THE PREACHER'S WRATH

THE MONEY DROP

EXT. AKOMOLAFE'S COMPOUND - MORNING

Mr Akomolafe is about to embrace on a trip. His wife had walked him to the car inside their compound.

He begins to load suitcases inside his car boot, while Mrs Akomolafe holds his travel documents.

PREACHER

Don't forget to call when you land. And eat properly. Not just airport snacks.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Yes ma'am. I'll be back before you know it.

Oreoluwa watches from the porch as her mother adjusted the dad's collar, speaking softly.

She takes a deep breath, eyes tired, walks over.

OREOLUWA

Daddy You are off already?

MR AKOMOLAFE

(Turns, smiling)

Yes love. The flight is 1pm. And Abuja's traffic doesn't care about your schedule.

PREACHER

(To Oreoluwa)

Did you sleep well? You look pale.

OREOLUWA

(Forces a smile)

I'm fine mummy. Dad about the money for resumption—you said I will get it before your trip.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Of course, I'll do the transfer on my way.

OREOLUWA

Thanks. Also (hesitates) i might need a little extra. There're some programs coming up this semester. mandatory trips, club fees. Nothing much, just....

Dad glances at mom playfully

MR AKOMOLAFE

Your mother is the CFO of this family. I'm sure she's got you covered for any extra fees. Right dear?

PREACHER

Don't worry dear. We'll sort it out

Smiling but studying Oreoluwa's face. Oreoluwa nods. Relief mixed with grief.

OREOLUWA

Okay. Safe trip dad (Hugs her dad)

Call us when you get there.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Of course darling.

She retreats towards the house. Dad gets into the car. Mom stands by the window.

MR AKOMOLAFE

She's been quiet lately. Not her usual self.

PREACHER

I noticed. Her cheerfulness is gone. No more singing in the shower. No jokes.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Maybe it's the pressure of school resumption. Or she's nervous about something. Something weighing on her.

He gets his travel documents from his wife.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Could also be boyfriend issues( he shrugs)

PREACHER

She would have told me about that. But she's definitely hiding something.

She leans back from the car

PREACHER(CONT'D)

I will have a chat with her later.

MR AKOMOLAFE

Good. Please do. let me know how it goes.

(Starts the engine)

PREACHER

I will. Drive safely. Love you.

MR AKOMOLAFE

(Smiles)

Love you baby. see you soon.

The preacher waves as the car pulls away. She turns towards the house. Her smile fades into a thoughtful frown as she heads inside.

******************************************

EXT. MOVING CAB - MORNING

Oreoluwa and Faith are seated at the back of a moving cab. Ore grips on her phone with both hands, staring at w******p messages. Faith watches with concern.

FAITH

Ore breathe. Just breathe. What did he say now?

OREOLUWA

(Reading chat)

Get down at the petrol station. Walk straight to the round about. Wait for my next message.

FAITH

Hmm. What a day this will be.

Oreoluwa looks out the car window, unstable.

OREOLUWA

Faith I'm so sorry I dragged you into this.

FAITH

Stop it. We are sisters. You think I'll let you do this alone?

She leans closer. Whispering.

FAITH(CONT'D)

But are you sure this pay-off will be the only time? He won't come back for me?

OREOLUWA

He promised. Once he gets the money. He will delete everything. No more threats, no more discussion.

FAITH

And you believe him?

OREOLUWA

(Shakes head, exhausted)

I don't have a choice.

The cab stops. They get out. Observes the petrol station surrounding. They sight the round about.

OREOLUWA

That must be the round about. Let's go

They proceed with every step calculated at first.

FAITH

This feels like a spy movie. I won't lie.

OREOLUWA

He's watching us. He has to be.

FAITH

How are you so sure? This road is almost empty.

OREOLUWA

He said he would know if I brought anyone else. Because I let him know I'll be coming with best friend.

Faith glances around once again. Paranoia sets in.

OREOLUWA (CONT'D)

If this picture gets out, I will never forgive myself. More so if my parents find out.

FAITH

(Squeezes her arm)

It won't get out. We will get through this. We do what the creep says. You get your life back

They walk silently, both in deep thoughts for some seconds.

FAITH

(Holding tight her handbag)

But this 500k, hope its not for something important.

OREOLUWA

Its part of my savings. I also made up some stuff about department activities, faculty trips.

FAITH

And Chidi? He talked about pitching in the other day.

OREOLUWA

(Shoots Faith a look)

How much impact do you think his contribution will have on the total?

Faith shrugs, spreading both hands

OREOLUWA

I told him not to bother.

FAITH

(Exhales)

Hmm...It is well.

They get to the round about.

OREOLUWA

We're here. We are supposed to...

(Her phone buzzes, she reads the message)

Walk over to that giant Cowbell signboard and remain beside it.

They spot the signboard and began walking towards it.

FAITH

Why all this drama? Cant he just take the money and vanish?

OREOLUWA

He's trying to make sure we are alone. No police, no tricks.

FAITH

The sinful hides when no one pursues.

They walk in silence for a moment. Soon, they arrive at the signboard then wait for the next instruction. Surrounded by the sounds and winds of cars speeding by.

Ore receives a message

OREOLUWA

(Reads chat)

Now walk back to the round about, stop by the kiosk, buy a bottle of water.

FAITH

(Furious)

Is this guy a fool?

OREOLUWA

(Narrows her eyes in regret)

On my life ehn!

FAITH

(Pulls oreoluwa along)

Oya let's go. Lets just go

They get on with it. This time around, their walking pace increases. Too pissed for chitchat. Basking in the hopefulness that it will end soon.

At the kiosk, they're in the middle of making payment when Oreoluwa's phone dings. She passes her phone to faith while she rounds up the purchase.

FAITH

(Reads chat)

Good. Now walk to the flyover bridge. Stand at the railings. Look down. There's a bike guy with a white helmet. He's expecting you. Drop the money to him.

They glance at each other.

OREOLUWA

Let's go!

FAITH

Wait. Let me quickly ask him something.

She begins to type while Oreoluwa draws in curiosity.

FAITH

(Reading as she types)

How do i know you won't come back for me, and if you will truly delete the pictures?

She hits send and looks at Oreoluwa for co-sign.

Phones buzzes 15 seconds later.

FAITH

(Reads chat)

You don't. If I wanted to ruin you, I would have done it already. I just want money.

Now get over there and drop it.

OREOLUWA

(Hurriedly)

Let's go. Lets go.

They head towards the flyover bridge. While climbing the pedestrian staircase, another message enters.

OREOLUWA

(Now with her phone)

If anything goes wrong, the pictures hit the internet in minutes.

They get to the bridge railings and look down. There's a bike guy wearing a white helmet.

OREOLUWA

That's him.

Faith pulls out a mid sized envelope from her handbag and hands it to Oreoluwa.

The bike guy impatiently gestures. She leads over the raids. Faith grips her arm.

FAITH

Are you sure? Once you drop it, it's gone.

OREOLUWA

What choice do I have?

She lets go.

The bag falls. He catches it, stuffs it in his jacket. Zooms off.

She slumps against the bridge railing. Faith puts an arm around her.

OREOLUWA

Now what?

FAITH

We go home

OREOLUWA

(Expressing worry)

What if he comes back for more?

FAITH

Then we fight.

But right now, we go home.

They walk back towards the stairs as Oreoluwa brushes her hands against her face.