I was sure Jack Hayes wouldn't just roll over and play dead.
So, I spent a couple of days tallying up every dime I'd spent on him these last two years.
And man, was I floored—somewhere between four and five million dollars, not counting all the grub, gear, and wheels he'd sponged off me.
The next day at school, everyone's glances felt off as I walked by.
As soon as I stepped into class, there was Jack, surrounded by a mob, all giving me the stink eye. "Chris, pay up what you owe Jack. He's too decent to hassle you, but we won't be so gentle."
I looked at them like they were out of their minds.
Jack's sidekick, Will King, slammed the table, "I'm asking straight up. Are you paying today, or not?"
I gave Jack a nonchalant glance. "You've been telling them I owe you?"
Jack's eyes darted around, guilty. "Chris, come on, we go way back. Just square up, and we can forget the rest."
Will was bouncing like a spring. "No way, man! He's gotta pay you back everything, plus some!"
Jack shot me a hopeful look like he thought I'd back down.
But I wasn't about to make his day.
"I have no idea what Jack's told you, but I don't owe him a cent. Actually, it's the other way around."
A brief silence fell over the room, then it burst into laughter.
Will was holding his sides. "Chris, come off it! You think we don't know? You're just his chauffeur's kid. Since when do masters borrow from their servants? Hilarious!"
What tales had Jack been spinning about me?
Since when was I his chauffeur's son?
With everyone backing him, Jack couldn't have looked more pleased with himself.
I smirked slightly. "So, I owe Jack money? Prove it."
Will scoffed, "Jack's been decent enough not to make you sign anything because you're the chauffeur's son. That's how you've dodged it so far."
I laughed, full of scorn. "No promissory note, huh? What about a bank transfer? Show me one piece of evidence today, and I'll pay up every last dime."
Suddenly, all eyes were on Jack.
"Come on, Jack, pull it out! Let's see him squirm out of this one."
Jack just glared at me, face turning an angry shade of red, but still, he did nothing.
Because he had nothing to show!
I looked at him coldly. "Nothing to show, right? No worries, I've got something for you."
I distributed printed sheets with all the transactions to everyone present.
"You've all been duped. Jack's no high-roller. He's just a poor kid my family took pity on!"
Will stood up first to argue. "Bull! If he's so poor, how does he have all that cash?"
