SOMETHING MUCH DARKER
1324 Words
EXT. PALAZZO HOTEL - ROOFTOP - AFTERNOON
Afrobeat emanates softly from a DJ's speaker as Samedaybobby lounges on a sofa, laughing with two attractive women.
Three other women and two of his friends are also in the circle, passing a wrap, opening another bottle of wine.
The air is thick with smoke and easy money vibes on the rooftop of Palazzo hotel. Its bobby's birthday.
He has on a gold chain, sharp designer casuals, looking effortlessly cool.
The rooftop door opens, his cohorts, moses and jerry pops up. They're dressed more low key. SDB spots them, flashes a brilliant smile.
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Hey. The cavalry is here. Look who decides to grace the sky. Men dem!
Moses and jerry approaches, nodding at bobby's friends. Then shake hands. SDB gestures to one of the ladies.
Baby. Do me a solid—grab two more bottles of that rosé from the cooler downstairs and tell Moe to send up more of those spicy suya.
WOMAN
(Playfully)
Only if you save me the last dance.
SAMEDAYBOBBY
(Winks)
You know i will.
She leaves. He rises and claps moses and jerry on the shoulder, steering them towards the edge of the rooftop. Away from the music.
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Good to see you guys. You good?
MOSES
Always. This place is live
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Damn right my brother. You straight? No eyes on you?
JERRY
We're clean. As usual.
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Perfect. Listen—About the last job. The money's sorted but that's not the finish line.
MOSES
(Eyes narrow)
Are we talking about more cash?
Bobby smiles but it fades quickly.
SAMEDAYBOBBY.
You see? You're still thinking small. It's not always about quick money. You should be asking what's next.
JERRY
Okay. what's next?
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Good question. But right now, you guys are on a need to know basis.
MOSES
Come on bobby. Put us on the game. What's the play?
SAMEDAYBOBBY
(Leans in, voice low)
The play as a whole is...big. Bigger than me. Bigger than all of us.
JERRY
Pardon my curiosity. How big are we talking about?
SAMEDAYBOBBY
Big enough that you should keep your phones charged. Your heads clear, and your mind rugged.
There's a heavier task ahead. I need you guys to stay sharp. No mistakes, no lose ends.
He pats Jerry's chest lightly.
MOSES
(Ignores his curiosity)
We're in. Just say when.
SAMEDAYBOBBY
(Straightens up. Smile returns)
That's what i like to hear. Now—go enjoy the night. Lose the tension. Tonight we're just friends having a good vibe.
Drink up. Talk to those fine ladies over there.
He starts walking back towards his friends.
SAMEDAYBOBBY (CONT'D)
Have a great night boys—Dont drink all my wine.
He merges back into the party. Immediately laughing at a joke.
Moses and jerry stand at the railing watching the city lights.
JERRY
(Quietly)
Bigger than him. What does that even mean?
Moses' eyes focuses on the night, cracking the puzzle.
MOSES
I don't know, but it doesn't feel like blackmail anymore.
The festive noise behind them suddenly feel distant. Like a soundtrack to something much darker.
They watch the party for a moment before melting into it.
*****************************************
INT. CGM - BOARD ROOM - MORNING
PASTOR BEN
(Leans forward)
The orphanage roof repair is urgent. That's for sure. The contractor quoted three million naira.
If we divert funds from the street light project, then we're delaying visibility on the church road, which is also urgent. We are talking about safety here.
Pastor Gloria Akomolafe, Dignified in a tailored suit, sits at the head of a polished table. Six other pastors are seated around her.
The atmosphere is formal but cordial. They are deep in discussion over expenditure inside the CGM building.
PREACHER
I understand, yet—is it wise for us to prioritize street lights over a leaking roof for orphans? Lets think holistically.
PASTOR CHINWE
(Adjusting her glasses)
The streets light are also evangelistic. A well lit road brings more attendance to our evening services.
We will be killing two birds with one stone. Fulfilling a corporate responsibility while making an investment.
PASTOR TUNDE
But the children's health comes first. What if we split the funds? Earmark half for the roof, half for the street light.
PREACHER
(Sighs thoughtfully)
That might put a strain on both projects. Lets pray—
The door bursts open, Oreoluwa, panicky, tears streaming. Stumbles in.
OREOLUWA
Mummy! Mummy please! Its happening again! I've messed up.
All eyes snapped towards her. The preacher's face tightens with shock, then embarrassment.
PREACHER
Oreoluwa what is this? Can't you see we're in a meeting?
OREOLUWA
(Collapssing into a chair)
I can't....I can't handle it. He won't leave me alone.
The preacher shoots and apologetic glance at the board.
PREACHER
(To Pastors)
Please, excuse this. My daughter is...unwell
The Pastors exchange uneasy glances. She approaches Oreoluwa's position. Gesturing to eniola, who rushes over.
PREACHER(CONT'D)
Eniola, take her to my office. I'll join you shortly.
Eniola guides a trembling Oreoluwa out. The Preacher turns back, composing herself.
PREACHER
(To the board)
My deepest apologies. Family matter. Lets adjourn and continue tomorrow, same time.
Nods off understanding. They gather papers, filing out, whispering their assurances.
PASTOR BEN
(Quietly at the door)
Let us know if you need us Pastor.
Pastor Gloria gives a tight smile. Once alone, she exhales sharply. Then strides towards her office.
INT. CGM - PASTOR GLORIA'S OFFICE
Oreoluwa paces, hyperventilates. Eniola tries to soothe her.
ENIOLA
It's okay Ore. Just try and stay calm.
OREOLUWA
How could I be so stupid? I've messed everything up. School resumes in a week.
ENIOLA
The situation will be contained. God is in control. No issue is too hard for him to solve.
OREOLUWA
(Hands on her head)
You don't understand. My peace of mind. My reality TV audition—gone. I'll never have the confidence to go after my dreams.
ENIOLA
Common Oreoluwa. You should know better not to have such a negative outlook about your future. Nothing can hold you back if you believe.
OREOLUWA
My foolish behavior is about to bring disgrace to our family, my mom's reputation. I've completely derailed from the core values of the church.
ENIOLA
(Takes a moment)
Okay that one is above my pay grade. But let's just wait for your mom. She will help you get through...
The door opens. pastor Gloria enters. Facial expression, unreadable.
PREACHER
Eniola. Give us privacy
Eniola slips out. She locks the door, turns to Oreoluwa. The silence hangs heavy.
PREACHER
Start from the beginning and make sure are telling me the truth.
OREOLUWA
(Through tears)
Someone is blackmailing me.
PREACHER
Who?
OREOLUWA
A very bad person.
PREACHER
Pardon me, for assuming it's pope leo xiv
Impatient, she raises her voice a bit.
PREACHER
What did you do? What are they blackmailing you for?
OREOLUWA
It was Chidi...I thought he was the one. We were chatting on w******p. He asked for....private photos.
I sent it to him. Later—I discovered it wasn't him I chatted with. It's a hacker. He started blackmailing me.
The first time, I paid with my savings. Now he's asking for more or he will leak the photos online.
The pastor tightens her knuckles, showing curiosity
PREACHER
(Voice dangerously low)
You sent what? Erotic photos to a stranger.
OREOLUWA
(Crying)
I'm sorry mommy. I was careless.
The preacher grips the back of a chair. Eyes blazing with a mix of fury and tough love.
PREACHER
Do you know what you've done? Not just to yourself—to your future. To this family's name.
OREOLUWA
(weeps silently)
I wasn't thinking mommy, I'm sorry.
Pastor Akomolafe's composure cracks for a second. She flicks around in different direction without taking a step.
She straightens up.
PREACHER
Let me see the photos
OREOLUWA
He sent printed copies to the house days ago.
The Pastor gets flashes of devastation. A tremor in her clenched hands.
PREACHER
We are going home now.
- Writer
