Chapter 1 — The Footage Nobody Was Supposed To See

Mrs. Carter: “Tell me again what you were doing in that hallway.”

Sixteen-year-old Ethan stood outside the school security office with tears in his eyes. His teacher, Mrs. Carter, held a printed photograph from the security cameras.

Ethan: “I wasn't stealing anything.”

Mrs. Carter: “The camera shows you opening the storage room.”

Ethan: “Because I heard someone crying inside.”

Mrs. Carter stared at him.

Mrs. Carter: “Who was crying?”

Ethan looked toward the security monitor.

Ethan: “I don't know.”

Before she could ask another question, Principal Harris entered the room.

Principal Harris: “Turn that recording off.”

Mrs. Carter: “Why?”

Principal Harris: “Because this is a student matter, and I'll handle it.”

Ethan immediately stepped backward.

Ethan: “No. You can't erase it.”

Harris looked at him sharply.

Principal Harris: “Watch your tone.”

Ethan: “You already know what's on that video.”

The security officer sitting at the computer slowly turned toward them.

Security Officer: “Sir, there are three cameras showing the same hallway.”

Harris's expression changed.

Principal Harris: “Delete the copies.”

Mrs. Carter stepped between him and the computer.

Mrs. Carter: “Absolutely not.”

Harris lowered his voice.

Principal Harris: “You don't understand what you're dealing with.”

Ethan looked at Mrs. Carter.

Ethan: “That's what I'm trying to tell you.”

Mrs. Carter: “Tell me what?”

Ethan: “The person in that room wasn't a student.”