In a strong sense, Mac’s entire business operation—and by extension, much of his identity as this point in his life—is predicated on trust. Mac operates on the presumption that no one in the entire student body will tell on him; because so many need his services, he has an inherent faith that his secret is protected. He must maintain a much deeper but more tenuous trust, ironically, in those who are closer to him personally and serve as the guts of his business: his partner Vince, his “heavy,” Joe, and anyone else whom he hires along the way for special tasks, like Tyrell, Brady, and the bullies. These individuals are the ones who can do the most damage if they decide to turn. Mac’s fear of betrayal by his inner circle grows so strong after Vince admits taking some petty cash that his focus shifts to protecting the business itself and not the individuals he initially intended to benefit. This mistake almost costs him his best friend.

Ultimately, though, Mac discovers that Fred is the one sharing crucial information with the opposing side, which teaches Mac a valuable lesson about loyalty, trust, and friendship, as he tells Vince: