Chereads / Festac / Chapter 38 - Episode 37(Paranoia)

Chapter 38 - Episode 37(Paranoia)

|POETIC INTRO|

The fear of the unknown has devoured our peace

The uncertainty of tomorrow, God's gift to mankind

Hope, the strength to live in uncertainty

Faith, man's ability to see that which is yet to exist

Tomorrow will die yesterday

In disguise we shall become our adversary 

For fear shall spring up flowers

The kind that blooms at night

In delay, they shall run mad

In madness, they shall act

In motion, they shall slumber

In slumber, they will be slayed

_____________________________________

Mrs. ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|

"Mrs. Adesoji walks into the mansion alongside Stella."

STELLA:

Mummy, thank you for today. You are the best! (She hugs Mrs. Adesoji in excitement)

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Anything for my only daughter. But like I said, you must behave yourself. No boys and unnecessary friends.

STELLA:

Yes, Mummy. Don't you trust me?

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Hmm, this is not the 90s, oh. Children give parents a lot of reasons to doubt them. That's why, if it were up to me, you should go to a private university at least.

STELLA:

Mummy, please don't bring this up again, na. You're starting to sound like Tony.

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Speaking of the devil. (She turns to Tony, who is lost in thoughts as he sips his glass of whisky) Tony, didn't you hear me come in?

"Tony is lost in thoughts as he ponders how to solve Chinaza's pregnancy."

STELLA:

(She taps Tony) Anthony Adesoji!

TONY:

What is it? Are you okay?

STELLA:

Mummy was talking to you, but you weren't answering, na.

TONY:

And so? Don't call my name like that again, please. (He turns to Mrs. Adesoji) Mummy, what is it?

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Are you fine? What is the problem?

STELLA:

Better ask him, oh, 'cause I don't understand anymore.

TONY:

(He avoids eye contact with both of them) I'm fine, Mum.

Mrs. ADESOJI:

You're fine?

TONY:

Yes, ma.

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Hmm, are you sure?

TONY:

Mummy, I said I'm fine!

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Okay, I have heard you, oga.

"He walks out of the scene."

STELLA:

Nawa, oh. So men have mood swings too?

Mrs. ADESOJI:

Shut your mouth. Go and call Chinaza for me.

STELLA:

Yes, ma. (She picks up her bag and walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE|

"Simi walks into the kitchen."

SIMI:

Taiwo, is that you? (She scans the kitchen)

MARIA:

Auntie, do you need anything? (She stands in front of the sink)

SIMI:

I thought Taiwo was here. I heard his voice.

MARIA:

No, he isn't. I'm not sure if he's home.

SIMI:

He said he wouldn't be leaving the mansion today, so I doubt if he left. (She opens the refrigerator) If you see him, tell him my sister Ayoola is around. (She walks out of the kitchen with a bottle of water in her hand)

MARIA:

Alright, ma. (She opens the cupboard below the sink) You can come out now.

TAIWO:

Are you sure?

MARIA:

Yes. (She bursts into laughter, observing how Taiwo contorted himself into the tiny cupboard)

TAIWO:

Keep laughing. Oh, I don't blame you. (He comes out) That was a close one.

MARIA:

You should go before someone else comes in here.

TAIWO:

Sure. (He walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

"Chief Balogun's private investigator walks into his office."

Mr. OLU:

Good evening, Chief.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Hope you have good news for me this time?

Mr. OLU:

I have both.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Start with the bad news.

Mr. OLU:

We still don't have a lead on the person or corporate body behind the death of your granddaughter.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Hmm, that's bad. But keep searching. No soul can harm my family and go free.

Mr. OLU:

We are doing our best, sir.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Well, your best is obviously not enough. The only reason you are still on my payroll is because of your usefulness in the past. Do not tempt me to get rid of you.

Mr. OLU:

I'm sorry, sir.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

What is the good news?

Mr. OLU:

We have located the whereabouts of your daughter. (He drops a brown envelope on Chief's table)

CHIEF BALOGUN:

(He pulls the pictures out of the envelope)

And where would that be?

Mr. OLU:

It's a newly acquired mansion in Festac. The occupant is suspected to be the European billionaire.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Miss Agnis.

(He gazes at Temilade walking into the compound alongside Onyinye)

This young lady looks familiar.

Mr. OLU:

There seem to be a lot of people living there. I asked around, and someone said she brought in a family that lost their home to demolition.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

The Adebayos.

(He smiles)

Alright, thank you. I will take it from here.

Mr. OLU:

Alright, sir. I will take my leave now.

(He gets up)

CHIEF BALOGUN:

One more thing before you go. I want you to investigate my brother-in-law.

Mr. OLU:

(He turns to Chief)

You mean the Chief Justice of the nation?

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Yes! Do you have a problem with that?

Mr. OLU:

That will be difficult. He is one of the most protected men in Nigeria.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

And I am the most dreaded and powerful man in Nigeria. To decline my request would be a death sentence to you and your investigation company.

Mr. OLU:

Of course not, who am I to sleep on the request of Chief himself? I was just saying it won't be an easy task. But I will utilize all my resources to get the information you need.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

It's simple. Find out his involvement with The AUG and if he in any way aided my daughter in claiming victory in the election.

Mr. OLU:

Okay, sir. But he is one of your most trusted subjects. I see no reason why he would go against you.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

He is Lolade's uncle and a man with a hunger for power. I think those are enough reasons to keep me on the edge.

Mr. OLU:

Alright, Chief. I will do my best.

_____________________________________

WONDER WOODS PARK, BANANA ISLAND|

"Bayo sits beside Bisi wearing a smile."

BISI:

Bayo, what is it? (She picks up a piece of crispy chicken from her plate) I know this can't be it, so what is it?

BAYO:

Nothing.

Can't I sit close to my favorite cousin again? (He winks at her this time)

BISI:

(She looks at him eye to eye)

Bayo!

BAYO:

Yes, my lovely cousin.

BISI:

You are scaring me. What is it?

"Olamide walks in with Hope sitting between his shoulders."

BAYO:

Hey cousin bro, how are you doing? You should sit beside me.

(He grins)

OLAMIDE:

(He gently pats Bayo's neck)

Are you sure you're okay?

BISI:

I doubt that. He's being too weird this evening.

BAYO:

How is being nice being too weird?

RUKKY:

Coming from you, it is.

(She turns to Olamide)

Bring her down; she just ate.

OLAMIDE:

Oh, I had no clue.

(He places Hope on the rubber chair in front of him) Oh, I get it now.

The next shareholders' meeting is on Wednesday. I guess he's trying to win us over.

(He smiles at Bayo)

BISI:

(She turns to Bayo)

Wow, so that's why you're being nice?

BAYO:

Fine, I'll cut to the chase, guys. I need your support and votes in case Grandpa decides to choose his heir that day.

OLAMIDE:

Come to think of it, I'm eligible to be the next of kin too. So what makes you think I wouldn't want that seat you're fighting so hard for? (He smiles at Bayo)

BAYO:

Don't you dare threaten me, Olamide!

CHIKE:

Bayo, relax na. Chief's position is stressful. I don't know why you want it so bad.

KEN:

Either way, you'll still have access to your inheritance.

OLAMIDE:

(He turns to Bayo) Relax, bro. I was just kidding. And that will be difficult since Chief has openly said his next of kin will come from your father's side.

BAYO:

Does that mean I have your support?

OLAMIDE:

I love you, Bayo, but you all know I've been closer to Taiwo. But if Taiwo...

BAYO:

Just shut up! How about you, Bisi? Are you on Taiwo's side too?

BISI:

I don't know yet. I think we should leave now; it's getting late.

RUKKY:

Yeah, we should.

(She turns to Hope)

My love, we are leaving now.

_____________________________________

Mr. ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|

"Adaobi walks into Mr. Achebe's home office."

ADAOBI:

Dad! (She scans the room) Where could he have gone to this early morning? (His phone rings) "Sweet wine," who is Sweet wine? (She picks up the phone)

"Mr. Achebe walks into the office, sweating from his early morning exercise."

Mr. ACHEBE:

My love, what are you doing here?

ADAOBI:

(She drops the phone on his table)

Nnamdi called; he said he'll be coming in tomorrow. I'm so excited.

Mr. ACHEBE:

We already spoke, but you should keep it from your mother. You know she doesn't like it when he's here.

ADAOBI:

I know, but why does she hate him so much?

Mr. ACHEBE:

That's what happens when your children come from various women.

(He places an ATM card in front of her)

You can have it back, but don't tell your mom I gave it to you. And spend wisely this time.

ADAOBI:

Thank you, Daddy.

(She attempts to hug him)

Mr. ACHEBE:

(He stops her)

I'm sweaty and sticky.

ADAOBI:

Alright. By the way, I won't let Mama treat Nnamdi the way she did the last time he was here. I know he's not her son, but he is my brother, and I love him.

Mr. ACHEBE:

I know you do, my love, but you should try to understand your mom too. Especially now that I am going to become president and I will have to step down as the Chairman of the company.

ADAOBI:

I get it. She doesn't want him to take over.

Mr. ACHEBE:

Exactly.

ADAOBI:

I know he is the first son, and I love him, but I kind of understand Mommy, and I think it's unfair to my other siblings. So what are your plans?

Mr. ACHEBE:

I don't know yet, Adaobi.

ADAOBI:

You should come up with one, na. I can help you.

Mr. ACHEBE:

(He smiles)

I can handle it myself. Your job is to go to school and eat Daddy's money. Alright, I need to take a shower. Remember our little secret.

(He walks out of the office.)

ADAOBI:

Yes, Dad

(She picks up his phone again)

Who is sweet wine?

Hmm

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Ayo takes a walk alongside Adebisi."

Mr. A BALOGUN:

Wow, this garden is amazing. You have always loved flowers.

ADEBISI:

Oh yes, I don't joke with them.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

I still can't believe you are standing right in front of me.

ADEBISI:

I know a part of you still doubts all of this, but I assure you that I am Adebisi.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

Hmm, I need a blood test to be sure. I have arranged for my doctor to be here later today to take a sample of your blood. We will compare them with that of Taiwo to know if they match. I hope that is okay with you?

ADEBISI:

It's fine. I will do anything to clear your doubt.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

One thing I still don't understand is why my mother kept all of this from me.

ADEBISI:

I know what she did was unforgivable, but I think it was for the best. That was the only way she could protect me.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

Was it about you, or did she want to protect and cover up the sins of her daughter?

ADEBISI:

That is also true. But don't you think if that was her major motive, she would have gotten rid of me on the spot? I mean, I was a living and still am a living evidence of your sister and wife's sins.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

If the result comes out positive, Bisola and everyone involved in our attempted murder will pay for it. I swear with my life.

ADEBISI:

You will send your wife to jail?

Mr. A BALOGUN:

At this point, I don't know what to think of her. I know she isn't perfect, and a part of her was the devil, but the idea of her killing you to have me is outrageous.

ADEBISI:

Hmm, what about Lolade? You know your parents won't just let you send her to jail because of a failed attempt to get rid of us.

Mr. A BALOGUN:

Let's see how they can stop me.

ADEBISI:

Ayo, you should be careful with all of this. I don't want you getting hurt or...

Mr. A BALOGUN:

(He grips her shoulders)

Relax, I will be fine.

"Onyinye walks into the garden."

ONYINYE:

Ma, Chief is here?

ADEBISI:

What?

Mr. A BALOGUN:

Did he say why? Has he seen any of you?

ONYINYE:

He's with Temilade.

ADEBISI:

(She turns to Ayo)

Stay here, I will be right back.

(She turns to leave)

Mr. A BALOGUN:

My father wouldn't leave this house without Temilade. Let me handle him.

ADEBISI:

No, stay here. Finding out that you aided her in staying hidden would only make matters worse.

(She walks out of the scene alongside Onyinye)

_____________________________________

SUNFLOWER MEDICAL CENTER|

"Tony arrives at the hospital with Chinaza."

TONY:

I want this done fast and quick.

Dr. BRIGHT:

Sure, it will.

(He turns to one of the nurses)

Please take her to the exclusive ward.

NURSE HELEN:

Yes, sir.

(She grabs Chinaza by the arm)

Ma, please come with me.

CHINAZA:

To where?

TONY:

What kind of stupid question is that?

I thought we agreed on this. You must get rid of that child.

CHINAZA:

(She turns to Tony)

But, sir, I nor go fit do am

I nor won die

(She cries out)

TONY:

You will not die. That is why I brought you to a specialist. He is my friend and the best at the job. Your life is in safe hands, Chinaza.

Dr. BRIGHT:

Don't worry, nothing will happen to you, dear.

NURSE HELEN:

Madam, you are making things stressful for me. You willingly opened your legs for a man without considering the possibility of getting pregnant? Please stop acting like a child. Get up.

(She forcefully pulls her from the chair)

CHINAZA:

No, please, I can't.

(She turns to Tony)

Sir, please have mercy on me.

NURSE HELEN:

Guards!

(She calls out to two guards standing in the corridor)

"One of the guards assists Nurse Helen in dragging Chinaza out of the scene."

TONY:

(He turns to Dr. Bright)

So, how long is it going to take?

Dr. BRIGHT:

Relax, I will be back soon. (He wears a weird smile before walking out of the scene)

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Chief commands his guards to seize Temilade"

TEMI:

Grandpa, let me explain, please.

(She pushes the hands of one of the guards who attempted to grab her) 

If you touch me again!

MICHAEL:

Chief, please try and understand. I want to be with your granddaughter.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

(He smiles at Michael)

Can you give her the life she deserves?

MICHAEL:

I will do my best, sir.

(He kneels in front of Chief)

TEMI:

(She falls on her knees too)

Grandpa, please.

Ma binu

(She cries out)

Mrs. ADEBAYO:

Both of you, get up now!

(She turns to Chief)

Look here, old man, this is 2022. You can't make life-changing decisions for two grown-up adults anymore.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

I suppose you can?

You have no right to interfere with the affairs of my family.

(He turns to his guards)

I came here with the impression of getting things done in a couple of minutes. Pick this young lady up, and let's get out of here.

"Adebisi walks into the scene"

ADEBISI:

Do as he says if you don't want to leave here alive.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

And what makes you think you can stop me?

ADEBISI:

Do you realize you are in my territory? You cannot leave this building without my approval, and you are definitely not leaving with Temi.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

(He switches his walking stick to his left hand)

Do not threaten me, woman.

I can make you disappear like you never existed.

Although this is your territory, but you are in Lagos, Festac to be precise, so I would be careful if I were you.

(He turns to the guards)

Pick her up, let's get out of here.

Mrs. ADEBAYO:

No!

(She pulls Temi to herself)

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Why do you keep interfering in my family affairs?

Ṣe o fẹ ku?

Mrs. ADEBAYO:

I am not interfering; I am simply playing my role as a grandmother, to be?

CHIEF BALOGUN:

(He turns to Temi)

What is this low life talking about?

TEMI:

I'm...

(She cries out)

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Answer me, idiot!!!

ADEBISI:

She is pregnant.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Temilade, how can you stoop this low?

Why would you settle for this rat?

TEMI:

Maybe settling for less is where I will find happiness.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Gbemu dake

You are coming home with me now!

ADEBISI:

Chief, can I have a word with you in private?

CHIEF BALOGUN:

I am not interested.

ADEBISI:

This is about your daughter and the election

CHIEF BALOGUN:

(He turns to Adebisi)

Get to the chase, woman.

I do not have time.

ADEBISI:

Like I said, a minute of your time in private.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Hmm, you have a minute.

ADEBISI:

This way, please.

(She leads him to her office)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Bisi walks into the dining."

BISI:

This public holiday is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

"Her phone rings."

OLAMIDE:

That's the sixth time. You should attend to your admirers.

(He redirects his eyes to the book in front of him)

BISI:

(She picks up the phone)

It's Mr. Achebe again.

OLAMIDE:

Oh, your crush.

BISI:

God forbid!

He's married for God's sake, and he has a series of mistresses. I even heard he has children out of wedlock.

CHIKE:

How do you know? Did you look him up?

KEN:

Of course she did.

OLAMIDE:

(He turns to Bisi)

Did you?

BISI:

Yeah, I did.

OLAMIDE:

Women only do that when they are interested in a man.

BISI:

But I'm not interested in him. I was only curious.

OLAMIDE:

Interest is the mother of curiosity.

BISI:

I am not interested in him!

(She turns to Simi)

Simi, help me out here, please.

SIMI:

Sorry, Bisi, but I think they have a point. Maybe you are in self-denial, but if you search within yourself, I think a little bit of you is interested in him.

OLAMIDE:

Thank you for that, Simi.

BISI:

But I don't. I have thought about it, and there is nothing exciting about being with him. And secondly, I would not settle for being a second wife or a mistress.

CHIKE:

Whatever!

(He turns to Rukky)

Rukky, how far na? We dey hungry oh.

"Bayo walks into the dining with a stained apron."

BAYO:

Food will soon be ready.

SIMI:

Wait a minute, Bayo, you are cooking?

BAYO:

Yes, I am.

(He smiles)

KEN:

I dey smell burnt meat oh.

BAYO:

Oh, Jesus!

(He rushes back to the kitchen)

"The room is filled with intense laughter."

BISI:

This guy is becoming weirder and weirder as the hours pass.

SIMI:

Like what's happening, guys? I don't understand.

OLAMIDE:

Isn't it obvious? He is trying to win our support if Grandpa decides to choose his heir at the next shareholders' meeting.

(He picks up the glass of fruit juice in front of him)

RUKKY:

Nawa oh

_____________________________________

SUNFLOWER MEDICAL CENTER |

"Dr. Bright walks into the office."

TONY:

(He rushes to him)

How did it go?

(He could tell from the look on his face that something seems to be amiss)

Bright, I'm talking to you!

Dr. BRIGHT:

Bro, I'm sorry.

She couldn't make it.

TONY:

(He pulls back for a minute)

What?

What do you mean she couldn't make it?

(He grips him by the shirt)

Dr. BRIGHT:

Calm down, Tony. I warned you that there would be risks involved.

TONY:

But you told me everything would be fine.

What do I do now?

(He drops his body on the couch)

Dr. BRIGHT:

It's simple, bro.

She's a nobody, so who would care?

TONY:

So what do I do?

What do I tell my mum?

Dr. BRIGHT:

Who says we have to mention any of this to anyone?

TONY:

They will notice she's gone, bro.

Dr. BRIGHT:

Do they know you took her with you today?

TONY:

Of course not.

Nobody was home.

Dr. BRIGHT:

Good!

So it's simple. I will get rid of the body and bribe the nurses involved. Her name won't appear in our records.

It will be as if both of you never came here.

TONY:

Alright, we should do that.

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Chief sits opposite Adebisi."

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Make this fast, please.

ADEBISI:

Chief, Chief, relax.

(She turns on the flat screen)

These are detailed pieces of evidence against the AUG.

Here are voice recordings and pictures showing her with herself, the National NEC Chairman, the Chief Justice of the nation, and some of your party members. She even went ahead to win over some of the table members.

(Chief turns to her)

Relax, your secrets are safe with me.

These also prove that the election was rigged.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Why are you showing me these?

You are aware that as of the moment, you are the most wanted person in Nigeria?

I could kill you in your sleep and gain access to all of this.

ADEBISI:

(She smiles)

The question is, can you?

What if there is more?

You are the devil, Chief, but I am Lucifer.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Hmm, so what is the catch?

ADEBISI:

It's simple.

You let Temilade be, and secondly, you do nothing with this until the AUG is sworn into power.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

First and foremost, why are you this interested in my family affairs?

Secondly, why wait that long before we act on this?

ADEBISI:

Your granddaughter is a good kid, and she deserves to live her life the way she pleases.

As for the AUG, it hurts more when you taste success once and then never get a chance again than if you never get a chance at all. I want them to have it all and lose it all in one night.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

And what do you stand to gain in all of this?

ADEBISI:

You don't have to know.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

How do I know I can trust your resources?

ADEBISI:

You don't!

I have nothing to lose, but I'm certain you have a lot to lose.

CHIEF BALOGUN:

Hmm...

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Lolade scans through some documents, her face filled with worry and frustration."

LOLADE:

This isn't good.

(She slams the documents on the table, a mix of anger and desperation in her voice.)

How did things get this bad?

(She hears the door creak open, her eyes darting towards it.)

Who is there?

KELVIN:

Your worst nightmare.

(He strides into the room, his grip tightening on the gun pointed at Lolade.)

LOLADE:

(She stands up, her voice trembling.)

How did you get in here?

I have been searching for you everywhere.

KELVIN:

You know, I had this nagging feeling that I shouldn't trust a Balogun, after what one of them did to ruin my life.

(He narrows his eyes, a mix of anger and betrayal in his voice.)

LOLADE:

Kelvin, you wanted revenge, and I gave you the means to achieve it.

I wanted to create a distraction so that I could have more chances to win the election.

Why are you making this personal?

We both got what we wanted.

KELVIN:

Where is my money?

LOLADE:

Like I said, I've been searching for you.

Did you expect me to hand it over to thin air?

KELVIN:

Shut the hell up!

I know you sent men to kill me, but I'm sorry to disappoint you.

LOLADE:

I swear, Kelvin, I didn't order anyone to harm you.

(Desperation fills her voice.)

KELVIN:

Shut up!

Open the safe now, or I swear I will end you right here.

LOLADE:

Alright, alright, just calm down. I'll do as you say.

(She slowly opens the safe.)

KELVIN:

Wow.

(He looks at the piles of hundred-dollar bills, his eyes gleaming with greed.)

Pack every last one of them into this bag.

Now!

LOLADE:

(Clenching her jaw, she fights to keep her composure.)

Fine, I will do it. Just give me a moment.

(She spots the loaded pistol in the safe, her heart racing with a mix of fear.)

KELVIN:

Don't keep me waiting, lady!

LOLADE:

I'm on it.

(She grabs the gun, a flicker of resolve in her eyes.)

_____________________________________

"Robert hears two gun shot and rushes into the room"