THE PERSON BEHIND THE CAMERA

The photograph on Jace’s phone made my stomach twist. It showed us standing in the locker room, exactly where we were now, with me staring at his phone and Jace looking down at the screen. Whoever had taken it couldn’t have been far away. The thought made the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I immediately turned toward the locker room entrance, but there was no one there. The hallway outside was empty, except for the faint sound of footsteps disappearing somewhere in the distance. They were here, I whispered. Jace slipped his phone into his pocket and scanned the room. I know. How long have they been watching us? He shook his head. I don’t know. This isn’t a joke anymore. My voice came out shakier than I wanted. I know. Jace stepped closer, lowering his voice. That’s why you can’t tell anyone yet. I stared at him. Why not? Because we don’t know who we can trust.

His words settled heavily between us. I hated that he was right. If the person behind the messages was someone on the team, telling Coach without proof could make everything worse. The blackmailer could simply delete the evidence and pretend nothing happened. Worse, they might find another way to hurt me. I picked up my bag and threw it over my shoulder. Fine. But I’m not going to sit around waiting for another message.” Jace nodded. Neither am I. We walked out of the locker room together, but I noticed something different about him. The usual arrogance was gone. His shoulders were tense, and his eyes kept moving around the hallway as though he expected someone to appear. You really think Blake is behind this? I asked. I think Blake has a reason to want you gone. Because of the starting position? Partly. He paused. But there’s more. I stopped walking. What does that mean? Jace looked at me, and for a moment I thought he was going to answer. Instead, he said, I’ll tell you when I’m sure.

I scoffed. You can’t keep doing that. Doing what? Giving me half the truth and expecting me to trust you. He stared at me for several seconds before sighing. You’re right. He leaned against the wall and folded his arms. Blake was supposed to become a starter this season. Everyone expected it. Then you arrived and Coach changed the lineup. So he hates me because I took his position? He doesn’t just hate you. He’s angry with me too.” I frowned. Why you? Jace’s expression hardened. Because I supported Coach’s decision. That surprised me. You did? Yes. I told Coach you deserved the opportunity. I didn’t know what to say. I had assumed Jace was against me from the moment I arrived. Hearing that he had actually supported my position on the team left me strangely speechless.  Why? I finally asked. He shrugged.  Because you’re good.  He pushed away from the wall.  And because if we’re going to win, we need the best players on the court. 

We continued toward the dorms, but neither of us noticed the figure standing at the far end of the hallway. By the time I looked back, there was no one there. I tried to convince myself that I was becoming paranoid, but the feeling wouldn’t leave. When we reached our room, Jace unlocked the door and entered first. He immediately looked around. What are you doing? I asked.  Checking the room. For what? Cameras. My eyes widened.  You think there’s one here? If someone has been following us, they might have access to the dorm too. He walked around the room, checking the shelves, smoke detector, television, and even the small clock above the desk. I watched him in silence until he finally stopped near the wall beside my bed. What? I asked. He pointed toward a tiny black mark near the corner. My heart skipped. He stepped closer and examined it. Just a screw. I released the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. You’re making me paranoid. He looked at me seriously.  Good. Paranoia might keep you safe.

That night, neither of us mentioned the messages again. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Jace was on the other side of the room, his back turned toward me. The silence between us felt different now. A few days ago, I would have welcomed it. Now, it made me uncomfortable. I eventually turned toward him. Jace? Yeah? Why did you really warn me? He remained quiet for a moment. Because I know what it feels like. What?Being targeted. I pushed myself up against the headboard. Tell me. He sighed. Last season, before the championship, someone leaked information about me to the coach. They claimed I was using drugs and partying instead of training. My eyes widened. What happened? Nothing. The claims were false, but someone wanted Coach to bench me. Did you find out who? No. He paused. That’s why I don’t think this is about you alone. My stomach tightened. You think it’s the same person?I don’t know. But the timing is strange.

Before I could ask anything else, his phone vibrated on the desk. Jace reached for it and checked the screen. His expression changed immediately. What? I asked. He didn’t answer. Jace? He turned the phone toward me. There was another message from the unknown number. Stop asking questions. Underneath it was a photograph of our dorm building. They know where we live, I whispered. Jace’s jaw clenched. I know. Another message appeared. The next warning won’t be so harmless. I stared at the words until they blurred. We need to tell Coach. Jace nodded this time. Tomorrow. Why not tonight? Because it’s almost midnight, and we need to think first. He locked the phone. Tomorrow we’ll show him everything.

The following morning, Coach called the entire team into the training hall for an early meeting. I sat near the back beside Jace while Coach spoke about the upcoming tournament. I tried to concentrate, but I couldn’t stop wondering which person in the room might be watching us. Blake stood near the front with his arms folded, looking bored. Every few seconds, his eyes moved toward me. I noticed Jace watching him too. When Coach finished, everyone began leaving. Jace grabbed my arm before I could follow. Wait. What? He nodded toward Blake. Watch him. I looked over and saw Blake speaking quietly with another player before they both left through the side door. You think that’s suspicious? Everything is suspicious right now.

We followed them, but by the time we reached the hallway, they were gone. Jace checked his phone. Let’s go to Coach. We turned around, but a voice stopped us. Carter. I looked over my shoulder. Blake was standing several feet away. His expression was strangely calm. Can I talk to you?Jace stepped forward. Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of me. Blake laughed softly. Relax, Captain. I just want a word with your roommate. Then talk. Blake looked directly at me. You’re causing problems.My eyebrows pulled together. I haven’t done anything. Exactly. You came here three days ago and suddenly you’re starting, taking attention, and changing everything. That’s not my fault. His jaw tightened. Maybe not. But you’re going to regret it.

He walked away before I could respond. I watched him disappear around the corner. That sounded like a threat, I said. Jace nodded. It was. We went straight to Coach’s office and showed him the messages and photographs. His expression became serious as he scrolled through everything. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? We didn’t know who to trust, Jace answered. Coach looked at both of us. You should have come to me immediately. He placed the phone on his desk. I’ll speak with security and the university administration. Until we know what’s happening, neither of you should be alone around campus. I nodded, relieved that someone else finally knew.

But as we walked out of the office, my phone buzzed again. I hesitated before checking it. Another photograph appeared. This one wasn’t of me and Jace.

It was a picture of my mother.

My blood ran cold.

The message beneath it contained only six words.

Leave the team, or she pays.

I stopped walking, unable to breathe.

Jace noticed my expression and immediately reached for my phone. His eyes widened when he saw the picture.

This just became personal, he whispered. And whoever is doing this knows exactly where to hurt you.