That afternoon, after school, Randy rushed upstairs to his room. He had something he needed to finish on his laptop—part of a project he still hadn't submitted to Mrs. Missy.
In just thirty minutes, he wrapped it up quickly.
As he was shutting his laptop, a message from Sam popped up. It was about Claire.
Randy froze.
Who would dare mess with Claire?
Sam's message was long, and Randy hadn't even finished reading it when the doorbell rang downstairs. His father had just arrived home from the office.
Randy remembered—his dad had promised to tell him something important tonight, something about the incident when Claire had fallen down the stairs.
Maybe, finally, Randy would get some answers over dinner.
At the dining table, his father had already started eating. Randy, however, wasn't really hungry. His mind was too full of questions.
"Eat first, Randy," his father said with a small chuckle, pushing a plate toward him. "I haven't forgotten my promise. Besides, you've been spamming my phone all day with the same question."Grudgingly, Randy picked at the food, choosing only what he liked. He barely took a few bites before his father broke the silence.
"So," his father said, a teasing smile playing on his lips, "how did your dinner date with Claire go?"
Randy nearly choked.
"It went well, Dad. Claire was... great. She's really fun."
"Good. I'm glad all my coaching didn't go to waste," his father joked, making Randy flush with embarrassment.
"But, Dad," Randy pressed, steering the conversation back, "you promised. I'm still waiting for the real story."His father set down his fork and knife, his expression turning serious.
"Listen carefully, Randy. I'm going to tell you everything—but once I do, I don't want you dragging this out any further. The matter's been settled."
Randy leaned forward.
"Claire's fall... was no accident," his father said. "Someone was responsible. And we have CCTV footage that proved it. But I had the footage deleted."
Randy's eyes widened. "Deleted? Why?"
"Because, Randy," his father said, lowering his voice, "the person responsible... was your own cousin. Diana."
Randy sat back, stunned.
Diana?
Sure, Claire and Diana had history—Claire had bullied Diana back then—but this? Causing an accident bad enough to send Claire to the hospital?
"Now you know," his father said firmly. "But it's over. Don't stir it up again."
"Did Claire's mom know?" Randy asked, his voice tight.
"She knew," his father confirmed. "But she didn't want Claire to know. She didn't want her daughter burdened by guilt or anger. Claire believes she just slipped."
"But Dad... that's not fair. Claire deserves to know the truth."
"I know it seems unfair," his father sighed. "But look at her now. She's grown into a better person. Sometimes... it's better to leave the past alone."
Randy clenched his fists under the table. He didn't agree—but he nodded anyway.
He would protect Claire in his own way.
"And Randy," his father added, "don't tell anyone else. Not yet."
"Alright," Randy said, swallowing his frustration. "But, Dad—you promised to help me with another case."
His father raised an eyebrow. "What now?"
Randy quickly explained the situation Sam had shared—the threats against Claire, the papers found in her locker and in the library.
His father listened carefully, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll help."
A slow smile spread across Randy's face.
Maybe he couldn't change the past.
But he could protect Claire now.
Later that evening, in the quiet of his room, Randy grabbed his phone. He scrolled through his contacts and tapped on Sam's name.
Time to move.
The phone rang just once before Sam picked up.
"Randy? Finally. I've been waiting for your reply—"
"Listen," Randy cut in. "I read everything you sent. And I already talked to my dad. He's willing to help. But we're keeping this quiet, Sam. Claire can't know where the help is coming from. Understand?"
Sam hesitated, then sighed.
"Yeah… I get it. Claire doesn't even know you and I are connected."
"Exactly. And let's keep it that way," Randy said firmly. "Now, I'll get you in touch with someone who can help—Mr. Mooren. He's my dad's right-hand man. Knows every corner of that school."
"You mean… the same guy who handles security stuff?" Sam asked, his voice dropping.
"Yeah," Randy confirmed. "And he already pulled some CCTV footage. Turns out, they caught someone."
Sam sat up straight in his room, gripping his phone tighter.
"Who? Who was it?"
Randy exhaled slowly. "A girl. Long hair, hoodie on—face mostly hidden. But Mr. Mooren's pretty sure who it is."
"Tell me," Sam urged.
Randy's jaw clenched.
"Tasya."
There was silence on the other end. Sam blinked.
"Tasya? She's… always hanging around Diana."
"Exactly," Randy said. "And from what I know, Tasya owes Diana. Money, favors… she does whatever Diana says. Looks like she's the one slipping threats into Claire's locker. And maybe even that paper Claire found in the library." Sam cursed under his breath.
"So, Diana's pulling the strings again… even after everything?"
"It looks that way," Randy muttered. His voice was tight, cold. "But we're going to handle this. Quietly. For Claire's sake."
Sam nodded, though Randy couldn't see him.
"I'm in. Tell me what to do."
"I'll have Mr. Mooren set up a watch. More cameras. If Tasya moves again, we'll catch her properly this time. No mistakes."
Sam's heart pounded in his chest. For the first time, he felt like they had a real shot at ending this.
"And Sam," Randy added, his voice lower now, serious, "whatever happens… don't let Claire find out about me in this. I'm helping her because I want to. Not for credit. Got it?"
Sam gave a tight smile. "Got it, man. And… thanks. I owe you."
Randy's lips twitched into a small smile, though his eyes stayed dark.
"You don't owe me. Just make sure Claire stays safe."
And with that, the call ended. But in Randy's mind, the fight was just beginning. From the bottom of his heart, he feels relieved he has helped Claire.