Finally, Ava says, at almost a whisper, “So … why exactly are you doing this?”

“Because I’m not blind to the injustices of this place like everyone else seems to be.”

“What’s the deal?” Antar asks. “Like, do you have a plan? Who are you after?”

Dee lays her hands on the table and looks at all three in turn, like she’s sizing them up. They’re watching her every move.

“Look,” she goes on, their eyes glued to hers, “what we need are bandits. Cowgirls. Highwaymen. Hunters. Vigilantes.”

Vigilantes?

“I mean,” I say, carefully, looking at Dee, holding my hands out cautiously, “we don’t want to get carried away or anything, but …”

“But it feels like it’s time to fuck shit up on who’s in power around here,” finishes Dee.

I watch the others falling under her spell.

Ava nods slowly, and so do Antar and Marta. Marta opens her mouth, then closes it again.

“Is it, like, a revenge squad?” asks Antar, leaning in.

“God, no,” I say at the same time that Dee says, “Sort of.”

She continues, “I figure it’s time for people to fight back. To take down the top dogs. For them to be fearful for once.”

Antar laughs and fist-bumps her. “Hell. Yes.”

“How’d you get Breanne’s headgear? That was hers, right?” Marta asks, her eyes glittering with awe.

Dee scans the room and shrugs again indifferently.

The bell rings to signal that lunch is over and classes are starting again. People all over are standing up, chairs screeching across the floor. Those at our table haven’t moved. They are watching Dee. She stands up, looking over the table.

“Well? Let’s get moving. We have unfinished business.”

*   *   *

On the way home from school, I say very little, my hands shoved in my hoodie pockets. Things feel like they’re moving quickly, and I’ve barely had a chance to catch up with Dee’s plans and she’s already enlisted other kids.

“What?” Dee asks.

“Nothing,” I say, but she’s watching me. She gives me a little elbow to urge me on. “I’m just thinking,” I say. Then, after a moment, “Is this the right thing to do?”

“The ‘right thing to do’? Fuck, yeah! You’re telling me that they didn’t have it coming?”

“Okay, yes, sure, but … you’re gonna get busted.”

“Nah. And even if we do, it’s worth it. ’Bout time someone held them accountable.” She stops and looks me in the face. “It’s gone on long enough, Stevie. It’s time to stand up for yourself.”

We start walking again. I think about the day. “Did you see the look on Pete’s face, though, when he came out to split up the fight? He was pissed.”

“That’s his job. And to be honest, he’s been way too oblivious to some of the stuff going on at school.”