Jide didn't sleep that night. The photographs from the archive room lay spread out on his desk, each one a piece of a puzzle he couldn't yet solve. Mr. Adewale and Mr. Bello, standing side by side in a school that no longer existed, their smiles too perfect, their eyes too sharp. What had happened in 2008? And why had they both ended up at St. Catherine's, carrying a secret so heavy it could destroy them?
He met Aisha and Ngozi at their usual spot by the old library the next morning, the air thick with tension. "You need to see this," Jide whispered, handing them the photographs. Aisha's eyes widened as she scanned the images, while Ngozi's expression turned from curiosity to alarm.
"This is bigger than we thought," Ngozi said, her voice barely audible. "If they're connected, and they've been covering up something for years, we're not just dealing with a scandal. We're dealing with a crime."
Aisha looked around, making sure no one was listening. "We need to be careful. If they find out we're on to them, they'll do anything to stop us."
Just then, Mr. Bello appeared at the edge of the courtyard, his gaze fixed on them. He didn't approach, but his presence was a warning. Jide felt a chill run down his spine. They were being watched.
Later that day, during classes, Jide received a note slipped into his textbook. It read: _"Meet me after school, behind the gym. Alone. – Mr. Bello."_ His heart sank. This was it—he had to face Mr. Bello, and he had no idea what to expect.
After school, Jide walked to the gym, his mind racing with possibilities. He found Mr. Bello waiting, his expression unreadable. "You've been digging where you shouldn't," Mr. Bello said, his voice low. "You need to stop. For your own safety."
Jide stood his ground. "What happened in 2008? What are you and Mr. Adewale hiding?"
Mr. Bello's eyes flickered with something—fear, perhaps, or anger. "Some things are better left buried. You're playing with fire, Jide. Walk away now, and you might just make it out alive."
Before Jide could respond, they heard a noise—a soft click, like a camera shutter. They turned to see Ngozi, her phone in hand, a small smile on her face. "Got you," she whispered, then turned and ran.
Mr. Bello's expression turned from surprise to fury. "You've made a big mistake," he said, his voice cold. "Now you're all in danger."
Jide's heart pounded as he realized the gravity of their situation. They had crossed a line, and there was no going back. The silent alarm had been triggered, and now, they were all targets.