Friend, are you okay?
-What does this mean? -It means that my dad may have sold Phume.
-Do you actually believe that? -I don't know what to believe anymore.
Well, at least we know that Fiks isn't Phume, right?
Yeah, sure.
-You don't believe the DNA results? -No. Something's off. I just--
Puleng, you need to back off this girl for a bit.
She has a restraining order against you. I can't have another loved one go to jail.
No one's going to jail, Zama.
But you're right. I do need to back off Fiks for now.
Just why the fuck would he sell her?
Fuck this.
Why don't you ask Mr. Molapo?
Are you high? No ways.
I wish I was high. I'm just broke.
Okay, what now?
Who are you texting?
Fiks.
Oh my fucking gosh! Puleng, we just agreed that you back off.
I know. I just need my journal back.
There's an article I need in there.
I'm not done with it yet.
So now that you've finally put this person behind you…
there's really a good opportunity for you here to start anew.
What are your thoughts moving forward?
Well, swimming's been on my mind a bit.
I really miss it.
And
I think I wanna go back to competition level.
Oh, that's good.
That's really good, Fikile.
Glad to see your passion for it returning.
Going through all of this
has made me realize how little I know about my parents.
Especially my dad.
I just wanna get to know him better.
Be a better daughter.
I mean, I don't even know how he and my mom met.
Hmm.
Which makes me realize how self-centered I've been this whole time.
I wanna change that.
Family is important.
Make sure you cherish yours.
Please don't do this! Please!
Please don't do this!
-Just stay in the room. -Please!
Just stay in the room, yeah?
-Please!
No! What is she…
Now just die, Mikaela, die. You deserve to die.
-Rest in peace.
-Guess I'm not seeing you in the sequel. -Shh!
Sorry. Sorry about that.
This bloody Mikaela, she's making me angry.
You know, I didn't take you for someone who loves horror films.
Well, there's a lot you don't know about me, Wade Daniels.
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Um, what should I judge it by, then?
I don't know.
Maybe…
Maybe this.
Aw. Did someone just attend their first high school party?
How does it feel?
Enthralling.
And you wonder why you're still single.
What's that supposed to mean?
Ah. Surprised you showed up at the party.
Had nothing better to do.
So as is normal for Parkhurst High around this time of year,
it is career focus week.
And in a couple of days, various prestigious parents and alumni
will come to school and sell to you
why their jobs are important
and why you should be thinking of becoming more like them,
or worse, come and work for them.
While searching for a career and a job is a noble pursuit,
as you know, I am of the mind that today's youth,
you, should be thinking of creating your own job and jobs for others
instead of just going out to look for one
or waiting for one to be handed to you.
Which brings me to this week's assignment.
In groups of three,
you and your team will have to put together a business proposal
for a business of your choice and present it to me,
your potential investor, in front of class. Tomorrow.
Right. Get into your groups right now and get started.
Mind if I join your group?
Group's full, buddy, thanks. Take a hike.
Reece, what the hell?
Sorry. I'll explain later.
KB. KB, we need one more.
No, bro. You guys are three already.
He's not in our group, man.
Do you want me to go? I'll go if you want me to.
I don't mind. Whatever.
You can go. We'll manage by ourselves.
Come on. Let's just put that shit behind us, okay?
It was a misunderstanding.
Okay, what if I told you guys that I used to have my own business?
And that I still have the plans I used to raise finance for it?
So we can just use that as tomorrow's presentation.
And you and the golden girl here won't have to do a stitch of work.
You deliver on that, and I might just forget how much you annoy me.
And don't call me "golden girl."
Everybody, listen up.
-Whatever you want, my queen. -Before you guys get into it.
-Wendy would like to add something.
My sincere apologies, guys. I'm so sorry to disturb.
By now, most of you know that Chris and I have been assigned
to head up the Matric Dance Fundraising Committee.
This is another call for people to join for what I promise will be an exciting
and eventful few weeks ahead.
Chris, would you like to join me up here and weigh in?
Mm-mm.
You're doing great. Enthralling.
The success of the dance will rest on our grade 11 shoulders,
as is tradition here at Parkhurst.
But we're still sadly understaffed.
Is there anyone who has reconsidered joining the team?
Fiks?
Yeah.
Thanks.
Fiks,
I don't think those results were right.
-I think someone messed with it. -Jesus, Puleng.
Do you ever fucking quit?
Look, just…
keep your distance, okay?
Wendy, wait, come on. Come on. I'm sorry, okay? It was just a joke.
You're useless, you know that?
Wait until Daniels finds out that you're not contributing.
It's gonna be such an epic fail.
Okay, I'll shuffle some things around. You can count on me.
Thank you. I already did.
Okay, just hold on. Just breathe for a second, relax.
It's not gonna be a fail.
A plan is in motion. I give you the Ackerman family word.
Oh, jeez, thank you. I already feel better.
So how does ten percent each of the net sound?
Ten percent each of the gross. That might be worth it.
Yeah, what she said.
Oh, and an ounce a month on the house.
Okay, listen, rule one. You don't get high on your own supply, okay?
Please. Like you don't smoke your own stuff.
Okay, fine. As long as you just don't touch the pills, we're good.
Anything else?
Great.
I'll text you more details on the stock, pricing, clientele, all that later.
Oh, and what are we going to do about the business economics assignment?
Well, seeing as that the two of you are well sought-after employees of mine,
I'm going to sit this one out and let you solve that.
Laters.
Puleng.
Just who I'm looking for.
-I'm sorry. -Oh. Janet Nkosana.
The new school counselor.
You owe me a visit.
-I do? -Yes.
Um, as a result of the protection order by Fikile Bhele,
the principal saw fit that both of you pay me a mandatory visit.
Yes, um, of course. I'm sorry, I forgot.
Okay.
My schedule's open today?
Eh, can't do today. Sorry.
Okay.
Tomorrow?
-Maybe around30? -Sure.
Okay.
So the last thing is career day.
So we, the magazine society, have been tasked to help set up
the journalism info booth and program for obvious reasons.
Um, and…
Mm.
Maybe we must just delegate some.
Wow, the sun is baking cookies today, hey.
Yes, but not…
Tahira.
You maybe want to weigh in here? Hm.
Please. Mm-hmm.
That's a no from Tahira.
So, you and Tahira, huh?
I told you so.
What? When?
A while back, remember?
The day of Home Affairs.
Nope.
So what's up?
Oh, um, the DNA results came back, and it's negative.
Turns out, um…
Fiks isn't Phume.
-Huh? -Yep.
I was so sure she's your sister. So what now?
I'm not sure.
The restraining order makes things very difficult,
but I'll figure something out.
Why don't you maybe take a step back, you know?
Clear your head a bit.
"Step back."
Wow, Wade.
It's almost as if you don't know me anymore.
-Wade?
Are you coming?
Yeah, um… Look, Puleng, I have to--
Oh no, of course.
I'll see you in class.
See you in class.
Boo!
Whatcha looking at?
Nothing.
-Why? Are you stalking me? -Ooh.
Why? Are you gonna file a restraining order against me?
-That's not funny. -Okay, too soon, yeah?
Yo, Wadee.
What's up, buddy?
Hi. Is… is everything, um… Yeah, what's up?
Nothing much, man.
Just wanna have a, um, chat with you.
Yeah… yeah, we can chat.
You know Puleng and I are seeing each other?
Yeah, I'm aware, but I think the whole school is aware of that also.
I don't know if you've noticed, bro, but she's been acting a bit weird lately.
I mean, you guys are close, yeah?
I was wondering if you can help me out, maybe.
Let me know if there's anything bothering her.
I mean, we are close, but not like…
close close.
But, I mean, yeah, yeah, Puleng seems fine to me.
You know, same old Puleng.
You let me know if anything comes up.
Yeah, I suppose I could do that for you.
And you won't hide anything from me?
No, KB, I won't hide anything.
Well, okay, cool.
And, yeah, let's keep this chat between us, yeah?
Sure.
Sure, sure.
Right. Please take a seat over there.
-Ma'am-- -Uh, just give me a second.
Right. How can I help you?
Yes, I need to get ahold of a retired detective, Detective Joseph Koopman.
Do you have his contact details for me by any chance?
I don't know the name. And we're not at liberty to give away personal details.
What's this in connection with?
Oh, it's-- I need it for research.
For an old case study at school.
How old are you?
I'm 16.
Maybe get your parents to request on your behalf.
Or maybe I can help you.
What case are you talking about?
You know what? It's fine.
Um, I'll ask my parents to come
or something.
Are you sure?
Yeah. Thank you.
-It's too late, Mr. Khumalo. -Is it though?
I'm gonna have to call you back.
Puleng?
-Where have you been? -I had a group project I had to do.
She's lying, Ma.
-Don't be an asshole, Siya. -Ma, she said "asshole."
Sorry, I just-- I'm stressed. I have a lot of work I have to do.
A call or a text would have sufficed.
You're right. I'm sorry.
Next time.
-Hey, Tata. -Uh-huh.
Um, I'm making coffee. Do you want some?
Oh, you read my mind, ntombazana.
Uh…
A bit late for you to have coffee, though, isn't it?
No, I have an assignment, so I have to stay up late anyway.
Okay, in that case,
you have a seat.
Relax.
Eh, let me do the honors.
-Okay.
Ah, let me test my old barista skills for you.
What? You were a barista?
Long before you were born, Bhelekazi.
No way. I can't imagine you working in a coffee shop.
Please tell me more.
Well…
watch and learn.
Um-hmm.
Wow.
-Mm-hmm. -Okay, Barista Brian.
Wow.
That is so cool.
I don't know if you remember Sean,
my friend who specializes in entertainment law.
He's doing me a favor and popping in to your career day after my talk.
I've asked him to come through.
To have a chat with you.
I just thought with your passion for music and entertainment,
you should specialize in entertainment law instead of criminal.
And maybe, just maybe,
he would let you intern at his firm during school holidays.
What do you think?
Yeah, sure, I'll have a chat with him
and hear what he says.
Oh, wow. Look who's back.
Who?
Fikile Bhele. It's the first time she's posted something in ages.
What did she post?
A picture of her father.
Well, I mean her dad slash not dad
because we don't know if he's really the dad slash…
You know what I mean, okay? He made her a cappuccino.
Oh. Well, good for her.
So, our guy claims to be innocent.
He says that he was framed for corruption.
Said every corrupt cop ever.
How were you planning on finding this guy anyway?
I mean, he looks dodgy as fuck.
You mean, how are you planning on finding him?
-Huh?
-Mom! -Puleng.
Some privacy?
What?
You will have privacy when you buy your own house one day.
And who said you could use my laptop?
-Are you hiding something? -No, I just…
And then? Where are you going?
Well--
We are bringing back date night.
We'll be back by nine.
You girls gonna be okay?
Yes, ma'am.
Good. Please just make sure that Siya's in bed by eight.
Good evening.
Oh, Mr. K.
-You look nice. -Thanks, Zama.
Thande, let's go.
Okay, see you guys later.
Oh, wow. Rude much?
He's still your dad. You do know that, right?
Anyway, I'd give my left titty to have your mother's body at that age.
Well, then technically, you wouldn't have a…
Never mind.
Hey, is your cousin still a cop?
-The one in Parklands? -Eric?
Mm.
I haven't spoken to him in years.
Uh, uh-huh. Puleng, where are you going with this?
No, uh-uh.
I can't be calling people I haven't seen in years and just ask them for favors.
Okay. I just need Koopman's number.
I'll take care of the rest.
So, where are you gonna be heading?
Maybe journalism.
To where?
-Journalism. Stick to what you know. -Journalism.
Oh my gosh.
That's interesting.
Zama, must you video call every time?
You killing my data.
Wow, rude.
I mean, don't mind me. I'm just out here trying to pull favors for you.
I'm sorry. I'm just feeling a bit grumpy at the moment.
-What's up? -Bad news.
Koopman has no known contactable numbers.
His old numbers are out of use. But the good news…
Well, kinda, is that Eric found his address.
Oh.
-Awesome. -Um, yeah, it's not his official address.
He's been staying with a friend since he got evicted.
Eric reckons it was difficult to track down.
So you owe him, and you can repay him with a date.
Ew. Isn't he, like, what, twice my age?
Yeah, I know, gross, right?
That's why I haven't spoken to him in years.
Anyway, I'm sending through the address to you… …now.
Eric said he'll touch base with him
in a week or two to see if he's willing to meet up.
Week or two?
Uh-uh. Uh-uh.
Puleng, I know that look.
Friend, don't do it, okay?
Don't go looking for trouble by yourself.
Just be patient, and wait until Eric makes contact.
Yeah, sure.
Uh, thanks. This means a lot to me.
I love you.
I know you do. See you later.
But why criminal law? Why not, like, corporate law or something?
Don't you get paid more?
Yeah, I'm not really interested in law for the money.
I just wanna catch bad guys.
I'm actually really looking forward to KB's dad's talk later.
-Yeah. That's your first bad guy there. -What?
-Huh? No, nothing.
-Oh. -Didn't say anything.
Shiz. I completely forgot about the Matric Dance Committee meeting.
Ah. I didn't know you were helping with that.
It's our first real meeting.
Sorry, babe, I have to go.
Will you guys be okay at the info booth?
-Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I think we will. -Yeah? Okay, cool. Later.
Basically, because of the low overhead
and fairly low initial capital investment,
we'd probably cut even before the two-year mark,
and investors would be able to start seeing some cash back.
Wow, guys, that was actually pretty good.
If I had money to give, I would be throwing it at you after that.
Thank you, sir. I knew you'd love it.
I'm sorry I'm late. Did I miss something?
We're up next. But don't worry. Presentation is sorted.
Reece, just in time. Get your team up here.
Did I meet your standards, Mr. Ackerman?
Let's just say you're growing on me.
What the fuck?
The pills? Are you nuts?
Relax. No one's gonna notice.
All right, let's begin.
Okay, so we decided to go with a candy business.
And we settled on this business because, well, people, especially kids,
will always wanna eat sweets.
Of course, we have realized that it is a highly competitive business,
but we believe that we have found a way to innovate that will separate us…
Next slide.
Hm? Oh.
That's hilarious.
So, what are you guys gonna do on your second date?
Netflix and chill?
What? Just watch Netflix and chill?
Yeah.
Nah. I was thinking something maybe a bit more exciting.
You know, maybe… maybe quad biking.
You know, vroom, vroom, scoot, scoot. That stuff.
I'm gonna miss you.
What do you mean, miss me?
I don't think I'm coming back to Parkhurst next year.
Huh?
I've given it thought, and
with the restraining order and Fiks wanting nothing to do with me anymore,
and the DNA results,
and not to mention the crazy school fees, just doesn't make sense for me to stay.
What about KB?
What about him?
We don't have to be at the same school to be together.
And the Phume thing?
Are you going to continue to, you know, solve it?
It's just been one dead end after the other.
I don't know how much more failure I can take.
You were so close. You can't give up now.
I know.
There is one more lead.
The last roll of the dice, really.
The very first detective on Phume's case.
He claims that he was framed for corruption
and then fired after investigating Point of Grace.
So he might have some answers.
So you're going to call him?
No. Dude is completely off the grid, no number.
Just an address, which is somewhere in Lavender Hill.
Not the safest area for me to go alone, so…
Well,
if it is the last roll of the dice,
then I'll go with you.
-Wade-- -It's fine.
It makes sense. We should have thought of this earlier. When are you going?
We don't exactly have classes today, so…
So this was your master plan all along?
Just invite all your friends?
Doesn't seem like you did any better.
I just have more friends.
Not to offend anyone, but I don't think we have the necessary skill sets present
to make this a successful fundraising committee.
Not to offend anyone, but I disagree.
Reece has been running her own business for many years.
Treasurer would be a walk in the park for her,
and no one at the school has a bigger following on social media than Fiks.
One post, and she can reach thousands.
Head of marketing.
I've hosted some of the best parties in the history of Parkhurst.
So let's call me
chief party liaison.
Let's see, um…
Uh, Tahira, she has an IQ of, like, 5,000.
So that's something.
And you, you know, doing your thing.
Which is?
Fighting for the cause. I think we're all set.
Fair enough.
Which brings me to the next order of business.
This organization needs a chairperson.
Of course, being the person with the most experience in the room,
I nominate myself.
Well, um, I nominate Chris.
Of course you do.
Okay, well, shall we vote?
All in favor of Wendy, please raise your hands.
Chris.
Ah.
-Hi. -Hi.
Uh, have you seen Puleng?
Uh, yes, she was here earlier helping out,
but then she left somewhere with Wade.
Wade? To where?
I'm not sure, but they took their bags.
He just got the popular vote.
Do you have to be in charge of something to make it a success?
Not all leaders lead from the front.
-Hey, Tahira. -Hey.
Any chance you know where Wade and Puleng are?
Guys in the hall say they left together.
No, I don't. Sorry.
Oh shit. I've gotta go.
Thanks.
Come on.
What is it?
You okay?
Yeah, it's just some guy's staring at me.
Some guy's staring at you?
Don't look.
-Huh? -I told you not to look.
Doesn't look good.
-What's up? -Mark, come on.
Lovers' quarrel.
What?
Chris is gay?
Well, according to him, pansexual.
Pan what?
Uh…
-Hey. -Hey.
I was told I could find Puleng here. Have you seen her?
Yo, now, this is getting boring.
Excuse me?
Sorry, ma'am, it's just everyone is looking for her.
They keep asking me where she is like I'm her keeper.
We're not even friends.
Anyway, she and Wade, they took their bags, and they left a while ago.
To where? I don't know.
Okay.
Uh, when you see her, please tell her she missed her counseling session,
and she must find Ms. Nkosana.
-Yes? -Yes, ma'am.
Okay.
So what, you're not complicated?
Just an open book with no secrets?
I'm as open as they come.
Oh please. Everybody's got secrets.
I see you two have met.
-Hey, Ma. -Hey.
Ma?
-Ms. Nkosana's your mom? -Mm-hmm.
What else are you hiding, "open book" Sam?
What?
What's this about "open book"?
So, we were just talking about how everyone has secrets and--
Ma, come on.
You're killing my game here.
Game?
What do you know about game?
Oh.
He must like you.
-That's why he's acting strange.
I was actually looking for Puleng.
Has any one of you perhaps seen her?
No. No, we haven't.
Okay.
I'm sorry to have disturbed.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
Good afternoon, Parkhurst High.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I am Matla Molapo.
I'm a lawyer and founding partner of Fischer, Molapo and Associates.
But before I'm a lawyer, I'm a father.
A father to the coolest,
or should I put it this way,
a father to the self-proclaimed "coolest kid at Parkhurst."
KB!
Holla at your old man, kiddo.
Late again.
I always say to him that,
"One day, you'll be late at your own funeral."
Fuck. This app is confused.
Think it's down there?
Or is it here? Where are we?
What is this?
Wade, is that the guy from earlier?
Yeah.
Why is he following us?
Wade, run!
Hm?
Run! Come on, Wade, run! Run!
Come on, Wade! Come on!
-Hey! -Just leave us alone!
Somebody help!
Please, just leave us alone!
Wade! Wade! Wade!
-Stop! Stop! -Wade!
Your phone! Your phone!
You dropped your phone by the taxi!
Fuck! He just wanted to give me my phone back!
Fuck.
And so, if you are absolutely passionate about the entertainment business,
and you've always wanted to work in the film and music industry,
but you don't have one damn creative bone in your body,
come talk to me, and I will show you the way.
Thank you.
Uh, thank you, Sean, for making us lawyers
look cooler than we really are.
Before we go, I have an announcement to make.
In the coming weeks,
Fischer Molapo and Associates will be offering a paid internship
to one lucky student of Parkhurst High.
An application will be provided,
and you'll be judged by your grades, resume,
and a motivational essay about your passion for law.
May the best candidate win.
Hello, my darling. How are you?
-Where's that man. -Good afternoon.
Where's KB?
I'm not sure. I texted him earlier, but he didn't reply.
Uh-huh, uh-huh.
Okay. When you see him, let him know I want to see him immediately.
-Okay. I'll try to find him. -Okay.
-Take care. -Thank you, sir.
I didn't realize you were pregnant.
Why would you?
It doesn't change my ability to do my job, does it?
Make sure it doesn't.
-Can I help you? -Um, good day.
We are here to see Joseph Koopman.
Um, I'm Puleng Khumalo,
the daughter of Julius and Thandeka Khumalo.
The sister of the missing baby, Phume Khumalo.
Come inside.
You can go through.
Thanks so much.
Good afternoon, Mr. Koopman.
Why are you here?
My name is Puleng Khumalo.
I know who you are. You shouldn't be here.
Your family's case destroyed my career.
I'm looking for answers about my sister's case.
You've come to the wrong place.
You said in the newspaper that…
that you were framed for corruption
and then fired for doing things that you were warned not to.
What are you kids up to?
This isn't child's play. These are dangerous people.
We know.
It's just that…
we think we might have found Phume.
Again, why are you here? You should be at a police station.
Sir, it's… it's complicated.
We did a DNA test, and it came back negative.
So it wasn't her?
-You're losing me, child. -It's her.
Trust me.
I believe it.
There's just… there's too many things pointing to it.
Tell me about these many things.
Are you kidding me?
Not answering my calls or even a text?
Dad, I can explain.
If your answer doesn't involve some life-threatening situation,
keep your peace.
And as for not being at school, I'll deal with that later,
but right now, I'm beyond angry for…
letting yourself down and me.
You've wasted a very important person's time and embarrassed me.
I'm sorry, Dad.
I've been meaning to speak to you.
I wanna do music, not law. I mean, I'm good at it.
Even now, I just had the most amazing meeting with a music manager.
I cannot say I'm not disappointed
for not wanting to follow in my footsteps.
Tell me how you're planning to earn back the trust you lost
from the extremely busy lawyer
who took time out to give a talk at your career day now?
How about a lifetime of free tickets to my concerts?
Are you kidding me?
Really, Dad?
Let me guess. You've just been to the studio? No, wait.
You've just been to the "stu" to try and drop a hot 16?
Seriously, Dad?
Are you punishing me just because I didn't show up
or because I don't wanna do law?
Where do you get off, Karabo?
The studio is mine. Paid for with my hard-earned money.
Oh. Is that how it is now?
Precisely how it should be.
If you want to do music, that's fine.
But you have to earn it.
Music and entertainment. It's not a cop-out.
It's not an easy route.
I'd be doing you a terrible disservice
if I threw money at you.
You will not become one of those mediocre singers
who have producers
flocking around them
because Mommy or Daddy have money to spend.
No, son. My son is gonna be one of the greatest.
-Okay, so let me get this straight, right? -Mm-hmm.
You are saying you're helping me
by not helping me?
Build your own foundation, son,
like I built mine.
No one will ever take that away from you.
And when you're ready, I'll be the first to invest.
And then, of course, the DNA test came back negative.
At this point, I'm running out of options.
But I can't let it go.
And I just feel like we're close to something.
We just need to connect the dots.
You're on the right track, I think.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg.
If I had your unique access, I would continue to follow the money.
See where the checkbook leads you to.
Cross-reference it with the dirty lawyer's relationship with the Bhele family.
This woman, Nwabisa Bhele, she doesn't match the description
of the woman who was thought to have abducted your sister?
Yes, I'm… I'm sure it's not her.
So, in theory, she could have acquired the child through the services
of a now known human trafficking entity, Point of Grace,
through an old friend of the family, Molapo, a known associate
of said human trafficking entity.
If Phume was trafficked, somebody paid for her.
And somewhere, that money left tracks.
If it's the Bhele woman,
the answer lies in whether she paid Point of Grace for their services.
You have to find evidence that she paid Point of Grace
or at least something that connects her to paper at Point of Grace.
But this is where things get messy.
I was on the same line of investigation back then, before I got terminated.
I was trying to prove that your dad took money and that he was complicit.
I followed the money.
I tracked down and interrogated a Point of Grace intermediary,
a man who admitted to me that he paid your father for Phume.
One day, I had coffee with him.
Next day, he just disappeared off the face of the planet.
Gone without a trace.
Not long after that,
I was smeared, framed for corruption, and subsequently terminated.
And you believed this guy?
Did…
did my dad take money for Phume?
I believe so.
I had a witness, and your dad had motive.
Um, what motive did Mr. Khumalo have?
Discovered your dad was gonna do a paternity test once Phume was born.
I think that is why he sought to give up the child
and to make some money in the process.
Because he didn't believe that Thandeka was carrying his child.
I'm sorry, my dear, but if you wanna solve this thing,
you're gonna have to face the whole truth.
-Here.
Thank you.
I'm sorry.
I just feel a bit overwhelmed.
There's no need to apologize.
Why do you put up with me?
I put you through so much.
I don't know.
'Cause you like doing dangerous things.
And I can't handle the idea of
seeing you get hurt.