Chapter 5:
KAWANGWARE STREETS
The safe house buzzed with nervous energy as the team finalized their plan. Maps, photographs and blueprints of Lavington Heights covered every surface, the centrepiece being a rough sketch of the vault with its triple-lock system highlighted in red.
“Well guys, this is everything we found out about the auction, including the main security company run by Anita,” she said pointing at a picture of Anita.
“The auction’s centerpiece is the Kulindwa Necklace—a 200-year-old relic worth millions. It’s in the vault. That’s the prize we’re after. Anita’s whole operation is built around protecting it,” she continued.
“But what about the other stuff? I mean do we really need to steal that specific necklace. I'm sure there are a lot of other valuable targets we can get,” Kendi spoke up.
“That’s the most valuable thing to her, so that’s what we’re going to take,” Zuri replied.
Kendi was still not convinced,” But wouldn’t it be easier…”
“Moving on,” Zuri interjected as she explained the rest of the plan.
Zuri had written the entire plan on the papers, illustrating each person’s individual.
The Plan (written in shorthand):1. Entry
Brayo and Sifa: Service entrance. Delivery
window secured by Kali.
2. Diversion
Kendi: Front gate. Wealthy guest without her
pass. Play up charm, keep guards focused.
3. Security Bypass
Ali: Remote hacking. Stationed nearby in a
beat-up car, using a tablet/laptop. Loops security cameras.
“All roles clear?” Zuri asked, gazing at the faces across the group.
Heads nodded but the tension was lingering in the air.
“Good. Stick to the plan.”
“No! we’re not clear!” Kendi's voice cut through the room. “Where’s the rest of the plan Zuri? What do we do after Number 3?”
JC leaned back and smirked, “I have to admit I also need some assurances and an exit plan at least.”
Zuri’s jaw tightened as she exchanged a glance with Musa. “We’re working on it,” she admitted. “We have to first get inside before we start thinking of the vault anyway.”
Kendi raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The group fell into uneasy silence as Zuri turned back to the map.
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Later that night Brayo and Sifa strolled toward the service entrance in slightly wrinkled catering uniforms Kali had provided. Between them, they carried a large trolley covered in a white tablecloth.
The guard at the door gave them a once-over, his flashlight flicking over their faces.
“You two new?”
Brayo shrugged. “Yeah. They said the party got bigger than expected. We’re extras.”
“Names?” the guard asked, eyeing his clipboard.
“Tina and Stevo,” Sifa said smoothly, her voice steady.
The guard checked his clipboard, grunted, and waved them through. “Go on in.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
At the main gate, Kendi stepped forward with the poise of someone who belonged there. The glittering red dress she’d borrowed from Zuri caught the light, drawing the guards’ attention immediately. Her confidence was electric, her laughter loud and carefree.
“I swear, I am a guest in the auction!” she told the gate guards, flashing a sheepish smile.
The guards exchanged glances, uncertain. Kendi stepped closer, brushing one guard’s arm lightly as she smiled. “I promise, I’m no trouble. If you’re worried, you can escort me to Anita. I’m sure she’ll clear this up.”
The guards exchanged nervous glances. One hesitated. “You know Madam Anita?”
Kendi tilted her head, her smile never faltering. “Of course. She’d hate for me to miss this event because of a silly mix-up.”
The second guard cleared his throat, his voice breaking. “No, no need, ma’am. Please, go ahead. And, uh… no need to mention this to Madam Anita, right?”
Kendi flashed a dazzling smile as she slipped inside. “It’s our little secret,” she said winking over her shoulder.
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