The Shortcut Page #2

So why are you grounded?

I got in trouble

at my old school.

What happened?

Some kid stole my bike,

so I beat him up.

So you think you're tough?

Tougher than you.

Okay. Then why don't you

take the shortcut?

Oh yeah.

What shortcut?

We'll show you.

Okay.

Boy #1:
So do you know karate

or something?

Tobey:
No.

I just use baseball bats.

- Boy #2:
Yeah, right.

- Tobey:
It's true.

Boy #1:
One thing though: You can't

let anyone see you cross the fence.

- Tobey:
Why?

- It's an automatic detention.

This is it.

Does anybody ever use it?

Boy #2:
Sure.

Boy #1:
Most kids are

too chicken though.

It's just a stupid path

through the woods.

Have you guys

taken it before?

- Y-yeah.

- Sure.

Where does it go?

Right to your neighborhood.

Boy #2:
Way faster

than walking around.

Boy #1:
Just go for it.

See you later.

See you later, tough guy.

Boy #1:
Hey. Didn't Brian Whitley's

sister die out there?

Boy #2:
I'll bet you the crazy

old man got her.

Do you like blood, boy?

Do you?!

Huh?!

Do you like blood, boy?!

Huh, boy?!

Huh?!

- Do ya?

- (whimpering)

Next time it's your blood!

Man:
It is not at all uncommon

for a boy his age

to get into a little trouble

from time to time.

I did my fair share

of hell-raising.

Normally, I would agree

with you Mr. Hartley,

but there have been several reports

from his teachers

and other children

about his violent outbursts.

And after this last incident

in which he struck

a young boy in the face,

he was brought to my office

where he expressed

some disturbing thoughts.

Isn't everyone overreacting?

He's just an 8-year-old boy.

Thank you, Mrs. Hartley.

So what would you

have us do?

Unfortunately, what you do

about his condition

is no longer my concern.

My attention is focused

on the well-being of my schools.

You've got a lot of nerve

saying that to me.

Sir, while your family's history

in the area is greatly is appreciated,

I must tell you that Benjamin

is no longer welcome

in our classrooms.

Excuse me?

I'm sorry,

but he can't stay.

Are you out of your mind?

You expect him

to have no education?

He's a smart boy.

He'll behave.

Sir, you're lucky enough

to be able to afford some kind

of treatment that could help.

He doesn't need any treatment!

He's a Hartley.

There are many

fine institutions--

Institution?!

You son-of-a-b*tch!

That damn school

was built on my family's land!

You're trying to tell me

that one of my boys can't go there?!

Administrator:

I think I should be going.

Hartley:
Damn right you should be going.

Get the hell out of my house!

Administrator:
Mr. Hartley, please

consider the well-being of your family.

- Hartley:
Get out!

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