Chereads / Festac / Chapter 25 - Episode 24(Adebisi’s Letter)

Chapter 25 - Episode 24(Adebisi’s Letter)

|ADEBISI's LETTER|

The crown has produced more

Dear Taiwo,

Words are not enough to tell you how much I want to say this in person, but sadly I have become a victim of the depravity of man.

I plead with you to grieve not for weeping may persevere for a night, but time is certainly of the essence. The season has come for us to collect all that was stolen.

It is evident from the moment I look into your eyes that you are destined for greatness. Even though I am no longer here with you, I will watch over you from afar, guiding and cheering you on as you begin this journey.

Remember that no one can take away who you truly are. You are your Mother's son and possess the same fearlessness and tenacity that she had. You are the future of the Balogun Empire, and nobody can stop you from fulfilling your destiny.

I, Adebisi, "The Crown Has Produced More," implore you to carry on your legacy and be the unstoppable force you were always meant to be. And know that even in death, I will always be there, rooting for you every step of the way.

I will die again to be with you!

Your Lovely Mother,

Adebisi Balogun

_____________________________________

(FLASHBACK) SEPTEMBER 30th 2001

ABIOLA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, LAGOS NIGERIA|

"Adebisi opens her eyes."

Mrs K BALOGUN

Finally, you are awake

(She sits beside Adebisi's hospital bed)

Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN

(it takes some minutes to recognize Kate)

Ma, where am I?

Where is Ayo?

(She attempts to get up)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Relax, my dear; Ayo is fine

You are at the hospital. You and Ayo were involved in a car accident about a month ago

You have been in a coma up till this moment.

Mrs A BALOGUN

How long have I been in a coma?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Three months plus.

Mrs A BALOGUN

Three months?

Where is Ayo? I want to see him.

(She attempts to get up again)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Please relax, Adebisi

You just woke up from a Coma.

Mrs A BALOGUN

Where is Ayo?

I want to see my husband!

Mrs K BALOGUN

No, you can't, Adebisi!

Ayo is fine if that is what you are worried about.

Mrs A BALOGUN

Then why can't I see him?

I want to see my husband!

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She passes a mirror to Adebisi)

Because of that!

Your face was badly damaged from the car explosion. I haven't been able to do much for you here in Nigeria. I suggested to the doctors that we take you overseas for plastic surgery, but Dr Shade said it would be too risky considering your health state.

Mrs A BALOGUN

(She screams out in Agony)

Why me?

No, this is not me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

As much as I want the latter to be the truth, sadly, it isn't, Adebisi, but I don't want you to worry.

You will be fine; it's a promise

Mrs A BALOGUN

But how come?

I know somebody was behind that accident. Please tell me if you have a clue.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Hmm

All I have now are realistic suspect

Mrs A BALOGUN

My hunch tells me Bisola is involved.

(Tears roll down her half-burnt face)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Sadly she is.

And as much as it pains me, I must admit something else to you!

Mrs A BALOGUN

What is it?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Lolade pioneered all of this.

It's her way of getting back at Chief.

Mrs A BALOGUN

They will pay for all they've done to my family and me.

(She attempts to get up again)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Yes, you will, but you must recover and prepare for now.

Because what is out there might be bigger than you.

If they could do this to you, trust me, they wouldn't miss the second attempt on your life.

Mrs A BALOGUN

But I can't sit here and do nothing, Ma

I have to see my husband and son.

Mrs K BALOGUN

No, you can't go for now!

Mrs A BALOGUN

Why can't I see them?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Because to the outside world and The Baloguns, you are a dead woman, and it must stay that way until you are ready to take what was stolen from you.

I know this will be hard, my dear, but this is the price you must pay if you ever want your family to be safe.

Mrs A BALOGUN

But why me, ma?

What did I ever do to deserve this?

How about Mr Adebayo?

Mrs K BALOGUN

You will be fine, Adebisi. It's a promise

I'm sorry dear, Mr Adebayo couldn't make it. I know he meant a lot to you.

(She places her palm on Adebisi's arm)

Mrs A BALOGUN

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

They will pay for all of this.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Yes, they will, but you must rest and prepare for now.

I will be back. I have to take care of some things!

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

Dr SHADE's OFFICE|

"Kate walks into Dr Shade's office."

Dr SHADE

Please have your seat, Kate.

Mrs K BALOGUN

I can't thank you for all you have done for me, Shade

Dr SHADE

It's nothing, my dear friend.

You know I will do anything for you.

But I must ask, why are you keeping all of this from your husband and the family?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Knowledge is power, Dr Shade.

For once, I want to have something Chief doesn't.

And as you know, I won't sit and watch anybody cause harm to Adebisi.

She is like a daughter to me. I must do everything to protect her.

Dr SHADE

I understand you, Kate, but you know if Chief ever finds out about this, it will hurt his ego a lot

Mrs K BALOGUN

That is why you will destroy every detail and record on Adebisi for the last three months!

Please accept this. It's my way of appreciating you for all you have done

(She drops a cheque in front of Dr Shade)

Dr SHADE

No, Kate, I can't accept this.

I am your friend. I helped you because it was the right thing to do.

Mrs K BALOGUN

I insist, Dr Shade!

Dr SHADE

Hmm, alright, I will deposit this to the cancer foundation.

So what are your plans for Adebisi?

Mrs K BALOGUN

I will be taking her oversea for further treatments

I will do everything thing in my power to make sure she recovers from all of this

(She gets up to leave)

Dr SHADE

Alright, I trust you will do the right thing.

If ever you need my help, you know where to find me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Thank you, Shade, but I think you have done enough for me already.

I will be leaving now.

(She walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

{TODAY; OCTOBER 25th 2022}

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE. BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"In between Temi's boldness to ask Kate why she had a dead person's name saved on her phone, Kate could hear Adebisi repeatedly saying, Hello, Mummy, Hello."

TEMI

(Places the phone back on her ears)

Hello, who is this?

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She snatches her phone from Temi's hand)

Why are you answering my calls?

Why are you going through my things?

TEMI

Grandma, are you seriously asking me that?

It's me, Temi, oh.

I spent most of my years in this room before going overseas.

There was nothing you kept from me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

And who said I am keeping anything from you?

Temi, guests in the house specifically came here because of you.

Please come downstairs when you are done sticking your nose where she doesn't belong. Don't keep Chidi waiting.

(She turns to leave)

TEMI

Is Adebisi still alive?

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She turns to Temi)

Your stepmother died years ago in a car explosion. You were at her funeral, Temilade, so stop asking stupid questions.

Adebisi is dead!

TEMI

I know what I saw, Granny.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Temilade Balogun, I am done talking to you

(She turns to leave)

TEMI

So Auntie Lolade and my Mother are not the only ones who know more than us.

Mrs K BALOGUN

What are you saying?

(She walks to where Temi is standing)

TEMI

Oh, now you want to talk to me.

I'm not saying a word till you tell me all that you know about Adebisi's disappearance

Mrs K BALOGUN

Look, Temi, I have. I will say this countless times.

I do not know anything!

TEMI

You are telling me you are not aware My Mother, alongside your daughter, attempted Adebisi's life?

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She shuts the doors and walks back to where Temi is standing)

Keep your voice down, Temi.

Where did you get that information?

TEMI

I walked in on her conversation with Bayo.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Are you telling me Bayo is aware too?

TEMI

Yes, he is.

He is practically covering up for both of them.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Who else have you told this to?

TEMI

Nobody, just you, who know more than I do.

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She sits on her bed)

You must tell me all that you know.

TEMI

I will only if you tell me what you know.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Hmm, Temilade, I want to tell you, but it's best I keep you out of this.

For your safety, please.

TEMI

Granny, tell me what you know, or I will walk out of this room with all I know.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Temi, no!

It doesn't concern you.

Please do not stress on this.

TEMI

Alright, if you say, so I guess I will meet you downstairs

(She walks towards the door)

Mrs K BALOGUN

"I need all the information I can get. That is the only way Adebisi can get justice."

Wait, Temi; I will tell you all I know, but you must say to me all you know and promise to keep all of it to yourself.

TEMI

You can trust me, Grandma. I just want to know all that is going on.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Alright, sit beside me. We have to hurry up before our absence becomes too obvious.

_____________________________________

Mr AYO BALOGUN RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Awelle tells a fairy tale to Eniola, Rukky and Bisi."

AWELLE

(She stands in front of them as she illustrates her story)

Once upon a time, a beautiful princess lived in a castle with her father.

One day her father, the king, decided to throw a royal banquet inviting all the noblemen in the city to pick a suitable husband for his only daughter and child.

BAYO

(He finds the perfect moment to get under Awelle's skin)

Wait a minute, what was the name of the princess?

AWELLE

(She turns to Bayo)

Are you a girl?

My stories are for the ladies only

(She folds her hands)

BISI

Awelle, don't mind him, jor

He is just jealous that you can tell a story.

Please continue

(She smiles at Awelle)

AWELLE

(She smiles back at BISI)

Alright, let's continue

The name of the princess was "Lois."

Lois was the most beautiful princess in all the nine kingdoms. On the day of the Royal banquet, Lois misplaced her..,

BAYO

(He cuts her short)

Let me guess, her shoe?

RUKKY

Bayo, stop na

Let the little girl tell us her story in peace.

AWELLE

(She ignores Bayo)

She misplaced her royal bangle, which was given to her by her father, the king.

BAYO

Wait a minute; you did not tell them the king's name.

KEN

(He laughs out loud)

Bayo, leave this child alone na

Watin she do you?

ENIOLA

I just wonder, oh.

(She turns to Awelle)

Please go on, my love.

AWELLE

Alright, so she searched and searched but couldn't find the bangle

She summoned all the royal servants and asked them to search every corner of the castle for her missing bangle.

They searched for hours but couldn't find it.

So when the guest arrived....

BAYO

Let me guess; she said any noblemen who find her royal bangle would have her for a wife.

AWELLE

(Tears roll down from her cheeks as she continues to hit Bayo with her tiny hands)

I hate you

Leave me and my story alone.

CHIKE

My love, that's okay

Don't mind Bayo; he is jealous and wants to be like you.

(He winks at Awelle)

"Michael walks into the sitting room."

MICHAEL

Good Evening everyone.

AWELLE

Daddy!

(She hugs Michael in excitement)

MICHAEL

(He lifts her from the ground)

My baby girl, how are you?

AWELLE

(She smiles at Michael)

I'm fine.

Did you miss me?

MICHAEL

Of course, I did.

The whole house was quiet in your absence.

(He notices the line of dried tears on Awelle's Cheeks)

Were you crying before?

BISI

Yes she was

That young man over there is responsible

(She points at Bayo)

BAYO

I didn't do anything to her.

AWELLE

Lier, you were looking for my trouble.

MICHAEL

(He sensed it was nothing serious)

Awelle, that's okay.

You shouldn't talk to your elders that way

BAYO

(He smiles at Awelle)

I told you, right?

AWELLE

(She ignores Bayo)

Daddy, these are my new friends.

That is Auntie Eniola, Rukevwe and Bisi

RUKKY

Hey, I told you not to call me that.

It's Rukky!

CHIKE

(He turns to Rukky)

Watin dey worry this one?

Your name nor be Rukevwe!

If you like, forget where you are coming from.

RUKKY

Chike, Chike, Chike?

CHIKE

RUkevwe, Rukevwe, Rukevwe, what is it?

"Mrs Aisha walks into the sitting room."

Mrs AISHA

Rukky and Chike, that's enough!

(She turns to Michael)

What took you so long?

MICHAEL

Barka da gamma, Ma

Sorry, ma, I had to pick up Mummy from the park.

Mrs AISHA

Oh, she's back

That's good.

(She drops Awelle's bag in his palms)

I packed some snacks for Awelle

BAYO

Finally!

I can have some peace and quiet!

Mrs AISHA

(She turns to Bayo)

Bayo!

MICHAEL

Thank you, Granny.

(He turns to Awelle)

Oya, say your goodbyes

AWELLE

(She turns to Bayo)

Don't miss me too much because I won't miss you.

(She pulls her tongue from her mouth)

BAYO

What's there to miss?

All you do is make noise

AWELLE

(She folds her hands across each other)

All you do is ask the wrong question.

BAYO

All you do is annoy me!

AWELLE

No, I don't; you do that yourself.

Maybe if you let go of your pride and jealousy, you will see that I brought you nothing both relief from your stress.

BAYO

How?

This kid, you are driving me crazy.

AWELLE

(She smiles at Bayo)

And that is what you will miss about me, Mr Uptight!

Mrs AISHA

(She, along with others, were enjoying watching Awelle and Bayo argue, but time was certainly of the essence)

That's enough!

It's late already!

AWELLE

(she hugs Eniola, Bisi and Rukky)

I will miss all of you)

ENIOLA

We will miss you too.

(She turns to Michael)

Please let her visit us more often.

MICHAEL

Sure!

"Bisola walks into the sitting room."

Mrs B BALOGUN

Michael Adebayo just the man I have been looking for.

MICHAEL

(He smiles at Bisola)

Good Evening, Ma.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Good Evening to you too

(She sips her glass of champagne)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE. BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Kate confesses what she knows  concerning Adebisi's Mysterious Death."

TEMI

(She smiles at Kate)

So, Adebisi is alive?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Not only is she alive, but she is also healthier than both of us.

TEMI

Wow, you changed her identity after her recovery from the treatments and plastic surgery.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Exactly, Temilade.

With all you have told me, it's obvious Taiwo already suspects that there is a mystery behind his Mother's death.

TEMI

Yes, and I know he won't stop till he gets to the bottom of this.

That is why I am insisting that we tell him all we know.

I won't forgive myself if he hates me for not telling all I know right now.

Mrs K BALOGUN

No, you can't say a word to him yet!

TEMI

But why, Granny?

Mrs K BALOGUN

He is not ready yet!

Taiwo needs to be prepared for all of this.

Lolade is a replica of your grandfather.

Meaning she has his brilliant brain and dark mind.

She will do everything to stop the world from knowing who she is.

TEMI

I understand all you have said, but I don't know how long I can keep up with this.

Granny, you know I'm not good with lies and secrets.

If it were up to me, I would rather remain in the dark than know all of these and still not be able to spill

I can't even look into the eyes of my Mother.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Come here

(She drops Temi's head on her shoulder)

You have to be strong.

You didn't accidentally step on all of these.

Fate led you to this point, and we must do what is best for your brother now.

(She gets up to leave)

I will be downstairs with the guests.

Please join me as soon as possible

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

Mr AYO BALOGUN's RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Bisola invites Michael to Ayo's home office."

Mrs B BALOGUN

Relax, Michael, I don't bite.

MICHAEL

You certainly don't, but my last encounter with you leave me with no choice but to drown in curiosity.

Mrs B BALOGUN

I won't beat around the bush, so I will be straight with you.

I noticed that Taiwo and Temi have become familiar with your residence.

MICHAEL

Yes, but that's because we all attend church together, and Mama invites them to our place after service.

Mrs B BALOGUN

(She smiles at Michael)

Hmm, I see.

So guess Temilade brought your daughter into my home because you all attend the same church?

Michael, there is no place for you in this household. Let the Baloguns be while you still can.

MICHAEL

I'm sorry I can't.

Taiwo is my friend, and we both know I'm crazy over Temi.

I will do anything to prove this to you.

Mrs B BALOGUN

This isn't about the sincerity of your intentions.

This is about the future of my daughter and my family.

(She offers Michael a cheque for five million Naira)

This should be enough to buy your dignity.

MICHAEL

What is this?

(He opens the envelope)

Mrs B BALOGUN

That is a cheque of Five Million that should be enough to persuade you.

Don't try to resist. We both know you never have and wouldn't have access to this kind of money.

Just take it and get out.

MICHAEL

(He smiles)

Baloguns, you all think you can solve everything with your money.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, ma.

Temi isn't worth five million

Mrs B BALOGUN

How about Ten? Fifteen?

Don't get greedy, boy

We both know twenty and more will be too selfish of you to ask.

MICHAEL

Your daughter is priceless

Shame on you for putting a price on your child.

(He drops the cheque on Ayo's table and walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE. VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Tony awakens his eyes as the sound of his half-eaten apple- three eyes 7 am alarm brought nothing but cacophony to his eardrums."

TONY

(He picks up his half-eaten apple)

Oh, God, I need rest.

(He places both his hands on his head, hoping they can relieve him of the slight headache he is having)

CHINAZA

(She smiles at Tony)

Oga, how was your night?

TONY

(He turns to Chinaza as he realizes that she hasn't left his room)

Chinaza, what are you still doing here?

Do you know what it is by the time?

CHINAZA

Oga relax you too Dey fear

I be don wake since 6 Am, but my body be Dey do me tinini tanana so I just Dey wait make you wait so that you go enter inside me again.

Oga, please do me that style you teach me last night.

(She attempts to climb on Tony)

TONY

(He pushes her away)

Chinaza, are you crazy?

What if someone walks in?

You should be making breakfast by this time.

CHINAZA

No an. Today na my off abi you don forget?

TONY

Even if, Chinaza

You should be here.

CHINAZA

Oga stop na why you dey fuck up

And you tell me say you love me.

TONY

Chinaza, there is time for everything.

Please find your way outside and make sure nobody sees you.

Please put on your clothes.

"Stella knocks on the door."

STELLA

Bro Antony, are you there?

TONY

(whispers to Chinaza)

If you say a word, I will kill you.

Go to the closest and change.

"Chinaza picks up her clothes and rushes to the closet."

TONY

(He opens the door)

What is it, Stella?

STELLA

Good Morning

Mummy said I should check on you.

We are all having breakfast at the dining table.

TONY

Tell her I will be down with you guys in a minute.

(He attempts to close the door)

STELLA

Wait!

TONY

(He gazes at Stella)

What is it, Stella?

STELLA

Can I go with you to the office today?

Please, I'm bored, and I have something I want to discuss with you.

TONY

Hmm!

STELLA

(She wears her charming facial expression. She knew Tony couldn't resist her once she acted up)

Please, Tony, I promise I won't disturb you

You won't even know I'm there.

TONY

Fine, but you have to hurry. I'm already late.

(He shuts the door)

STELLA

(she stares at the door)

Thank you, Bro Tony

_____________________________________

FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|

"Eniola sits beside Hope's bed as she watches her sleep."

HOPE

(She opens her eyes only to find a familiar brown skin lady smiling at her)

Good Morning, Ma

ENIOLA

Good Morning, My Love

How are you doing this morning?

HOPE

I'm fine and you?

ENIOLA

I'm fine, dear

I heard you will be fine now

(She drops her right palm on Hopes's left arm)

HOPE

Yes, an old man saved me.

ENIOLA

An old man?

Did you see him?

HOPE

Yes, I did. He was here last night.

He said he is my guardian angel and that I'm the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.

ENIOLA

Can you describe this fellow?

HOPE

He is tall, with many grey hairs, and looks rich too.

Also, he had a walking stick with a lion's head carved on it.

ENIOLA

Chief!

HOPE

Chief?

Is that his name?

ENIOLA

I don't know, dear, but the most important thing is that you are fine.

HOPE

Where are my Mummy and Daddy?

ENIOLA

They stepped out a while ago, but they will be back soon.

"Temi walks into the room."

TEMI

(She turns to Eniola)

Hey, how are you?

ENIOLA

I'm fine.

I want you to meet somebody.

This is Hope

(She turns to hope)

Hope, this is my baby sister, Dr Temi.

TEMI

(She smiles at Hope)

Hello Hope, how are you)

HOPE

Good Morning, Doctor

I'm fine.

ENIOLA

(She turns to Temi)

Are you free now?

TEMI

Yes, what's up?

ENIOLA

Grandpa summoned me this morning, so I have to

TEMI

Oh alright.

(She notices the tension on Eniola's face)

Relax, Eniola, he is your grandpa, not God.

ENIOLA

Easy for you to say, Temi.

The worse part is that we can never predict him.

TEMI

(She picks up Eniola's hands)

Relax!

He won't kill you.

You are Eniola Hope Balogun, the strongest woman I know on earth.

ENIOLA

Hmm, I have heard you, Temilade.

Please watch over her till her parents come back.

I will come by in the Evening to still check on her.

TEMI

Alright, I will.

(She whispers to Eniola)

This is an opportunity to bond with my niece)

ENIOLA

I guess so

(She turns to Hope)

Baby, I will be leaving now.

But I will be back in the Evening to check on you.

HOPE

Alright, take care of yourself.

ENIOLA

I will

(She kisses Hope on the head and walks out of the room)

HOPE

(She gazes at Temi)

I like you.

I want to be a doctor like you

TEMI

I like you too, dear

Why do you want to be a doctor?

HOPE

So that I can save all the dying people in the world.

TEMI

Wow, that's nice.

I pray for your dreams to come through

You really live up to your name.

You have brought Hope.

(She smiles at Hope)

_____________________________________

FESTAC OIL AND GAS {HEADQUARTERS}|

Taiwo walked out of his car, dressed in his sharp black tuxedo, and gazed up at the towering skyscraper with a knot in his stomach. It had been a year since he had last set foot in this building, and he felt a palpable sense of unease as he made his way towards the entrance.

As he stepped through the doors, he couldn't help but feel as though all eyes were on him. He did his best to avoid eye contact with anyone as he walked towards the elevator, trying to keep his nerves at bay.

After a few moments, he arrived at the entrance of the Chief Executive's office, his pounding heart making his breathing shallow. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and waited for the reply of the voice he had heard only on phone calls.

This was his chance to prove to everyone, including himself, that he was worthy of his Mother's legacy and that he was the future of the Balogun Empire.

TAIWO

(He walks into the office)

Good Morning, Everyone.

BAYO

You are late, big brother!

This is a professional space.

Not your playground.

OLAMIDE

Bayo, let him be.

Dr AKANDE

(He offers Taiwo a handshake)

I have been waiting for this day my whole life.

Welcome to the Balogun's Empire

TAIWO

(He welcomes Dr Akande's handshake)

Thank you, uncle.

OLAMIDE

Welcome home, brother.

TAIWO

Thank you, bro.

BISI

Welcome, Taiwo.

TAIWO

Wow, you were recruited too.

BISI

Grandpa made sure nobody was left out.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Welcome home, son.

(He hugs Taiwo)

TAIWO

Thank you, Grandpa.

"Eniola walks into the executive office."

ENIOLA

Wow, is this a family reunion?

(She scans through the room)

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He turns to Eniola)

No, this is where you will get whatever you deserve.

(He Addresses everyone in the room)

From today, the company will cut off all your allowances and privileges.

You are now employees of The Balogun Empire.

Meaning the more you work, the more you possess!

I am tired of your lazy asses. If you want to buy ten cars simultaneously, work for it!

(He turns to Bayo, Taiwo and Olamide)

Three of you will be made branch managers. As for the ladies, Eniola, you will work alongside Taiwo to grow his branch.

Bisi, you will work alongside your brother to grow his branch.

As for you, Bayo, I believe you have a lot of experience, so I'm guessing you will do well with those Two idiots.

BAYO

What?

No, Grandpa, not Chike and Ken, please.

CHIEF BALOGUN

There are no other options. You must do as I say!

You will all be given an executive office here at the Headquarters and must report to the Headquarters twice a week.

I believe that will be all.

Please get out of my office.

"They all walked out in silence."

CHIEF BALOGUN

Eniola Balogun, stay behind. We have a lot to talk about.

ENIOLA

(She turns around)

Sir?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Sit down.

(He points at the leather chair opposite him)

_____________________________________

Taiwo's Executive Office|

"He sits on his chair."

TAIWO

(He notices a brown envelope on his table)

What is this?

(He opens it)

"Dear Taiwo,

Words are not enough to tell you how much I want to say this in person, but sadly I have become a victim of the depravity of man.

I plead with you to grieve not for weeping may persevere for a night, but time is certainly of the essence. The season has come for us to collect all that was stolen.

It is evident from the moment I look into your eyes that you are destined for greatness. Even though I am no longer here with you, I will watch over you from afar, guiding and cheering you on as you begin this journey.

Remember that no one can take away who you truly are. You are your Mother's son, and you possess the same fearlessness and tenacity she had. You are the future of the Balogun Empire, and nobody can stop you from fulfilling your destiny.

I, Adebisi, "The Crown Has Produced More," implore you to carry on your legacy and be the unstoppable force you were always meant to be. And know that even in death, I will always be there, rooting for you every step of the way.

I will die again to be with you!

Your Lovely Mother,

Adebisi Balogun"

_____________________________________

UNITED STATE OF AMERICA. TAMPA, FLORIDA|

"Her skin was brown as chocolate, and her hair as dark as charcoal.

Her lips were red as bright blood, and her eyes as colourful as the sky.

She sits with a heavy heart as she gazes at the flower on her glass table, wondering if her lost Hope will bring her endless joy and happiness. She picks up the newspaper before her and fixes her eyes on the headlines that scream nothing but the Balogun Empire."

"Mr Bruno walks into the office."

Mr BRUNO

Ma, we are ready to go.

Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN

Alright, let's go home.

The time has come.

My son is ready.

(She smiles at Mr Bruno)