"Lara, are you okay?"

Sasha's brows knit together as she studied her friend. Something was off. They used to be inseparable, always in touch, telling each other everything. But lately… Over the past week or so, Lara had barely responded, and Sasha could swear her friend was hiding something.

Lara looked up from her laptop. The document was empty; she hadn't written a single word. The assignment still sat untouched, while the deadline was already breathing down her neck. 

"I'm fine," Lara replied, sending her friend a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just tired. There's so much work." She sighed.

And that wasn't a lie. They had several tests incoming, and even more assignments. At that moment, they were in the university library, where they had planned to study together.

They sat at a simple, wooden desk, surrounded by tightly packed white bookshelves. The cool-toned lights highlighted the darkness under Lara's eyes, barely concealed by makeup. The AC right above them blasted cool air, forcing Lara to throw on her sweater. 

They both had their laptops in front of them. Sasha also had her note taking app open on her iPad. Unlike Lara, she had actually done some work.

"Right, but I feel like…" Sasha began, but Lara's attention snapped to the laptop as the familiar ping of an incoming e-mail echoed through the quiet library.

She was no longer listening. Her heart pounded. It was Facts of Murder.

She opened the email and read:

Hi,

Thank you for your message. Although I'm glad to hear that you're willing to do your due diligence and go in depth on this case, I will unfortunately not get you in touch with my source. She wished to remain anonymous, so I'm not at liberty to share her personal information. I can, however, assure you that she was not lying about her identity. 

With proper credit, you're allowed to use the information shared in my video.

Best wishes,

The Facts of Murder team

Before she could think twice, her fingers flew across the keyboard, the words  spilling out faster than her mind could register.

Hi,

As I mentioned in the previous e-mail, I'm willing to provide appropriate compensation for this information. Just name the price. 

L. Smith

As soon as she sent the mail back, she refreshed the page. Nothing. 

"Lara… Are you even listening?" Sasha's voice barely pierced through her haze. 

She refreshed the page again. Nothing. Where was the response?! The person behind the Facts of Murder had just messaged her. They should still be there. They had to have seen her email by now. So where was the response? Where the hell was the response?!

Refresh. Nothing.

"Lara."

Refresh. Nothing.

"LARA!"

Lara snapped out of her trance, whipping her head to Sasha so fast her neck  twinged.

"What?" she asked.

"What's wrong with you?" Sasha lowered her voice, leaning toward her and glancing around. A few students at nearby tables were watching them with annoyed frowns.

Jason Hanningan, a top student in their class, pressed his pointer finger against his thin lips. They were being too loud, distracting him. 

Sasha sent him an apologetic look.

Another ping echoed.

Lara's eyes darted to the screen. Heart in her throat, jittery with need, she opened the message.

Hi,

I understand and I appreciate the gesture, however this information is not for sale.

Best wishes,

The Facts of Murder team

"Bitch," Lara hissed, her cheeks burning.

She shut her laptop and abruptly rose from her chair. 

"What's going on?" Sasha asked.

"I have to go." Lara  shoved her laptop into her bag.

"What? We were supposed to study together," Sasha protested.

"I know, but I just remembered something. I'll see you." Lara didn't even try to come up with a believable excuse. She had neither the time nor will to talk. She just snatched her bag and stomped out of the library.