EXT. BUHIGH PRISON.
"Diago, one of the prisoners approaches Efe."
DIAGO
My man.
You are what everyone is talking about.
DANTE
What do you want Diago?
DIAGO
(Smiles at Dante.)
Reax, Dante I just wanna show some respect to the new guy.
(Turns to Efe.)
I'm Diago and that's my folks.
(Points at a group of well-built men standing across the open field.)
We just want to let you know that you're welcome to join us anytime.
MOHAMMED
He is not joining your gang, Diago.
DIAGO
(Turns to Mohammed.)
I wasn't talking to you.
Punk ass.
"Mohammed appears furious."
MOHAMMED
What did you just call me?
DIAGO
You heard me, punk ass!
EFE
That's enough.
(Turns to Diago.)
Thank you for the invitation but I think I would have to decline.
DIAGO
Why? You gonna miss out on a lot here if you do not see reasons to roll with the big dudes.
With us, you can accomplish a lot here.
You need us you know.
DANTE
You heard the boy, Diago.
He is not interested.
DIAGO
(Turns to Dante.)
Fine, I won't push it.
(Turns to Efe)
But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.
(Offers Efe a handshake)
EFE
Sure
(Accepts the handshake.)
DIAGO
You seem like a smart boy.
I hope you don't let that waste in the hands of people who cannot offer you half of what I could offer you.
JUDE
(Stands in-between Efe and Diago.)
Alright, that's enough.
Leave!
DIAGO
(Smiles)
Sure, I will.
(Turns to Efe.)
If you ever need anything. I mean anything, you know where to find me.
(Sluggishly walks out of the scene.)
EFE
That's the fifth gang who has offered me an open invitation today.
DANTE
And more are coming but you cannot align yourself with any of them.
EFE
I get it!
You have said that a thousand times today, but you haven't told me why!
DANTE
(Turns to Efe)
Look around you do you think any of this inmate care about your wellbeing?
They only want you to be on their side because it's beneficial right now.
The moment things go south for you, they will all turn on you.
EFE
Like the way most of them have turned on Big Shark.
DANTE
Something like that and you are not Big Shark so do not get carried away with the attention you are getting right now.
JUDE
Exactly.
CUT OUT.
____________________________________
INT. BIG SHARKS CELL.
"One of the guards approaches the cell."
GUARD
Gerrrallld.
(Pronounces the name awkwardly.)
GERALD
(Comes out of the cell.)
What the f is your problem?
I have told you not to call me that.
GUARD
(Chuckles)
But I choose to.
Now what are you going to do about it?
GERALD
(Fights the urge to beat the hell out of the guard)
What do you want?
GUARD
I have a message from your boss.
GERALD
Big Shark!
What is it?
GUARD
(Gives Gerald a white Envelop)
He wants it done within the next forty-eight hours.
GERALD
(Open and read the note.)
Finally, something exciting to do.
GUARD
I'm certain you understood the message.
You and the boys should not be directly involved.
All you have to do is spread the message secretly to the inmates. And let them fight for the price.
GERALD
I get the message.
GUARD
I will be on my way then.
Have a good day, GEERRALLLD!
(Whistles and walks out of the scene.)
"Gerald turns to one of the boys."
GERALD
(Smiles)
You, get this printed in hundreds of copies.
BOY
Yes, sir.
(Turns to leave.)
GERALD
(Grabs him by the arm)
Make sure nobody sees you or it will cost you your life!
BOY
Yes, sir.
(Walks out of the cell.)
____________________________________
INT. WINNER ACADEMY
"Ngozi flushes down the blood-stained tissue paper, picks up her back, and heads towards the exit door of the restroom."
NGOZI
(Appears shocked at the sight of Frank.)
Oh, my God.
(Plaves her hands on her chest.)
FRANK
Did I scare you?
I'm sorry.
NGOZI
Don't snick up on me like that again.
FRANK
I'm sorry.
How the things....
NGOZI
(Interrupts Frank)
Don't ask how I am!
I have been bleeding ever since we did it and it's not funny at all. Although the pain has subsided, I still feel a lot of pain whenever I use the toilet.
So do not ask me how I am!
(Turns to leave.)
FRANK
Ngozi...
NGOZI
(Turns to Frank)
What is it, Frank?
I told you not to ask me how I...
FRANK
(Interrupts Ngozi)
I know but that is not why I was waiting out here.
NGOZI
Then why are you here?
FRANK
I wanted to know how your customers are responding to our present situation.
NGOZI
Really?
FRANK
Yes!
NGOZI
So, our first open conversation after I gave my virginity to you, is about some stupid drugs?
I guess I expected so much from you.
FRANK
I don't get you!
Were you not the same person who just tried to shut me down because you thought I wanted to ask about your well-being?
Now you realize I wasn't doing that, yet you are still angry with me.
NGOZI
Just leave me alone.
(Walks out of the scene.)
FRANK
Ngozi, wait!
"Ngozi ignores him."
"Tega walks in."
TEGA
Wow, don't tell me the dumping came so early.
FRANK
Tega, I am not in the mood.
(Turns to leave.)
TEGA
I guess I can have my share of the cake now.
FRANK
(Turns to Tega)
Stay away from Ngozi or...
TEGA
Or what?
FRANK
Make a move, then you will know what I am capable of.
(Walks out of the scene.)
____________________________________
INT. RESTROOM.
"Sophia turns to one of the junior students beside her."
SOPHIA
You!
What's your name again?
CHIDERA
Chidera.
SOPHIA
Are you okay?
What did I teach you about responding to my questions?
CHIDERA
I'm sorry, ma.
My name is Chidera, ma.
SOPHIA
Very good.
Take this.
(Gives her a thousand naira note.)
Get me chilled Fanta.
CHIDERA
Okay, ma.
(Takes the money and rushes out of the restroom.)
SOPHIA
(Gazes at herself in the mirror in front of her)
My lip gloss.
(Stretches her hand.)
AMANDA
(Reacch out for Sophia's bag.)
Which of them, ma?
SOPHIA
The strawberry flavor.
"Amanda looks through Sophia Bag."
AMANDA
I can't find it, ma.
SOPHIA
(Turns to Amanda)
What do you mean by you can't find it?
"Gemma steps in."
GEMMA
It's there!
(Takes the bag from Amanda.)
AMANDA
No, it isn't I have looked everywhere for it.
Give the bag to me.
GEMMA
Relax, I will find it.
AMANDA
No one asked you to do that.
(Drags the bag with Gemma)
SOPHIA
That's enough!
(Turns to Amanda)
You said you didn't see it so allow someone else to look for it.
Take my key and check my locker if I left it there.
AMANDA
Okay, ma.
(Takes the key from Gemma and walks out of the restroom.)
"Gemma sights Sophia's wooden comb as she searches through the bag."
_____________________________________
BACK TO.
EXT. BUHIGH PRISON.
"Efe appears frustrated."
EFE
But this is an opportunity to get Shagba's attention.
JUDE
No, it isn't.
No one gets recruited into the circle of the cartel just because people like you or you are respected.
EFE
(Sits down alongside others)
I don't get it. Then how do they recruit?
DANTE
Fear!
Once people begin to fear you and you seem to be gaining some ground, the cartel will break your wings by recruiting. Right now, inmates are not scared of you. They only respect and recognize you for what you did to Big Shark. Who is someone they all fear and the majority do not like?
EFE
Oh, God but I need to get closer to Shagba.
I need to get that information from him and get the hell out of here.
JUDE
(Chuckles)
You really have no clue.
EFE
What?
MOHAMMED
Let's just say it's easier to get the attention of the president of the United States of America than it is to get that of Shagba.
He hardly comes out of his king-size Cartel cell.
EFE
That explains why I have never seen him.
DANTE
Some inmates stay nearly a year here at Buhigh before they get an idea of how he looks.
EFE
But why?
JUDE
No one knows for sure. Many feel it's just his style.
MOHAMMED
(Bits on the apple in his hand.)
Some also think maybe he is an introvert who doesn't like to associate.
EFE
(Turns to Dante.)
What do you think?
DANTE
I don't know, Efe and honestly, I do not care to know.
My Job is to make sure you get that info from him and deliver it to the company.
EFE
But don't you think we need to know more about the man before we can get what we want?
DANTE
Hmm, maybe you have a point.
I think I'm beginning to see why the company found you suitable for the job.
EFE
Whatever, if you all ask me, I think there is only one thing that explains Shagba's behavioral patterns.
MOHAMMED
And what would that be?
EFE
Scarcity!
Scarcity prevents the law of proximity from setting in.
MOHAMMED
Law of proximity?
EFE
Yes!
(Notice they all have no clue about what he is saying.)
It means familiarity. When people get too comfortable seeing you.
DANTE
Oh.
EFE
Yeah.
Familiarity is counterproductive to fear. People do not fear what they are familiar with.
For example, if you were brought up in an evil forest where ghosts dwell, you would never grow up to fear ghosts or the thought of them.
JUDE
(Nods his head in clarity.)
I get it now.
So, he is using scarcity to create fear.
EFE
Exactly!
And fear...
DANTE
(Finishes Efe's sentence.)
Keeps him in power.
EFE
(Turns to Dante)
Yes.
MOHAMMED
(Throws his right hand around Efe's shoulders.)
My boy!
The way that mind of yours works is something else.
_____________________________________
INT. WINNER ACADEMY.
"Gemma rushes into one of the classes."
GEMMA
Senior Teni.
TENI
(Turns to Gemma)
How did it go?
GEMMA
I got it.
(Opens her bag.)
TENI
Hold on first.
(Reaches out for her and opens it, takes the comb from Gemma, and quickly throws it into her bag.)
FUNKE
Hope nobody saw you.
GEMMA
Nobody saw me.
TENI
And you are certain nobody followed you?
GEMMA
I'm sure.
TENI
Alright, that will be all for now.
Be careful!
GEMMA
How long would it take before you can get Sinor Sophia expelled?
FUNKE
Shhh
(Place her right index in between her lips)
Do you want to get us into trouble?
GEMMA
I'm sorry, ma.
TENI
You don't have to worry about anything, Gemma.
We will let you know if we need you for any other thing.
GEMMA
Okay, I have to go now.
TENI
Sure, you should.
"Gemma rushes out of the classroom."
FUNKE
Finally, what is our next step?
TENI
We have to do some blood work on it to see if it matches the blood stain on the bead.
FUNKE
Have you gotten your cousin to agree?
TENI
Not yet, but don't worry, I will convince him to do it.
(Notice Funke's pessimistic look.)
Relax, Collins can't resist me.
FUNKE
Hmm, okay if you say so.
____________________________________
EXT. THE UFUOMA RESIDENCE.
"Isio and Ngozi walk into the compound."
ISIO
I doubt if anyone is home.
(Knocks on the door.)
NGOZI
(Try dialing Kome's number again.)
Where the hell is she?
ISIO
(Turns to Ngozi)
Any luck?
NGOZI
No.
It keeps saying "number busy".
(Place both her hands on the window glass attempting to see if anyone is inside the house.)
ISIO
This is weird.
NGOZI
What do we do?
ISIO
I don't know but something isn't right.
NGOZI
Maybe we should come back tomorrow again.
ISIO
I guess so.
"They both walk out of the building."
____________________________________
INT. HOSPITAL
"Ella walks into the room."
ELLA
Hey, how is she doing?
UCHE
(Turns to Ella)
She's doing okay. The Doctor said I can take her home tomorrow.
ELLA
(Sits down close to Uche)
Thank God.
UCHE
For what exactly?
ELLA
What do you mean "for what?"
Your Mum could have died, Uche.
UCHE
I know and I am grateful she didn't but how can I thank God when I just took a life?
ELLA
Uche, it's not your fault.
It wasn't your intention to kill him. You just did what you had to do to protect your Mum.
UCHE
Everything you are saying makes perfect sense, but it doesn't make me feel any better.
I still feel guilty.
ELLA
I know, but you will be fine. And I am here for you.
Alright, enough guilt talk, have you eaten?
UCHE
Not yet.
ELLA
(Gets up)
Let's find a solution to that.
UCHE
I'm not hungry, Ella.
ELLA
Oga gets up, jor.
Nor stress me, oh.
UCHE
(Reluctantly gets up)
Ehen that reminds me.
You wanted to tell me something when you came over to my place the night the incident happened.
ELLA
Oh.
Don't worry, it's nothing.
UCHE
No, don't tell me that.
You drove to my place unannounced. I know you, Ella, it can't be for nothing!
ELLA
Fine, I will tell you...
It's about Ch...
"Cheta walks in."
CHETA
How far?
How her body now?
UCHE
She dey fine.
ELLA
Alright, you have to eat now.
Let's go!
(Grabs Uche by the wrist.)
UCHE
I go join una.
Hunger won wound me.
____________________________________
INT. IWEBEMA'S RESISDENCE.
"Bema stands in front of Faith's door."
BEMA
Hey!
FAITH
(Drops the novel in her hands and turns to Bema.)
Hey, what's up?
BEMA
I'm good, and you?
FAITH
Adjusting.
BEMA
Adjusting?
To what?
FAITH
To the strange person, you have become.
BEMA
Faith!
(Walks into the room and sits on her bed.)
I know I have been acting a little bit out of character these past few days.
FAITH
Did you just say a little bit?
BEMA
Fine, I have been acting strange.
FAITH
And like an idiot.
BEMA
Faith!
FAITH
Also, like a five-year-old in a seventeen-year-old body.
BEMA
Fine, you are right.
FAITH
Of course, I am.
(Sits up and folds her hands across each other.)
So, what brings Big Baby to my castle?
BEMA
Don't call me that.
FAITH
But it's what you have been these past days.
BEMA
Whatever, I just wanted to talk.
FAITH
Okay, let's talk.
BEMA
So how are you?
FAITH
I'm fine.
You've asked me that already, Bema.
BEMA
True.
So how were classes today?
FAITH
You were in most of my classes today, so I don't get why you are asking strange questions.
BEMA
Well, we all view life from a different lens.
Just because we were in the same place doesn't mean our experiences are the same.
FAITH
Ehen!
BEMA
Yes, na.
FAITH
(Chuckles)
True but we both know that is not what you really want to ask. You are just biting around the bush.
BEMA
That's not...
FAITH
(Interrupts Bema)
Be straight with me, Bema I am not stupid.
BEMA
Fine, I need a favor from you.
FAITH
(Smiles)
Now you are talking.
Hit me, I'm listening.
BEMA
Kome didn't show up today and I have been trying to call her cell, but it's been saying "User Busy" which is unlike her.
FAITH
Okay, but I don't see how I can help you with that.
BEMA
I need you to hang around Isio and Ngozi tomorrow, and figure out if they know why she can't be reached and why she didn't show up to school.
FAITH
But they are your friends. Just ask them yourself.
BEMA
Don't you think I would do that if I could?
Are you helping me or not?
FAITH
I will see what I can do but no promises.
BEMA
Thank you, Faith.
(Gets up to leave.)
FAITH
So you still care about her.
BEMA
(Turns to Faith)
She's my oldest friend, I can't hate her.
(Walks out of the room.)
_____________________________________
INT. CLUB 247.
"Frank and Dayo walk in."
GIDEON
(Smiles at Dayo.)
My biggest clients are here.
Welcome.
(Turns to the bar attendant.)
Pour my boys something to drink.
DAYO
We are not here to drink, Gideon.
GIDEON
I know that.
It's just a warm welcome from me.
Sit down.
"Frank and Dayo sit down."
DAYO
Look, we just want to know what is happening to our supplies.
GIDEON
Nothing is happening to your supply.
FRANK
Then why didn't we get any today?
GIDEON
There has been a lot of demand from the cartel in town so they are getting most of our supplies for now.
DAYO
So, you are giving our supplies to Cartels?
GIDEON
(Lights a stick of F8)
Exactly.
FRANK
But why?
We had a deal! You can't just give out our supplies just because demands have gone up at Cartels.
GIDEON
Sadly, we can.
Those Cartels bring in better turnover than you do so no offense, but they are our priority for now.
DAYO
But we had a deal!
GIDEON
No, we did not.
You had a deal with Efe, not me.
I only held on this long because I owe Efe a lot.
But he is in prison now.
So, I decide what to do with the supplies.
FRANK
But we have been your most consistent customers.
Shouldn't that count?
GIDEON
Look, you don't have to worry much.
I have made some contacts to increase our supply here so you will get your usual next week.
FRANK
Next week?
We could barely survive the last twenty-four hours without supply.
GIDEON
Well, I'm sorry there is nothing I can do for you this week.
We do not have supplies for you!
DAYO
That's bullshit, Gideon and you know it!
(Gets up)
Do not forget I have a good relationship with Mama.
Just think for a minute what she could do to you if she discovers what you are doing to her favorite clients.
GIDEON
(Release the smoke in his mouth)
As I told you earlier, I have no supply for you till next week.
"Frank and Dayo get up."
DAYO
Fine, I guess Mama would be interested in what I have to say.
(Turns to walk out of the scene, Three men stand in front of them)
Get out of my way.
"Gideon pulls Dayo from behind, pins his head to the table, and points a gun on his head."
FRANK
What are you doing?
(Attempts to help Dayo but is held back by the men.)
GIDEON
It seems your Mother did not teach you manners.
I have made it clear to you that you will get your supplies next week and that's finnal!
DAYO
Alright, I have heard you.
Please let me go.
GIDEON
The next time you come into my home and speak to me in that manner again, I will kill you and feed you to my dogs.
(Turns to Frank.)
Both of you!
FRANK
We have heard you.
Please let him go.
GIDEON
(Let's Dayo go.)
Now get out of my sight.
"They both rush towards the exit door."
_____________________________________
INT. BUHIGH PRISON.
"Marcus sits beside Efe."
MARCUS
How did you do it?
EFE
What?
MARCUS
Take down Big Shark.
You were so amazing that night. It was like you made him so weak.
(Turns to Efe)
Seriously, how did you do it?
EFE
I just gave the fight my best.
MARCUS
I doubt that. There is no logical explanation for what happened that night.
EFE
People sometimes look stronger than they look, you know.
MARCUS
If it were the other warriors, I would believe you.
But not Big Shark, you had no edge over him.
EFE
Then you explain to me how I almost took him down.
MARCUS
I don't know but I know you did something or used something.
EFE
(Chuckles)
If it's what I'm thinking, then you are wrong.
MARCUS
You know I would keep it a secret if you told me.
EFE
Marcus, I did not use drugs during that match!
"One of the inmates drop a plate of food in front of Efe."
EFE
(Smiles at the inmate)
Thank you.
"The inmate nods and walks back to his chair."
MARCUS
That's a lot of food.
EFE
Are you hungry?
You can have it if you want.
(Pushes the food to Marcus.)
MARCUS
Really?
EFE
Sure.
Other inmates will bring more anyway so you can have this one.
MARCUS
(Smiles at Efe)
Thank you.
(Pick up the spoon and begin to eat.)
CUTS OUT.
____________________________________
"Dante notices the white note in inmate's hands."
DANTE
What is that?
MOHAMMED
I have been wondering too.
JUDE
(Stops one of the inmates.)
Hey, you, what's that?
INMATE
(Hides it behind him)
It's nothing.
JUDE
Then give it to me.
INMATE
Why?
JUDE
Don't ask me stupid questions.
"Dante takes it from him and reads it."
MOHAMMED
(Notice the look on Dante's face)
What is it?
DANTE
Efe!
JUDE
What is it?
DANTE
Bounty.
"Rushes towards the dinning."
MOHAMMED
(Reads the note.)
Shit!
(Follows behind Dante and Jude.)
____________________________________
BACK TO.
"Efe Picks up his spoon to eat."
EFE
Where the hell are these guys?
(Turns to Marcus)
I told you; more is coming.
(Pulls the spoon of food towards his mouth.)
"Dante rushes in."
DANTE
Efe, no!
(Pushes the spoon to the food.)
EFE
What the hell?
DANTE
Where did the food come from?
EFE
One of the inmates brought it.
Why?
What's going on?
MOHAMMED
(Pushes the food away from Efe)
You cannot eat it!
EFE
Why?
JUDE
Because a bounty has been placed on your head.
EFE
Bounty?
I don't understand!
DANTE
Get up, now!
"Marcus holds on to his throat and begins to cough."
EFE
I told you to slow down earlier.
(Pushes a cup of water towards him.)
MARCUS
I...
(Begins to cough out blood and falls to the floor.)
EFE
Marcus
(Knees before him.)
What's happening?
JUDE
Poison.
"An inmate tries to attack Efe with a dagger, Dante pushes Efe out of position and punches the inmate.
DANTE
Take him out of here.
MOHAMMED
(Holds Efe by the wrist)
We have to go!
EFE
But we can't leave him here.
(Turns to Marcus who is half unconscious)
Marcus!!!
MOHAMMED
We have to go!
Do you want to die?
JUDE
Efe, you have to get out of here!
(Stops One of the inmates from attacking Efe.)
___________________________________
INT. THE AZUKA HOUSEHOLD.
"Cheta attempts to pull Ngozi's hair from behind the couch."
NGOZI
Don't bother, I can see you!
CHETA
(Sit beside her)
I can't forget those times I would pull your hair from behind and you will cry all day.
(Notice Ngozi is absent-minded.)
Are you okay?
Madam!
(Claps his hand in front of her)
NGOZI
Oh, God!
Cheta, what is your problem?
CHETA
I was talking to you and your mind was somewhere else.
NGOZI
What is it?
CHETA
I was asking if you were okay.
You have been quiet all night. It's weird to see you this way.
NGOZI
I'm fine.
CHETA
Are you sure?
NGOZI
I said I'm fine.
CHETA
Okay, if you say so.
I'm going to bed.
You should get some sleep too.
(Walks out of the scene.)
___________________________________
INT. CHETA'S ROOM.
"Cheta walks into the room and lays on his bed."
ZINO
(Turns on the lamp close to Cheta's bed.)
Hello!
CHETA
Jesus!
ZINO
Relax, it's not a ghost.
CHETA
Aunty Zino, what are you doing here?
How did you get in?
ZINO
The front door was open.
CHETA
No, I locked it about an hour ago.
ZINO
Did you?
Well, how I got in here would be the least of your problems if you do not tell me about everything that links Efe, you, and Uche to the company.
CHETA
What company?
ZINO
(Chuckles)
Don't play dumb!
Kome told me everything.
Now, I want to hear your side of the story and don't you dare leave out a single detail.
_____________________________________
INT. BU HIGH PRISON.
"Mohammed and Efe rush into the arena."
EFE
(Try to catch his breath.)
What is happening?
MOHAMMED
A bounty was placed on your head.
(Gives the note to Efe)
EFE
What's that?
MOHAMMED
Take a look at it.
EFE
(Takes the note and reads it.)
But why?
Why would they want me dead?
I thought they were all on my side.
MOHAMMED
I don't know, Efe.
But this is Buhigh we should have prepared for something like this.
EFE
What do we do?
MOHAMMED
I don't know!
EFE
What about Marcus, we can't leave him there to die.
MOHAMMED
Right now, you should be thinking about your safety!
EFE
No, I offered him the food, it should have been me, not him.
(Turns to leave.)
MOHAMMED
(Grips Efe by the arm)
Where are you going?
EFE
To save Marcus.
MOHAMMED
It seems you don't fully understand your situation!
A thousand inmates are fighting for your head as we speak.
If you go out there, you will die!
EFE
We can't leave, Marcus out there!
I can't do that to him.
MOHAMMED
Fine, I will see what I can do.
Stay here!
Don't leave here and be alert.
(Walks out of the room.)
"Efe hears something fall."
EFE
(Turns around)
Who is there?
"Efe is grabbed from behind with the strange hand wrapped around his mouth."