Chereads / Behind Bars / Chapter 9 - Episode 7(Overdose)

Chapter 9 - Episode 7(Overdose)

EXT. WINNER ACADEMY, FRONT OF THE SCHOOL COMPOUND.

"Mrs. Iwebema sees the minister off."

MINISTER

(Turns to Mrs. Iwebema)

It was nice visiting your school today.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I can't thank you enough, Minister and I am hoping you visit us again.

MINISTER

Of course, I would like to.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I also hope you consider transferring your daughter here.

MINISTER

As I promised, I do all I can to convince my wife.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Thank you, Minister.

MINISTER

It's nothing.

Before I forget, I will have my bank transfer some money to the school account I am happy with what I have seen here, and I want to support it.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Thank you, sir, we appreciate your continuous support.

"Miss Kate rushes into the scene and whispers into Mrs. Iwebema's right ear. Mrs. Iwebema turns to Kate in surprise."

MINISTER

Is everything okay my principal?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Wears a smile and turns to the minister)

Everything is fine, Minister.

My regards to your wife.

MINISTER

Alright, I will take my leave now.

(Adjusts his Agbada and climbs into his Mercedes-Maybach)

"Mrs. Iwebema turns to Miss Kate immediately after the Minister's convoy was out of sight."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Where is she?

MISS KATE

She has been taken to the hospital, Ma'am.

"Mrs. Iwebema walks into the school building and goes towards the female restroom."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

This isn't good.

Are there any witnesses?

MISS KATE

We don't know yet I and some of the other teachers found students gathering there so we....

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Interrupts Miss Kate)

Can you give an account of the students you met at the scene of the incident?

MISS KATE

Yes, Ma'am.

"Mrs. Iwebema walks into her office."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Alright, I want their names on my desk by the time I return.

(Picks up her bag)

MISS KATE

One more thing, ma'am.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

What is it, Miss Kate?

MISS KATE

Your son was one of them.

"Mrs. Iwebema appears speechless."

"Dr. Ike walks into the office"

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Turns to Dr. Ike)

Dr. IKE, what the hell is going on in my school?

Why would you send a student to the hospital without my consent?

Dr. IKE

Because it was necessary, Ma'am.

This was bigger than us, trust me.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I do not pay you to tell me what is bigger than me or not!

Dr. IKE

She had no pulse, Ma'am.

Plus, she seemed to be on...

(Breaths heavily)

Mrs. IWEBEMA

What?

Speak to me, Dr. Ike!

Don't test my patience.

Dr. IKE

I will tell you, Ma'am, but first I suggest we talk about this in private.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Hmm, fine.

(Turns to Miss. Kate)

Miss Kate, please leave us.

MISS KATE

I will get the list to your table before you return ma'am.

"Miss Kate walks out of the office."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Turns to Dr. Ike)

Now spill.

Dr. IKE

She was showing signs of substance abuse.

And it could be one of those F products.

___________________________________

INT. SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL.

"Isio comes out of the swimming pool."

ISIO

(Turns to Bema)

Hey, pass me my towel.

(Notice Bema is lost in thoughts)

Bema!

BEMA

What?

Why did you scream my name like that?

ISIO

Where is your mind at?

I asked you to pass me my towel.

BEMA

Oh, sorry.

(Passes the towel to her)

I can't just get my mind off what we saw earlier.

Do you think she will survive?

ISIO

(Cleans her body)

I don't know but I pray she does.

BEMA

Although she's just a regular student I wonder why anyone would want to hurt her.

ISIO

I wonder too.

Victoria is a noticeably quiet girl she's not the type that could get on the bad side of other students.

BEMA

Hmm, I heard Kayode and his friends saying she might have been poisoned.

ISIO

It's either that or an overdose of some hard drugs.

BEMA

Hmm, that could be it too.

And if you are right, we both know Dayo and his friends will be in big trouble.

ISIO

(Chuckles)

Dayo is untouchable, guy.

Do you know how many rules he has broken in this school?

"Kome walks in."

KOME

Hey, guys.

ISIO

You are a bad friend you know, right?

KOME

I know I'm sorry guys, I know we agreed to have lunch together, but I had to review my assignment with Mr. Daniel.

BEMA

Really?

KOME

Yeah, don't worry guys, in a few minutes we will be done.

ISIO

Kome, we've been waiting here for you.

BEMA

I'm out of here.

(Picks up his bag)

KOME

So, you are not going to wait for me?

BEMA

No, I'm not you are not the only one who is busy you know?

(Walks out of the scene)

KOME

(Turns to Isio)

What is his problem?

ISIO

I think you know the answer to that question.

You have ten minutes, or I might just leave your ass here like he just did.

KOME

Thank you.

(Rushes out of the scene)

___________________________________

BACK TO:

INT. Mrs. IWEBEMA'S OFFICE.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Substance abuse.

Why I'm I not surprised?

Dr. IKE

I think you should handle this with care and discreetly.

The symptoms say it's an F product. If we are not careful, the Drug Enforcement Agency may get involved.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Is that not enough reason for you to have kept her here till we figure out what we are dealing with?

Dr. IKE

That child was half dead when I arrived at the scene. We do not have the facilities to deal with something that intense.

Mrs. IWEBEM

Oh, God.

(Gets up)

You are coming with me to the hospital, we have to do all we can to stop this getting out of hand.

The school board cannot find out about this.

________________________________

INT. SCHOOL CORREDOR.

"Funke struggles to free herself from Dayo's firm grip."

FUNKE

Ouch, Dayo let me be you are hurting me.

DAYO

(Frees her)

You can't tell anyone  we were witness to what happened today.

FUNKE

But why?

We didn't do anything wrong.

DAYO

If they don't find who did this, they might just pin this on us.

FUNKE

What do you mean?

DAYO

Idiot, we might just become primary suspects.

FUNKE

Dayo I can't do what you are asking me to do.

How will you sleep at night knowing you are holding something back that you shouldn't?

DAYO

I will sleep just fine because neither of us did that to her.

FUNKE

Then why are you scared of telling the school what you know?

DAYO

Keep your mouth shut.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

(Walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL.

"Ngozi sits beside Mrs. Azuka."

Mrs. AZUKA

Ngozi!

NGOZI

Yes, Mama?

Mrs. AZUKA

Where is your brother?

NGOZI

Mummy I have told you not to worry about Cheta.

Focus on your surgery.

Cheta went to work.

Mrs. AZUKA

(Coughs)

Look for your brother, Ngozi!

I want to see Cheta.

"Uche walks into the room."

UCHE

Hey

I'm here, have you...

"Ngozi turns to Uche and places her index finger in between her lips."

Mrs. AZUKA

Uche, where is your friend?

UCHE

Ma?

Mrs. AZUKA

Where is Cheta?

UCHE

Cheta...

Oh, Cheta is at work I came to check up on you, Ma.

(Fakes a smile)

How are you, Ma?

Mrs. AZUKA

I want to see your friend now!

Go and bring him here.

UCHE

Oh, okay ma.

I will tell him you are looking for him.

(Walks out of the room)

NGOZI

(Gets up)

Mama, I'm coming oh let me see him off.

___________________________________

INT. WAITING ROOM.

NGOZI

Uche where is Cheta?

UCHE

I don't know.

NGOZI

I'm getting worried.

I haven't since yesterday morning.

UCHE

Ahh, where could he be?

NGOZI

(Sits on the chair in front of her)

I don't know!

UCHE

(Sits beside her)

Hey, relax, don't worry I'm sure he is fine.

(Pats her at the back)

NGOZI

Are you sure?

The nurses said after he paid the hospital bills, he just disappeared.

"Efe walks in."

EFE

Hey.

NGOZI

Efe, where is your friend?

UCHE

Maybe he went home.

EFE

No, he didn't I'm just coming from their place.

Nobody is there.

NGOZI

What do we do?

Because Mama is very worried, she has been asking for him since yesterday.

EFE

Let me try and call him again.

(Dials Cheta's number)

It's ringing.

UCHE

Put it on loudspeaker.

"Efe puts the phone on loudspeaker."

NGOZI

Why isn't he picking?

EFE

I don't know.

UCHE

But come to think of it, how did he get the money to pay the hospital bills?

NGOZI

I don't know Uche.

I just saw a letter from him yesterday afternoon when I came back from school.

He said I should meet him and Mama here.

EFE

Hmm, don't worry we will find him.

(Turns to Uche)

Guy make we dey go.

UCHE

(Turns to Ngozi)

Don't worry, we will find him.

__________________________________

INT. AIRPLANE.

"Tunde takes his seat beside Kemi."

TUNDE

Hey, do you need anything?

KEMI

No, thank you.

TUNDE

Are you sure?

KEMI

Tunde, I'm fine.

TUNDE

Alright.

(Smiles at Kemi)

Where would you like to visit first when we arrive in the States?

KEMI

Wherever you want to visit.

TUNDE

(Holds her hands)

Kemi, I know this isn't easy for you, but I want you to keep an open mind who knows this may turn out well for us.

KEMI

You mean for you?

Tunde you need to accept that I don't like you.

I don't even know you.

TUNDE

How can you say that Kemi?

I'm probably the oldest friend you know.

Our family go way back.

KEMI

We were never friends!

We only know each other through those occasions our both parents brought us to.

TUNDE

Kemi, Fara bale.

Why can't you just open your heart to me?

KEMI

Because my heart belongs to someone else.

TUNDE

We both know he can not treat you any better than I do, and he can't give you the kind of life that I can give to you.

Just give me a chance to prove my love to you.

KEMI

(Pulls her hand away from Tunde's grip)

Hmm, excuse me I have to use the restroom.

(Gets up)

__________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL

"Dr. Nkem walks in"

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Walks towards Dr Nkem)

Dr. how is my student?

Dr. NKEM

Who are you, please?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I'm the principal of Winner Academy.

Mrs. OKOH

(Turns to Mrs. Iwebema)

Oh, you are the unfortunate being.

You did this to my daughter!

(Attempts to attack Mrs. Iwebema)

"Dr Ike and Mr. Okoh intervene"

Dr. NKEM

(Turns to Mrs. Okoh)

Madam, behave yourself!

Mrs. OKOH

If anything happens to my baby girl, I swear I will sue you and that school of yours.

Why would a fellow students do this to her?

Victoria is a good girl, there is no way she was involved in drugs.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Calm down, Ma'am I promise you I will do everything in my power to find the underlying cause of this.

I and the management will not rest till we figure out what really happened.

Mr. OKOH

Isn't it obvious?

She was bulled!

She came home every day complaining about it I reached out to you concerning it what did you do?

Absolutely nothing, Principal.

If anything happens to my daughter, hmm, Ihe m ga-eme agaghi amasi gi!

Dr. NKEM

That's enough!

What is wrong with all of you?

That child is in there fighting for her life and you are here passing blames.

If I were you, I would start praying really hard that she makes it.

Because this is serious!

Mrs. OKOH

(Places her hands on her head)

Ahh, Doctor, please save my daughter.

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

Dr. NKEM

We have done the best we can, Madam.

Now all we can do is wait and see if she responds to treatment.

Mr. OKOH

Alright Doctor, thank you.

(Holds tight to Mrs. Okoh)

"Mrs. Iwebema whispers to Dr. Ike."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Stay with them and keep me posted on how things go.

(Turns to leave)

Dr. IKE

Okay, ma. But where are you going?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I have to figure out what really happened before the school board finds out about this.

Dr. IKE

Alright, Ma'am but you should do it fast.

We have to fix this as fast as possible.

"Mrs. Iwebema walks out of the scene."

_____________________________________

INT. THE AJAYI'S RESIDENCE

"Sophia walks into the Mansion"

MAID

(Walks towards Sophia)

Please, sit, Madam will be with you shortly.

SOPHIA

Thank you, Sits on one of the couches in the waiting room)

MAID

Would you like anything to drink?

SOPHIA

Soda will be fine.

MAID

Alright, ma.

(Walks out of the scene)

"Sophia scans around the room, she couldn't help but admire the luxurious interiors of the mansion."

"Mrs. Ajayi walks into the scene."

SOPHIA

(Gets up)

Good afternoon, Ma.

Mrs. AJAYI

How are you?

Please have your seat!

SOPHIA

(Sits down)

Thank you, ma.

Mrs. AJAYI

(Sits down)

First, I want to apologize for underestimating you.

Thank you for doing your job.

(Gives her an envelope of money)

SOPHIA

(Takes the Envelop)

Thank you, Ma.

Mrs. AJAYI

That's half of the money.

SOPHIA

Ma?

But this is not what we agreed on.

Mrs. AJAYI

(Chuckles)

Really?

What did we agree on?

SOPHIA

We agreed that I should cause a huge drug-related scandal in the school.

Mrs. AJAYI

Not just a huge scandal.

It must be big enough to impeach Mrs. Iwebema.

SOPHIA

Ahh, that's exactly what I did, ma.

I made sure I over-drugged the victim.

There is no way Principal Iwebema can cover this up.

Mrs. AJAYI

You will get your complete payment when she loses the support of the majority of the board members.

SOPHIA

But ma'am.

Mrs. AJAYI

(Gets up)

Have a good day and one more thing.

Dayo or any other associate cannot know about this.

If this gets out, I will find you and kill you.

You know your way out.

____________________________________

INT. CLASS ROOM.

"Kome laughs out loud."

KOME

Are you serious?

You are really funny, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

I'm I?

KOME

Oh yes, you are.

(Tears open a sachet of biscuit)

Do you care for?

Mr. DANIEL

Oh no, thank you.

KOME

Really?

Or did your mummy tell you not to take things from strangers?

Mr. DANIEL

(Chuckles)

Maybe.

KOME

(Comes closer to him)

Well, she isn't here, it's just you and me.

Mr. DANIEL

We should go to your story.

KOME

So, you are going to leave me hanging?

Mr. DANIEL

Hmm, fine.

"Isio knocks"

KOME

(Turns to Isio)

I'm almost down.

ISIO

(Makes eye contact with Mr. Daniel)

Good afternoon, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

Good afternoon, how are you?

ISIO

I'm fine, sir.

(Turns to Kome)

Are you coming or not?

Mr. DANIEL

Oh, you should go.

Do not keep your friends waiting.

KOME

Alright

(Picks up her school bag)

I will see you tomorrow.

Mr. DANIEL

Sure.

"Kome walks towards the door."

ISIO

(Grabs her by the wrist and pulls her to the corridor)

You are a slut you, know?

KOME

What?

We were not doing anything wrong.

ISIO

Hmm, so what I saw was what?

KOME

We were just talk and his so funny I swear.

ISIO

Kome!

KOME

What, na.

ISIO

So, you are really going to do this?

KOME

How many times do I have to tell you?

ISIO

Abeg shut up your mouth, madam.

Let's go jor Bema is waiting for us outside.

KOME

I thought he left already.

ISIO

Fear let am.

____________________________________

INT.  WAREHOUSE.

"Ella approaches Uche"

ELLA

How far?

UCHE

I dey oh.

ELLA

Guy, where una friend go?

I'm worried, oh.

UCHE

Omo, we are worried too.

ELLA

Have you reached out to any of his relatives?

UCHE

Yeah, we have still nothing.

ELLA

Nawa, I just pray he is fine sha.

UCHE

Same here, oh.

ELLA

(Whispers)

By the way, did you hear that someone stole from Tiga two days ago?

UCHE

What?

"Efe walks in."

EFE

(Pulls Ella by the arm towards a tight corner)

Repeat what you just said.

ELLA

I heard someone stole from Tiga.

EFE

Who told you?

ELLA

I heard the boys talking about it.

UCHE

When?

ELLA

This morning.

Is everything alright?

EFE

Yes.

ELLA

You weren't aware of it?

EFE

Why should I be?

ELLA

Hey, chill I just thought since you are popular around here, gist like this normally should pass through you before it gets to us regulars.

EFE

I wasn't aware but I think it isn't just a rumor.

UCHE

How would you know about that Efe?

EFE

Thank you, Ella please make sure the boys deliver those goods.

(Points to his left)

ELLA

Alright

(Walks away)

UCHE

Efe!

EFE

What?

UCHE

What are you thinking?

EFE

(Pulls Uche closer to him)

Don't you think it isn't a coincidence that this happened less than twenty-four hours before Cheta goes missing?

UCHE

We don't even know if any of what Ella said is true and even if it's true, how does it relate to Cheta going missing?

EFE

(Smiles)

Cheta was in search of money.

UCHE

Yes!

EFE

Rumor of Tiga getting rub surfaces.

UCHE

Hmm.

EFE

Less than twenty-four hours later...

UCHE

(Finishes Efe's sentence)

Cheta goes missing.

EFE

Now tell me this is just a coincidence.

UCHE

Jesus

(Places both his hands on his mouth.

EFE

What are you doing?

(Pulls Cheta's hands away from his mouth.)

You won cast us?

UCHE

What do will do?

Nobody survives stealing from Tiga.

EFE

God, what is wrong with Cheta?

UCHE

What do we do, Efe?

"Efe is lost in thoughts."

_____________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL

"Kome and others walk in."

KOME

Ahh, Mama Migwo.

Mrs. UFUOMA

Vrendo.

ISIO|BEMA

Migwo, Ma.

Mrs. UFUOMA

Vrendo, how una dey?

ISIO|BEMA

Fine, ma.

KOME

Mama, what are you doing here?

Mrs. UFUOMA

Ahh, which kin question be that one?

I came to see my friend, madam.

KOME

Sorry, ma'am, I was just surprised that's all.

BEMA

Guys let's step outside for a while; Mama will need air.

ISIO

True.

NGOZI

Let's stay in the waiting room.

"They all go outside."

_____________________________________

INT.  WAITING ROOM.

KOME

Bema, God will bless you for that suggestion.

NGOZI

I swear it was awkward with us being in the same room with them.

ISIO

I swear.

BEMA

(Turns to Ngozi)

How are you?

We missed you today at school.

ISIO

Yes, I missed you.

(Hugs Ngozi)

NGOZI

I missed you guys more.

KOME

So, any news on Cheta's whereabouts?

NGOZI

Nothing yet.

I'm so worried.

ISIO

Everything will be fine, my love.

Remember you have to stay strong for Mama.

BEMA

And we are here for you.

NGOZI

Thank you, guys.

I love you all.

KOME

And we love you more, baby girl.

____________________________________

INT. BACK IN THE ROOM.

"Mrs. Azuka coughs out."

Mrs. UFUOMA

Sorry, oh.

Dooh.

(Gives her water to drink)

Nor worry everything go dey alright.

Mrs. AZUKA

My friend, I'm worried.

I haven't seen Cheta since I was brought here.

Mrs. UFUOMA

Ahh, are you serious?

Mrs. AZUKA

Yes.

Mrs. UFUOMA

But have you asked the boys?

All of them na dey waka together na them suppose know where he dey.

Mrs. AZUKA

I don ask them tire.

They keep coming up with excuses.

Mrs. UFUOMA

Ahh, are you serious?

Mrs. AZUKA

Yes, and I have a bad feeling about it.

Mrs. UFUOMA

This woman calm down, jor.

You too dey worry.

Cheta dey fine.

Mrs. AZUKA

Then where is he?

I want to see my son!

Mrs. UFUOMA

Nor worry, I go ask the boys again.

And I will bring him to you.

Mrs. AZUKA

Thank you, my friend.

Mrs. UFUOMA

Nor dey thank me.

What are friends for?

You have been there for me many times too.

Do you expect me to abandon you now that you need my support, no na.

Mrs. AZUKA

Even still, thank you.

Mrs. UFUOMA

I don hear.

I go soon dey go shall but before I go, I want make we pray say make God perfect the work he don begin for your life.

Mrs. AZUKA

Amen, oh.

_____________________________________

EXT. THE IWEBEMA'S HOUSEHOLD.

"Mrs. Iwebema comes out of her car."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Dial's a number)

Hello, how is it going?

UNKNOWN

Very fine, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Walks into the house)

Good, you have to make sure none of this comes out.

The chairman can not know of this. If a single blog gets hold of this news, you will lose your job and I will make sure you lose your home too.

(Drops her bag, sits down, and takes off her shoes)

UNKNOWN

Do not worry ma, none of this will get to the press or social media.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Good, keep me posted on how it goes.

UNKNOWN

Sure, ma.

"Mrs. Iwebema hangs up and walks into Bema's room."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Where is this boy?

(Walks back into the living room)

"Bema walks into the living room."

BEMA

Good evening, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Picks up a bottle of wine from the mini-bar behind the dining room)

Where are you coming from Mr. Man?

BEMA

Oh, I and my friend were at the hospital.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Snaps)

To do what?

What is your problem? You are not even friends with Victoria why are you going there?

Answer me!

BEMA

Victoria?

I didn't....

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Why did you go there?

BEMA

Calm down, Mum.

I did not go there. Why would I do that?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

But you just said you are coming from the hospital.

BEMA

Yes, to visit Ngozi and her Mum.

Her Mummy is sick, remember?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Oh.

(Breaths heavily)

BEMA

Mum, are you okay?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Yes, I am.

(Sips her glass of wine)

BEMA

Why would you think I would go and see Victoria in the first place?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Because I learned you were a witness and I know how curious you and those your friends can be.

BEMA

Like you said, I don't really know her so there is no reason to visit her.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Did you see who did this to her?

(Comes closer to Bema)

BEMA

No, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

If you saw something you should tell me, son.

This is serious, it could cost me my job.

BEMA

I didn't see anything, I swear.

When I got there, she was already unconscious, and some students were already there.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Hmm, okay.

But this conversation isn't over.

Go and freshen up and come downstairs for dinner.

BEMA

Alright, what are we having?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I ordered pizza and chicken.

BEMA

Cool

I will be in my room.

(Walks out of the scene)

"Mrs. Iwebema sits down on one of the dining chairs and keeps drinking."

___________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL.

"Frank knocks on the door"

FRANK

Hey!

NGOZI

(Walks towards Frank)

What are you doing here at this hour?

FRANK

I just wanted to check up on you and your Mum.

NGOZI

Keep your voice down, she's sleeping.

FRANK

(Whispers)

Oh, sorry.

"Ngozi grips his hands and pulls him out of the room."

_____________________________________

INT. WAITING ROOM.

"Ngozi pulls Frank into the waiting room."

NGOZI

Go home, Frank.

FRANK

No, I'm already here.

(Sits down)

NGOZI

What do want from me?

Just let me be!

FRANK

No, I can't!

(Pulls out a brown envelope from his back.)

Here you go.

NGOZI

What's that?

FRANK

Your supplies.

NGOZI

What is wrong with you?

Why would you bring that here?

FRANK

Dayo wouldn't let me breathe.

He is growing impatient.

NGOZI

I don't care I am not leaving my mother's side.

FRANK

I know that is why I got them for you.

NGOZI

Well, I didn't ask you to.

FRANK

Just take it, madam.

NGOZI

(Takes it from him)

Why is it hot?

(Perceives aroma of suya)

Wow.

(Opens the envelope)

FRANK

I learned you are in love with Suya.

(Smiles)

NGOZI

Just what I needed.

But how did you know?

FRANK

Forget about the how and just seize your moment.

NGOZI

You know if you keep treating this nice, you will only make it more difficult for me to hate you.

FRANK

Then don't hate me.

NGOZI

(Gazes at him)

Your plan isn't working, I still hate you.

(Frank laughs out loud)

Thank you, though.

FRANK

You are welcome.

_____________________________________

INT. THE UFUOMA'S HOUSEHOLD.

"Uche sits on Efe's bed."

UCHE

What do we do, bro?

We have to confirm if Cheta is really in Tiga's custody.

EFE

Yes, we do.

UCHE

I just pray he is still ali...

EFE

He is still alive!

UCHE

It's Tiga, Efe.

I think it's fair to be a little less optimistic.

EFE

(Turns to Uche)

He is still alive.

UCHE

So, what is the plan?

EFE

I will confront Tiga.

UCHE

What? Are you crazy?

EFE

Calm down, bro.

I will offer to buy him off with money.

UCHE

You mean pay off the money Cheta stole?

EFE

Exactly.

UCHE

I don't know, Efe.

These people are dangerous.

EFE

Not to me, they need me, remember?

So, they can't harm me.

UCHE

But they can harm Cheta because of this.

EFE

I know, but I have to try I can't leave the country not knowing if he is alive or not.

He is our friend and brother we can not turn our backs on him.

UCHE

Hmm, alright.

Let's do it.

____________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL

"Mrs. Okoh smiles at Victoria who is slightly conscious."

Mrs. OKOH

How are you, my baby?

VICTORIA

Fine

(In a weak voice)

Mrs. OKOH

I thought I lost you for a second.

(Tears stream down her cheeks)

Mr. OKOH

Look at me!

Who did this to you?

VICTORIA

It was....

Mr. OKOH

Talk to me, Victoria.

Who did this to you?

NURSE 1

Sir, I think you should let her rest.

VICTORIA

So...

(Begins to cry)

No, stay away from me.

Don't kill me, please.

Mrs. OKOH

Nurse, do something.

NURSE 1

(Turns to Nurse 2)

Call Dr. Nkem!

"Victoria begins to shake uncontrollably."

Mrs. OKOH

Victoria!

Victoria, talk to me!