The Con Captain's Nightmare

Chapter 1: Campus Charmer

In the bustling parking lot of Ifewood University, students were flowing in and out of Mozambique Hostel, a female dormitory. James Keenan, a charismatic postgraduate student of business known as a "Campus Bad Boy," had always thrived in the spotlight. His reputation as a con man from his undergraduate days still echoed through the campus, and he had recently gained prominence as a key member of the notorious Eagles Fraternity.

The Eagles were known for their ominous tactics, and they were much feared on campus. James, along with his friends Shane, Gabriel, and Austin, all shared this menacing reputation. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the pavement as they sat in Shane's car, puffing away on cigarettes and nursing their thoughts about the party that was about to take place on the outskirts of town. With the summer break officially in effect, most students had returned home, leaving only a handful behind.

As they shared stories and exchanged laughter, James's piercing eyes scanned the road in search of a companion for the night. His mind was set on making the Eagles' party unforgettable, and for that, he needed the right partner. In the distance, he spotted a young woman, Beatrice Kenan, returning from the library, her yellow tank top and blue jeans standing out in the fading light. Her bag was slung over her shoulder, and her expression seemed troubled.

Beatrice had been grappling with a difficult course, taught by none other than evil Professor Bam. His advances and threats had made her academic life a living nightmare, and she was determined to avoid succumbing to his demands. She fumbled with her bag, thinking of calling her friend Yvonne for support when her path unexpectedly crossed with James.

James Keenan watched as Beatrice Kenan came into his vision. Her presence was like a bolt of lightning, and he couldn't help but be intrigued. He nudged Shane and nodded in Beatrice's direction, his eyes never leaving her. "Who is she?" he mumbled to his friends, his curiosity piqued.

Austin, always quick to spot a potential partygoer, chimed in, "She's the one, man. She's perfect for the Eagles' party tonight." The others nodded in agreement. As far as James was concerned, the night was set for the Eagles, and Beatrice was going to be his chosen companion. Has anyone seen this babe around? He asked. Gabriel answered that he has seen her and she is in her first year on campus and does not hang around with too many friends.

As James watched Beatrice with a smirk, he felt a sudden urge to change his approach. The stories about him being the Campus Bad Boy were not entirely true, and this was his chance to show a different side.

"Excuse me," James said as he opened the car door and stepped out, approaching Beatrice with a friendly smile. "I couldn't help but notice you look a bit lost, and I thought I might offer you a warm welcome to Ifewood University. I'm James, by the way."

Beatrice, taken aback by this gentlemanly introduction, studied James with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She couldn't deny that his name did match the notorious reputation she had heard, but his demeanor was surprisingly different. "I'm Beatrice," she replied cautiously, her guard still up.

James continued, "Beatrice, I have to say, you have a unique charm about you, and I'd like to extend an invitation. We're having a little get-together tonight, and I think you'd fit right in. It might be just the thing to brighten your spirits."

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, contemplating the offer. She was yearning for something to take her mind off her academic troubles and the dreaded Professor Bam. With a cautious smile, she finally agreed, "Alright, James, I'll take you up on your offer. But can you tell me where and when?"

After James provided Beatrice with the details of the party and exchanged pleasantries and contact, he returned to the car, leaving Beatrice standing there, a mix of excitement and apprehension dancing in her thoughts.

Once she was alone, Beatrice reached for her phone and dialed Yvonne's number. She needed to share the unexpected turn of events with her friend, as well as to lift her spirits after her recent struggles with Professor Bam.

Yvonne's voice came through on the other end of the line, "Hello, Beatrice. What's going on?"

"Yvonne, you won't believe what just happened," Beatrice began, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. "I've been invited to a party tonight by a guy named James, and I think he's from that notorious Eagles group. Can you imagine that?"

Yvonne's surprise was evident in her response. "James Keenan? The Campus Bad Boy? Are you sure it's a good idea to go to a party with him and his friends?"

Beatrice sighed, "I know, it sounds crazy, but I need a break, Yvonne. I can't take another minute of Professor Bam's advances and the weight of my academic struggles. This could be a chance to let loose and forget all of that for one night."

Yvonne, being the supportive friend that she was, reluctantly agreed, "Alright, Beatrice. Just be careful and stay safe. If things get too wild, don't hesitate to call me."

Beatrice felt a sense of relief as she thanked Yvonne for her understanding. Little did she know that this spontaneous decision would lead to a night filled with secrets and unexpected encounters that would change her life forever.

As Beatrice hung up the phone after her conversation with Yvonne, she couldn't help but feel a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She and James had exchanged numbers, and while the prospect of a party sounded enticing, she began to have second thoughts. The stories about James and his association with The Eagles were enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. Should she really be going to a party with him?

Beatrice paced around her dorm room, her thoughts in turmoil. She glanced at her phone, contemplating whether to text James and back out of the plan. But a part of her longed for a break from her stressful academic life and the sinister Professor Bam. She wrestled with her decision, ultimately deciding not to say anything, hoping that the night would turn out to be a fun escape.