Chanel in hysterics

You recognize this screaming. Before Mr. Sharp even reacts, you've stepped past him and are sprinting for the stairs. This time, if there is something going on, you intend to get there before the cause of the trauma mysteriously disappears. You are rounding the first flight of steps when it occurs to you that your knee hasn't felt this good since the IED. Mr. Sharp is following as best he can, but you pull ahead of the thin man as you take the steps three at a time. One the second floor you do not need the panicked screams or crowd of students to guide you to Chanel's room.

Bulling through four or five curious 2nd-year students who have already changed from the formal uniform jackets and skirts into a colorful rainbow of designer tank tops and short shorts. Chanel is wild-eyed in panic staring at a grotesque scene of a gutted teddy bear, a shattered perfume bottle and a note. As soon as you push into the her room, she throws herself at you clinging to your neck in terror and burying her face into your shoulder. The anguished sobs coming from her do not diminish as you try to figure out what is going on.

Any doubt about the veracity of Chanel's version of what happened last night is wiped away as you see the evidence of this psychological attack. The block printing of the note is so large and dark that you can read it from where you stand.

'IF YOU GO DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY YOU BETTER NOT GO ALONE. IT'S LOVELY DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY, BUT BETTER TO STAY AT HOME.'

"Why? Why?" the frantic girl shrieks as she twists in your arms "Leave me alone!" She is clearly not addressing you, as she presses her warm body even more firmly against your chest and as you hold the girl in your arms you are suddenly aware once again how good her firm young figure feels in your embrace. "Why hurt Jo-Jo? Why?"

Mr. Sharp has joined you in Chanel's room so at least there is a witness if Diana hears a slightly colored version of this embrace from one of the many student witnesses. He stares at the pile of fluff on the bed to the girl and back again, an expression of puzzled concern on his face. Rose pushes through the gaggle of students clustered in the doorway, glancing quickly around the room then focusing on Chanel in your arms.

"Chanel!" she says sharply. "Get hold of yourself! It's just some stupid prank!"

"They hurt Jo-Jo!" Chanel shrieks in fearful anger, her reddened face turning to glare tearfully at the newcomer. If you have any chance to get to the bottom of this, you are going to have to keep Chanel's blonde roommate away from her before she has a chance to muddy the waters like she did last night. Thank-God Darnell is here after all.

"Here," you tell the surprised geography teacher as you pry Chanel loose and push her into his arms. She clings to him as he comforts her. "There's a nurse on the ground floor. Take her there. I'll deal with this."

Darnell walks the sobbing girl through the mob of murmuring schoolgirls, but you cut in front of Rose before she can follow. Your hand rests on her shoulder as you push the door closed slowly with your foot.

"This clearly wasn't a nightmare Miss Newton." You stare at the tall blonde as forcefully as you know how willing her to break as the door closes. "Let's hear your side of this."