|POETIC INTRO|
Time flies like a thief in the night
It thicks so loud in my head
The pressure for within is insane
My sanity is locked in my subconscious
As I wonder around my predicaments
Shall I speak to them or die with them?
Within me is a lot of love lost in lust
Inside of me is shame knitted in pain
Before is truth and death.
Shall scream for them to hear
Or lay and await the morning?
Nawa this matter don tire me.
___________________________________
|FLASH BACK|
|CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, LONDON|
"Robert picks up the glass of wine in front of him"
ROBERT:
I'm sorry about your loss, Chief.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Smiles at Robert)
Don't be.
I have always wanted better for Lolade.
ROBERT:
Don't you think that is too inhuman of you to say?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Don't you think you give too much credit to the dead? Let the dead, Robert. This is an opportunity to save your father's company.
ROBERT:
Hmm, are you sure about this?
Lolade may never forgive you if she finds out about this.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
We have never been in good terms, so what difference would it make?
I learned from my source that she is secretly aiding The AUG party, and you know what that means.
ROBERT:
Don't tell me you are scared of your own daughter?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I won't deny the fact that it disturbs me.
(Gets up from his seat)
ROBERT:
Why does it disturb you, Chief?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
She reminds me a lot of myself. Lolade has my kind of mind. She thinks like me. She's fearless and rootless. So I must keep her under my radar.
ROBERT:
How would making me her husband help you do this?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
You will be my eyes and ears. I want you to learn everything there is to know about her plans.
ROBERT:
Chief, I think you are taking this too far. At least we should let the poor woman grieve for a while.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Of course, she would have all the time in the world to do that. And you will be by her side to see her through it, and when the time is right, you will ease your way into her space.
ROBERT:
And if I do this, you will invest in Dad's company?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I will make your father's airline the number one in Africa.
ROBERT:
Let's do this.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
You have made the right decision, my boy. Although I must warn you. Lolade is a very special child, and as I said earlier, she is a replica of myself, so you must be careful. She must not find out about this.
_____________________________________
|PRESENT|
|FESTAC OIL AND GAS, HEAD QUARTERS|
"Robert sits opposite Chief Balogun"
CHIEF BALOGUN:
You shouldn't be here, Robert.
ROBERT:
Relax, Chief.
I was careful; nobody saw me come in.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I specifically told you we can only meet if it's very urgent.
ROBERT:
This is urgent, Chief.
(Drops a recording in front of Chief)
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Picks it up)
What is this?
ROBERT:
Enough evidence to take Lolade down. That is a live recording of my conversation with her earlier today. She confessed to all the crimes.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Wow, this is good.
Now we can carry out our plans.
ROBERT:
Exactly.
So what are your plans exactly, Chief?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
The less you know, the better.
ROBERT:
Alright, it's not like I care anyways. So I have fulfilled my part of the contract. I guess I can go back to my life now.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Hmm, would it hurt you to wait a little?
ROBERT:
What for?
I want my life back, Chief.
I am tired of this double life.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
You will get your life back when I permit you to. For now, stay put.
|Mr OBI's RESIDENCE|
"Temi gently opens her eyes"
MRS. OBI:
;Turns to Mr. Obi)
She's awake.
Mr. OBI:
(Sits at the edge of the bed)
How are you?
TEMI:
(Still struggling to regain full consciousness)
Where am I? Let me go, please let me go. I don't want to die.
(She cries out)
MRS. OBI:
Temi, look at me! You are safe.
TEMI:
(Recognizes Mr./Mrs. Obi)
Please let me go.
(Pulls away from them)
Mr. OBI:
Relax, Temi, you are safe.
TEMI:
No, I'm not. You and your son won't let me be. Help me! Somebody help me!
(She cries out)
Mr. OBI:
Temilade Balogun, stop screaming. Nobody will hear you. Don't you think if I was after you, you would be tied up? I saved you from my son.
TEMI:
Why should I believe you?
Mr. OBI:
Because I am going to let you walk out of here and go be with your family.
TEMI:
Then I want to go now.
(She gets up)
Mrs. OBI:
Temi, wait. First, we need to talk to you about our son.
Mr. OBI:
If you were very observant, you would notice he is not his usual self. Chidi is very sick.
TEMI:
I'm trying to figure out why you are telling me this. I do not care; I just want to go home.
Mr. OBI:
And you will, but first of all, you must do something for us.
TEMI:
What do you want from me?
Mrs. OBI:
You can't tell anyone about this, please. I know what my son did to you was very wrong.
TEMI:
Wrong? It was inhuman and wicked. A madman wouldn't even do that to me. Only God knows if my baby is okay because if he or she isn't, you and your family will pay with your lives.
Mr. OBI:
Your baby is fine. My doctor said you just have to be careful from now on. Temi, we are pleading with you. Keep this to yourself.
TEMI:
And if I don't?
Mr. OBI:
We will still let you go, but we are asking you as his parents to please do this for us. You saw Chidi, and you are a doctor, so you know all of his actions weren't normal.
Mrs.
OBI: Biko, we are pleading.
(She falls on her knees)
_____________________________________
|THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA|
"Kate walks into Lolade's Home office"
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Wow, my baby is finally living her dream life.
(Scans around the room)
So tell me, how does it feel?
LOLADE:
What are you doing here, Mum?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Is that your good morning? I trained you better than that, Lolade Balogun.
LOLADE:
I'm sorry. E kaaro, Ma.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Better, and you should offer me a seat. Don't be pompous; you are a Yoruba woman, and I'm your mother. I do not care if you are even the president of the world.
LOLADE:
I'm sorry, Mummy. Please sit down.
(Points at the chair opposite her)
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Then good.
(Sits down)
LOLADE:
So why are you here, Mum?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
I was in Abuja for business, so I saw it as an opportunity to see my daughter.
LOLADE:
Okay, but you should have called before coming.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
I will see you how and whenever I want, Lolade.
LOLADE:
Mummy, E jor. Abeg don't make this an issue. You know I didn't mean that in a bad way, neither was I trying to be disrespectful.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Whatever! So how are you?
LOLADE:
Very well, and you?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
I'm okay.
LOLADE:
That's good. What about that man you call your husband?
Mrs K BALOGUN:
You mean your father? He is well.
LOLADE:
Okay, that's good. An update on Temi's whereabouts?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Nothing yet.
LOLADE:
Alright, I have put together a team to look into it. I will do all I can to fix this.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
Alright, that's good.
LOLADE:
Yes, ma.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
So what are your plans?
LOLADE:
I have spoken to the DPO and other top investigators. So they will...
Mrs K BALOGUN:
I'm not talking about Temi; I am talking about Adebisi. You know she is coming for you, right?
LOLADE:
Let her come. She can't prove me guilty, so it would be a total waste of time.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
(Smiles and takes off her glasses)
Don't be too sure, Lolade. She may be calm about this, but trust me, she is coming for you, and if I were you, I would watch my back.
LOLADE:
Why are you telling me this? Is not like you care.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
If I don't care about you, I wouldn't be here warning you about her.
LOLADE:
If you did care about me, you wouldn't have saved Adebisi.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
Now you are blaming me for your mistakes?
(Gets up to leave)
Face the consequences of your actions, Lolade.
(Turns to leave)
LOLADE:
Why did you do it, Mum? I know you would have let her die if you wanted to.
Mrs K BALOGUN:
Because she was innocent; you had no reason to do that to her and your brother. I will be leaving now; please take care of yourself.
(Walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Awelle rushed to Temi as she walked into the house"
AWELLE:
Auntie Temi.
(Hugs her)
TEMI:
My love, how are you?
AWELLE:
I'm fine. Where have you been?
MARIA:
(Walks in)
Auntie Temi.
(Drops her phone on the couch and hugs Temi)
ONYINYE:
Bro Michael
(calls out to Michael).
"Michael rushes down the stairs"
MICHAEL:
What is it? Why are you screaming my name like I owe you a...
(lost in his own words as he gazes at Temi.)
My love.
(Pulls Temi to himself)
TEMI:
I missed you.
MICHAEL:
Where have you been? Did they hurt you?
(Scans through her body)
TEMI:
I'm fine, Michael.
MICHAEL:
No, you are not! What happened?
Who took you?
TEMI:
I don't know, Michael. I was blindfolded most of the time.
ONYINYE:
So how are you here?
TEMI:
An elderly man helped me escape.
MARIA:
Come and sit down, please.
(Assists Temi to the closest couch to her)
MICHAEL:
Are you sure you don't know who took you? We were suspecting that Dr. Chidi.
TEMI:
I don't know, Michael. I'm just glad that I and my baby are safe.
(Holds her tummy)
MICHAEL:
How about the elderly man that saved you? Can you recognize him?
TEMI:
No, I can't. I told you I was blindfolded most of the time. He just helped me because he saw that I was with a child.
MARIA:
I think we should let her rest for now. I will heat up some water so that you can have your bath.
(Rushes out of the scene)
ONYINYE:
Iwill inform Taiwo and others that you are home now. (Walks out of the scene)
MICHAEL:
My love, please don't ever do this to me again.
(Pulls her to himself)
TEMI:
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
I'm sorry, Michael.
MICHAEL:
It's okay, don't cry. Please, it's not your fault.
(Kisses her)
_____________________________________
|Mr. AYO BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Ayo walks into the dining table"
BAYO:
(Turns to Ayo)
Please sit.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
What is the problem, son? And why is she still here? (Turns to Bisola)
BAYO:
Dad, please, you can't throw Mum out.
I know what she did is wrong.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Wrong? It was inhuman! Your mother tried to take my own life. Don't you get it, Bayo? Don't fall for these crocodile tears. Trust me, I would run away from her if I were you.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, Ejor. Please, I'm sorry; it was all your sister's plan. She is responsible for this. I did not want to get involved in her plans.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
But you did, and you kept it all from me. You are the worst thing that has ever happened to me, Bisola. You are worse than the serpent that God cursed in the garden of Eden. I so much despise you.
BAYO:
Dad, that's okay, please. She's human too, you can't say all these things to her.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Turns to Bayo)
Stay out of this, Bayo. Don't say I didn't warn you. If you love her so much, then you can leave with her. I don't care; I just want her out of my house and my life.
(Turns to Bisola)
You have till the end of the day to sign those papers, or you will see a side of me you will regret your whole life.
BAYO:
Dad!
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, please hear me out.
"Ayo's phone beeps"
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Picks up his phone)
Wow.
(Turns to Bayo)
Your sister is back.
BAYO:
Are you serious?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Yes, I will be going there now. Take care.
(Walks out of the scene)
Mrs B BALOGUN:
(Turns to Bayo)
Please talk to your father for me, son.
BAYO:
Mum, I will do my best, but for now, I think you may have to leave at least to calm him down.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Hmm, I understand. Are you going to see Temi too?
BAYO:
Yes, but first, I would have to pick Chike and Ken.
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Alright, please help me talk to her and beg her to come and see me.
BAYO:
Hmm, I will try, but I can't promise.
_____________________________________
| PEAK HIGH SCHOOL, ABUJA|
"Adaora drives into Adaobi's School"
ADAORA:
(Turns off the engine and turns to Adaobi)
Remember what I told you. Behave yourself; I don't want to hear that you got into trouble this time around.
ADAOBI:
Yes, ma, I have heard you. Thank you.
(Hugs Adaora)
ADAORA:
What was that for?
ADAOBI:
For looking out for me. If not for you, maybe I wouldn't have gone to school today.
(Looks down)
ADAORA:
Hey, look at me.
(Adaobi turns to her)
I know your mum has neglected you for a while, and that brother of yours only cares about himself.
ADAOBI:
(Chuckles)
He is your brother too, you know, right?
ADAORA:
Whatever. I love you, and I want the best for you. If you do well in this your final year, I promise to convince your mum to let you go to London for your Degree as you have always desired.
ADAOBI:
Are you serious?
Thank you.
(Hugs Adaora)
ADAORA:
You are welcome, my love.
Oya, start going; you are late already.
ADAOBI:
Alright.
(Opens the door)
ADAORA:
Don't forget your sports kit in the trunk.
ADAOBI:
Alright.
(Screams out and falls on the ground)
ADAORA:
(Rushes out of the car)
What is it? Why are you screaming?
(Adobi trembles as she points at the trunk)
ADAOBI:
(Falls on the ground as she caught sight of Mr. Tanko's corpse in the trunk)
Oh my God.
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Chike picks Awelle from the ground"
AWELLE:
Oya, turn me around. Now.
CHIKE:
Say please.
AWELLE:
No.
CHIKE:
Then I'm dropping you now.
AWELLE:
No, oya, please.
TAIWO:
(Hugs Temi)
I missed you, big time.
TEMI:
I missed you, my love. What really happened between both of you?
(Switches eyes between Bayo and Taiwo)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Your brothers fought over Simi again.
OLAMIDE:
Taiwo threatened Simi with a gun, and Bayo tried to stop him.
BISI:
And shut Taiwo in the presence. Can you imagine how foolish Bayo can be?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
That doesn't mean Taiwo is a saint. He is to blame for what happened to him too.
TEMI:
I believe so too.
BAYO:
I have apologized for what I did a million times. What do you guys want from me again?
TAIWO:
(Gets up)
I will be in the living room.
BAYO:
Now he is avoiding me.
TAIWO:
(Turns to Bayo)
I have nothing to say to you, Bayo.
(Walks out of the room.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Gazes at Temi)
Ifemi, I have to be on my way now. I have a meeting to attend, and I'm late already.
TEMI:
Alright, Dad, I understand. Please take care.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
I should be saying that to you. Come here.
(Kisses her on the forehead)
_____________________________________
"Bisi walks into the living room"
BISI:
(Sits beside Taiwo)
Hey, are you alright?
TAIWO:
Yeah, I'm good.
(Picks up one of Maria's novels on the glass table) How about you?
You looked disturbed.
BISI:
I'm fine.
TAIWO:
I'm not the kind to push further, but I'm forced to compromise, so I will ask again. What is the problem?
BISI:
I don't know, Taiwo. I'm just confused about something.
TAIWO:
Hmm, and what would that be?
BISI:
I can't tell you, and I wish I could. Although I want to ask some questions.
TAIWO:
Okay. What is it?
BISI:
Do you think my Mom is responsible for what happened to your Mum?
TAIWO:
We both know the answer to that question, Bisi.
BISI:
Hmm, suppose she is, how does it make you feel?
TAIWO:
I don't know. But definitely not happy.
BISI:
Supposing you were me and you learned all of it is true, what would you do?
TAIWO:
Hmm, that is a very sensitive question, and I have no answer to that, but I know deep within us, we all know what is right and wrong.
BISI:
I'm confused, Taiwo.
TAIWO:
We all are, Bisi. Although our circumstances differ. Do what is best for you. Whatever gives you peace and balances your conscience.
BISI:
Hmm, alright. Thank you.
TAIWO:
For what?
BISI:
For hearing me out.
TAIWO:
(Smiles)
You are welcome.
BISI:
Can I hug you?
TAIWO:
Do you even have to ask?
(Pulls Bisi to himself)
_____________________________________
|GOVERNORS OFFICE, IKEJA|
"Femi walks towards Ayo"
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Ayo, please, you have to do this for me.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Do you even understand what you are asking me to do?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
It's simple, Ayo. Just find a way to get Simi out of that place. We both know with your family connections, you can.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
I am not denying the fact that I can help you. But I won't. Simi killed a woman that is like a mother to me. Do you know what her actions have cost us? I have been trying so hard to get my sons to find common ground, but with what happened with Simi, we both know it's never going to happen.
Mr. F ABIOLA:
I know, Ayo, but please. Do you know what this is doing to our public image? This can even affect our administration.
Mr A BALOGUN:
I am very aware of that, but still, I can't do what you ask of me. I can't betray Nanny like that. Do you know how my poor granddaughter is feeling right now? I saw her today, and indeed, she has lost a lot of weight.
Mr F ABIOLA:
If you do not help me, Ayo, I will find an alternative that might not be pleasant to you.
Mr A BALOGUN:
Is that a threat or what?
Mr F ABIOLA:
No, it isn't. I'm just letting you know that at this point, I will do anything to get my sister out of that place.
Mr A BALOGUN:
Fine, this is what I can do for you. I will use my resources to change the narrative of what is happening right now. We will make the public believe it is all a rumor, and if I can, I will get her a house arrest permit or some special treatment and privileges while she is behind bars. What do you think about that?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
I don't know. My Mother may not like that idea. She just wants her out of there. But I understand that your hands are tied, Ayo, and I appreciate you.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Thank you, Femi, and I so much wish I could help.
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Bayo sits beside Temi"
TEMI:
Bayo, I can't promise you anything. Mum deserves all that is coming to her right now. Honestly, I support Dad. And I won't feel guilty about that.
KEN:
But at least you should go see her na. Your Mum is really going through a lot.
TEMI:
I don't want to. I can't even stand her presence. I can't believe she did all those things.
OLAMIDE:
I understand you, Temi. When you are ready, you should go see her, but don't force it.
TEMI:
Thank you, Olamide.
BAYO:
(Turns to Olamide)
What is wrong with you, bro? Can't you see I'm trying to fix something here?
OLAMIDE:
You can't fix this, Bayo. Temi is an adult; let her make up her mind.
KEN:
Hmm.
CHIKE:
(Drops Awelle on the ground)
I'm with Olamide on this. We shouldn't pressure her.
BAYO:
(Turns to Temi)
Hmm, alright. I have to go now. Please think about what I have said. And where is that boyfriend of yours? Shouldn't he be taking care of you?
TEMI:
Michael went out to get something.
BAYO:
You know I blame him for what happened to you.
KEN:
Bayo, let that man be.
How is he to blame?
OLAMIDE:
(Turns to Bayo)
We get that you don't like him, but don't put this on the innocent dude.
BAYO:
Whatever.
I have to go now.
(Kisses Temi on the cheek)
Please take care of yourself.
TEMI:
You too.
_____________________________________
|GENERAL ABIOLA's RESIDENCE|
"Femi walks into the residence"
Dr. SHADE:
How did it go?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Mummy, let me rest, please.
AYOOLA:
I don't understand? Abeg tell us how it went, jor. Which one is we should let you rest.
GEN ABIOLA:
Were you able to talk to your friend?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Yes, Dad.
Dr. SHADE:
How did it go?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Didn't go as expected, Mum. He gave his reasons why he can't help us, and I understand him. I even threatened to get help somewhere else, and that didn't work. He said he could only ensure she got some special treatment or maybe a house arrest.
GEN ABIOLA:
That is good, at least she will feel better.
Dr. SHADE:
How is that good?
I just want my daughter out of there.
AYOOLA:
We must find a way to get her out of there, Dad.
GEN ABIOLA:
(Gets up to leave)
I will try and talk to Chief about this and see if he can help us.
Dr. SHADE:
Better do all, there wouldn't be peace in this house.
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Calm down, Mum. We are doing all we can to get her out of there.
AYOOLA:
What if we seek help somewhere else?
Mr. F ABIOLA:
This is a high-profile case involving the Baloguns; we can't get her out of there without involving a Balogun.
AYOOLA:
I know, am not saying we should exclude them, but we can try a different source.
Dr. SHADE:
And who would that be?
AYOOLA:
Don't freak out, please. How about we get through to Lolade Balogun? She is the president, and with her position, we can get her out of there.
Mr. F ABIOLA:
Do you want to die, Ayoola? That would get us on Chief's bad side, and trust me, it wouldn't be good.
Dr. SHADE:
If that is the only way to get her out of there, then we must risk it.
AYOOLA:
Exactly, Simi is worth it.
GEN ABIOLA:
That's enough. Nobody should go anywhere near Lolade. Stay put, I will handle this.
____________________________________
|UNKNOW LOCATION|
"Mrs Adesoji walks in"
Mrs. ADESOJI:
How is it going?
MANE:
Madam, e nor gree talk oh. I am not sure say this guy knows anything.
BQU:
Me too.
We do beat my tire but still nothing.
Mrs. ADESOJI:
I will take it from here.
(Walks into the room)
Hello, Bright.
Dr BRIGHT:
(Manages to open his swollen eyes to know who it is) Ma, why are you doing this to me?
(Spits out blood from his mouth)
Mrs ADESOJI:
Just tell me the truth, Bright. Did my son have anything to do with Stella's death?
Dr BRIGHT:
As I said earlier to those men, I don't know. I see no reason why Tony will harm his own sister.
Mrs ADESOJI:
Hmm, and you are sure about this?
Dr BRIGHT:
Yes, ma.
Mrs ADESOJI:
(Smiles at Bright)
Alright. But I do not believe you.
(Picks up the heated red iron adjacent to where Bright is kneeling)
Maybe this will make you tell me what you know. First, I will start by burning one of your eyes.
(Brings the hot iron close to his eyes)
Dr BRIGHT:
I have told you, ma. I don't know. Please don't do this.
Mrs ADESOJI:
Just tell me what you know.
(Pushes the hot iron into his left eye)
Dr BRIGHT:
Ahhhhhh!!!!
(Screams out loud)
Mrs ADESOJI:
Are you ready to talk now, or you don't mind losing a testicle?
Dr BRIGHT:
(Falls to the ground)
I have told you, ma. I don't know.
(Cries out)
Mrs ADESOJI:
Hmm, you know what? I think I will try something different. Instead of hurting you, why don't I do that to your only son?
Oh, you thought I wouldn't find out? I will pluck out his organs one after the other, and after that, I will go after your baby mama.
Dr BRIGHT:
I have no idea about what you are talking about.
Mrs ADESOJI:
So you do not know a young beautiful girl named Gladys who lives in Ajah with your son, Patrick? Hmm, alright, I shall deliver their corpses to you before the sun rises.
Dr BRIGHT:
Please don't hurt my family.
Mrs. ADESOJI:
(Smiles at Bright)
Too late, my friend.
(Turns to leave)
Dr BRIGHT:
Fine! Yes, Tony killed Stella alongside one of your men. He was the one who buried them to keep the truth from you. Stella was going to reveal his secret.
MRS. ADESOJI
(Chuckles)
Hmm, Nawa