The hacker�s lips curled into a ghost of a smile. �Already did.� His hands blurred, peeling back the last layer of secrecy to reveal an email chain that smelled of power and arrogance:
Subject: Delivery Confirmation � Pretoria Project
From: [TMcBride@gov.za](mailto:TMcBride@gov.za)
To: [CR@privatecorp.co.za](mailto:CR@privatecorp.co.za)
> The shipment has been received. Proceed with Phase Two. Ensure discretion�this cannot be traced.
Lindani�s pulse hammered like a war drum. �That�s the nail.�
Mabena�s reply was steel drawn from its sheath. �Then we move but carefully. When you take on a Minister, you�re not just fighting men�you�re fighting the machine that shields them.�
Themba cracked his knuckles like a prelude to war. �Then we dismantle the machine, piece by piece.�
The Pretoria Files weren�t evidence anymore.
They were a loaded weapon.
And the Mambas had just pulled the pin.