Chapter Twenty-nine #3
“What this video shows is that Mr. Bristol lied. The affidavits show he was upset by her rejection in the parking lot and continued to torment her, knowing she couldn’t do anything to stop him.
” She placed her hand on Razor’s shoulder.
“Ms. Mitchell did not assault Mr. Bristol. Mr. Bristol assaulted her inning after inning with his comments. His broken nose was a result of an accident. Of being caught in the line of fire during a routine play. That’s all it was. Nothing more.”
Razor reached up and clasped Angela’s hand. The faces around her were filled with remorse. Whether it was over what she’d endured or the verdict they were about to dispense was uncertain. A knock at the door jolted everyone, and the security guard rushed in.
“Excuse me, Mr. White, Mr. Davis. There’s a gentleman out here. Says he has pertinent information to today’s proceedings.”
“Well, let the gentleman in,” Mr. Davis ordered.
The guard swung the door wide and revealed a dirty Bill Storm. He removed his John Deere cap and finger-combed his hair.
“I apologize for the interruption and my tardiness. I was on my way here when an emergency happened on my farm. I hope I’m not too late.”
“You’re actually just in time. What’s your name, sir?” Mr. Davis asked.
“Bill Storm, sir. My daughter, Summer, is a pitcher for the Hornets. I was watching the game when the incident happened.”
Ms. Hill took the lead. “When what happened, Mr. Storm?”
Bill turned his attention to her. “When Razor clocked that umpire in the nose. But it’s no surprise. That’s the risk you take when you grab a player like that.”
Ms. Hill’s smile faded, and she launched into her questioning. “Are you sure that’s what you saw, Mr. Storm? I mean, surely your focus was on your daughter.”
Bill fidgeted with his hat, but his words didn’t falter.
“Which is why I had the perfect view of what happened. I was right behind home plate, on the first base side.”
His smiled proudly, but Ms. Hill wasn’t amused and directed her statement to the athletic director. “Mr. Davis, it’s obvious this gentleman wants to help his daughter’s friend and is willing to say anything to do that. Are we just supposed to take his word for it?”
Bill pulled out his phone. “If it helps, I have a video.”
His tone nearly made Razor laugh out loud, it was so nonchalant.
“Why do you have a video?” Mr. Davis asked.
“I was running late that day—another emergency of some kind, that’s farm life—and I was afraid I wouldn’t make it in time, so I had a friend take a video with his phone. I arrived just in time for the sixth inning, but I didn’t see him until after the game ended, so he continued filming.”
Mr. Davis reached for the phone, and Bill handed it over.
Everyone at the front of the room huddled around the tiny screen.
Razor watched as eyes widened when they saw the truth she’d been saying all along.
Accusatory stares shifted to Frank, who shrank in his chair.
Once the video finished, Mr. Davis handed the phone back to Bill.
“Thank you, Mr. Storm. Would you please step out of the room? I think we’re ready to make our decision.”
Bill turned to leave and gave Razor a supportive thumbs-up. Razor smiled, then turned back to the committee, who were huddled together. After five minutes, they turned back to Razor. Mr. Davis surrendered the floor to Lee White, the university president.
“Regarding the charges against Ms. Kelly Mitchell brought to this committee by Mr. Frank Bristol, I find no evidence in support of Mr. Bristol’s allegations.
Therefore, I hereby decree that Ms. Mitchell’s privileges and access to the facilities as a student athlete be reinstated immediately, along with her active status on the team. ”
Angela’s grip tightened on Razor’s shoulder. Razor glanced across the table at Frank who, for all his earlier bravado, looked sullen and defeated.
“Mr. Bristol,” Mr. White said sternly, “I must say I am appalled by your behavior. Based on the video evidence and the signed affidavits, it is abundantly clear you used your position to intimidate and ridicule this woman. What you did is repulsive, and if I had my way, I would charge you with assault.”
Frank put his hands up. “I didn’t mean anything by it, sir. And I apologize to Ms. Mitchell for any distress or emotional pain I may have caused.” He looked at Razor, pleading.
“Ms. Mitchell will decide whether or not to bring her own charges. That’s out of my hands. I, however, have other means of dealing with your conduct.”
Frank gulped. “What do you mean?”
“I may not be able to file a formal complaint with the university for your actions, but you can be assured I will be contacting USA Softball and recommending they conduct their own investigation into your behavior. Something tells me this is not the first instance where you’ve harassed players with your blatant disregard for who they are as athletes and human beings. ”
Frank hung his head.
“Ms. Mitchell?”
Razor turned to the university president. He looked more contrite than imposing.
“I would like to extend my sincerest apology for putting you through this ordeal. I’m sure you understand, when a complaint is filed, we must take it extremely seriously and leave no stone unturned in order to get to the truth.
” He fingered the affidavits. “Of course, it appears that your team did a more thorough job than mine. I commend your counsel for doing her due diligence and representing you to her full potential.”
Razor looked at Angela in awe. “The women of Arkansas are lucky to have her on our side.”
“Remember that when I graduate,” Angela quipped.
“Yes, and I’ll be communicating with your dean about your excellent work here today, Ms. Hernandez,” Mr. White said.
Matt Davis banged the gavel one last time. “This hearing is officially adjourned. And Ms. Mitchell? I look forward to seeing you on the field again.”
She smiled with relief. “Thank you, sir.”
* * *
Ashton was a wreck. The rest of the team had filtered their way in over the last hour and were scattered across the lobby. Bill stood next to her and flipped his hat while Summer leaned her head on his shoulder, holding hands with Harper next to her.
Ashton crossed her arms and groaned. She’d thought when Bill exited the room, it meant they’d come to a decision. “What is taking so long?”
“It’s only been ten minutes since Bill came out. I’m sure they have to go over everything before making a decision,” Courtney said.
“I would think it would be easy to do after his statement.”
“Maybe it wasn’t.”
“Well, it should be.” Ashton marched toward the door, but Courtney blocked her path.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going in there and telling those…stuffed shirts that Razor didn’t do anything more than defend herself and her team against a sexist asshole, and they should let her play.”