Good news," the counselor said softly. " The administration believes a resolution is near. They're planning a meeting with the parents. That's fast," Maya said. " Suspicion stirring.
Sometimes diplomacy moves quietly," Simmons said. " But for now, please keep details between us. No more posts, no more screenshots," Maya nodded slowly. " Okay, outside in the hallway," Ellie whispered. Something's off.
Why the sudden hush? Maya didn't answer. A strange unease crawled beneath her skin. That evening, David closed his laptop as Maya recounted the day. " They want silence," she said. "
Like if I stop talking, it goes away. They're buying time," David said flatly. " For what? To cover their tracks." " Maya's eyes widened.
You think Simmons is lying? Not lying," David corrected. " Compromised. If those parents have money, they'll pressure the school to bury the evidence. He slid a printed page across the table.
A name and IP address glared up at her. Britney's father, David said. Local developer, big donor. His home network hosted the first upload. Maya's breath caught.
How did you observation? He said documentation contacts. Ellie stared. You hacked the account. David's gaze held steady.
I gathered public data. Nothing illegal, but enough to prove the source if needed. Maya looked from the paper to her father's calm eyes. " What now? Now," David said, voice low and certain. "
We let them make their next move. And when they do, we'll be ready." Thursday arrived with a brittle chill that clung to the air like static. " Maya stepped off the bus to find the quad buzzing with a strange energy whispers darting from locker to locker. Quick glances that slid away when she looked back.
Ellie intercepted her near the cafeteria. Something's brewing, she said, eyes darting. I overheard Tyler Boo's cut talking about a bonfire this weekend, he said. She won't see it coming. Maya frowned.
A bonfire like a party, more like a trap, Ellie said. They called it a welcome party. Her fingers worried the strap of her backpack. They want you there. Maya's stomach tightened.
Why would I ever show up? Exactly. Which is why I'm worried. They sounded excited like they've already planned something. That evening, Maya relayed everything at the kitchen table, notebook open like an evidence file.
David listened without interrupting, eyes narrowing at each detail. They're escalating, he said. Finally, moving from public humiliation to a private event. What do we do? Maya asked.
David tapped the table. A slow deliberate rhythm. We gather intel before they act. No confrontation until we know their plan. Ellie hesitated.
How do we get intel? They don't exactly send invitations. David's gaze sharpened. Actually, they do. Digital ones.
He rose and disappeared into his study. When he returned, he carried a slim black laptop and a small external antenna. Dad Maya said, half exasperated, half impressed. Are you about to spy? Observation, David corrected.
Not spying. Monitoring open networks is legal, Ellie whispered. This is so mission impossible. David gave a thin smile, more like mission necessary. Within an hour, David had accessed the school's public Wi-Fi logs, a trick, he insisted, required nothing more than creative routing.
Lines of data scrolled across the screen, user handles, chat groups, timestamps there, he said, pointing group chat labeled Friday blaze. Maya leaned closer. Messages popped in real time. Tyler 8:00 p.m. at Miller's Field. Bring rope.
Britney got the drinks. Make sure she shows Connor text her fake invite tomorrow. Britney, I'll handle it. Time to teach city girl a lesson. Maya's breath caught.
Rope. Ellie's voice cracked. They're planning to. David held up a hand. Don't jump to conclusions.
Could be for tents or firewood. His eyes, however, told a different story. Either way, they intend to isolate you. Maya gripped the edge of the table. We have to call the police.
Not yet, David said. We need them caught in the act. A report without evidence becomes, he said, she said, but with proof, there's no escape. Ellie's voice trembled. So, what's the plan?
David closed the laptop with quiet finality. We let them think they're winning. Maya, tomorrow you'll receive an invitation. You'll accept what? Maya nearly jumped from her chair.
You can't be serious. Acceptance gives us leverage, David explained. They'll reveal more details, more messages. I'll be there before you, around you, everywhere. They don't expect.
Maya shook her head. This isn't a mission. It's my life. That's exactly why I won't let them dictate it, David said, voice low but unyielding. You trust me?
After a long pause, Maya whispered, "Yes, then follow the plan." " The next day," Britney struck like clockwork. She approached Maya during lunch. A sugary smile stretched across her face. " Hey," Britney said, voice dripping false warmth.
We're throwing a bonfire tomorrow night. Kind of a senior tradition. We'd love for you to come. Maya forced a neutral expression. Where Miller's field 8:00 everyone will be there.
Britney leaned in. It's a chance to start fresh maybe. Maya said, I'll think about it. Britney's eyes glittered. Do it'll be unforgettable.
As Britney walked away, Ellie whispered. She's practically villain cackling. Maya managed a tight smile. Step one, invitation received. That evening, David gathered them in the living room, a tactical calm radiating from his posture.
Step two, he said, is surveillance. I'll have eyes on the field before they arrive. You two will stay together at all times. Ellie, you're her visible ally. I'll be invisible.