|POETIC INTRO|
As it goes around, so it comes around
As e dey sweet us, e dey pain them
They did this to themselves
As stunning as Sleeping Beauty was,
She was nothing without his kiss.
For vanity they preyed us, forgetting unto dust they shall return
Even with gold wrapped around her fingers
And the diamond resting on her chest,
The creatures of Mother Earth will feed on her flesh
Frustrations are a function of our expectations
Just as actions are a function of our intentions
They died frustrated because they ran from her existence
It's all inside out!
It can not be outside-in
You stop living the moment you expect not death but life!
"The source of our unhappiness is deeply rooted in the core of our expectations"
___________________________________
|LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE1|
"Bisola paces along the open space in Lolade's Home Office"
LOLADE:
(Gazes at Bisola)
You know worrying won't solve this, right?
BISOLA:
(Stops and turns to Lolade)
I can't help but worry, Lolade! If I were you, I would worry too.
LOLADE:
(Wears a smile)
Why?
BISOLA:
(Walks towards where Lolade is seated)
Are you seriously asking me that question? It's been two days! Two days, Lolade! Adebisi has been mute about the whole incident. Which means her plans are big and it scares me.
(Seats opposite Lolade)
LOLADE:
Or she has no clue that we did that to her.
BISOLA:
What if she does?
LOLADE:
Can she prove it?
"Kate walks into the office."
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Yes, she can, Lolade, and if I were you, I would be scared! Very scared.
LOLADE:
Hmm, are you here to threaten me or put it in my face that you planned all of this?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Oh, so it's my fault that the person you thought you killed didn't just survive but is aware that you did that to her?
LOLADE:
You saved her, mother. I can't think of any reasonable reason why you did that when you fully knew that this could put me behind bars and ruin my plans!
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Don't blame me for your mistake, Lolade Esther Balogun. You did this to yourself.
(Turns to Bisola)
Both of you! If I were you, I would be so scared because I tried to stop her from taking actions, but Adebisi is strong-headed. Trust me, she is coming for you.
(Turns to leave)
LOLADE:
So you came here to tell your only daughter to prepare to die or rot in jail. What kind of a mother are you? Come to think of this, I blame you and Dad for putting me in such a tight spot.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
(Turns to Lolade)
Oh, please, Lolade, grow up! Nobody put a gun to your head and forced you to hurt Ayo and his wife. Own up to your mistakes. I might not have been the best mother to you, but I didn't raise you to be this bitter to the point that you would take your brother and his wife's life all because of money and power. (She walks out of the office)
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Bayo walks into Taiwo's room"
BAYO:
Hey, how are you feeling?
TAIWO:
What are you doing here?
Leave, please.
BAYO:
Look, Taiwo, I just want to talk.
TAIWO:
Well, I do not want to talk to you. How could you, Bayo? I know you despise me, but how could you do that to Nanny? All because of your obsession with Simi.
BAYO:
Don't blame this on me, Taiwo. We both know you would have killed Simi if that would have stopped her from leaving.
TAIWO:
Have you gazed at yourself in the mirror lately? You are so absorbed in your darkness that you feel everything and everyone around you is the same.
BAYO:
Don't you dare judge me, Taiwo. We both know this was an incident, and all of this wouldn't be happening if you hadn't cheated on Simi.
TAIWO:
Just get out, Bayo. I'm not pressing charges against you if that is what you are scared of. Simi has been apprehended, that is all I care about.
BAYO:
You think you are any different from her? You did this to her, Taiwo.
TAIWO:
I cheated, Bayo! I didn't kill an innocent sixty-eight-year-old woman. I didn't take a soul and would never do that. I don't know if you have, but we both know you can.
"Onyinye walks into the room with Taiwo's medicine."
ONYINYE:
Hey, Taiwo, it's time for your medications.
"Bayo walks out of the room."
TAIWO:
(Takes the glass of water and pills from Onyinye)
Why haven't you left for school?
ONYINYE:
Things ain't serious over there yet, and I can't leave Maria behind. She's my other half, so I promised myself that I must go back with her when she's ready.
TAIWO:
(Swallows the drugs)
How is she doing?
ONYINYE:
Better than yesterday and the day before.
(Takes the glass from her)
TAIWO:
You are lying.
ONYINYE:
She will be fine.
For now, worry about yourself.
TAIWO:
Where is Michael?
I need to know everything about Temi's adoption.
ONYINYE:
He left with your Dad to see a private investigator. (She gets up to leave)
You need rest, Taiwo. You are still recovering.
____________________________________
|POLICE STATION, (DETENTION CENTER), IKEJA|
"Tears rolled down Dr. Shade's Cheeks as she gazed at the handcuffs around Simi's wrist"
Dr. SHADE:
My baby girl.
(She hugs Simi)
SIMI:
(She cries out)
I'm sorry, Mum.
Dr. SHADE:
It's fine, my love. Don't worry; we are doing everything to get you out of here.
AYOOLA:
(Sits opposite Simi)
How are you?
SIMI:
I'm okay. Thank you, Sister Ayoola. I know you did everything to protect me from this.
AYOOLA:
But your foolishness landed you back here.
Dr. SHADE:
Don't say that to your sister, Ayoola.
AYOOLA:
It's the truth, Mum. She would be out of the country by now if she had only listened to me.
Dr. SHADE:
That's enough, Ayoola. If you came here to scold her, please leave.
SIMI:
How is Daddy?
Dr. SHADE:
Your Father is fine.
AYOOLA:
He is just too sad to see you; that is why he isn't here with us.
Dr. SHADE:
Ayoola!
AYOOLA:
What is it, Mummy? She has to know how her actions have affected all of us. To the point that Adeola keeps bugging my phone every day.
Dr. SHADE:
He is her brother, so he has every right to be worried about her.
AYOOLA:
If he does care, he should come see her himself.
Dr. SHADE:
You know how the military works, Ayoola; he can't just leave his responsibilities there.
SIMI:
How is Bro, Adeola?
AYOOLA:
Are you asking me that stupid question?
Dr. SHADE:
Ayoola, take it easy on her. She's going through a lot already.
AYOOLA:
But she wouldn't if she had listened to me. All of this wouldn't have happened if you had all listened to me. Marrying her off to a man who clearly doesn't love her would yield nothing positive, but una nor hear me. You all think money is everything. Now look where we are. E nor make sense na.
_____________________________________
|Mrs ADESOJI, VICTORIA ISLAND|
"Tony walks into Mrs. Adesoji's home office"
TONY:
You sent for me, Mum. Is everything alright?
Mrs. ADESOJI:
Sit down!
(Points at the chair opposite her)
TONY:
This looks serious.
What is it, Mum?
Mrs. ADESOJI:
I am not comfortable asking you this question, but I will not because I should, but because I want to. And don't you dare lie to me, Antony Adesoji.
TONY:
What is it? Ask!
Mrs. ADESOJI:
Were you involved in the death of your sister?
TONY:
(Takes off his glasses)
What is wrong with the people I'm living with? First, it was a clueless son, Daniel, now it's you.
Mrs. ADESOJI:
Answer the question, Tony! Don't play games with me.
TONY:
Mother!
Mrs. ADESOJI:
(She snaps)
Were you involved? Answer the question! I have the right to know about this. You should tell me if you were involved.
TONY:
No, I wasn't! And I can't believe you would ask me such a ridiculous question. Why would I take the life of my own sister?
(Gets up to leave)
Mrs. ADESOJI:
I will ask for the last time.
TONY:
Are you serious?
Mrs. ADESOJI:
Did you have anything to do with your late sister's death?
TONY:
You know what? I'm out of here. I don't blame you at all.
(Turns to leave)
Mrs. ADESOJI:
I would understand if it was a mistake, Tony. All I want is the truth. Tell me the truth if you know something that I don't.
(Tony walks towards the door)
God help you that I don't find out that you had anything to do with this.
TONY:
(Walks towards Mrs. Adesoji angrily)
Look, woman, I said I had nothing to do with it. What part of that don't you get?
Mrs. ADESOJI:
If you say! But if you do!
(Gently places her left hand on his chest)
I will come for you! Not as a son who took his sister's life but as a traitor who took my daughter's life. And just so you know, you don't walk out on me when I'm talking. You are nothing without me, keep that in your head.
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
|CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Dr Akande walks into Chiefs Office"
Dr. AKANDE:
E ka a ale, Williams.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Bawo ni?
Dr. AKANDE:
Iberu.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Why? Kilode?
Dr. AKANDE:
You shouldn't be asking me this question. Are you not aware that there is a lot going among the table members?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
What happened?
Dr AKANDE:
Your daughter has caused a division in our camp. She's taking advantage of her position as president.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Acting president!
Dr AKANDE:
Don't you get it, Williams? It doesn't matter.
She is the president, our president. She will complete her four-year tenure, and from the look of things, she will most likely be there for another eight years. I know it's hard to admit, but your daughter is a threat to your legacy.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Chuckles)
Are you serious? So I should be crying or be scared like you are?
Dr AKANDE:
I'm wondering why you find this amusing? I know you have never been scared of anything in your life. But...
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Exactly! So I will deal with this the usual way.
Dr AKANDE:
Fine! But whatever you are going to do, you have to do it immediately or you might just happen to be looking for your place at the table.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Hmm, so it's that serious?
Dr AKANDE:
More than you can imagine, Williams. We have to act now! We are losing control over the table.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Hmm, then I guess it's time.
Dr AKANDE:
Time for what?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
This.
(Drops a flash drive in front of Dr. Akande.)
Take this.
Dr. AKANDE:
What's this?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
The less you know, the better.
Dr. AKANDE:
What am I to do with this?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Get this to all major national broadcasting stations. I have an arrangement with them already, so they will understand once you give this to them.
Dr. AKANDE:
(Gaze at the flash drive)
What are you planning? What is in here?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Solutions to our pressing problems. You know I don't like questions, Akande. Just do what I have asked of you.
Dr. AKANDE:
Hmm, alright, I will. So what's the update on Temilade?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Temilade is not my problem anymore. She chose her side, so let them find her themselves.
Dr AKANDE:
Williams, don't talk like this. We both know you love Temilade more than any of your grandchildren. She's the apple of your eyes. You can't just turn your back on her just because she was rebellious. She's still your flesh and blood.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Worry about what is important right now. Deliver the flash drive as soon as possible. Have a good day.
_____________________________________
|Mr A BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Bisola walks into Ayo's Chamber"
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, can we talk?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
There is nothing to talk about, Bisola.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
What do you mean by that?
(Walks towards Ayo, who seemed to be putting some documents in an envelope.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
I don't have anything to say to you, Bisola, and I don't want anything from you. Take this.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
(Takes the envelope from Ayo)
What is this?
(Opens it.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
I want a divorce, please sign that.
(Turns to leave.)
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
After everything I have done for you, Ayo?
This is how you repay me.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Snaps, pushes the glass table in front of him to the ground)
How dare you say that to me? After you attempted to take my life and that of my life.
(Grips her neck)
I have tried to tolerate you for so long. How could you have done this to me?
(Pushes her to the ground.)
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, it's not what you think. I can explain myself, please.
(Wraps her hands around his legs.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Pulls her away from himself)
Just go, Bisola. You are worse than the devil.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, please I didn't mean to. That was Lolade's plan. She planned all this, I swear.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
You should be ashamed of yourself. How have you managed to sleep at night all these years? Even the devil would feel haunted by this.
"Bayo walks into the room."
BAYO:
What's happening here?
(Turns to Bisola)
Mum, why are you on the floor?
(Walks towards her.)
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Help me beg your father.
BAYO:
Why? What happened? Did he hit you?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Tell your mother to sign those papers and I give her twenty-four hours to leave my house.
(Turns to leave.)
BAYO:
Why? Because your other wife is alive?
Why are you so heartless, father?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Shut your mouth! You have no right to question my actions. Mother has caused me unimaginable pain. How can a woman who claims to love me try to get rid of me and Adebisi? Your mother wanted us dead, Bayo.
BAYO:
Dad, please, you can't do this. She's still your wife.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Not any longer. I am tired and fed up.
(Turns to Bisola)
Sign those papers if you love your life. Rubbish! (Walks out of the room.)
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Bayo, please help me beg him. Your father cannot abandon me; I won't let him.
BAYO:
Calm down, Mum. Pull yourself together; everything will be fine. I will talk to him. Don't sign this. By the way, did you confess your involvement?
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
He already knew, Bayo. There is no way I could deny it.
_____________________________________
|LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE 1|
"Robert walks into Lolade's home office"
LOLADE:
Good morning.
ROBERT:
Can we talk?
LOLADE:
Can't it wait? I have to be in Abuja in a few hours from now.
(Turns to leave.)
ROBERT:
No, it can't.
LOLADE:
(Turns to Robert)
What is it? Please be fast with it.
ROBERT:
Why didn't you tell me?
LOLADE:
Tell me what?
"Bisi approaches the door but stops to eavesdrop on their conversation."
ROBERT:
That you had something to do with the accident that happened years ago, the one that should have taken the life of your brother and Adebisi?
LOLADE:
That was a long time ago, and you were not in my life.
ROBERT:
I'm present now, and I have been present for a while. You had all this time to spill.
LOLADE:
Is this really important to you? It happened in the past; let it go, Robert. Besides, it seemed my plans failed.
(Turns to leave.)
ROBERT:
Are you not afraid?
LOLADE:
(Turns to Robert)
Should I be?
ROBERT:
I would if I were you. This could really complicate things for you. I can also see you are trying to double-cross Chief to take over the table.
LOLADE:
(Walks towards Robert)
Power comes with a price. I can't be stopped now; I won't be stopped. Whatever game they are playing, I prepared for it.
ROBERT:
I know, but I am just scared for you. I do not want to lose you.
(Places his hands on her cheeks.)
LOLADE:
(Smiles)
Worry not, my beloved. I will be fine.
(Walks out of the room.)
_____________________________________
"Bisi rushes into Olamide's room"
OLAMIDE:
What is your problem? Can't you knock?
BISI:
Olamide, I have to tell you something. Please don't freak out.
OLAMIDE:
What is it?
BISI:
I wanted to discuss something with Mom a while ago, and I accidentally eavesdropped on her conversation with Robert.
OLAMIDE:
Please, I'm not interested in any form of gossip, Bisi. I have to go to prepare for work; I'm already late.
BISI:
Listen to me, Olamide; this isn't gossip.
OLAMIDE:
Oh God! Just let me be, Bisi.
OLAMIDE:
Mom was behind the accident?
OLAMIDE:
(Turns to Bisi)
What accident?
BISI:
The one that was supposed to kill Uncle Ayo and Auntie Adebisi.
OLAMIDE:
Bisi, it's too early to play games.
BISI:
I'm serious! Robert asked her why she never told him about it, then she said she never saw the need.
OLAMIDE:
Bisi, please tell me you are joking.
BISI:
I wish I was, but I know what I heard.
OLAMIDE:
I know Mom never got along with Uncle Ayo, but the thought of getting rid of him is something extreme.
BISI:
(Sits on the bed)
What do we do about this? Why would she want to harm Uncle Ayo and Auntie Adebisi? It's unfair.
OLAMIDE:
It's simple. Keep it to yourself. You can't tell anyone about this.
BISI:
What do you mean?
If we do that, it means we are helping her cover up the crime.
OLAMIDE:
And if we spill, it means we will be sending our own mother to jail. She is about to reap the fruit of her labor. She is the first female to become the president of Nigeria. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be the guy that takes all of that from her.
BISI:
I still can't believe she did that.
OLAMIDE:
Hmm, same here. But power and money bring out the demons in human nature.
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Ayo wrap his arms around Adebisi"
Mr. A BALOGUN:
So what are your plans?
ADEBISI:
It's simple! We wait for your father to leak the AUG secret documents and that of your sister. I will bring them down without moving an inch.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Thank you.
ADEBISI:
(Turns to Ayo)
For what?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
For not resorting to violence. I can only imagine the pain you must have been in. But yet you are so strong and still the same woman I fell in love with.
ADEBISI:
You are welcome, my love.
(She drops her head on his chest)
"Taiwo walks into the office"
TAIWO:
Both of you should get a room, please.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Last time I checked, this is your mother's office so we can do whatever we want in it.
ADEBISI:
Why are you here? You should be resting.
(Assists him in sitting down)
TAIWO:
I'm fine.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
No, you are not.
TAIWO:
I'm just worried about Temilade. What is the update?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Nothing yet, son.
TAIWO:
What about that Dr. Chidi? He should be brought in for questioning. I'm very certain he had something to do with this.
ADEBISI:
Certainly, he does because he is missing according to the police; his parents are currently searching for him. They have declared him missing.
TAIWO:
That can't be a coincidence. It's obvious he has something to do with this, and Mr. Obi knows more than he claims he does.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Relax, son. We will get to the bottom of this.
TAIWO:
We have to act fast, Dad, and she's pregnant. Only God knows if she's okay.
(Gets up to leave)
ADEBISI:
Where are you going?
TAIWO:
I want to take a walk. I'm bored.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
You should be resting, Taiwo.
ADEBISI:
Exactly! Sit down.
(She pulls him back to the chair)
_____________________________________
"Michael walks into Awelle's room"
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
(Assists Awelle in wearing her clothes)
Any update?
MICHAEL:
(Sits on the bed)
Nothing yet.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Everything will be fine.
MICHAEL:
I'm worried, Mama. We don't even have a clue on how she's doing or who took her, nothing, Mama.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
(Sits beside Michael)
I know, son, and I understand how you feel, but you have to be strong for her and the baby. Although you can't help but worry, we both know worrying can't solve this.
AWELLE:
Daddy, where is Auntie Temi?
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Auntie Temi traveled; she will be back soon.
AWELLE:
Okay. I miss her.
(Picks up her teddy bear)
MICHAEL:
Come here.
(Pulls Awelle to himself)
Don't worry; she is coming very soon.
AWELLE:
Can't we call her? I want to talk to her.
Mrs. ADEBAYO:
Where she is, she can't take calls. Don't worry; she will be back soon.
AWELLE:
Okay. If you say so.
_____________________________________
| A SECRET HIDE OUT|
"Mr Tanko gently opened his swollen eyes as blood kept coming out of his mind"
Mr. TANKO:
Please, let me go. I swear I will disappear.
CHIBUIKE:
(Sits opposite Mr. Tanko as he lights a cigar) Obviously, you would. But you really have guts. You went and joined Adaora, even though you knew I'd normally deal with your mistake. You're not wise at all.
Mr. TANKO:
I'm sorry. Please let me go. I swear I will find a way to give you the company.
CHIBUIKE:
Hmm.
Mrs. ACHEBE:
(Moves closer to him)
What were you thinking?
That you would get away with this?
CHIBUIKE:
I'm sorry, ma. I was just fulfilling my boss's wishes.
Mrs. ACHEBE:
Your boss is dead. Now you work for me. Do you understand?
Mr. TANKO:
Yes, I understand. Just let me go.
CHIBUIKE:
(Turns to one of the bodyguards)
Untie him.
Mr. TANKO:
Thank you, sir.
Mrs. ACHEBE:
You know what? I changed my mind.
(She points a gun at Mr. Tanko)
Mr. TANKO:
Ahh, ma, please. I'll do everything you want me to do. I have a family to take care of. My wife just gave birth. Please, ma.
CHIBUIKE:
(Turns to Mrs. Tanko)
Mum, what are you doing? This is not what we agreed on. No killing.
Mrs. ACHEBE:
(Turns to Chibuike)
I said I changed my mind.
(She pulls the trigger)
"Mr. Tanko falls to the ground with a bullet right in the middle of his forehead."
CHIBUIKE:
(Gazes at the blood pouring out of Mr Tanko's head)
Mother! How could you do this?
Mrs. ACHEBE:
(Turns to the bodyguards)
Get rid of his body.
(Walks out of the scene)
_____________________________________
|A REMOTE VILLA, APAPA, LAGOS|
"Temilade manages to free herself as she cut into her skin with a broken bottle"
TEMI:
Oh God. What do I do?
"Dr. Chidi walks into the room"
Dr. CHIDI:
How are you?
TEMI:
Let me go, Chidi. Please, I haven't had my bath for days.
Dr. CHIDI:
You are mine, Temilade. This is our home. After I get rid of that child
(points at her stomach)
Then we will make many children together.
(Smiles at her)
TEMI:
You don't look well, Chidi.
Dr. CHIDI:
I'm fine. Don't worry about me, my love.
(Walks out of the room)
"Temi immediately loosens the rope around her hands and legs and dashes outside. Dr. Chidi walks back into the room, only to see that she has found a safe haven. He chases after her."
TEMI:
Ahh!
(Temi screams as she falls to the ground and goes unconscious)
_____________________________________
|FESTAC OIL AND GAS, HEAD QUARTERS|
"Someone knocks on Chief's door"
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Come in.
(He picks up his suit to leave.)
I am about to leave. Whatever you have for me, drop them on my desk.
(Assumes it was his secretary, only to be surprised by who it was.)
ROBERT:
Mr. Williams.
(Smiles at Chief.)
CHIEF BALOGUN:
What are you doing here? You know this is dangerous. We only meet when it's very important. We shouldn't be seen together.
ROBERT:
Relax. This is important.
(Sits down.)
CHIEF BALOGUN:
What is it?
ROBERT:
(Drops a voice recording on Chief's table.)
New evidence that proves Lolade's involvement in your son and daughter-in-law's attempted murder.
___________________________________