FINGERPRINT
By Oluwaseun Wende (c) 2017
EXT. AN OLD NEIGHBOURHOOD – DAY
A woman (23) drags a small boy (5) with her right hand, carrying a small duffel bag in her left. She walks very fast while the child struggles to keep up. She stops in front of an old bungalow and knocks on the battered looking door. Another woman (57) opens the door and ushers them in.
INT. INSIDE THE BUNGALOW – DAY
The younger woman drops the bag she is carrying and leads the boy to a chair. She looks very tired; perspiration dripping down her face. She turns and faces the older woman who is still surprised to see them.
OLDER WOMAN
Mira, why are you here this early in the morning? I was not expecting you.
The older woman removes the old piece of cloth covering the chair she had been reclining on. She gently sits on it, her eyes darting all round her cluttered sitting room.
YOUNGER WOMAN
Mama, I have come to say goodbye.
She does not bother to sit. She seems as though she cannot wait to bare her mind.
OLDER WOMAN
Surprise becoming shock… Shakes her head slowly…
Goodbye? But where will you go? What about your family? What about me?
YOUNGER WOMAN
Which family mama? I said which family?
The tears trickle down her cheeks. She raises her left hand and wipes off the salty liquid with the back of her palm.
I’m no better than a slave in that household mama. I am tired of that kind of life. I am still young and I want something better.
OLDER WOMAN
Still shaking her head.
You should have thought about that before you got yourself pregnant by your mistress’s husband. At least the man is taking care of you and the baby.
YOUNGER WOMAN
Scowls and hisses.
Adesope Bankole is not fit to be called a man. He has abandoned my boy and me.
She sits down. She looks down at her hands, blows mucus out of her nostrils and clears her throat.
How can he abandon his flesh and blood mama? Tell me. Do you know we will not be getting a dime of his inheritance because his Cleopatra said so? Mama, I have endured for far too long. I have taken time to think about this and I will never go back.
OLDER WOMAN
Gets up and walks towards the younger woman. She puts an arm around her and tries to be as soothing as she can.
And the boy? You will let him suffer with you?
YOUNGER WOMAN
No Mama… I was coming to that. Actually, that is why I am here. He will be staying with you. Please Mama, take care of my son, he’s better off with you than he is with me. I only wish I can fight for his rights as a Bankole.
OLDER WOMAN
Shakes her head vehemently…
Mira, I cannot let you do this to him. He’s just five; he needs his mother in his life.
YOUNGER WOMAN
Gets up suddenly, moves to the closed door and uses it as a backrest.
And you can be that to him mama. Please be his mother. Thank you mama!
She turns around, opens the door and leaves while the older woman stares at the door in surprise. She tries to hold back the boy as he struggles to leave with her mother, but she could not stop the shrill cries that reverberated all round the room.
OVER BLACK: 20 YEARS LATER
INT. FINGERPRINT HOTEL RECEPTION-NIGHT
A pregnant woman (27), slim and dark, walks towards the relaxed looking receptionist. She offers him a shy smile as she drops the box she is carrying.
SERENA
Still smiling…
Good evening. Please, I’m here for the Bankole Foundation Arts and Culture Summit.
RECEPTIONIST
Looks up from the magazine he was leafing through.
Hah Bankole Foundation? You must be Mrs. Serena Ogunji then? We have been expecting you. Every other person got here this afternoon. Thank God you finally made it.
SERENA
Nodding in affirmation.
I’m really sorry. I have been on the road since 8am all the way from Edo State. My car got stuck in a marsh I didn’t see because I was a bit drowsy. Before I could get a towing vehicle and another means of transportation, it became quite late. Pardon me please.
RECEPTIONIST
Entering Serena’s details into a large book in front of him.
Oh, I’m very sorry about that. You must be very tired now. Not to mention the state of our bad roads. I’ll ask someone to show you to your room. Enjoy your stay here madam.
He signals to a nearby concierge and hands him a key while the middle aged man picks up Serena’s bag.
SERENA
Thank you very much. I’m really grateful.
She follows the concierge in slow measured steps as he leads her up the staircase.
INT. BANKOLE FOUNDATION’S BUILDING. INSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Serena and four other persons-three men and a young woman all move inside the room and exchange pleasantries as they take their seats at the conference table.
JAMES
He is a short and fat 45-year-old man with scraggly beards and an obvious pot belly. His glasses are a little crooked on his nose while his shirt is a bit oversized.
Good morning, everyone. My name is James Bassey from the Art Galleries representative in Cross River State. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.
IKECHUKWU
He is an average 36-year-old man with a flat, round head. His skin pigmentation is very light, and he is the only one casually dressed in jean and a polo t-shirt.
Good morning, I am Mr. Ikechukwu Okeke, but una fit call me Iyke. I am the representative of the tourism department. I’m from Imo State.
OLUWSEYI
She is a tall 25-year-old lady, also light in complexion. There is a noticeable gap in her dentition as she smiles at them.
I am Oluwaseyi Odewale from the festival’s promoters’ organisation in Osun State. Good morning, everyone.
SERENA
Smiling.
I am Serena Ogunji. I am the representative of the museum curators in Ogun State. It’s really wonderful to meet all of you. I hope we can continue a fruitful relationship after this conference.
ODION
He is a tall and dark 31-year-old man, with muscular build and handsome facial features. His face is lined with trimmed, well-groomed beards.
Good morning, friends. My name is Odion Ughulu. I am the representative of an organisation involved in incorporating culture in the entertainment industry. It’s nice to be here with you all. I can’t tell you how glad I am that my organisation was selected for this year’s Bankole Foundation Arts and Culture Summit.
Conversations continue amongst them for a while. Seyi suddenly starts coughing as thick dark smoke from the air vents slowly fills the room.
JAMES
Stands up pointing at the air vents.
Oh my God, fire.
ODION
Wheezing as he picks up his laptop bag.
We all need to leave…
Coughing.
We need to inform someone…
IKECHUKWU
Walks briskly towards the conference room door
Chineke!
Trying desperately to force the door open
Una we’re finished oh.
Places both hands on his head.
SERENA
What is it?
Joins the others at the door as the panic in the room heightens. She gets a chance to try the handle but it does not open. She groans and starts coughing as well.
Someone needs to call Anita’s number. They might be busy with the real fire source, forgetting that we are here.
OLUWASEYI
Pacing to and fro all around the room
Egbami! Who has her number now?
ODION
Still coughing while trying to wipe tears off his eyes.
Does anyone have her number? I only have her email address?
IKECHUKWU
Walks back to the door, nudging Serena out of the way.
We are three men here. We no fit choke inhale smoke for say we dey wait for a one saviour. Make we gather burst this door. Una dey feel me?
JAMES
True talk oh.
The three men take turns to bang their shoulders against the door as the smoke in the room gets thicker. Iyke moves back and tries to kick the door but falls through as the door suddenly opens. A fatigued looking man in a cleaner’s uniform pops his head in. They all rush out of the room for air into serious commotion in the hallway of the first floor.
INT. A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT – DAY
A young man (24) sits on the bed in a sparsely furnished room. Everything is clean and well arranged. He looks up from his phone when the door opens and two men walk in. They join him on the bed.
YOUNG MAN
How did it go?
FRIEND 1
Smirks confidently.
Perfecto! You wan try? Just watch out for the news tonight.
FRIEND 2
We also improvised by locking their guests in the conference room knowing fully well the air vents are connected to one another.
YOUNG MAN
Smiles and stands up from the bed. Then he paces round the room, hands behind his back
Perfect. Everything is going according to plan. Bankole Foundation won’t know what hit them by the time we are done with them.
FRIEND 1
Coughs awkwardly.
About that,
Stammers and looks to his colleague as though in need of some help in order to continue speaking
We think there’s another way you can get what you want.
YOUNG MAN
Turns and looks at them skeptically.
I’m listening.
FRIEND 2
Shakes his head quickly.
Erm… we are not saying this is a better way boss. We are just thinking it’s an idea that might be easier to carry out than the first.
YOUNG MAN
Okay?
The friends start talking enthusiastically…
INT. THE HOTEL’S BAR – NIGHT
The bar is quite noisy, Serena follows Odion and Seyi as they maneuver through the noisy crowd to a rather quiet booth where James and Ikechukwu and another young man are sitting with bottles of beer in front of them.
JAMES
Smiling at Serena.
Mrs. Ogunji, glad you could join us. You didn’t open when we knocked earlier.
SERENA
Returns his smile.
Please call me Serena. I guess I was in the bathroom then. Good evening to you and Mr. Okeke.
IKECHUKWU
I don tell you say my name na Iyke.
SERENA
Okay then. Iyke. And who is this handsome guy right here?
She gestures at the young man sitting with them.
IKECHUKWU
Oh! That na my cousin, Ebuka.
EBUKA
Good evening ma’am.
SERENA
Good evening. How are you?
EBUKA
I’m fine thank you.
IKECHUKWU
I brought him here so that when I am away at the summit during the day, he can take some of the goods we brought to the nearby market and sell. I want to see how lucrative this Ibadan can be for business.
ODION
Laughs and shakes his head.
So, you brought your cousin with you for business. Wonderful! What goods do you sell?
IKECHUKWU
I sell underwear. Both male and female underwear.
OLUWASEYI
Hmm, Ndi-igbo. Well done sir.
IKECHUKWU
Well, man must chop.
The bartender brings a bottle of wine in an ice bucket and drops it on their table.
BARTENDER
Courtesy of the Fingerprint.
JAMES
Oh thank you very much.
Bartender nods in acknowledgement before moving away.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Seems we have to order something else for you Serena.
SERENA
Shaking her head.
Nah! This bottle of water right here is enough. Being eight months along, the baby is sitting right on my bladder. Don’t want to spend the night inside the bathroom.
ODION
Smiles and winks at Serena.
Well, pregnancy suits you. You look stunning.
OLUWASEYI
Rolls her eyes.
Oh please, don’t work your wiles on her. She’s taken.
ODION
I am not working anything. I am just stating the obvious. She does look radiant.
IKECHUKWU
Takes a sip of his beer.
I know una kind. You be like my brother, Chiditere. He fit use sweet mouth for any woman as long as she dey well.
ODION
Raises his hands in surrender.
Shuo! I was just complimenting her. I’m not trying to steal her from her husband or anything.
SERENA
Laughs awkwardly.
Well, thank you Odion.
Looks up at the muted television where the news is on.
ODION
People, look, it’s about the fire today.
They all turn to the television where the camera was showing footage of the half-burnt Bankole Foundation Building.
IKECHUKWU
Oh boy, that fire no be here oh. See as Anita con dey jump up when she hear say we almost die from smoke inhalation.
OLUWASEYI
Well, we are their guests. They will be held responsible should anything happen to us under their watch.
JAMES
I hope the wreck was not so much though. The way it is, I’m surprised they haven’t called off the exhibition sef. Dem try wella.
SERENA
They probably don’t want any bad press. We’re already here… Wait oh! Am I the only one that has noticed that the guy sitting alone at the far right corner of the bar has been staring at us.
EBUKA
He has been observing us for a while. I too have been looking at him since you guys were talking.
JAMES
Turns his head to look round.
What guy?
SERENA
Gestures with her shoulder in the direction of the man whose face is obscured by the dim light of the bar.
Right there.
ODION
He may or may not be a shady character. We can’t know for sure what he wants, but just to be on the safe side, I suggest we all retire to our rooms.
JAMES
I second that decision. We all need rest after the events of today and in preparation for the tour at the Bankole Foundation Head Gallery tomorrow.
IKECHUKWU
I just pray we are able to promote mass participation in Nigerian art and culture in our various sectors when we get back from this conference sha. Na my own be that. Then we need to see how that fit bring some kudi.
ODION
We will. Come on; let us walk these two beautiful ladies to their rooms.
OLUWASEYI
Shakes her head.
Ever the smooth talker.
SERENA
Gets off her chair as well.
Even though we just got here, I don’t mind, leaving o. Not with that weird man spying on us.
They all laugh and troop out of the bar under the watchful eye of the stranger.
INT. BANKOLE FOUNDATION’S HEAD GALLERY – DAY
The group follows a man and woman in suits as they are led out of a room into a larger room which looks like a set up restaurant for the Gallery.
ORGANISER 1
And this is the office Café. Our Staff and visitors usually have their meals here. Please, go and sit down and your orders will be taken. It’s on the office.
The group thanks them and move towards a table near the window. Seyi is trying to take something out of her bag and isn’t looking in front of her. She collides with a young man on face cap. It is the same young man from the one room apartment earlier.
OLUWASEYI
Gasps!
Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking.
YOUNG MAN
Smiling.
No problem. It’s not everyday one almost gets knocked down by a beautiful woman like you.
OLUWASEYI
Blushes.
Oh, thank you. I’m Seyi.
YOUNG MAN
My name is Kelvin. I work here. Your face isn’t familiar, so I am guessing you are here for the summit?
OLUWASEYI
Yes, I’m definitely here for the summit. Wouldn’t mind trading places with you though. It must be really interesting to work here.
KELVIN
Oh yes! But I’m new here. So don’t go asking me any art-related questions just yet.
OLUWASEYI
That’s great. Erm….. so what do you do here?
KELVIN
Well, I’m the assistant curator for the floor that shows the sculpted works.
OLUWASEYI
I love that. After the pottery floor, I fell in love with Sculpture next.
KELVIN
So, are they treating you well? Bankole Foundation I mean… With the fire incident and everything…
OLUWASEYI
Oh yes, the summit has been awesome, irrespective of the fire yesterday.
KELVIN
Hope the foundation is taking responsibility for their carelessness?
OLUWASEYI
Absolutely! They were so sorry yesterday. They really can’t afford to let anything happen to us you know?
Looks around and sees the others already seated at the window table.
OLUWASEYI (CONT’D)
Well, it was nice meeting you Kelvin. I have to go and join the others now. See you around?
KELVIN
Smiles.
With a beautiful face like yours, you definitely will be seeing me again.
He walks off with the smile still plastered on his face while Seyi turns and heads towards her colleagues.
INT. SERENA’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
The group is watching a movie. James, Iyke and Seyi all sit on the floor with pillows and popcorn while Odion and Serena sit on the bed with their bowls of popcorn.
OLUWASEYI
Puts a handful of popcorn in her mouth.
Why are these movie stars so hot sef?
JAMES
What’s with you and hot guys?
OLUWASEYI
My dear, you can’t imagine me having the hots for a guy that looks like Santa Claus’s twin brother. No offense to your stature bro.
JAMES
Laughs good humouredly.
Well, none taken. The only woman whose opinion matters to me loves me this way.
OLUWASEYI
Aww, that’s so sweet. But I still want a cute hot guy.
ODION
Beating his chest loudly.
Like me right?
OLUWASEYI
Rolls her eyes.
In your wildest dreams Ughulu. You resemble person wey dem no gree buy for morning market.
IKECHUKWU
Holds his chest while laughing with the others.
Chai. My chest is doing me somehow. James, shift, make I faint.
ODION
Making a face.
Oh please, stop pretending. You know I’m every lady’s dream guy.
OLUWASEYI
I know my dream guy when I see him.
SERENA
You mean like the guy at the Gallery Cafe this afternoon?
OLUWASEYI
Blushing!
Oh, Kelvin? Exactly!
ODION
Even exchanged names already? Na wa o. Girls are not smiling again oh.
OLUWASEYI
Quit it Ughulu. You’re raining on my parade.
ODION
Then go and parade in another city where dem dey dry season.
SERENA
Speaking of the Kelvin guy, He looked so familiar. He reminded me so much of one of my aunts. I think I was just eight the last time I saw her though but I can’t forget that striking feature.
JAMES
I think you miss your Aunt so much; you’re conjuring a look-alike for her.
SERENA
Looks away, slightly embarrassed.
Probably, but I’m so sure that…..
She gasps and clutches her stomach.
OLUWASEYI
What is it?
SERENA
With a huge grin.
The baby kicked. It has been a while it did that.
IKECHUKWU
Hehehehe Na boy be that. He’ll become a footballer like Okocha.
ODION
Pointing at the door.
Uh… Guys, water is trickling inside this room o.
They turn to see water coming inside the room through the little space under the closed door. They can hear noises outside, so they all rush to the door. James opens the door and they step out into a flooded corridor while the other lodgers are gathered in one corner.
IKECHUKWU
Where’s all that water coming from?
ODION
Am I the only one starting to feel something is really wrong somewhere?
OLUWASEYI
Not just you. The fire at their headquarters yesterday and now, their hotel is flooded? Seems too serious to be merely coincidence.
They all remain quiet, each to his thoughts while watching the hotel workers move up and down the hallway.
INT. A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT – DAY
The room looks scattered this time. Kelvin and his friends are eating from take away packs as they discuss.
KELVIN
Eat up guys; you need your strength tonight.
FRIEND 1
Thank you for lunch boss. You too tight!
KELVIN
Nods in acknowledgement.
It’s the least I could do after a job well done last night. The news carried it this morning. The whole first floor was pretty flooded. Many customers sure had a lot to say to the Foundation owners. They are becoming sloppy in the eyes of the press.
FRIEND 2
Taking a bite off a chunky chicken thigh.
Uh… I couldn’t get brown gloves for tonight’s heist like you requested… So, I got black instead.
KELVIN
E no mean. Black even better pass brown sef. That’s quite okay.
He stands, pushing his empty food pack away.
KELVIN (CONT’D)
I need to make a call, excuse me.
He walks out of the room while the other two continue eating.
INT. THE HOTEL’S HALLWAY – NIGHT
A figure clad in a black garb is seen walking towards the fire alarm switch on the wall beside one of the security cameras at the reception. the receptionist is fast asleep, completely oblivious to his presence. The figure flips the switch and immediately, a loud shrill alarm goes off amidst panic shouts from lodgers.
INT. THE FIRST FLOOR – NIGHT
Serena walks out of her room into the commotion in the hallway. She finally locates Seyi who in turn leads her to the men who have also come out of their rooms. Hotel workers are seen leading occupants to the fire escape until the group is approached by a man in the hotel uniform.
MAN
I am supposed to lead the summit people to safety as directed by hotel management. Are you all here?
IKECHUKWU
Yes. Including Ebuka my cousin.
MAN
Great! Please come with me.
He turns and leads them to the fire escape as they take the stairs down.
JAMES
Apprehensive.
What is going on? Are we safe? Is someone targeting the foundation or something? By the way, which part of the building is on fire this time?
MAN
One question at a time sir. We need to evacuate everyone because it will take a while for the fire department to get here. Besides, I’m only an employee. I don’t know much.
OLUWASEYI
Are they seriously waiting for the fire department?
MAN
Yes. But some of our people are already trying to put out the fire.
Odion stops walking and looks back when he noticed Serena has stopped walking and is looking at the ground in shock.
ODION
Serena, what is it? Are you alright?
SERENA
In a low voice.
My amniotic sac just broke.
IKECHUKWU
In an impatient tone.
Wetin be that again?
SERENA
My water just broke.
OLUWASEYI
Rushes to Serena and quickly holds her.
Oh my God. Are you okay?
SERENA
I think so. I just need to get to the hospital real quick. My contractions will be starting anytime soon.
ODION
Holds Serena on the other side.
Wow, your baby is coming. You are going to be fine. Seyi and I will lead you down the staircase carefully.
MAN
Confused.
She’s going to have her baby? Now?
JAMES
Yes, so please hurry and lead us to safety so we can get her to a hospital.
They walk slowly after the hotel worker who leads them down the stairs.
INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – NIGHT
The man in uniform takes them inside the hotel restaurant where Kelvin and his friends are waiting, clad in black garbs and brandishing big guns. They move towards the group. One of them pays the Hotel attendant who rushes off after.
KELVIN
Welcome people. Welcome. Now please, take your seats by that wall there. We haven’t got much time.
ODION
Please sir, she’s in labour. She needs to get to the hospital like now.
Gestures at an uncomfortable Serena clutched in between him and Seyi.
KELVIN
Smiles sweetly.
Well now… The sooner Bankole Foundation acquiesces to our desires, the sooner she can get to the hospital. Now move to that wall and sit down. No more talking.
Odion and Seyi guide a weary looking Serena to the ground. They sit with her, along with the others, with their backs to the wall. Kelvin moves to the table in front of them and switches on the web Cam of the laptop on the table.
SERENA
Whispers.
Seyi, isn’t that the Kelvin guy?
Seyi looks up and catches Kelvin’s eyes but looks away. She nods in acknowledgement. Serena stares at Kelvin with a strange expression. Kelvin starts talking to the webcam and occasionally turns the camera to the group for whoever is on the other end to see. After the video call, he stands and walks towards them.
KELVIN
I am sure you are all wondering why you are here. Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything. Right from the beginning.
He pulls a chair and sits on it. The two other gunmen continue brandishing their guns menacingly.
You See, Adesope Bankole, the dead Patriarch of the Bankole family is my biological Father. His wife cheated my young mother who had me when she was just a teen. When I was five, Father travelled and while he was away, his wife walked my mum out of the house. Claiming I was a bastard and I wasn’t going to get a dime of my inheritance.
He pauses to be sure he has their attention. (Camera zooms in on Kelvin’s face as he flashes back to the very first scene.)
KELVIN (CONT’D)
You see, my mother dropped me at my grandma’s house and she took off. I never saw her again after that. I grew up with my grandmother watching the other Bankole children live lavishly, while I grew up a bastard. As if that wasn’t enough, in school then, they picked on me, knowing quite well I was their sibling. It was then I swore I would run that wealth down no matter how long it takes. The fire and the flood seemed good until my friends here suggested I also find a way to get my inheritance. Don’t think we’re thieves or kidnappers. Not at all! We are all graduates, who want to correct and injustice. So now, I have made a video call to the Executives of the Foundation. They know you are here and they know we are only going to let you go if they send the sum of 100 million naira to a stipulated account. They have just 60 minutes to gamble with your lives. If they do not meet our demands, trust me, you all don’t want to know your fates. Any questions?
ODION
Measuring his words.
But we are not their workers. We only came for the conference. What if they decide they are not responsible for us?
KELVIN
Well, thanks to Seyi here, we now know the Foundation does not joke with their guests.
Seyi focuses her gaze on the ground, completely mortified.
SERENA
But the Foundation is a charity organisation; most of their proceeds go to charity.
KELVIN
Jumps out of his chair in a rage.
Oh please! Look around you. No one cares about arts and culture here. The Bankole household is hypocritical. They abandoned me. What stupid charity? I suggest you conserve your energy for your labour ma’am because you are going nowhere until the 60 minutes is up or the sooner they pay the ransom.
He walks away from them towards the other two.
INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Serena’s breath is coming in short successions while the group kneels around her trying to make her comfortable. Seyi moves her forward and sits behind her so she can rest on her while she whispers soothingly and rubs her back.
JAMES
We need to beg them again. Even if they don’t release all of us, they need to let her go. She needs a Doctor.
OLUWASEYI
Fuming.
Well, the idiots are not listening to us. Can’t believe I let that Kelvin dude fool me.
IKECHUKWU
Nwanem, come on! That no be your fault.
Kelvin walks towards them and stops when he sees Serena’s state.
KELVIN
You all have 30 minutes left. If Bankole Foundation does not respond by then, you are going to see another side of me.
James suddenly springs up and launches himself at Kelvin. The two of them fall down. The commotion attracts Kelvin’s friends and they rush to the scene. They pull James off Kelvin and Friend 1 punches James in the face.
FRIEND 1
Shouting.
You dey craze? For this act of stupidity and disrespect, one of you will pay dearly.
He points his gun at James but Kelvin holds him back. They whisper in hushed tones before the two friends walk back to their positions.
KELVIN
Thank your lucky stars I promised the Foundation I will not hurt anyone throughout the 60 minutes.
He walks away after looking at them in the eye one after the other.
INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Kelvin and his friends are discussing over a bottle of water each in their hands. Friend 2 turns to look at the group huddled around a panting Serena.
FRIEND 2
Boss, maybe we should do something about her situation. She and her baby aren’t the villains here naa. They shouldn’t have to suffer for this.
KELVIN
Sighs.
I know. But I can’t release her alone. That’s a dangerous move. We just have to ease her discomfort till those idiots pay and then she can go.
FRIEND 1
Scratches his head.
Well, growing up with a midwife finally came in handy. Let’s give her water, it’ll help her regain her strength.
Friend 2 takes a bottle of water and walks to the group. Kelvin follows closely behind. They all stop whispering immediately the two gunmen got to them. Friend 2 bends and offers Serena the bottle of water.
Here, take this. It’ll help you keep your strength up.
Serena takes the bottle from him and drinks gently. She passes the bottle to Seyi who caps it. Friend 2 stands up to go, while Kelvin looks on.
SERENA
Staring intently at Kelvin.
Obaloluwa!
Kelvin eyes open in shock. He bends down towards the pregnant woman.
KELVIN
What did you call me?
SERENA
Obaloluwa. I remember you now. I was right after all. Aren’t you Aunt Mira’s son?
KELVIN
Looks confused.
Who are you?
SERENA
Shifts and wipes sweat off her forehead.
I remember visiting you with my mum a couple of times. You loved pulling my hair and I remember you punched Farouk because he pulled it also.
KELVIN
Opens his mouth in surprise before smiling widely.
Serena?
SERENA
Nods with a smile.
Yes. Can’t believe I will finally… Aaaaargh!
She screams in pain while squeezing Odion and Iyke’s hands on both sides. Kelvin panics and runs to Friend 1.
KELVIN
Shakes him furiously.
Please, you said you have midwifery knowledge bah? Do something. She’s my cousin, and she’s here because…
Friend 1 holds him and shakes him from his rants
FRIEND 1
Haba! Your cousin? How? But calm down boss. I will help her. Listen to me, get napkins and water. We’ll need something that can serve as a clamp also.
Kelvin starts ransacking their backpacks for the required materials while Friend 1 rushes to a Panting Serena.
FRIEND 1
Serena? I am here to help you.
He bends to look under her nightie while Odion grimaces.
I can see you’re fully dilated. All I need is for you to push with all your might. You’re Seyi, right? Keep rubbing her back. You guys holding her should continue, and fat guy…
Pointing at James.
FRIEND 1 (CONT’D)
Pray… Don’t worry madam. I know what I am doing. I’ve seen it done a million times.
Kelvin rushes over with the napkins and another bottle of water. He also brings out a peg. Friend 2 continues encouraging Serena to push each time another wave of contraction hits her. A few minutes later and the sharp cry of a newborn is heard. Friend 2 clamps the umbilical cord with the peg and passes the baby to Kelvin while he finishes up with Serena.
KELVIN
Stares at the wailing child in wonder.
It’s a boy. Serena you have a son.
Serena flops back against Seyi in obvious relief while the whole group bursts into congratulatory words. They thank Friend 1 who shyly nods at them. Suddenly, the jubilation is cut short by loud police sirens. Kelvin’s friends look at him in panic. He stands up after passing Serena her baby.
KELVIN
You guys have been awesome. I can not let you go to jail for…
His phone beeps and he stares at the screen for a second. He looks at them smiling.
They have paid it. The ransom.
FRIEND 1
WOW! That’s amazing.
KELVIN
You know the pin and how to withdraw the money. Go guys.
FRIEND 2
Wait what? We can’t leave without you.
KELVIN
Yes you can, and you will. I have learnt not to throw stones in the market, you might just hit one of your own.
He throws a glance at Serena who is cooing at her baby.
I have also learned that I shouldn’t have fought fire with fire. You both don’t deserve to be punished for my mistakes. So, go.
FRIEND 1
Fine. But we’ll wait for you at the safe house till 6am before leaving. Remember 6am. We hope you show up.
They turn around and grab their bags. They run to the door leading to the kitchen and go in through it. Kelvin turns around to face the group.
SERENA
Oba, what are you doing?
KELVIN
The right thing.
SERENA
If they get you, you are going to jail no matter how sad and touching your backstory might be. So, scram and follow your friends.
KELVIN
But I committed arson and I held you hostage. I could have hurt you and your child.
SERENA
But you didn’t. Kelvin, there’s good in you and I’ll be damned if I let you throw it away because your righteousness suddenly decided to rear its head.
JAMES
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but she’s right. Kelvin go.
Loud shouts can be heard as footsteps approach the restaurant. Kelvin looks at the door and looks at the group. He finally relents.
KELVIN
See you around big sis. Ciao!
SERENA
Shouts after Kelvin’s retreating back.
Find me in Ogun State Central Museum. You can’t miss it.
Kelvin nods and smiles at all of them. Then he rushes off through the same door his friends took. Immediately, the main bursts open and Police men rush in surprised there are no gunmen. The group smile at one another.
