Chapter 15: The Note That Shook the Desk
Kgosi read the note again.
His heart beat so loud he barely heard the morning bell.
> "You still haven't found what killed your father."
He crumpled the paper but kept it in his pocket. It wasn't just a warning — it was a breadcrumb.
"R," the signature read.
Red Wire?
Or someone deeper?
Naledi walked in late, her face pale, jaw tight.
"I saw them. They're watching the school now. Unmarked taxis outside."
Kgosi nodded. "We're in it now. Deep."
---
A New Player
During second period, a new student was introduced.
Tall.
Dreadlocks under a grey hoodie.
No books, just a backpack slung carelessly over one shoulder.
"Class, meet Rethabile... transfer from Jabulani High."
Everyone whispered.
Even the teacher looked nervous.
Kgosi locked eyes with him.
There was something too familiar in his stare.
---
Lunchroom Suspicion
At break, Kgosi, Naledi, and Lethabo sat in their usual corner behind the tuckshop.
"New kid gives me creep vibes," Lethabo said.
Kgosi nodded. "He didn't flinch when Thabiso tried to bully him. Just smiled like… he's seen worse."
"Think he's with Red Wire?" Naledi asked.
"Maybe worse. Maybe he is Red Wire."
---
Face-Off at the Gate
After school, Rethabile was waiting outside.
Alone.
Leaning on the school gate like he owned it.
Kgosi approached.
"Nice hoodie," he said.
"Nice footage," Rethabile replied without blinking. "Your little viral moment? Cute. But you've started something you can't finish."
Kgosi frowned. "You threatening me?"
"I'm warning you. You think your father died in a car crash? Nah. He knew too much. Just like you now."
Then he walked off, hands in his pockets.
---
The Flash Drive
Back at Naledi's house, they went through the footage again.
They hadn't noticed it before, but one of the men unloading crates in the video wore a bracelet Kgosi recognized — his dad used to wear the same one.
He froze.
"Pause. Zoom in."
It was him.
His father.
Alive.
---
What's Real Anymore?
Kgosi stumbled backward.
"He's… he's alive?"
Naledi gasped.
"Or being used."
Lethabo slammed his fist on the table. "Or he turned."
Everything shattered in that moment.
The hero Kgosi had idolized might have faked his death… or worse.
But why?
---
End of Chapter 15