Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER ELEVEN

As Izzy walked toward her motorbike, Evy called out to her from behind. Turning back, Izzy was met with concern in Evy's eyes. "Are you okay?" Evy questioned. Confused at first, Izzy recollected, "You mean about the box, right? Yes, I'm fine. I knew about it beforehand. Heard about it at my previous school, though I didn't know it existed." Evy seemed to grasp the situation. "So, you took it from me because you knew about it?" Izzy affirmed with a smile, "You're one of my best friends. I was just looking out for you."

After finishing her assignments, Izzy headed to JD and GD. They started reviewing the CCTV footage and events from that day. Izzy chuckled while watching the morning's happenings. As JD and GD continued their search, GD asked, 'Did anyone suspect it was you?' Izzy glanced at him and replied, 'Being a recent transfer student helped. Luiz and Alex did inquire, but I had my reasons.' JD chimed in, 'So, you used facts but added a little lie.' Izzy nodded, then asked, 'What about the new information I gave you?' JD explained, 'I asked your dad about Avenue, and it seems they were scouting for a significant attraction site. They contacted your dad's company, but he declined the collaboration.' Izzy realized, 'So, it's Avenue, but why were they here?' GD interjected, 'I found out Avenue is interested in a place identical to City W.' Izzy's interest was piqued, 'Now we have a motive. Keep an eye on the city through surveillance, and inform me if anything occurs.'

Izzy went out on patrol alone that night as the guys were occupied with other tasks. While walking, she spotted a group of guys she recognized. Calling out to one of them, she said, 'Jason?' A smile spread across one of the four guys' faces as he replied, 'Hey, Izzy, how are you?' Moving closer, Izzy inquired, 'Good, what brings you guys here?' Jason explained, 'Just hanging out.' Izzy nodded and expressed gratitude, 'Thanks for the little surprise you sent. The girls loved it.' Another guy, Nick, remarked, 'Still up to your old tricks, huh?' Izzy clarified, 'Not back to my old ways, but those girls had it coming. How's your business?' Sky responded, 'Surprisingly good, regardless of how crazy it sounded initially.' Pleased to hear it, Izzy said, 'Glad it's working out for you guys.' Sky then asked about Izzy's new school, and she mentioned, 'Got a cool group; I like them.'

The conversation shifted when Carlos inquired about JD and GD's whereabouts. Izzy explained, 'They're working right now. If you guys want the video of the surprise, I can send it over.' Carlos politely declined, offering help if needed. Izzy bid them goodbye, but just before leaving, she hesitated and turned back. The guys sensed something was amiss. Jason urged, 'Izzy, what's going on?' Izzy confessed, 'I need Grey's contact. Do any of you have it?' Nick seemed surprised, 'Seriously, Izzy? Grey?' Izzy shrugged, 'What can I say? I need Grey's help.' Carlos stepped in, 'I got it.' Izzy took the number and headed back home.

Izzy was pacing on the school ground, contemplating whether to call Grey or stick to her plan. She dialed his number, and after a few rings, he picked up. "Hello?" Grey's voice came through the line. Recognizing her immediately by the nickname, he responded, "Hey, what's up, Izzy? How'd you get my number?" Izzy chuckled, "Got it from Carlos. Hope you don't mind."

Grey laughed, "Not at all. What do you need?" Izzy inquired about a guy named Chris. Grey conferred with his friends about Chris and realized he knew him from a past encounter. "Is he the Chris from Excel?" Grey asked, to which Izzy confirmed. She explained her request, making sure to clarify she didn't want anything extreme, just a little annoyance. Knowing Grey wouldn't do anything drastic without reason, she cautioned, "He's a bully at my school. Don't let him know you know me, just get under his skin as you usually do." Understanding the situation, Grey agreed to help her out.

When Izzy put her phone down, she heard someone say 'Boyfriend?