Chapter 19: Trust Ain't Free
Kgosi sat on the rooftop of his flat, staring at the city lights. The Kasi looked peaceful from above — too peaceful for what was boiling underneath. His world was changing fast, and he wasn't sure who to trust anymore.
He pulled out his phone and opened his notes app. It was filled with names, moves, warnings… things he couldn't say out loud. If someone ever saw this? He'd be finished.
Suddenly, footsteps.
He looked back — it was Naledi.
"How did you find me?" he asked.
"You always come here when your brain's on fire," she said, sitting beside him. "You don't talk, but I see it in your face."
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🧠 Truth Spills
Kgosi hesitated. Then finally spoke.
"I found out something about my dad's last deal," he said. "There's money… like serious money. But there's also a list. Names. Of people involved in dirty things. Some are still in the community… some are teachers, some are even police."
Naledi froze. "You have the list?"
Kgosi nodded. "Not on me. It's locked. My dad left me a flash drive. Password protected. Only way to unlock it is using his voice."
Naledi blinked. "But your dad is gone."
Kgosi turned to her. "Exactly. But I found a voice message he sent to a guy named Bra Styles. It might work."
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🚪 Knock Knock
Before Naledi could answer, Lethabo burst through the rooftop door.
"Bro, we got a problem," he said, out of breath.
"What now?"
"There's a guy downstairs, in a leather jacket. Asking for you, by name."
Naledi stood up. "Did he say why?"
Lethabo shook his head. "He just said he needs to 'remind Kgosi where he comes from.'"
Kgosi's blood went cold.
> Another warning? Or a setup?
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💥 Face-to-Face
They went downstairs together. The man was leaning on a silver BMW with no plates. Shades on. A scar above his lip. Calm, but dangerous.
"You're Kgosi," he said.
"Who's asking?"
"I'm not here to scare you. I'm here to offer you something."
Kgosi crossed his arms. "I'm listening."
"You've got your father's blood. I can see it. But blood ain't enough. Loyalty is earned, not inherited."
Kgosi stared. "What do you want?"
The man smiled. "A partnership. You bring the flash drive. I show you how to unlock it. And in return… I get a small cut."
Naledi stepped in. "And if we say no?"
The man chuckled. "Then the streets will get that list before you do. And trust me — the names on it won't like being exposed."
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🧠 Night Thoughts
Later that night, Kgosi lay in bed staring at the ceiling. His dad's voice echoed in his head.
> "This life chooses you. You don't get to run."
He had the flash drive. He had clues. And now, he had enemies.
But he also had choices.
And in the Kasi, every choice comes with a price.
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End of Chapter 19