Chapter 6 - THE MANHUNT IN THE HALLWAYS"Stop right there! School security!"
Marcus didn't waste a single second. He vaulted over Principal Sterling’s desk, kicked the office door wide open, and sprinted into the hallway after fleeing teacher Clara Vance.
The echoing sound of high heels clicking frantically against linoleum floors bounced down the third-floor corridor. Students passing between classes stopped in their tracks, pressing against the lockers as Clara bolted past like a cornered animal, her hair coming loose from its tight bun, her professional composure entirely evaporated.
"She’s running! Cut her off at the south stairwell!" Marcus shouted into his shoulder mic as he pursued her at full sprint.
Clara’s lungs burned. Sweat stung her eyes. She reached the heavy fire door leading to the roof access stairs, slamming her weight against it. It didn't budge—it was locked from the outside for safety regulations.
"Damn it! Damn it all!" she sobbed hysterically, spinning around to find Marcus closing in on her fast, his heavy boots thudding rhythmically down the corridor.
Cornered against the reinforced metal door, Clara slid down to the floor, pulling her knees up to her chest. As Marcus approached with his handcuffs drawn, she didn't fight anymore. She just stared up at him with hollow, terrified eyes.
"You're making a mistake, Marcus," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You don't know what it's like... the pressure... the kids disrespecting you every single day..."
"No, Clara," Marcus said coldly as he clicked the steel cuffs around her wrists with professional precision. "You forgot the golden rule of teaching: you're supposed to build them up, not break them down."
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As Marcus hauled her to her feet and led her back toward the main administrative wing, the entire student body of the third-floor hallway lined the walls. They didn't cheer, but the heavy, contemptuous silence in the air was far more punishing than any shout.
Among them stood Sofia, holding Leo’s hand gently. As Clara was paraded past in handcuffs, Leo didn't look angry or vindictive. He simply looked at her with profound pity—the exact emotion Clara had denied him every single day.
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