Veronica arrived at school the next day with dark circles under her eyes, poorly concealed by makeup. Her research into Amira's background had left her shaken, but she was determined not to show weakness. She needed to regain control of the situation and of Wellington Academy.
First, she needed to isolate Amira again. The easiest way was to make her a target for the school administration, keeping her under constant scrutiny.
"There's something you should know," Veronica told her English teacher before class. "I've been hearing some disturbing things about Amira Johnson. Some students are saying she's been threatening people."
Mrs. Bennett frowned. "That doesn't sound like Amira."
"People change," Veronica said with practiced concern. "I'm just worried, that's all."
She repeated variations of this conversation with three other teachers throughout the morning. By lunch, she noticed several faculty members watching Amira more closely. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a way to make Amira feel the pressure of institutional suspicion.
Veronica's next move was more direct. She sent a text to Ryan, a senior whose father owned a security company and who occasionally helped Veronica with her more complex schemes: Need to talk to Paint Girl alone. Can you help?
His reply came quickly: The old equipment room behind the gym. 3:30. I'll bring backup.
Veronica smiled, feeling more like herself again. This was familiar territory: setting up situations where the odds were stacked in her favor. Even if Amira had some fighting skills, she wouldn't expect an ambush, and she certainly couldn't take on multiple opponents at once.
When the final bell rang, Veronica watched from a distance as Ryan approached Amira in the hallway. She couldn't hear their conversation, but she saw Amira nod after a moment and follow him toward the back of the school.
Perfect.
Veronica waited ten minutes before heading to the same location. The equipment room behind the gym was rarely used, a storage space for broken or outdated athletic gear that hadn't been properly disposed of. It was isolated enough that any confrontation would go unnoticed by faculty.
As she approached, Veronica felt a surge of confidence. Ryan had brought two other seniors, both football players with impressive builds. They stood in a loose semicircle with Amira facing them, her back to the wall.
"Thanks for coming," Veronica said, stepping into view. "I thought we should have a proper conversation."
Amira looked at her, then at the three boys surrounding her. If she was intimidated, she didn't show it. "Four against one," she observed calmly. "Is that what passes for fair at Wellington?"