THE PREACHER'S WRATH

MINISTRY AND FAMILY

INT. SHOOTING RANGE - DAY

Pastor Mrs. Akomolafe, aka "The Preacher," stands at a shooting range.

A mid-forties woman in a corporate suit. She represents a

minister of God who stays active even on weekdays. Counsel. Meetings.

She has a confident posture. Calm. Collected. Fearless.

It's as if she's been there and done it.

She holds and positions a pistol. Eyes locked on the target.

She pulls the trigger. Lands an above average score.

Not satisfied.

She resets her stance. Caresses the weapon, as if to gain its cooperation.

Aims again. Slowly places her finger on the trigger.

Eyes squinted for tunnel vision.

Suddenly, her personal assistant clears his throat.

A twenty-something guy. Innocent look.

The smile on his face says he doesn't realize he just distracted her

from what might have been her best shot of the day.

The Preacher halts. Looks in his direction.

Shakes her head like: here comes my P.A with his bad timing again.

She safeties the gun and walks to him.

THE PREACHER

So what do we have to hear now?

ENIOLA

I just came over to let you know about the television

program you've scheduled to watch.

THE PREACHER

What about it? Don't tell me the time has been moved again.

ENIOLA

Ah, not exactly. It only appears we set our minds

to a different time.

The Preacher gestures for him to elaborate.

ENIOLA

It has aired already.

He says it hesitantly.

THE PREACHER

Good God. You said 4 o'clock. And you displayed

so much confidence saying it.

ENIOLA

Yes ma. But I added that that's the time on weekends

because I never bother watching on a weekday.

You are the one who said, why will they switch it

to a different time on weekdays.

THE PREACHER

Hmm. Sooo assumption got the best of me this time around.

ENIOLA

That's what it looks like.

THE PREACHER

(mimics him comically)

You are assisting me, remember? Even when I make assumptions,

you are supposed to make sure I nail them.

ENIOLA

I guess so ma. Pardon my nonchalance.

THE PREACHER

It's okay.

She begins to head back to her shooting practice.

THE PREACHER (CONT'D)

We are both culpable. You know what!

She stops and turns.

THE PREACHER (CONT'D)

I think I'm done here for today. I will use the extra time

to advance on my devotional writeup.

She looks at her shooting performance one last time,

then heads for the exit with her P.A.

ENIOLA

I get it now. From the shooting practice to the scribble practice.

His attempt at wordplay makes her pause for a moment.

THE PREACHER

Okay, that's a good one.

ENIOLA

I try boss, I try.

He looks delighted to have impressed his boss.

CUT TO:

EXT. GUN RANGE PARKING LOT - DAY

Pastor Mrs. Akomolafe and her P.A walk toward her luxurious jeep.

She carries her phone and a bottle of water.

Eniola carries her handbag and his laptop bag.

ENIOLA

Your evangelism team is increasing rapidly.

And the energy brought to today's meeting is incredible.

THE PREACHER

(smiles)

You caught that? That's the power of prayers.

And also the dedication and impact poured into our services on Sunday.

It motivates the members to invite others.

ENIOLA

Facts. The order of programs are really engaging.

The congregation barely took their seat last Sunday.

THE PREACHER

(smiles)

They can't get enough of the Holy Ghost.

That fire moves across the hall into the streets.

ENIOLA

It's marvelous. It might also have to do with your invitation

to the Olivebrook Crusade at BCC.

THE PREACHER

That reminds me. You and Prosper will do a little survey for me.

I want to know the capacity of that hall.

The distance between the stage and the front row.

I'm going to be working with those assessments.

She takes her handbag from him.

ENIOLA

Of course ma.

THE PREACHER

(opens the car door)

Alright. Let me drop you off where you can get a cab.

Get in touch with Prosper asap.

ENIOLA

Will do boss.

He goes toward the passenger seat.

FADE OUT.

CUT TO:

INT./EXT. AKOMOLAFE RESIDENCE - DAY

The Preacher arrives at her house.

The security opens the gate as she drives into the beautiful compound.

Floral decorations. Well-laid interlock. A sight to behold.

Other cars. Workers. Gardener. Cleaner.

It suggests Mrs. Akomolafe and her husband are well to do.

She waves to the security man and proceeds inside.

INT. AKOMOLAFE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

In the living room: her 20-year-old daughter, OREOLUWA,

sits on the couch with her friend, FAITH, same age.

Both busy with their handsets.

At one end of the room is her husband, MR. AKOMOLAFE.

A giant in the media industry. Owns his own media consulting firm.

He's with a guest.

THE PREACHER

Hello people.

OREOLUWA

Hi mommy, welcome back.

THE PREACHER

Hey love.

FAITH

Good afternoon ma.

THE PREACHER

Faith!! So nice to see you around here for a change.

How have you been?

FAITH

Very fine mommy, thank you.

MR. AKOMOLAFE

Honey, come and take a look at who I have here.

The Preacher walks toward them.

MR. AKOMOLAFE (CONT'D)

The Defender himself.

A semi-large man with unique white facial beard.

Sits with confident, balanced stamina.

THE PREACHER

Wow. What a pleasant surprise.

THE DEFENDER

The most vibrant Mama G.O.

The Defender gets to his feet as Mrs. Akomolafe shakes his hand.

THE PREACHER

Welcome back to the city. How's business?

THE DEFENDER

It's good to be back. And Mama G.O, business is booming.

THE PREACHER

Awesome. Really awesome.

THE DEFENDER

It's been a few years. And after observing my friend,

your beautiful daughter, the house and the church...

It's evident that you have truly advanced in your work for His kingdom.

He takes his seat.

THE PREACHER

So kind of you, Defender. Thanks so much.

Hmm, what's happening here?

She turns to her husband and daughter.

THE PREACHER (CONT'D)

Our guest is not eating anything.

He should be having some heavy swallow by now.

OREOLUWA

He didn't want anything. Just water.

THE DEFENDER

That's right. I can't eat anything now.

I'm going for an event this evening.

MR. AKOMOLAFE

(cuts in)

The Defender is being honored with an award

by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.

THE PREACHER

Oh my. That's wonderful. Congratulations sir.

THE DEFENDER

Thank you, Mama.

MR. AKOMOLAFE

His contributions and innovations in the trade industry

have finally been recognized. Only in a few states

does he not have an office building for conducting business,

rendering services and delivering products,

thereby generating revenue for our dear economy.

THE PREACHER

Excellent! It's been a long time coming, sir. This is good news.

THE DEFENDER

Yes ma.

THE PREACHER

Celebrations and shouts of joy shall continually

be heard from your household, IJN.

THE DEFENDER

Amen! I appreciate it. And like I said,

I want to stay alert for the ceremony.

The organizers have a banquet planned.

If I start eating now, I will keep sending the plate back

for more and more and more.

THE PREACHER

I know that's right!!

THE DEFENDER

So I'll be back. And this living room here

will be the commencement of my celebrations.

THE PREACHER

I know that's right!!

MR. AKOMOLAFE

(emphatically and energetically)

We can handle that. It will go down here for sure.

The Preacher laughs with the Defender.

THE PREACHER

Once again, congratulations sir. And if there is anything at all

we can do to make your evening more remarkable,

don't hesitate to ask us.

THE DEFENDER

That's beautiful. I appreciate the hospitality.

MR. AKOMOLAFE

Welcome back, honey. Did you have a good meeting?

THE PREACHER

Thanks dear. Yes, I did. We had an awesome time.

She proceeds to where Oreoluwa and Faith are seated.

OREOLUWA

Mummy , were you able to watch the show?

PREACHER

I did not darling. i'm so sorry i missed it.

OREOLUWA

Argggh. Again? How are you going to approve my participation in the show, if you don't even watch, to see what it's about?

The preacher takes her seat

OREOLUWA(CONT'D)

I told you the organizers have a good reputation and the safety of every contestant is guaranteed.

PREACHER

(Nods slowly)

I'm sure

OREOLUWA

And if you are worried about some non-sense activities which goes on between housemates, just know I have no space and time for that.

PREACHER

I'm not worried about that. I'm certain of your good conduct around boys.

Faith smiles, narrows her eyes skeptically

OREOLUWA

Oh thank God. At least we're making progress.

A light small crosses the pastor's face.

OREOLUWA

If you can just do some research, you will discover the benefits of participating.

Like the events opening the contestant's eye to see how the world really works.

And how to maintain a calm attitude under pressure.

FAITH

(Cuts in)

problem solving techniques.

OREOLUWA

Bless your heart angel of mine. See?

She shows her mom the reality show has positive reviews.

PREACHER

Hmm. I have no idea Ms faith also have plans to be television famous.

FAITH

(Chuckles) Not really ma. I'm just her campaign officer.

Pastor Gloria laughs.

PREACHER

Ehn ehn. This is getting serious o. You guys are not playing around.

OREOLUWA

(Smiles)

All jokes aside mummy. All you need is a view once and you will be hooked. It's so mind engaging and promotes critical thinking.

PREACHER

Very well dear. I've heard you

Pastor Gloria brings out her tablet.

PREACHER (CONT'D)

Now if you can go into the kitchen and critically think about what mummy should have for lunch.

Faith chuckles.

Oreoluwa gets up to go into the kitchen. Her phone rings. It's CHIDI, 23, her boyfriend. Her direction changes to her room.

OREOLUWA

I'll be back in a minute.

Her dad guesses correctly who's calling.

MR AKOMOLFE

You know ore, you will have to introduce him to us sooner or later

OREOLUWA

(smiles)

Legs go with later.

Runs off

FADE OUT