76. Pawns in a Much Larger Game

We ran around the corner and ducked behind the dumpster.

Moments later, an old man still wearing a three-piece suit walked by despite it being so late and messy outside.

"Quiet, he likes to find ways to give double demerits," Jules whispered.

I whispered, "Is that why you're panicking?" He shook his head. "No...It's Alec. Something's wrong. He's... he's not himself."

I started panicking instantly. "Where is he?"

Jules pointed towards the locker room. "He's in there. But be careful, James. He's acting... strange."

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Stay here. I'll go check on him."

Pushing open the locker room door, I called out, "Alec? You in here?"

The only response was the echo of my voice. I moved further inside, the dim light casting long shadows on the walls. My heart pounded in my chest, the silence unnerving.

I found Alec sitting on a bench, staring blankly at the floor. Relief washed over me momentarily, but I quickly became concerned as I noticed his vacant