Truth, Perjury, and Sacrifice

Hacked

"You were followed?" Kyoko stared at the photo of Karen in her car. "Is this due to that group?"

"I'm not certain, but the possibility did cross my mind," Byakuya said while sending and answering emails. "What were you doing there anyway?"

"I was visiting Nagito and Hajime. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay and that everyone settled in," Karen sighed. "But I see you didn't waste any time," she turned to Makoto. He opened his mouth to speak but was put on hold as a knock came at the door. Karen greeted Nagito and Hajime, leading them into the living room. "Either of you want a drink?" she asked, refilling her wine glass.

The pair exchanged a grimace, "Uh, what's all this about?" Hajime asked.

"I've been followed to the apartments. Which is strange because no one knows of your arrival and I'm the only one who knows where the apartments are." She took a slow, long sip of wine.

"Are...you implying something?" Nagito narrowed his gaze on Karen.

"Someone knew to follow me. Have you spoken with or seen anyone besides me since our return?" Nagito side-eyed Hajime, nudging his arm. Hajime sighed, glancing at Makoto. "That's what I thought. So, you went behind my back. You deliberately dismissed my call for help, then order their aid?" She turned to Makoto, pointing at Nagito and Hajime.

"Wait, what? What are you talking about?" Makoto blinked in surprise.

"There's photographic evidence of their return," Byakuya turned his laptop towards Makoto. The screen displayed an enlarged photo of Hajime and Nagito in mid-conversation, subtly pointing towards a figure in the distance.

"What were you doing?" Makoto asked the pair.

"What do you mean what were we doing? You asked me to start recruiting students," Hajime said, pulling a manila folder from the messenger bag slung over Nagito's shoulder.

"Hajime. We haven't spoken since you came back." Makoto shook his head, hesitating in accepting the folder. Everyone froze, glancing around at each other's disturbed and confused faces. Makoto pulled out his cell phone, displaying his call history for everyone to see. Hajime was not among the list of names or numbers.

"That's not possible," Hajime said, pulling out his phone. Makoto's name was found amongst the few recent calls.

"Call it," Karen demanded. Hajime pressed the recall button and waited. Makoto's phone never rang as Hajime's phone waited for a response. Glancing at the number displaying on the screen, Karen shut her eyes. "That's not Makoto's phone number." She shook her head, taking a few deep breaths before throwing her glass at the wall. She watched the burgundy liquid drip down the wall. "Kuya, could you possibly find someone to trace where the call came from, please?"

Byakuya extended his hand out to Hajime, snatching the phone from this grip. "I'll be right back," he said, kissing the side of her head. "We'll figure this out. Kyoko, would you be willing to drive me to my office?"

She nodded, "We'll be right back," she patted Makoto's shoulder and the two hastily left.

Karen left the room to find a broom and dustpan. Makoto, Hajime, and Nagito sat in silence, waiting for Karen to finish cleaning her mess. Once she had secured another glass of wine, she returned to her seat. "I apologize for my temper breach. This is no one's fault and I'm not blaming anyone. Clearly, we are dealing with a persistent group of troublemakers."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Makoto asked.

Karen nodded, "I anticipated obstacles with bringing the others back with me, but nothing like this. But in the future, please keep an eye open for any suspicious persons. I should have known the flash wasn't a reflection," she mumbled, taking a sip.

"Don't become an alcoholic, okay?" Nagito smirked.

Karen pointed at Nagito, taking another sip, "Watch it, Komaeda. The soft spot I have for you might diminish." Nagito continued to smirk at her, wearing her down. "Stop staring at me like that," she rolled her eyes, unable to keep frowning.

"So, what do you plan to do?" Hajime interjected.

She shrugged, "Either they'll blackmail us with those photos or spread them across the country, possibly the world. I think it's time to make this public."