Chapter 6: Leaked Information*
***
Vince stepped out of the car and entered the building. The entrance had glass doors, and a few meters inside, on the left, stood a light green FNB ATM for deposits and withdrawals. Vince walked further, and on the right, a dark, gloomy red room emanated silence—it was an ABSA branch. Ahead, next to the FNB, was NetBank, its office tucked into the far corner.
As Vince continued, the aroma of fried chips wafted from a fast-food store on the left, making his mouth water. On the right was a clothing shop. A few steps later, the space opened into a new area with paths leading left and right. To the left, a PicknPay store seemed to stare him down. Vince turned right, arriving at the first bench where his friend waited.
Kgotso was 173 cm tall, with a build between skinny and muscular, brown eyes, black fade-cut hair, black trousers, a white shirt, grey socks, and black slippers.
"You're late," Kgotso said, glancing at Vince.
"Dude, it's only 16:15. I'm on time," Vince replied, sitting beside him.
"Yeah, five minutes late," Kgotso shot back.
"Whatever. Let's go fetch someone," Vince said, his tone urgent.
"Who?" Kgotso raised an eyebrow.
"Just stand up. We've got no time to waste. Someone's in danger because of me," Vince said, his eyes darting to the mall TV displaying the time.
"Mtaaa, what did you do now?" Kgotso stood up, sighing.
"I'll explain later. Let's go," Vince said, already on his feet.
They left the mall and got into the car. Vince stepped on the accelerator, merging into the traffic. The sound of cars racing past filled the air as they sped down the road.
***
*10 Minutes Later*
*Outside Lindo's House*
Vince instructed Kgotso to call Lindo and inform him they had arrived. Kgotso pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Hello?" Lindo answered.
"We're outside," Kgotso said, keeping the call short.
"Okay, I'm coming," Lindo replied before hanging up.
A few minutes later, a figure emerged from the gate. Lindo stood outside, 175 cm tall, with brown skin, brown eyes, and a slightly muscular build. He wore a black cap, a black jersey, navy-blue jeans, and Jordan sneakers. Vince gestured for him to get in the car. Lindo walked over, entered, and the journey continued.
"Vince?" Lindo muttered.
"Yeah?" Vince replied, increasing the car's speed from 80 km/h to 120 km/h.
"What's going on?"
"There's an upcoming mission I need you two for. Some complicated stuff I can't fully explain right now. But listen—Kgotso, I'm giving you the wheel. You might encounter cops today. The first one is Koketso—shorter, wears a sports hat, brown eyes, police uniform, and loves doughnuts. The second is Tshepo—taller, wears shades, black short hair, also in uniform. If you see them, drive as fast as you can and get away. Don't ask questions—just do it," Vince said, his eyes fixed on the road.
"Oh?" Lindo exchanged a glance with Kgotso.
"Kgotso!" Vince called.
"Sup?" Kgotso turned to him.
"Take the phone out of my pocket and call the number labeled 'I.T.' Put it on speaker," Vince commanded.
Kgotso reached into Vince's pocket, pulled out the phone, and dialed the number. The call rang until a squeaky voice answered.
"What do you want?"
"I need you to drop everything and go to a disused warehouse. I'm sending you the coordinates. Don't ask questions—just go. Now!" Vince barked.
"What's going on?" Suvesh muttered.
"I told you not to ask questions! Just move!" Vince's voice echoed through the car.
***
Suvesh hung up, grabbed his laptop, and bolted out the door. He held up a rectangular device with a selfie camera, the screen lighting up his face as he checked the coordinates Vince had sent.
"I wonder what's going on," Suvesh whispered to himself as he hurried to the warehouse.
***
Back in the car, Vince gripped the steering wheel tightly, his neck tense and sweat dripping down his face. The car roared as it hit 230 km/h.
"Damn, Vince! 230 km/h?!" Kgotso exclaimed, staring at the speedometer in disbelief.
Vince didn't respond. He spun the wheel to the left, lifted his foot off the accelerator, and slammed the brakes while pulling the handbrake. The tires screeched, smoke billowing as the car drifted sharply. Vince released the handbrake, shifted gears, and accelerated again.
"Almost there. I need you guys to do something for me," Vince said, glancing at Kgotso and Lindo.
"Anything, bruh," Lindo leaned forward.
"I don't know how to explain this, but here's the plan: Kgotso, once we pick up Suvesh, I need you to drive him as far as possible. The organization is after him, and if they find out you're with him, they'll chase you. If you get caught—which you probably will—just stall. Mix truth with lies, but leave me out of it. Buy time until I get there. Can you do that?" Vince's eyes bore into theirs.
"Yes," they agreed in unison.
***
*A Few Minutes Later*
Vince pulled up to an abandoned warehouse surrounded by a large wooden fence. The area was quiet, with only the sounds of passing cars and pedestrians. Vince slowed the car, turned off the engine, and turned to Kgotso.
"We're here. Kgotso, take the driver's seat," Vince said.
"What's the plan?" Kgotso asked.
Vince didn't answer. He opened the door, stepped out, and walked toward the warehouse without another word.
Inside, the warehouse was dim and dusty, with stairs leading to a raised platform and poles supporting the structure. Suvesh emerged from the shadows, startling Vince.
"Sheesh! Never do that again!" Vince clutched his chest.
"Sorry, hehe," Suvesh smiled warmly.
"Let's go before we get caught," Vince said.
"Oh, take this USB. It has information on the government tracking your organization and the people who killed your parents. They're all in here," Suvesh handed Vince a small blue USB with a silver tip.
"Tracking us, huh? I'll find them. Let's go. My friends outside will keep you safe. Kgotso will explain everything," Vince said, pocketing the USB.
They exited the warehouse, and Vince opened the car door.
"Guys, this is Suvesh. Keep an eye on him. Kgotso, drive carefully at first, then speed up once you're clear. Expect cops. I'll find you later," Vince said, handing them three squishy objects labeled "Chappies." "Eat these. They're trackers. They'll last 24 hours before dissolving in your stomach acid," Vince explained.
Suvesh got in the car, and they each ate the tracker.
"Remember, don't exceed 80 km/h until you're clear. Then go as fast as you can. I'll see you later," Vince said before disappearing into the night.
***
Kgotso started the car, shifted into gear, and drove off. The car was silent as Kgotso focused on the road, Lindo gazed out the window, and Suvesh stared at his laptop
"Bafethu (Guys), ain't that the cops ahead?" Lindo pointed.
"Everyone buckle up. It's about to get real," Kgotso said, slowing the car.
The traffic cops noticed the black Golf and approached. Koketso, finishing a doughnut, nudged Tshepo.
"Bro, something's off with that car," Koketso said.
"Let's check it out," Tshepo replied.
As they approached, Kgotso stepped on the accelerator, spinning the wheel and speeding away.
"Shit, get to the car!" Koketso shouted.
The cops ran to their vehicle, ready to give chase.
"It's time for Fast and Furious," Tsepo said, starting the engine.