Chapter 3

Back at school, the days when I stressed over love felt like a distant memory.

That changed when our class president, Leo, stepped up to the podium.

He tapped the desk to get everyone's attention.

"I have an announcement," he said, looking serious. "The class fund we saved for the talent show, $3,000, is gone."

The classroom erupted in murmurs.

"I counted it yesterday afternoon. It was all there. But when I opened the cabinet this morning, it was missing," Leo went on. "Only the class officer and I have the key."

I was the class officer.

Last semester, everyone voted me in to handle bookkeeping and keep the spare key.

All eyes swung to me.

"I've already reported it to the counselor," Leo added. "This isn't a small amount. I hope everyone helps with the investigation. Whoever took it should admit it."

His words made it sound like he already suspected someone in our class.

I usually stayed low-key and never flaunted money. My clothes and shoes were all obscure foreign brands.

Most people didn't even notice. No wonder they might think I'm some struggling student trying to grab class funds.

Someone murmured, "Who was the last to leave yesterday?"

"Looks like Katherine locked the door," another said.

I stayed quiet in my seat.

I'd noticed Leo changing lately.

He used to wear plain athletic clothes. Now they were all trendy brands.

He used to eat in the cafeteria, but recently he always had takeout from pricey restaurants.

Still, I had no proof.

The counselor called us out for questioning.

"Katherine, when did you leave the classroom yesterday?" the counselor asked.

"Five-thirty, with everyone else," I said. "Leo was there when I locked the door."

Leo nodded. "Yeah, we left together. But this morning, the cabinet was locked, and the money was gone."

"What about the key?" the counselor asked.

"I keep mine in my backpack," I said, pulling it out.

"I keep mine with me." Leo showed his key too.

The counselor frowned. "This is complicated. The class fund went missing while you two had it, so both of you are responsible."

Leo immediately spoke up. "Sir, I think we should check the recent big expenses. $3,000 isn't small."

He shifted the focus toward me.

"Fine," I said, looking at him. "Check everyone's spending records, yours and mine included."

Leo froze. "Isn't that... kind of invasive?"

"The class fund is gone. Everyone's a suspect," I said. "If we're checking, we check everyone. Fair is fair."

The counselor paused. "Don't rush. I'll investigate more. You two, just be careful for now."

Back in the classroom, a few guys who usually hung out with Leo whispered together.

They scattered when they saw me, but their eyes kept darting my way.

One whispered, "Katherine, you didn't take it, right?"

"No," I said.

"What do we do? That's a lot of money," he asked.

"It'll get figured out," I said.

I opened my book, ready for class, but I knew it wasn't going to be simple.

Leo was targeting me, and I didn't know why.

I hadn't had any conflict with him, unless he needed someone to take the fall, and I was perfect.

I had the keys. I'd been moody lately. People might see that as suspicious, and I'd even asked for a few days off because of Samuel.

I was the perfect scapegoat.

I glanced at Leo by the podium.

He was talking to a few classmates, looking worried and stressed.

He was really acting the part.

But I wasn't going to play along with his show to the end.