Page 212 of Cowboy Daddies

“Fine,” Mr. Steeples said. “You’ve been called in here because of Wyatt’s behavior. Obviously he needs to be disciplined. Fighting is unacceptable and against school rules.”

“I understand that,” Jeb said. “Although I think exceptions should be made when Wyatt was sticking up for a friend and for himself.”

“Sticking up for a friend and himself?” Mr. Steeples asked. “What are you talking about? Wyatt pushed Billy. It’s clear that Wyatt has some temper issues. This isn’t the first time he’s gotten upset and angry. But this is the first time he has hurt someone else. And he’s going to have to be suspended for three days.”

Billy didn’t look hurt.

“Wyatt’s the one with a bruise on his face,” Casey pointed out.

“Yes, he is,” Jeb said. “And that isn’t Wyatt’s side of the story.”

“Wyatt’s side?” Mr. Steeples asked, looking somewhat confused by the concept.

Idiot.

“Yes, what did Wyatt say when you asked him?” Jeb asked.

“Well, I, uh, I hadn’t gotten to Wyatt yet.”

“Wyatt, tell your side,” Jeb said.

Wyatt went through the whole story again. Billy’s father was looking less smug and more annoyed while the principal’s face grew increasingly red.

“So, Wyatt was sticking up for a friend. And defending himself. I expect that to be taken into consideration when you are deciding a punishment,” Jeb said.

Wyatt gave his dad another surprised look.

“He could be lying!” Billy’s father said.

“Then get the other kids in and ask them,” Jeb said calmly. “My boy isn’t a liar, Maurice.”

“Ooh, burn,” Casey muttered.

Everyone glared at her.

“Sorry.” She mimed zipping her lips.

Billy’s mom gave her a strange look.

“Fine. I will talk to the other children. But both Billy and Wyatt are suspended until Monday. Getting physical is never the answer.”

Jeb nodded. “Come on, Wyatt. Casey.”

“Thank goodness we’re leaving. The principal’s office always upsets my tummy,” she said as she followed Jeb out. She crunched on her candy, swallowing it.

Wyatt walked beside her. He drew his lollipop out of his mouth. “It does?”

“Uh-huh. Once I got called in to see my principal over a misunderstanding. But I was so upset I vomited all over her shoes. She was not happy.”

“I bet,” Wyatt said with a nod of commiseration.

“I can’t believe the principal was going to let Billy lay all of the blame on you,” Jeb said as he opened two doors to his truck.

“I think Mr. Steeples and Billy’s dad are friends,” Wyatt said.

“Really unacceptable,” Jeb growled.

Wyatt shrugged. “Billy lies a lot and the teachers believe him.”