The next morning Jojo waited at the front of Builder’s Friend for Kago. She waited until the siren for starting work sounded, and then stayed a bit longer. Where was he? She was worried. She hoped his cousin hadn’t found out Kago was going to snitch on him.
The day passed and still Kago did not show up. After work, Jojo went to Mr Alexander’s office.
“Yes, Jojo what is it?” he asked, looking up from his papers.
“I wondered if you knew why Kago didn’t show up for work.”
“No, I don’t. He never even called. What kind of behaviour is that from an employee on probation? He better have a good reason, or he’ll be sacked.”
“I think something happened to him. Is there any way you can give me his home address? I want to check on him. Make sure he’s OK.”
“I don’t know. It would be violating the employee’s privacy rule.” Mr Alexander liked to go by the book.
“Please sir, he could be in danger, and I think it’s because of me.”
Mr Alexander reluctantly got up and went to the filing cabinet. He slowly went through the many files and finally pulled out one. “Okay, but know I’m only doing this because I know that you’re his friend and you’re worried. He stays in White City, Plot 974.”
Jojo wrote it down. “Thanks!”
She rushed out of the door and got the first combi. She just hoped Kago was OK.
* * *
It was already getting dark by the time she got to White City. The plots were not always addressed so it was difficult to find Plot 974. She tried to count from the last labelled plot, plot 969. She stopped in front of a small face-brick house. There was a young man standing outside smoking a cigarette.
“Sorry,” Jojo said. “Could you tell me if this is Plot 974?”
“Sure. Why you asking?”
“I’m looking for Kago Butale.”
“Aren’t we all?”
“What do you mean? Is he not home?”
The young man came closer. “What is a fine girl like you worrying about a chump like Kago for?”
Jojo looked the man over as he came closer. Was this Kago’s cousin, Spokes? Kago was right; she didn’t like the look of him either. She ignored his question. “So did Kago come home last night?”
“No, the dude is scared.”
“Scared of what?” Jojo asked.
“None of your business, Ms Thing.”
“Listen, he could be in danger. I think something’s happened.” Spokes clicked his tongue as if to say she didn’t know anything. She went on: “I know about the dog fighting. I think Kago’s trying to stop it.”
Suddenly she had Spokes’ attention. “Stop it? How?”
“I told him to go to Paws R Us. To tell that man what he saw.”
Spokes’ face changed. “What!? That boy is seriously stupid. He’s messing with things he doesn’t understand. He’s going to screw up everything!”
Spokes pushed past Jojo and went out the gate. He jogged down to the main road and flagged down the first taxi. Jojo had been worried; but now she was scared. Something in Spokes’ face told her Kago was in serious danger.
* * *
Tell us what you think: Where is Spokes’ going? Is he going to hurt or help Kago?