𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒

XV

⋆୨୧ Claire ୨୧⋆

Lana Del Rey - high by the beach

As I stood before the mirror, smoothing out my hair, my mind wandered to the devastating news. Five more lives lost, and the community was on edge. I couldn't shake the image of Emily's smile, now forever silenced. My determination hardened; I had to do something.

I slipped on my jacket, the familiar weight of my notebook and pen in the pocket a comforting reminder of my purpose. The facts swirled in my head. The victims' connections, the lack of motive, the eerie similarities to previous killings. I needed a thread to tug, a loose end to unravel.

My eyes narrowed as I applied a light layer of mascara. Crew's warnings, Cedric's involvement, and the Thornton-Fisher embezzlement allegations – were they connected? The more I dug, the more questions surfaced. But I was convinced, the key to solving this case lay hidden in the tangled web of relationships and secrets.

I grabbed my backpack, packing my laptop and notes. Time to pay a visit to Crew. His father's connection to mine was too coincidental to ignore. What did he know? And what was he hiding? The memory of his intense gaze lingered, making my skin prickle.

As I headed out the door, the crisp morning air invigorated me. Today, I'd uncover answers. Today, I'd take control. The campus was quiet, the only sound the rustling leaves beneath my feet. My phone buzzed with a text from Dorothy "Be careful." I smiled grimly. I would be. I had to be.

My phone buzzed in my blazer pocket. It startled me for a second, making me think it was a follow up message from Dorothy. But it was my father instead.

I answered, surprised to hear my father's voice on the other end. "Hey, kiddo. How's school?" His tone was casual, but I detected a hint of concern.

"I'm good, Dad. Actually, I was thinking about Thameswood Academy. You went there, right?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. My father's pause was almost imperceptible.

"Yes, I did. What's this about, Claire?" His curiosity was piqued. "Just curious about your time there," I said, probing gently. "Did you know anyone notable? Any friends or acquaintances that stood out?"

Another pause, longer this time. "As a matter of fact, I did know someone. Crew's father, Calvin, was in my class." My heart skipped a beat. The connection was too striking to ignore.

"Really?" I pressed, trying to keep my excitement in check. "What was he like back then?" My father's hesitation spoke volumes. "Let's just say Calvin was... intense. We weren't close, but I remember him being fiercely loyal. And intelligent." The line fell silent, heavy with unspoken implications.

"Intense?" I repeated, intrigued. "What do you mean?" My father's sigh was audible. "Calvin had a reputation for being... ruthless. He'd stop at nothing to achieve his goals. But he was also charismatic, drew people to him."

"Did you ever see him clash with anyone?" I asked, thinking of Cedric Thornton-Fisher. "There were rumors of a falling out between Calvin and another student, but I don't recall details." My father's vagueness piqued my curiosity.

"Who was the other student?" I pressed, sensing a potential lead. "I think it was... Alexander Silver. Yes, Xander's father." My mind whirled with connections. Crew, Xander, Cedric, and now my father's past.

"What happened between them?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. "I don't know, Claire. It was all whispers and rumors. But I do remember Calvin's family leaving Thameswood abruptly. There were rumors of a scandal."

"Scandal?" I echoed, my thoughts racing. "I don't know more, kiddo. But be careful around Crew. Calvin's influence still lingers, and I worry about you getting entangled." His concern was palpable, but I sensed there was more to the story.