would like to be out in the field, working our case, there's no place I would rather be tonight, other than by Alexa's side. I don't know how many times I've said this, but I just love how she looks brighter, overall, when she's having fun. And boy, is she having fun. And like I've said before, if babygirl is enjoying herself, then I am enjoying myself.

We see Headmistress in the crowd, with Mr. Hayward, too. Our faces light up upon seeing them, and we make our way over to them.

Once we get near them, Alexa calls out, "Headmistress!"

Upon hearing her title being called out, she turns her head to see who called her. Once she sees us, a wide, warm smile spreads across her face, and she says, "Why, Ms. Smith, Mr. Allen! I was hoping to see you two, tonight."

And she gives the both of us a hug, which we reciprocate. "I would like you both to meet my husband, Detective Wesley Hayward. Wesley, these are two of my best and brightest students, David Nathanael Allen, III--"

We shake hands, and Headmistress continues, "--and Alexandra Myshon Smith."

She shakes his hand, and I say, "It's very nice to meet you, Detective Hayward. And you both look great."

"Thank you," he replies with a grin. "So do the both of you. As you can see, you and your friends are almost all Ariana talks about. If you weren't kids, I'd start getting a little bit jealous."

"Really?" says Alexa. "Well then, I hope I don't disappoint you when I tell you that Headmistress actually had to suspend us for the beginning of the next school year."

"What for?" he inquires, looking back at Headmistress. "I thought you said that these were two of your best and brightest."

"And they are. I simply had to uphold school policy," she replies. "They were forced to physically defend themselves against a couple of bullies, is all. And I gave them the most minimum punishment I could. Two days. Though if things were my way, they wouldn't be facing any reprimand at all."

"Speaking of which," I ask, "what did happen to Brad and Brittney?"

She sighs. "I had to expel them. That incident, coupled with their past behavior and grade history from the beginning of this past year to last Friday, it was just too much for them to rebound from. That, and the fact that both their parents were just as immature as their children are, and tried to bribe their children's expulsions away really cemented the whole ordeal for them."

I chuckle. "I trust that none of them were very satisfied with that."

"Not at all, Mr. Allen. Not at all. In fact, they even threatened to sue."

"Wow," says Alexa. "And to think that this all could have been avoided if they had just left well enough alone."

"But you know what the saddest part about this is? I don't think they brought their parents, because I think that they feel that they are just as independent as you, Mr. Allen, and your friends. I believe that the Walkers and the LeDaviers came by themselves."

"Whoa," I say, rather shocked, indeed. "So let me get this straight: In their attempt to save their kids by trying to get us in trouble, they got their kids in more trouble than they would have been in otherwise, and inadvertently helped our parents save us. Is that what you're saying to us?"