Chereads / Festac / Chapter 42 - Episode 41 (Chemistry)

Chapter 42 - Episode 41 (Chemistry)

|Dear Diary|

They say time is of the essence but what is its essence when my heart is longing for a man I do not know?

They say love at first sight is all a fantasy but what I feel is real and true.

My soul has been seduced, my heart has been hypnotized and my mind has seized to be mine.

A gentleman I do not know has stolen it all without my consent like a thief in the night who devoured when men slumber.

"Love is blind and lovers can not see"

That must be the best explanation for my dilemma. Maybe as beautiful as I am, I have lost sight of my will and my common sense has been locked up away from me waiting for dust and cobweb to dine with thee.

I do not know if it's love but I do know my flowers are blooming and they tremble at his sight.

_____________________________________

"Michael rushes into the scene and manages to pull Temi from the arms of the strange man."

TEMI

Michael, hide behind.

"Michael drops a fist on the stranger's masked face and pushes him to the ground with a kick from his right leg."

MICHAEL

(He rushes to Temi.)

Are you okay?

(He scans her body for possible bruises.)

TEMI

I'm fine.

Who is he, and why is he after me?"

Michael, watch out, he's getting up again.

(She points to the strange man.)

"Taiwo rushes into the scene."

TAIWO

What's happening here?

"Another masked man attempts to drop a fist on Taiwo. Taiwo catches up to his moves and hits him first. The masked man pulls out a dagger."

TEMI

Taiwo, be careful.

"Michael takes off the mask of the stranger in his arms."

MICHAEL

Who sent you?

(The stranger slashes Michael's skin with his dagger and sprints away.)

TEMI

Help, Taiwo!

(She calls out to Michael.)

"The second masked man pushes Taiwo to the ground and sprints away."

MICHAEL

(He rushes to Taiwo.)

Are you okay?

TAIWO

I'm fine.

(He gets up with Michael's assistance.)

We should get out of here.

MICHAEL

I will take Temi with me.

TAIWO

That is too dangerous; they could be out there.

Both of you can spend the night at our residence.

MICHAEL

We will be fine; besides, your Grandfather has made it clear that he doesn't want us around.

TEMI

Michael, you are bleeding.

MICHAEL

I'm fine.

(He falls to the ground.)

TEMI

Michael!

_____________________________________

Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|

"Tony walks into the residence."

Mrs ADESOJI

(She switches on the light)

You scared me, Tony. Why do you keep doing this?

TONY

Mummy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. What's wrong?

Mrs ADESOJI

I asked you a question, Tony. Have you heard from your sister?

TONY

No, I haven't.

Mrs ADESOJI

Do not keep anything from me, Antony Adesoji. I'm really worried. Very worried. She's been missing for days now. Please, if you know where she is, let me know.

TONY

I understand how worried you are, Mum. But why would I keep something that important away from you?

Mrs ADESOJI

Alright, because her blood and fingerprints were found in one of our warehouses.

TONY

What? How?

Mrs ADESOJI

It seems like she was there, and according to the investigators, it's obvious that she struggled to get out of there and she might have been injured badly.

TONY

Are you serious? Who could have done that to her?

Mrs ADESOJI

I don't know, Tony. I can't think of anyone who would want to hurt her.

(She lights a stick of cigar.)

TONY

So what is the way forward?

Mrs ADESOJI

Further investigations will be carried out.

TONY

(He gets up to leave)

I will be back.

Mrs ADESOJI

Where are you going?

TONY

I need to figure out what happened at that warehouse.

Mrs ADESOJI

It has been documented as a crime scene. No one is allowed there until after the investigation.

TONY

Since when do you care about laws, Mother? This is Stella we're talking about.

Mrs ADESOJI

Stay away from the warehouse, Tony. Let the professionals do their job.

TONY

Alright, fine.

(He walks out of the scene.)

_____________________________________

"Tony walks into his room, wearing a frustrated look."

TONY

What do I do? I can't let them find her body.

(He picks up his phone and dials Dr. Bright's number)

Hello, bro, are you at home?

Dr. BRIGHT

Yes, I am, but my babe is around, though.

TONY

Alright, I'm coming over in an hour's time.

Dr. BRIGHT

Bro, my babe is around, you know.

TONY

Relax, it's not like I'm going to watch you guys make out. We just need to talk.

Dr. BRIGHT

But we are talking now, na.

TONY

This is serious, bro! Expect me in an hour.

(He hangs up.)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Temi turns to Taiwo"

TEMI

Give me the needle.

(She stretches her gloved hand towards Taiwo.)

TAIWO

(He hands it over)

Don't you think you should give him some anesthesia first?

TEMI

This is not the hospital, Taiwo, and he has lost some blood.

The earlier I close the wound, the better.

(She turns to Michael)

This might hurt a little.

BAYO

A little? Are you crazy?

I can't watch this.

(He walks out of the scene.)

"Kate walks into the scene"

Mrs K BALOGUN

How is he doing?

MICHAEL

I'm fine, ma, don't worry about me.

Mrs B BALOGUN

If you had only listened to your Grandfather, none of this would have happened. What if something had happened to you?

TEMI

Mummy, don't start, please.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Isn't it obvious that you are not safe with this young man? You were almost kidnapped, Temilade.

TEMI

(She turns to Bisola)

I'd rather be kidnapped than give in to your wishes.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Are you mad?

What can this boy offer you?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Bisola, that's enough. How can you be so insensitive?

Mrs B BALOGUN

So I should cry because he was almost stabbed?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Not necessarily, but you should learn to shut your mouth sometimes.

TEMI

Done.

TAIWO

Is that all?

TEMI

Yes.

(He turns to Michael)

I will give you some painkillers so that you can sleep and get some rest.

MICHAEL

No, it's fine. I will be leaving now.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Good, I can ask my driver to drop you off.

TAIWO

That's enough!

(He turns to Michael)

I will come with you. Wait a minute, let me get my car key.

(He walks out of the scene.)

"Bisola walks out of the scene."

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She drops a debit card in Temi's bag)

The password is your year of birth.

TEMI

No, Granny, I'm fine.

You don't have to.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Take it!

Don't be silly.

_____________________________________

Dr BRIGHT's RESIDENCE, IKOYI|

"Dr Bright places both his hands on his waist as he gazes at Tony."

Dr BRIGHT

So what do we do?

TONY

I don't know, bro.

Dr BRIGHT

This is going to be difficult. Since your Mom has secured the scene, there is no way we will be able to get in there without notice.

TONY

We might be able to do it tonight.

Dr BRIGHT

Are you being serious? Count me out, Tony.

Besides, if they find the bodies, there's no way they can link it to you. It would just look like they were murdered.

TONY

I understand, but it's still too risky. I'd rather keep her in the dark.

Dr BRIGHT

I understand your point, Tony. But if your mom finds out that we went to the crime scene after she specifically instructed us to stay away, won't that make her even more suspicious of your involvement?

TONY

I know, bro. I'm just so confused.

(He paces around the room.)

Dr BRIGHT

Try to relax, Tony. You look stressed and tired.

Have you been sleeping well?

TONY

Are you seriously asking me that question? I killed my own sibling, Bright! My favorite, for that matter.

Dr BRIGHT

I apologize, Tony. I shouldn't have asked.

(He turns to his table.)

I will prescribe some medication that will help you relax.

TONY

Thank you.

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Nnamdi taps Bisi, who had spent the night beside Lolade's unconscious body."

NNAMDI

Hey!

(He whispered)

BISI

(She slowly opens her eyes)

What time is it?

NNAMDI

It's a few minutes to seven. Good morning.

(He offers her a cup of coffee)

BISI

Thank you.

(She sips the cup of coffee)

I love this.

NNAMDI

Olamide said this is how you like it.

BISI

Wait, he made this?

NNAMDI

Emm, he showed me how to.

BISI

Thank you, Nnamdi.

Why are you so nice?

NNAMDI

Because you are too beautiful

BISI

(She smiles)

Stop it!

Me, looking so unkempt

NNAMDI

Even with your messy hair, you still look charming.

(He sits beside her)

LOLADE

You guys should get a room.

"Bisi and Nnamdi turn to Lolade, who was trying so hard to keep her eyes open."

BISI

Mummy!

Can you hear me?

LOLADE

Yes, I can.

Where am I?

BISI

(She turns to Nnamdi)

Get the doctor!

NNAMDI

Sure!

(He rushes out of the room)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Ayo argues with Chief."

Mr A BALOGUN

Dad, there is no way I'm going to let you toss Nanny and Maria aside just because of a little teenage emotion.

CHIEF BALOGUN

This isn't about Maria reciprocating Taiwo's feelings. She is a woman, and women are meant to follow the lead of men. Taiwo needs to focus on what he has going on with Simi. You of all people know we have a signed contract with the Abiola's that is very important to our business. We cannot breach the contract just because of some insignificant love affair.

Mr A BALOGUN

I understand you, Dad.

I know you are thinking like a businessman, which is expected of you. And I appreciate the fact that you let them spend the night here.

CHIEF BALOGUN

I did that because they are family and I care about them. But they have to leave.

I'm sorry, son, this is business.

Mr A BALOGUN

Then I will have to leave with them.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Your choice, Ayo.

I think it's time you moved back to your Festac Mansion.

Mr A BALOGUN

Is that a polite way of asking me to leave your residence?

CHIEF BALOGUN

All I'm saying is that you need to move on with your life and move past the death of Eniola.

Besides, I want the house to myself and my wife.

Mr A BALOGUN

Hmm, alright. We will be leaving today.

(He gets up)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Very good.

Take Bayo and your troublesome wife along with you.

Mr A BALOGUN

That's up to them. I'm not forcing anyone to come with me.

How about Taiwo?

CHIEF BALOGUN

I think it's time he takes his marriage more seriously.

Mr A BALOGUN

Hmm, okay...

I'm taking Hope with me, though.

"Kate walks into the office"

Mrs K BALOGUN

Where are you taking Hope to?

Mr A BALOGUN

Your husband has asked me and my family to leave his residence.

Mrs K BALOGUN

What does that have to do with Hope?

Mr A BALOGUN

She's my granddaughter, so I'm taking her with me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

That is not going to happen.

She will stay here with me.

By the way, I just got a call from Bisi. Lolade is awake.

(She smiles)

Mr A BALOGUN

Wow, that's wonderful.

(He walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

STANDARD BANK HEADQUARTERS|

"Dr. CHIDI walks into Mr. Obi's Executive Office."

Dr. CHIDI

Good morning, Dad.

What is the problem?

You sounded so urgent on the phone.

Mr. OBI

I got a call this morning from Chief Balogun and he accused me of having something to do with what happened to Temi last night.

Dr. CHIDI

What's that?

What happened to her?

Mr. OBI

Don't play games with me, son.

I know you planned it all.

Dr. CHIDI

What are you talking about, Dad?

Mr. OBI

Chief is taking this seriously.

I can't protect you if you don't admit it to me now.

Dr. CHIDI

Fine, I did it.

But I never asked them to hurt anybody.

I just couldn't stand the idea of her being with someone else.

Mr. OBI

And you think abducting her would make her like you?

Do you understand the gravity of what you have just done?

You attempted to kidnap the granddaughter of the most powerful and dreaded man in Nigeria. How can you be so stupid?

Dr. CHIDI

I'm sorry, Dad. I was just desperate.

You know what? I will apologize to Chief in person.

Mr. OBI

You would do no such thing.

Stay away from her for now.

I will handle it.

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Temi walks into the room."

TEMI

How are you feeling?

MICHAEL

I'm fine!

I have said it a thousand times.

TEMI

You are not fine, Michael.

That cut was very deep.

ONYINYE

But why would anybody want to kidnap you, Aunt Temi?

TEMI

I don't know, Onyinye, but given the fact that my last name is Balogun, then it's very understandable.

ONYINYE

(She turns to Michael)

Hmm, by the way, I got a call from Maria. They will be moving back to Festac later today.

MICHAEL

Seriously?

Because of what happened between her and Taiwo?

TEMI

What happened between her and Taiwo?

MICHAEL

You don't know?

ONYINYE

Oops!

_____________________________________

"Adebisi approaches her office desk."

ADEBISI

So, I was hoping we could spend the weekend together?

TAIWO

Sure, that would be great.

It will be an opportunity to ask some questions only you can answer.

ADEBISI

Same here.

Are you fine? You seemed lost in thoughts earlier.

TAIWO

I just feel like I have made some decisions that will mess up my life in the long run.

ADEBISI

Sounds serious. What is it? Is this about Maria?

TAIWO

Something like that.

It's also about Simi.

She might be carrying my child.

ADEBISI

That's great news.

Why are you sad about that?

TAIWO

Because even if I want to leave and be with Maria, it will be difficult.

ADEBISI

Because Simi is with child?

TAIWO

Yes.

ADEBISI

I don't think that should stop you from finding love. Children are gifts from God and a source of happiness, not something that should kill your joy and stop you from doing what makes you happy.

As long as you don't neglect your responsibility as a father, then you can and should be with Maria if she makes you happy.

"Temi angrily walks into the office."

TEMI

Taiwo, how could you do this to Maria and Nanny?

TAIWO

I understand that you are upset about it, but I really like her.

TEMI

I know you didn't marry Simi out of love, and I get that you deserve to be with someone you really want to be with, but did you stop to think of how your actions could affect them?

TAIWO

I get it!

But I will not apologize or feel bad for loving right and being sincere about it.

I know it's kind of personal for you because it's Maria, but this is also personal to me.

TEMI

How long has this been going on?

TAIWO

Does that really matter now?

TEMI

Yes, it does, and why did you keep it from me?

TAIWO

Because I know you wouldn't support me.

I know you will take it very personally.

ADEBISI

(She walks up to Temi)

You have to calm down and think of your child.

TEMI

(She sits on the couch)

Does she feel the same way?

TAIWO

Of course she does.

TEMI

But you know Grandpa won't easily let you off the hook.

There is a contract involved in your marriage with Simi, and it's strictly business.

TAIWO

I know, but it won't stop me from chasing after Maria or ending things with Simi.

TEMI

I know, but all I'm saying is it won't be easy. And the moment any of your actions begin to hurt or affect Nanny and Maria in a very negative way, I will never forgive you.

(She walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Kate sits beside Lolade."

Mrs K BALOGUN

How are you feeling?

LOLADE

I'm fine, mother.

OLAMIDE

Do you need anything?

LOLADE

No, I am fine.

Thank you, son.

OLAMIDE

Alright, I will be in my room. If you need anything, you can send any of the nurses to get me.

LOLADE

Where is your sister?

OLAMIDE

I think she's in her room.

LOLADE

With that guy, abi?

OLAMIDE

Mummy, focus on getting better; let Bisi be.

(He walks out of the room)

Mrs K BALOGUN

I will be back in a minute. I think I left my phone in the sitting room.

(She turns to Chief)

Look after her. I will be back.

(She walks out of the scene)

CHIEF BALOGUN

How are you feeling?

LOLADE

Common, we both know you wished this was my funeral.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He holds firmly to his walking stick)

I did not come here to fight with you, Lolade. Although I am curious about something.

Why the hell would a friend of Eniola attack you?

LOLADE

I don't follow?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Kelvin, the young man who shot you.

He was a close associate of Eniola and a suspect in her murder case.

LOLADE

Wow, I don't know, Dad.

Maybe you provoked him in the past, so he is coming after people associated with your name.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Or you were involved in the death of Eniola and you failed to keep up with your deal with him?

LOLADE

(She smiles)

And you think I wouldn't cover my tracks if I were involved in Eniola's death?

I learned from the best, which is you.

Covering my tracks is my specialty.

CHIEF BALOGUN

If I find out that you were in any way involved in her death, I will come after you before Ayo does.

LOLADE

We both know you can't harm your own.

Don't act like you are so tough.

CHIEF BALOGUN

You remember your Aunt, Auntie Fola?

LOLADE

Yes, your late sister.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He whispers in Lolade's right ear)

She took something from me that she paid for with her life.

I'm certain you get the message, so don't feel too special.

If I wanted you dead, you would have died

If want you dead, you will die!

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN'S RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Bisola walks into Ayo's Chambers."

Mrs B BALOGUN

I still don't get why I do not have a say in this.

Mr A BALOGUN

(He sighs)

Bisola, I am not forcing you to come with us. You can stay if you want to.

Mrs. B BALOGUN

Why is moving back to Festac so important to you that you don't care if I'm coming with you or not?

Mr A BALOGUN

Bisola, don't start, please.

E jor!

Mrs. B BALOGUN

It's because of that Miss Agnis, right?

Mr A BALOGUN

And what's that supposed to mean?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Since you met her, you are rarely home. We no longer have intentional conversations. You don't ask me about my day. If I want to be honest, it seems like you are even avoiding me.

Mr A BALOGUN

Bisola, what is your problem?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Nothing is my problem, Ayo.

You and that woman are my problem.

You like her, and I know you have been spending time with her.

Mr A BALOGUN

Do you understand that outside my role as your husband, I have duties as the governor of this state? As a matter of fact, you shouldn't expect to see me every day. You insisted I don't move to the state house in Ikeja and I concurred with your wishes. What else do you want?

Mrs B BALOGUN

I want you to stop seeing that woman.

Mr A BALOGUN

Why?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Because I am not comfortable with both of you being close.

Mr A BALOGUN

You are my wife, not my mother!

You cannot tell me what to do.

You can stay here if you want or come with me to Festac; the choice is yours to make.

Mrs B BALOGUN

So you think keeping Maria around you will stop Taiwo from pursuing her?

Mr A BALOGUN

So because Taiwo likes her, I should get rid of Nanny and Maria?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Yes, you should!

Family should come first.

Mr A BALOGUN

They are my family too.

Nanny knows me more than my own mother or wife ever do.

Not even Adebisi comes close to the bond that Nanny and I share.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Why do I feel you are also acting this way because your favorite son is involved?

Mr A BALOGUN

I have to go now; I have a meeting with my Deputy and some of the senators.

I won't be coming back here. I will leave my driver behind to help you pack in case you change your mind.

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

GEN ABIOLA's RESIDENCE|

"Simi walks into the sitting room with tears on her cheeks."

Dr SHADE

Wow, my baby girl is here.

(She notices Simi's swollen cheeks)

What is the problem? Kilode? Why are you crying?

Mr F ABIOLA

Simi!

What is the problem?

SIMI

It's Taiwo.

AYOOLA

What did Taiwo do?

"Simi sits on the couch as more tears settle on her cheeks."

Mr F BALOGUN

Simi, didn't I ask you a question? What did Taiwo do to you?

Dr SHADE

(She pulls Simi to herself)

Femi, let her be. Let her cry if she wants to.

AYOOLA

Tears won't solve her problem. If it does, she wouldn't be here.

Mr F ABIOLA

Exactly! She has to talk to us.

SIMI

He is cheating on me.

(In a cracked voice)

Dr SHADE

What? Why would he do that?

AYOOLA

Men! They are all scums. You just can't trust any of them.

Mr F ABIOLA

Is he threatening to replace you?

SIMI

I don't think so.

Mr F ABIOLA

Does she hold a higher status than you do?

SIMI

Of course not! She's just a maid!

Dr SHADE

Which maid?

Mr F ABIOLA

Then you have nothing to worry about. The contract is still intact. Go home and be a good wife.

AYOOLA

Femi! Are you serious right now? A man has put tears on your sister's face, and all you care about is the contract.

Mr F ABIOLA

Was that not the main reason for the union in the first place? You think the Baloguns care about Simi's feelings or ours? We are nobles like them; you of all people should know how these things work.

AYOOLA

So that gives him the right to hurt Simi? You see nothing wrong with this?

Mr F ABIOLA

We are men, African men to be more precise. Polygamy is a strong ethical value. It's who we are; it's our identity as men.

AYOOLA

Oh please, then polyandry should be exalted too. Women should go out with as many men as they want to.

Mr F ABIOLA

Why?

AYOOLA

Because we are beings with feelings like you are! There should be a balanced system in society.

Mr F ABIOLA

It's how you have let the Western culture rub you of who you truly are and your place in society. Men and women cannot be equals; there is no such thing as balance in society. Let's be realistic.

AYOOLA

You are unbelievable, Femi. I don't believe you of all people would talk this way.

Mr F ABIOLA

You are responsible for your opinion of me. I did not plant them there. I'm just keeping it real and standing with the truth backed up by historical facts.

(He gets up to leave)

Simi, go home and be grateful he isn't taking a second wife or replacing you. Let him cheat! He is a man.

(He walks out of the scene)

AYOOLA

(She turns to Dr Shade)

Mummy, did you just listen to the nonsense coming out of your first son's mouth?

Dr SHADE

Let Femi be. He is entitled to his own opinions. Don't let it rub off on yours.

(She turns to Simi)

Don't mind your brother. Don't worry, I will talk to Kate about this.

Oya, wipe your tears.

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Mr Achebe walks into Lolade's room."

Mr ACHEBE

How are you feeling, my Vice President?

LOLADE

(She wears a smile)

I'm doing okay, Mr. President. Thank you for everything.

Mr ACHEBE

For?

LOLADE

I heard you've been here since Friday.

Mr ACHEBE

It's nothing, my dear.

We are family now; we must look out for one another.

LOLADE

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Mr ACHEBE

You are welcome.

LOLADE

Are you prepared for the swearing-in this Monday?

Mr ACHEBE

About that, don't you think we should do something to postpone it?

LOLADE

It's a day recognized by the law; we can't just tamper with it.

Mr ACHEBE

Well, the public understands your situation, and you have been all over the news. And of course, the last time I checked, the Baloguns can bend anything to align with their interest.

LOLADE

(She smiles)

I understand your concerns, Mr. President, but I'm fine and do not wish for the date to be tampered with.

Mr ACHEBE

Hmm, alright then.

_____________________________________

"Bisi laughs out loud as Nnamdi tells a joke to her."

NNAMDI

You have very unique cheeks, and I can't help but notice the deep dimples resting on both sides of them.

BISI

(She places both her hands on her face)

Thank you.

NNAMDI

Wait a minute, is she shy?

BISI

No, I'm not!

NNAMDI

Yes, you are.

BISI

I said I'm not.

NNAMDI

You can't even look into my eyes for a minute.

BISI

Oh yes, I can.

NNAMDI

Prove it.

BISI

Alright, I will.

(Clears throat)

I'm looking now.

(She gazes into his eyes.)

NNAMDI

(He pushes his face toward hers)

Those lips.

BISI

What?

NNAMDI

Shuuuuu.

(He places his right hand on her cheek.)

BISI

What about my...

(Nnamdi drops his lips on hers.)

"Adaobi walks into the room."

ADAOBI

Nnamdi, can you help me with....

(She gazes at the two adults engaging in a timeless moment)

Seriously?

BISI

(She pulls away from Nnamdi and turns to Adaobi)

It's not what you think.

ADAOBI

Whatever, I will pretend like I saw nothing.

(She walks away.)

_____________________________________

ECO HOTEL AND SUITES|

"Veronica walks into the suites."

VERONICA

Hello, Bayo.

It's been a while.

BAYO

How have you been?

(He offers her a seat.)

VERONICA

I'm good.

BAYO

That's good to know.

So, what would you like to drink?

VERONICA

Cut to the chase, Bayo.

We both know you didn't invite me here to dine with you.

BAYO

Hmm, alright, I will.

I can see you have become a well-renowned and established blogger with the blue tick.

VERONICA

What can I say, luck has been on my side.

(She crosses her right leg over her left.)

BAYO

(He sips his glass of whiskey.)

I have a job for you.

VERONICA

Interesting!

You have my attention.

BAYO

(He drops a brown envelope in front of her.)

Those are some pictures of my brother eating out and spending time with a maid at our residence.

VERONICA

(She pulls out the pictures from the envelope.)

And you want me to create a story about him having an affair with her?

BAYO

Exactly!

I want you to come up with a good, realistic story—one good enough to make him a liability to the company.

_____________________________________