ten steps ahead

"I will show you what's in my bag, but Mr. Sandford, what consequences would the accuser get if I prove I didn't steal anything?" 

Penny's voice, upon asking, was innocent and sweet. But everyone momentarily blanked as that didn't cross their minds until now. 

They were all so sure that Penny stole it with witnesses around. Moreover, everything was pointing in her direction. 

Miss Sandford sighed because this was what she was thinking before Mr. Anderson barged in. Stealing was a big case and not something to be handled lightly. It was why she wanted Patricia to calm down, because if Patricia simply misplaced it, then she would also need to face the consequences of accusing an innocent student. 

"Hah!" Mr. Anderson snorted. "Are you still saying you're innocent when all the evidence points at you?"