That evening, they met behind the gym. The area was dimly lit, with shadows making spooky shapes on the walls.
"Okay, we're here," Jared said, feeling tense. "What’s going on with Eve?"
Mike looked around nervously before speaking. "I can’t say much, but I heard you mentioning Peter. You know more than you should."
Jared stepped closer. "I only heard part of the conversation. You said she needed to pay him, or he'd tell everyone. Tell everyone what?"
Mike sighed deeply. "You really care about her, don’t you?"
"Of course I do," Jared replied, frustrated. "That's why I need to know the truth."
Mike hesitated, then finally spoke. "Alright. I respect your determination. Peter has been blackmailing Eve. She did something that could ruin her reputation, and he's using that against her."
J
