The accusation of bullying got genuine dismay out of Russel. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was bullies.

Maybe he had used excessive force? Maybe he was throwing his weight around like a jerk? Maybe--maybe he should've gotten a teacher instead of trying to handle this himself?!

"But that's-- I-I wasn't-- I mean--" he sputtered, in a futile attempt to defend himself.