Chapter 3: Trust No One, Not Even the Principal
The bell rang for last period. Learners rushed out, dragging their tired bodies like zombies with backpacks. But Kgosi stayed behind in the science lab, pretending to finish a practical. Truth was — he was waiting.
Ten minutes later, the door creaked open.
Mr. Radebe stepped in, old school shoes creaking, lab coat swinging like a trench coat.
"You're alone?" the teacher asked, his voice low.
Kgosi nodded. "You said not to bring anyone."
Radebe walked to the back counter, placed a stack of old worksheets down, and opened the bottom drawer. From inside, he pulled out a thin white envelope. Silent. Careful. As if the walls had ears.
"This is the list of everyone who's been asking questions about your father's case," Radebe whispered. "Police. Gangs. One or two journalists. Even someone from outside Mams."
Kgosi's eyes scanned the names — some he expected. Others? They hit different.
Naledi Mokoena.
He looked up. "She's on here?"
Radebe nodded. "She's not just the principal's daughter. Her mother used to work for the SAPS. She's clever, Kgosi. Maybe too clever."
Kgosi's heartbeat felt like it was trying to crack his ribs.
"Why are you helping me?" he asked.
Radebe sighed, pulling up a chair. "I owed your father. Bra T-Man once kept my name off a kill list. I was supposed to disappear years ago. He saved my life."
Kgosi nodded slowly. "So now you're returning the favour."
"I'm returning the debt," Radebe corrected. "Just remember: debts in the kasi don't always end with cash. They end with blood or betrayal."
He stood up. "Leave in five minutes. And Kgosi... burn that list."
By the time Kgosi left the lab, the corridors were empty. But the air felt heavy — like someone was still watching.
Outside, near the school gate, he spotted Naledi. She was waiting under the tree with her arms folded, bag slung lazily over one shoulder.
"You really going to pretend I don't exist now?" she asked.
Kgosi kept walking.
"I know what your dad was," she said softly, just loud enough for only him to hear.
He stopped.
"I know he wasn't just some taxi boss. And I know why Black Ice is after you."
Kgosi turned, face blank. "And what do you want, Naledi?"
She stepped closer. "To help you. Because I think someone inside this school is trying to set you up. And if you're not careful…"
She paused.
"…they're going to finish what they started with your father."