It was Parents’ Weekend at St. James College — a time for hugs, smiles, and carefully polished facades. The halls were scrubbed spotless, and the bulletin boards were suddenly filled with “student achievements” posters. Even the school’s Wi-Fi miraculously improved.
But for Chisom, the joy was hollow.
She had barely slept the night before. Her thoughts kept circling back to the threats, the chapel, and worst of all — Dapo’s disappearance. Her only comfort came in the form of Ada, who had quietly become both her ally and shadow.
By 10 a.m., the main assembly hall was buzzing. Parents signed guest books and took photos with their children beneath a “Welcome Families!” banner. Teachers wore their best smiles, pretending everything at St. James was perfectly normal.
Chisom spotted her mother near the refreshments table, holding a plate of small chops and scanning the crowd anxiously.
“Mummy!” she called out.
Her mother turned and immediately smiled with relief. They embraced tightly.
“You look so thin, Chisom. Are you eating well? Are you sleeping?”
“I’m managing,” Chisom replied, glancing nervously over her shoulder. “Can we talk somewhere private?”
Her mother’s face tensed. “Is something wrong?”
Chisom led her toward the side garden behind the hall. It was quiet there, away from teachers and nosy classmates. She opened her mouth to explain everything — Project Ascendancy, the threats, Kunle — but then stopped.
A man in plain clothes was standing by the hedge, pretending to check his phone, but watching them too closely.
Her mother noticed too. “Who is that?”
“I don’t know,” Chisom whispered. “But I think they’re watching me.”
Her mother’s grip tightened. “Chisom, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”
Before she could answer, a loud voice called out from behind.
“Chisom Okonkwo?”
It was the Vice Principal. Two prefects stood behind him.
“We need to check your belongings,” he said sternly. “A report has been filed.”
Chisom’s heart pounded. “What kind of report?”
“Please come with us.”
They escorted her to her dormitory. Her mother followed, refusing to be left behind.
Inside, her wardrobe was opened, her desk searched. And then — from her school bag — the VP pulled out a small white envelope.
He opened it slowly, revealing a clear plastic pouch of pills.
Chisom gasped. “That’s not mine!”
Her mother looked horrified. “What is this?”
The VP shook his head. “This is a serious violation of the school’s conduct policy. These are prescription-level sedatives. Illegal to carry without approval.”
Chisom’s legs felt weak. “I swear I’ve never seen that before.”
Her mother stood beside her. “My daughter is not a liar. And if you’re accusing her, I want to see the security footage.”
The VP hesitated. “There is no camera inside the dorms.”
“How convenient,” her mother snapped.
Just then, Ada appeared at the door. “Excuse me,” she said calmly. “I saw someone enter Chisom’s room this morning. A male prefect. He was in here before breakfast, when no one else was around.”
The VP’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have proof?”
“No,” Ada replied. “But you don’t have proof either.”
There was a long silence.
Chisom’s mother stepped forward. “If you try to expel my daughter over planted evidence, I will contact the press. I will contact the Ministry of Education. Try me.”
The VP cleared his throat. “We’re only following protocol. We will… review the matter.”
When they left, Ada turned to Chisom.
“They’re getting desperate.”
Chisom nodded. “They know we’re getting close.”
Later that evening, after the last of the visiting families had left, Chisom returned to her room and locked the door.
Inside her pillowcase, she found a folded note — no envelope, just a torn page from a spiral notebook.
It read:
“I’m safe. Don’t stop. There’s a key behind the altar. – D”
She closed her eyes in relief.
Dapo was alive.
And now, they had a clue.
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🗂 Read Episode 7: Truth or Threat»
🕯 Next Time on The Hidden Files of St. James College: Episode 9: The Secret Society
Chisom uncovers evidence that some students — and staff — are part of a secret society called “The Order,” sworn to silence those who challenge the school’s power.
