Midnight Pages SA

THE WRONG GRAVE
Chapter 5

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At Kamo and Naledi's House...

Naledi stared at her husband in disbelief the silver necklace rested in Kamo's palm he continued looking at it as though it belonged to another lifetime.
"Kamo..."
He slowly looked up.
"What?"
"You said you've never seen it before."
"I haven't."
"Then how do you know it belongs in a hospital?"
He rubbed his forehead.
"I don't know."
He hated that answer it sounded ridiculous even to him.
"When I touched it..."
He paused.
"...something flashed through my mind."
Naledi remained silent.
"What did you see?"
Kamo closed his eyes.
"I don't know if I actually saw it... or imagined it."
"Tell me."
"I heard machines beeping."
He swallowed.
"I smelled disinfectant."
His breathing became uneven.
"And I heard a woman crying."
Naledi's face softened.
"What else?"
Kamo shook his head.
"That's all."
Neither of them noticed the tiny black SUV parked across the street inside, a man lowered his camera he had photographed everything.

---

At Rosebank Police Station...

Detective Tshepo placed the evidence bags on his desk Margaret's murder had changed everything she had been about to tell him the truth someone had known she was still alive someone had followed him to the abandoned hospital his office door opened.
Captain Dube stepped inside.
"The post-mortem team called."
Tshepo looked up.
"What did they find?"
"The bullet."
"And?"
"It came from a licensed firearm."
Tshepo frowned.
"Registered to who?"
The captain placed a file on the desk.
Tshepo opened it his expression changed immediately.
"No..."
The firearm belonged to...
Retired Captain Mpho Mokoena.

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Sarah stood in the kitchen preparing dinner she kept glancing toward the study Mpho had locked himself inside nearly an hour earlier that had never happened before she carried a tray of tea to the door she knocked gently.
"Mpho?"
No answer she knocked again.
"It's me."
Still nothing concerned, she slowly opened the door the room was empty the window was open the curtains moved with the evening breeze.
"Mpho?"
She walked inside his chair was still warm on the desk lay an old family album it was open to the very first page the hospital photographs.
Sarah's heart began racing the pictures were gone.

---

At an Unknown Location...

Mpho drove through the quiet streets of Johannesburg his destination was a place he had avoided for decades the GPS announced the address he turned into a neglected road at the end stood a small brick house surrounded by overgrown grass the lights were on he switched off the engine but remained inside the car for several minutes, he simply stared at the house. Finally..He stepped out before he reached the front door it opened Isaac stood there waiting.
"I knew you'd come."

---

At Kamo's House...

Naledi couldn't sleep Kamo had fallen asleep on the couch after another exhausting day she quietly picked up his phone she hesitated.She had never searched through his things before.
Never but tonight she needed answers she unlocked the phone using the passcode she already knew.
Messages nothing unusual emails nothing suspicious then...She noticed an unfamiliar folder in his gallery.
PRIVATE
Her heartbeat quickened she opened it only one photograph the same woman Emily this time she wasn't lying in a hospital bed.

She was standing outside an old maternity ward smiling Naledi stared at the date the photograph had been taken...
Three months ago she slowly looked at her sleeping husband a tear rolled down her cheek.
"You lied to me."

---

At Isaac's House...

Isaac poured two cups of coffee neither man touched theirs Mpho looked around the modest living room photographs covered every wall family children grandchildren a normal life a life Isaac should never have had.
"You disappeared."
Isaac smiled bitterly.
"No."
"I was forced to disappear."
"What do you mean?"
Isaac leaned back.

"The night after our sons were born..someone tried to kill me."
Mpho's eyes widened.
"I survived."
"They told everyone you died."
"They paid people to believe I did."
Silence filled the room Mpho looked down.
"I never wanted any of this."
Isaac laughed.
"But you accepted it."

---

Meanwhile...

Dr. Kabelo Masebe walked into a private underground archive beneath one of his office buildings only a handful of people even knew the room existed rows of shelves held old boxes each labelled by year.
He stopped at one.
1992
He opened it Inside were hospital files birth certificates adoption documents DNA reports he carefully removed one thin folder across the front was written: Project Twin
He smiled.
"So much pain..."
He whispered.
"...from one simple decision."
He tossed the folder onto a steel table then picked up his phone.
"Bring me the file."
"The original one?"
"Yes."
"What about Mpho?"
Dr. Masebe looked at the photograph inside the folder.
"It is time for him to stop carrying secrets."
The call ended.

---

At Kamo's House...

Kamo woke suddenly his phone was vibrating.
Unknown Number again he answered immediately.
"What do you want?"
The familiar calm voice replied.
"You opened the locker."
"Who are you?"
"You have the file."
"Yes."
"Don't read it."
Kamo frowned.
"Why?"
"Because once you know the truth...you'll never be able to love your parents the same way again."
The line went silent Kamo remained holding the phone. His eyes drifted toward the brown file lying on the dining table he slowly walked over to it his fingers rested on the cover.
Behind him.. Naledi quietly watched from the hallway she had heard every word.

---

At Rosebank Police Station...

Detective Tshepo was about to leave for the night when a young constable hurried into his office.
"Detective!"
"What is it?"
"We've identified the owner of the necklace."
Tshepo stood up immediately.
"You have?"
The constable nodded.
"It belonged to a woman named..."
He checked the report.
"...Emily Jacobs."
Tshepo frowned.
"Who was she?"
The constable looked up his expression turned serious.
"She was a nurse."
"Where?"
The constable swallowed.
"Parklane Hospital."

---

At Kamo's House...

Midnight the house was silent Kamo sat alone at the dining table the brown file lay before him he thought about the caller's warning he thought about his father his mother Naledi Finally...
He opened the file inside were several old documents the first few pages contained patient records nothing unusual then... A folded letter slipped onto the floor.
It was sealed the envelope read:
> To the child who grows up believing he is Kamo Mokoena...

Kamo's hands began to tremble he slowly broke the seal just as he unfolded the letter a loud crash came from the kitchen He jumped to his feet.
"Who's there?"
No answer He cautiously walked toward the sound the back door stood wide open rain blew into the kitchen he stepped outside no one when he returned to the dining room..the file was still there but the letter was gone.

End of Chapter 5

THE WRONG GRAVE
Chapter 4

---

At Parklane Hospital...

The gunshot echoed through the abandoned hospital Detective Tshepo instinctively drew his firearm and rushed into the corridor.
"Police! Stop!"
His footsteps thundered through the empty passage ahead of him, a shadow disappeared around the corner Tshepo increased his pace the building seemed endless dust filled the air as pieces of the old ceiling crumbled beneath his feet. He reached the stairwell just in time to hear a metal door slam shut below.

Without hesitating, he raced down the stairs by the time he reached the ground floor.. the emergency exit stood wide open rain poured outside the shooter was gone Tshepo looked around Nothing only the sound of rain and distant traffic.
His radio crackled.
"Detective?"
He pressed the button.
"I need backup at Parklane Hospital immediately."
"What happened?"
"A witness has been murdered."

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Sarah found Mpho sitting alone in the garage the old photograph still lay on the floor.
"Mpho?"
He quickly picked it up and slipped it into the envelope she looked at him carefully.
"You've been out here for almost an hour."
"I needed some air."
She knew he was lying after thirty-five years of marriage, she could read every expression on his face.
"What happened?"
He forced a smile.
"Nothing."
She folded her arms.
"Don't do that."
"What?"
"Lie to me."
Silence she stepped closer.
"Was it about the phone call?"
Mpho looked away Sarah's stomach tightened.
"There was another call, wasn't there?"

Before he could answer...The front doorbell rang both of them looked toward the house Sarah sighed.
"I'll get it."
She walked away, leaving Mpho standing in the garage as soon as she disappeared, his phone vibrated.
A message.
> You had your chance thirty-two years ago.
Now I'm taking my son back.
Mpho's hands trembled.

---

At the Front Door...

Sarah opened the door Kamo stood outside his tie was loose his face looked exhausted she smiled warmly.
"My boy."
He hugged her.
"I was passing by."
"I'm glad you came."
As they walked inside, Kamo noticed her smile fade.
"Where's Dad?"
"In the garage."
"Everything okay?"
She hesitated.
"I don't know."

---

At Serenity Beauty Clinic...

Naledi locked the clinic for the evening her assistant waved goodbye before driving away she climbed into her car just as she started the engine...Someone knocked on her window she jumped an elderly woman stood outside holding an umbrella Naledi lowered the window slightly.
"Can I help you?"
The woman smiled politely.
"I'm looking for Mrs. Naledi Mokoena."
"That's me."
The woman handed her a small sealed envelope.
"Someone asked me to give you this."
"Who?"
"He said you would know."
Before Naledi could ask another question. The woman turned and walked away into the rain
Naledi opened the envelope inside was a tiny silver necklace she frowned she had never seen it before then she noticed the folded note underneath.
It read:
> Emily wore this the day she died.
Ask your husband why he kept it.

Naledi's breathing became heavy.

---

At Johannesburg Station...

Kamo parked outside the busy station He looked down at the locker key resting in his palm.Locker 217 He still had no idea who had sent it the station bustled with commuters rushing home no one paid attention to him he located the locker section. Rows and rows of metal doors Finally... 217 he inserted the key the lock clicked open.
Inside sat an old brown file nothing else he removed it carefully written across the front were four words.

Parklane Hospital Birth Records His pulse quickened he quickly looked around nobody seemed interested he tucked the file beneath his jacket and walked away hidden behind a newspaper, a man watched him leave the moment Kamo disappeared into the crowd...
The man smiled.

---

At Rosebank Police Station...

Forensic officers wheeled Margaret's body into the mortuary Detective Tshepo stood in the evidence room his shirt was stained with her blood the station commander entered.
"I heard."
Tshepo nodded silently.
"You look terrible."
"I was seconds too late."
The commander placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Did she say anything?"
Tshepo replayed her final moments she had grabbed his sleeve forced out two words then died he looked at his commander.
"She said....'Don't trust...'"
"Don't trust who?"
"I don't know."
The commander sighed.
"We'll figure it out."
Tshepo wasn't so sure.

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Kamo walked into the garage his father quickly stood.
"I didn't hear you."
Kamo smiled faintly.
"You've always been a terrible liar."
Mpho looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"When something's bothering you."
Silence settled between them Kamo reached into his jacket He removed the photograph from the hospital album on his phone.
"Dad..."
"I need you to answer one question."
Mpho's heartbeat quickened.
"Why isn't there a single photograph of Mom holding me after I was born?"

Time seemed to stop Mpho stared at his son his mouth opened.. but no words came Kamo stepped closer.
"Someone asked me that today."
Mpho's eyes widened.
"Who?"
"I don't know."
"They sent me hospital records."
Mpho felt the colour drain from his face.
"What records?"
"They said one baby went home with the wrong family."
Silence.
A terrifying silence Kamo looked into his father's eyes.
"Dad..what happened the night I was born?"
Before Mpho could answer Sarah walked into the garage carrying tea.
"There you two are."

Both men looked at her neither said a word she smiled.
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
Mpho forced himself to speak.
"No."
He took the cup from her.
"We were just talking."
Kamo looked at both of them something felt wrong very wrong for the first time in his life his parents looked afraid of him.

---

Meanwhile...

The black Mercedes pulled into an underground parking garage the driver climbed out carrying a laptop bag he entered a private office hidden behind an unmarked steel door inside sat an elderly man in an expensive suit.
Dr. Kabelo Masebe.
One of the wealthiest businessmen in the country he didn't look up from the documents on his desk.
"Report."
"Kamo has the file."
Dr. Masebe smiled.
"And Detective Maseko?"
"He found the nurse."
"Too late?"
"Yes."
The old man nodded with satisfaction.
"Good."
The driver hesitated.
"There's one problem."

Dr. Masebe finally looked up.
"Isaac Ndlovu."
The smile disappeared.
"So..."
"He has returned."
Silence filled the office Dr. Masebe slowly stood and walked toward the window overlooking Johannesburg.
"I warned them thirty-two years ago."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"No witnesses."
"No loose ends."
He turned back to the driver.
"It seems..we missed one."

---

At Kamo and Naledi's House...

Later that night Kamo unlocked the front door the house was unusually quiet.
"Naledi?"
No answer he found her sitting alone on the patio she wasn't crying she wasn't angry she simply stared into the darkness he sat beside her.
"I'm sorry about today."
She looked at him.
"Who is Emily?"
His heart sank.
"I told you I don't know."
She reached into her handbag slowly she placed the silver necklace into his hand Kamo stared at it his expression changed instantly.

His fingers tightened around the chain Naledi noticed.
"You've seen it before."
He didn't answer.
"Kamo..how do you know this necklace?"
He looked at her with eyes full of confusion then whispered...
"I don't know why..but I remember this."
Naledi's heart stopped.
"You remember it?"
"I've never seen it before..."
He swallowed hard.
"...yet somehow..I know it belongs in a hospital."

End of Chapter 4

THE WRONG GRAVE
Chapter 3

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Mpho's breathing became uneven for a moment, he couldn't tell whether he was dreaming or awake the man standing in the garage doorway looked older his hair was almost completely grey deep wrinkles surrounded his eyes.but there was no mistaking him.

It was Isaac Ndlovu the father of the other baby the man Mpho had attended a memorial service for the man everyone believed had died in a taxi accident.

Isaac smiled faintly.
"You look surprised."
Mpho struggled to find his voice.
"You're..."
He swallowed hard.
"...dead."
"I was."

Isaac stepped into the garage and quietly closed the door behind him.
"No."
He corrected himself.
"I was made dead."
Silence settled between them.

Mpho looked toward the house.
"Sarah is inside."
"I know."
"What do you want?"
Isaac's expression hardened.
"I want what should have happened thirty-two years ago."

---

At Serenity Beauty Clinic...

Naledi sat inside her car with the photograph resting on her lap she stared at the woman's face.
Emily who was she?Why had someone written that she died protecting Kamo?

Her phone vibrated.It was Kamo she watched it ring.Again.
And again.
Finally, she answered.
"Naledi."
His voice sounded tired.
"I've been trying to explain."
"I'm listening."
"I don't know anyone called Emily."
She looked at the photograph.
"Then why is she holding your hand in a hospital?"
"I've never seen that picture before."

She wanted to believe him she really did but everything happening around them made it difficult.
"Kamo..."
"Yes?"
"If you're hiding something from me..."
"I'm not."
"...tell me now before someone else does."
He closed his eyes.
"I promise you."
She sighed softly.
"I'll see you at home."
The call ended.

She started the engine neither of them noticed the black sedan parked across the street its driver slowly lowered a pair of binoculars then made another phone call.
"They're beginning to turn against each other."
A smile appeared on the caller's face.
"Excellent."

---

At Parklane Hospital...

Detective Tshepo carefully placed the old photograph into an evidence bag his torch swept across the dusty room once more every cabinet had been forced open every file had been searched whoever had come before him wasn't looking for money.

They were looking for information his flashlight stopped on a rusted filing cabinet lying on its side something white stuck out beneath it he crouched down and pulled it free it was a patient admission ledger.

Most of the pages had been ruined by water but one page remained readable his eyes scanned the names then stopped.

Sarah Mokoena Room 14
Delivery: Male
Minutes later...another name.
Grace Ndlovu Room 15
Delivery: Male.
Tshepo frowned the births had happened less than twenty minutes apart he quickly took photographs just as he slipped the ledger into his evidence bag... A loud crash echoed somewhere down the corridor he switched off his torch the hospital became completely dark.

Someone else was inside.

---

At Sandton...

Lesego parked outside an internet café his university friend Daniel had texted him an address instead of calling that alone made him nervous Daniel was already seated in the far corner wearing a cap pulled low over his face.
"You came."
"You sounded scared."
Daniel looked around before speaking.
"I shouldn't even be talking to you."
Lesego frowned.
"What is going on?"
Daniel leaned closer.
"The records weren't stolen."
"What?"
"They were removed years ago."
"By who?"

Daniel shook his head.
"I don't know."
"But someone has been paying people to erase every trace of what happened at Parklane Hospital."
Lesego felt a chill.
"Why?"
Daniel reached into his backpack he removed a small flash drive.
"I copied this before everything disappeared."
Lesego stared at it.
"What is it?"
"The maternity register."
His heart raced.
Daniel placed the flash drive on the table.
"Don't open it unless you're ready."
"Ready for what?"
Daniel looked him straight in the eyes.
"The truth might destroy your family."

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Isaac slowly walked around the garage his fingers brushed against old shelves filled with paint tins and tools.
"You've done well for yourself."
Mpho remained silent.
"You have a beautiful family."
"What do you want?"
Isaac stopped walking.
"My son."
Mpho's face tightened.
"You came after thirty-two years for that?"
"I came because I finally know where he is."
"You don't know anything."
Isaac laughed bitterly.
"I know enough."

He pulled a folded newspaper from inside his jacket he opened it a photograph of Kamo appeared on the front page beside an article celebrating his company's latest contract.
Isaac held it up.
"My son."
Mpho looked away.
"He isn't your son."
Isaac's eyes darkened.
"You've been telling yourself that for over three decades."
He stepped closer.
"But blood has a way of finding blood."
Mpho clenched his fists.
"You need to leave."
"I will."
Isaac nodded.
"But first..."
He leaned in.
"...tell Kamo the truth."

---

At Mokoena Construction...

Kamo remained alone in his office long after everyone else had gone home his thoughts kept returning to the anonymous caller no photographs of his mother holding him.
The hospital register Emily his own grave.
None of it made sense he unlocked his laptop.
A folder labelled Family Albums appeared he searched through hundreds of old photographs birthday parties, Christmas lunches, school graduations.

He opened another folder Hospital.
Only six pictures.
His father holding him.His grandmother smiling.Relatives gathered around the bed.
His mother...Nowhere his breathing quickened.
Someone knocked he quickly closed the laptop.
"Come in."
His secretary stepped inside.
"Sorry to disturb you."
"It's okay."
"A man came looking for you."
"Who?"
"He wouldn't give his name."
"What did he want?"
"He only asked me to give you this."

She handed him a sealed envelope.
"There wasn't a return address."
"Thank you."
After she left... Kamo slowly opened it inside was a single key attached to it was a tag.
Locker 217
Johannesburg Station

---

Meanwhile...

A pair of gloved hands carefully placed photographs across a large wooden table.
Kamo.
Naledi.
Lesego.
Sarah.
Mpho.
Detective Tshepo.

Each photograph was connected with red string the person studying them reached for a black marker one by one... They crossed out three names then circled one.

KAMO MOKOENA

The stranger whispered softly,
"It's finally time."

---

At Parklane Hospital...

Detective Tshepo moved silently through the dark corridor he could hear footsteps ahead.
Slow careful whoever was inside knew the building he followed the sound the footsteps suddenly stopped.

Tshepo rounded the corner nothing empty hallway broken wheelchairs dust.
Then...
His torch beam caught movement inside the old maternity ward someone was standing beside one of the rusted hospital beds their back was turned.
"Police!"
The figure didn't move.
"Turn around slowly."
The person raised both hands very slowly then turned.
Tshepo's eyes widened it was an elderly nurse.
She looked terrified tears streamed down her face.
"I've been waiting for someone to come."

Tshepo lowered his torch slightly.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Margaret."
She wiped her tears.
"I was on duty the night those babies were born."
Tshepo felt his pulse quicken.
"You know what happened?"
She nodded.
"I've carried it for thirty-two years."
Before Tshepo could ask another question...a deafening gunshot echoed through the ward.
Margaret gasped her eyes widened blood spread across her uniform she collapsed into Tshepo's arms.

He looked up the shooter had already disappeared into the darkness Margaret grabbed his sleeve with surprising strength her lips trembled.She forced out two words.
"Don't trust..."
Her hand fell her eyes closed she was dead.
Tshepo slowly looked toward the dark corridor the killer had silenced the only witness...

Just before she could reveal the truth.

End of Chapter 3

THE WRONG GRAVE
Chapter 2

---

At Mokoena Construction...

Kamo stared at the hospital register.His hands felt numb.He zoomed in on the image.The document looked old.Very old.The paper was yellow and slightly torn at the edges.Yet the writing was clear.

Baby Boy Mokoena
Baby Boy – Deceased

The words seemed to burn into his eyes.His phone suddenly rang.
Naledi.

He hesitated before answering.
"Hi."
"Where have you been?" she asked.
"In meetings."
"Kamo, I've been calling you."
"I know."

A brief silence followed.He could tell something was wrong.
"Naledi?"
"Who is she?"
His heart skipped a beat.
"What?"
"The woman in the hospital bed."
Kamo frowned.
"What woman?"
"The photograph that was emailed to me."

He froze.A cold feeling settled in his stomach.
"What photograph?"
"So there is a photograph."
"Naledi—"
"Who is she?"
Kamo closed his eyes.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You are lying."
The call ended.He stared at the screen.

One problem had become three.

---

At Serenity Beauty Clinic...

Naledi dropped her phone onto the desk.Tears burned behind her eyes.She hated feeling this way.Confused.Suspicious.Insecure.That wasn't who she was.For seven years she had trusted Kamo.Never checked his phone.Never questioned his movements.Never doubted him.Now a single photograph had planted doubt where none existed before.

Her phone vibrated.Unknown Number.

She answered immediately.
"Hello?"
The voice sounded distorted.Almost robotic.
"Ask your husband about Emily."
Naledi frowned.
"Who is Emily?"
The caller laughed softly.
"You deserve the truth."
The call disconnected.
Naledi sat frozen.
"Emily?"

---

At Rosebank Police Station...

Detective Tshepo studied the gold cufflink.The initials engraved on it continued bothering him.

M.M.

The cemetery caretaker sat opposite him.
"You're certain this was found beside the grave?"
"Yes."
Tshepo nodded.
One of the officers entered.
"Detective."
"What is it?"
"We ran the initials through several databases."
"And?"
"The cufflink belongs to Mpho Mokoena."

Tshepo looked up.
"Kamo Mokoena's father?"
"Yes."
The room fell silent.

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Sarah found her husband sitting in the study. The curtains were closed.The room was dark.

"Mpho?"

He didn't answer.She switched on the light.His face looked pale.Almost frightened.She walked closer.

"What happened?"
He slowly looked at her.
"The past is coming back."
Sarah's heart dropped.For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then she whispered:
"No."
Mpho nodded.
"They opened the grave."
Sarah covered her mouth.Tears immediately filled her eyes.
"Who?"
"I don't know."

She sank into the chair opposite him.For thirty-two years they had lived with the secret.
Thirty-two years.They had convinced themselves it was buried forever.
Now... Someone had started digging.

---

Meanwhile...

A black Mercedes rolled through the streets of Sandton.The driver wore sunglasses despite the cloudy weather.He looked at the photograph lying on the passenger seat.It showed Kamo smiling beside Naledi and their daughter.A happy family.The driver picked up his phone.

"They're beginning to ask questions."
The voice on the other side remained calm.
"Good."
"Kamo received the hospital register."
"And?"
"He doesn't know what it means yet."
The voice chuckled.
"He will."
The call ended.The driver looked at the photograph one last time.Then tore it in half.

---

At Sandton City...

Lesego sat inside a coffee shop replaying the motorcycle incident.Something wasn't right.
Someone knew he was looking into the hospital records.Someone was watching him.
His phone buzzed.A message from the same friend.

> I still have copies.
Lesego immediately called him.The man answered.
"Don't call me."
"What happened back there?"
"They followed me."
"Who?"
"I don't know."
"Where are the copies?"
The man hesitated.Then lowered his voice.
"Parklane Hospital."

Lesego sat upright.
"What?"
"The old maternity archives."
"Are you sure?"
"Very."
The call ended.Lesego frowned.
Parklane Hospital had shut down almost twenty years ago.Most of its records were supposedly destroyed.So why would anything still be there?

---

At Mokoena Construction...

Kamo couldn't focus.Every document on his desk looked blurry.The hospital register.The anonymous caller.Naledi's accusations.The message about his grave.Nothing made sense.
His office door opened.Lesego walked in.
"You look terrible."
"Thanks."
"I found something."
Kamo sat upright.
"What?"
Lesego closed the door.
"Someone stole the records I was trying to get."
"What records?"
"The maternity records from the year you were born."

Kamo stared at him.The colour drained from his face.
"How did you know I was asking questions about that?"
Lesego frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Without a word, Kamo handed him the hospital register image.Lesego read it.Then read it again.His expression changed completely.
"Where did you get this?"
"It was sent to me."

By the time he finished explaining everything...
Both brothers looked disturbed.Finally Lesego spoke.
"I think someone wants us to find something."
Kamo nodded slowly.
"I think so too."

---

At Parklane Hospital...

The abandoned hospital stood behind rusted gates.Nature had begun reclaiming the property.Broken windows. Collapsed ceilings.
Overgrown grass. It looked haunted. Not by ghosts. By memories. A security guard unlocked the gate.
"You have thirty minutes."
Detective Tshepo nodded.
"That's all I need."

He entered the building alone. The air smelled of dust and mould. His flashlight cut through the darkness. Most of the rooms were empty.
Then he reached the old records department.
The door was hanging off its hinges. Someone had already been there. Recently. Tshepo stepped inside. Cabinets stood open. Folders covered the floor.

His pulse quickened. Someone had searched this room. And searched it thoroughly. He moved deeper inside. Then his flashlight stopped on something. A photograph. Lying face down. Tshepo picked it up. His eyes widened. The picture showed two newborn babies.

Both wearing hospital bracelets. Both born on the same day. Someone had written across the back in red ink.
> One lived a lie.
> The other lived a theft.

---

At Serenity Beauty Clinic...

Naledi finished with her final client and headed for the parking lot.The sky was already growing dark.She unlocked her car. Then froze a white envelope sat beneath her windshield wiper she looked around nobody seemed interested in her slowly...

She opened it inside was a single photograph the same woman from the hospital bed this time there was writing on the back Naledi turned it over her blood ran cold.

The message read:
> Emily died because she protected your husband.

---

At the Mokoena Family Home...

Mpho stood alone in the garage his hands trembled as he opened an old metal toolbox.
Hidden beneath decades of tools was a sealed envelope he stared at it.
Thirty-two years.
He had not opened it in thirty-two years slowly..
He removed the contents a birth certificate a hospital bracelet and a photograph.

The same photograph that Detective Tshepo had just found the picture of two newborn babies. Mpho looked at the second child the one that wasn't Kamo his eyes filled with tears.
He whispered:
"I'm sorry."
A voice suddenly spoke behind him.
"You should be."
Mpho spun around the photograph slipped from his hands standing in the garage doorway...was a man he had not seen in over thirty years.

A man he believed was dead the stranger smiled.
"Hello, Mpho."
Mpho's legs nearly gave way because the man standing before him...was the father of the other baby.

End of Chapter 2