Chapter Nine

Sheriff Gallagher rubs his tired eyes, staring at the stack of files and evidence on his desk. He's been investigating the murder for weeks, but every lead seems to point nowhere. He's interviewed every potential suspect, analyzed the crime scene, and carried out countless tests, but nothing concrete has emerged.

He sighs, feeling the weight of the case bearing down on him. With the campaign season approaching, the town is in an electric spirit, and the sheriff knows it's wise to take a break from the investigation for now. He can't afford to stir up more controversy.

As he packs up his things, his mind wanders back to the case. He thinks about the victim, the suspects, and the cryptic clue. But nothing stands out. It's as if the killer vanished into thin air.

In the locker room, the lacrosse team lounges on benches, laughing and joking around Coleson. He is telling a funny story about his days as a freshman in the lacrosse team and they seem to enjoy it even with the obvious exaggerations.

Jasher emerges from the stall, his hair dripping wet, and his eyes fixed on the floor. The chatter dies and Coleson turns to him, his imposing frame towering over Jasher.

"Hey, Jasher. Nice abs. Where's my money?" Coleson growls, his voice low and menacing.

Jasher hesitates, knowing he doesn't have it. To avoid being late to school, he had forgotten to bring the money along with him. "I-I don't have it."

Coleson sneers, his face inches from Jasher's. "Wow! What do I do with you? Are you an idiot."

Jasher knows that wasn't a question. He was calling him one. He grabs his chin, dragging him backwards till he slams against a locker.

The other lacrosse players close in, forming a circle around Jasher. Coleson raises his fist, and Jasher flinches, anticipating the blow.

But Coleson just laughs, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're so pathetic, Jasher. You think you can hide from me? I'm having a party tonight. How do I buy drinks?"

“I could get some from home.”

With a sudden movement, Coleson strikes Jasher, sending him crashing to the floor.

“You think you're so important coz you're rich.”

The other players join in, punching and kicking Jasher until he's curled up in a ball, helpless.

Just as they're about to deliver another blow, their coach bursts into the locker room. "What's going on here?"

The team scatters, leaving Jasher lying on the floor, bruised and battered. Coleson turns to the coach, a charming smile spreading across his face.

"Just a little disagreement, Coach. Nothing to worry about."

The coach eyes Coleson suspiciously but says nothing. Jasher slowly gets to his feet, his eyes fixed on Coleson.

There's an underlying hatred behind those blue eyes, brows creasing momentarily. Coleson frowns stunned at the action.

"Do you want to hurt me, freak?! This isn't over," he whispers.

As Jasher emerges from the locker room after changing into his uniform, he's met with the sight of Dana and her friends approaching him. Lizzie's body language instantly changes, her eyes avoiding his as if he's contagious. She slows her pace, hiding behind her twin.

Jasher watches her with a mixture of confusion. Was she scared of his bruised face?

He proceeds to move forward, but Dana intercepts him, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Jasher tries to brush past her, but Dana blocks his path. "Not so fast, Jasher. I want to have a little chat with you."

She teases him, her words biting. Jasher feels his face heat up with embarassment, but he keeps his cool.

Just as it seems like Dana's about to deliver a verbal blow, she changes tack. "My dad wants to invite you and your family over for dinner. You know, to show that we're all friends here."

Jasher raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "But w-we both know your family sees mine as rivals."

Dana's smile never wavers. "Oh, no, no, no. We're just trying to be gracious. After all, we're all part of this lovely community."

She hands him an invitation, her fingers brushing against his. Jasher feels a shiver run down his spine as he takes the card.

"Thanks," he says curtly.

Dana's smile grows wider. "No problem, Jasher. I'll see you soon."

With that, she turns and walks away, her friends following her like loyal minions. Jasher watches them go, feeling a sense of unease.

What game is Dana playing? And what does her family really want from his?