"This is nothing but close-minded, short-sighted, cruel bigotry," Goodnight huffed, feeling that tightness in his chest. It was an injustice, one he could actually do something about, and he'd be on the right side of the law this time.

"This is the kind of nonsense that small people do to crush others and there's no place for it in a school."

He supposed it would help no one to lose his temper, so he took a breath and tried to ease back down. He looked at Neil, who seemed hurt and scared, and he ached all the more.

"I'm sorry, son. I just hope you understand, you are not the one in the wrong here."