Class Notes.

Part 4 The fallout

Jecka stared. "You're talking about murder. For profit."

Nicole corrected her calmly. "Yes, it's murder. But we're the only ones to benefit, unlike hitmen. Anyone whose death benefits us financially will be found dead. Hell, I can make it so the way they die has disappeared for a while, so it's harder to find the body. That's all it takes to shift the market. We'll make millions, and the world will be our oyster."

Emily sat still, unusually silent. No jokes. Just a subtle widening of her eyes in complete awe at what Nicole had said—and she smiled at her.

Nicole leaned in.

"When I've made enough, I'll start my own firm. A real one. No more strip mall deals. No more shitty jobs. And of course I'll hire both of you. You'll never work for any shitty boss in your life."

Emily exhaled slowly. "You're serious?"

Nicole nodded once. "Always."

Jecka ran a hand through her hair. "Holy fuck..."

Nicole stood and brushed the dust from her coat.

"You'll get your share after school. But I needed you to hear this first. If you're in, I need to know you won't flinch. Not when it gets real."

Emily smirked darkly. "I didn't flinch when I blackmailed the bastard at the church. This? This is nothing."

Jecka, slower but steadier, gave a nod. "You want loyalty? You've always had mine."

Nicole didn't thank them. She didn't need to.

As they stepped back into the light, Nicole felt something stir in her chest. Not guilt. Not fear.

Anticipation.

This might have begun as something petty.

But it evolved into a blueprint of greed and selfishness.

The school buzzed with life—lockers slamming, voices overlapping, footsteps like static echoing off the linoleum. Nicole walked a few steps ahead of the other two, hands in her hoodie, eyes scanning the crowd.

"Don't deposit all of it at once," she murmured. "Break it up. Use it in cash. Buy things slowly. Big deposits trigger reports."

Jecka nodded, adjusting her bag. "Got it."

Emily tilted her head. "What about prepaid cards?"

Nicole turned to her, surprised. "That's smart. Use a bunch. Small amounts. Different stores every time."

They were nearing the vending machines when a voice cut through the din.

"Hey—Nicole!" She turned smoothly, face shifting into neutral before she saw who it was. Hunter jogged up, breath shallow. His eyes flicked over Jecka and Emily, then landed on Nicole.

"Have you seen Megan today?" 

Nicole frowned. "No... why?"

"She's not answering texts," Hunter said. "And—I heard something. Like... her dad died?" Nicole's expression twisted instantly into horror. "Wait—what?"

"That's what one of my friends said to me this morning. The guy's dad is a cop so it sounded real. I mean he could have just been spreading rumors, but... right now I'm worried about Megan."

Nicole covered her mouth. "Oh my God. That's awful. Are you serious?"

Hunter shrugged, uneasy. "I was hoping you knew. Let me know if you hear anything?"