Chapter 17: Warehouse 12
Kgosi knew it was a trap. Naledi knew it. Lethabo knew it too.
But even so — he was going.
"I have to," Kgosi said, adjusting the zip on his black hoodie. "If I don't face this, I'll always be running in circles."
Naledi put her hand on his shoulder. "Then we're coming with."
He shook his head. "The note said no one."
Lethabo scoffed. "And you gonna listen to a mystery snitch? This could be the same people who faked your dad's death."
Kgosi smirked. "Exactly. That's why I need to go. Alone."
---
The Mission Begins
Warehouse 12 stood near the old railway tracks behind Kasi Tech Park.
Abandoned. Forgotten. But alive with secrets.
Kgosi approached slow.
His heart? Loud.
His steps? Careful.
He saw a cracked window and slid through. Inside — dust. Shadows. And then... voices.
> "He's almost ready."
"The blood always returns to the line."
He ducked low behind old crates, eyes scanning.
There. A group of men in dark jackets. And one of them — Rethabile.
Not wearing his school clothes. Not even pretending anymore. Just a black vest, radio earpiece, and a pistol tucked at his waist.
---
The Family Tie
Rethabile turned, eyes locking with Kgosi's through the dark.
He walked forward, calm.
Confident. Dangerous.
"You came," he said.
Kgosi stood tall. "Where's my father?"
"He's watching," Rethabile said, smiling faintly. "Always has been."
Another figure stepped forward from the shadows.
It wasn't Red Wire.
It wasn't the other guys.
It was someone taller. Older. But the same jawline.
Kgosi's heart stopped.
"Dad?"
The man nodded. "You weren't supposed to get involved, boy."
---
Too Deep In
Kgosi shook his head. "So you're alive. This whole time. And you let us grieve? Let Mom suffer?"
His father's eyes were cold. "I didn't leave to hurt you. I left to build something. Something that would last. Kasi doesn't protect us — we protect ourselves. That's what this is."
"You mean a gang," Kgosi spat.
"No. A legacy," his father corrected. "This is your birthright. You're next."
Kgosi took a shaky breath. "You're insane."
"No," his dad said. "You're awake."
---
A Choice of Blood
Rethabile stepped beside Kgosi.
"You don't understand how deep this runs. Your father built this from nothing. You're meant to lead, not run."
Kgosi stared at the dusty floor.
"I didn't ask for this," he said. "I didn't ask for blood. Or secrets. Or legacy."
"But you have it," his father said. "Now choose. Walk away and stay weak. Or join us... and take your place."
---
The Warning
Before Kgosi could answer, a shot rang out.
Glass shattered.
Lights burst.
Screams.
Someone had followed him. Or ambushed them.
Sirens in the distance.
His father pulled him back. "Not now. RUN."
Rethabile grabbed his shoulder. "You still have time. Think before you choose."
Kgosi broke free, running into the night as the warehouse went up in chaos.
---
End of Chapter 17