SEEKERS EPISODE 14

WRITTEN BY

EMEKA ANNAN (08034224663)

EXT. TOYIN'S COMPOUND - MORNING

Bintu's peeved at an unflustered Baba Agba.

BINTUHow dare you say such things to me! Have you no feelings!!

She shoos him out of the compound. Still unruffled, he obeys.

BABA AGBAI urge you to pay heed to my words for I-

BINTUWords! Words you say!! And to say Iya Ibeji brought you to me. Well, I have some words for you... Shut up because you're a disgrace to the grey hair on your head and get the hell out of compound!!!

Baba Agba gives the compound a full glance over.

BABA AGBAI appreciate you for your help. Thank you for your help and may the creator continue to guide, protect and provide for you and your family.

Bintu's having none of it. Baba Agba walks out.

BINTUJust get the hell out of my house.

She closes her gates mumbling and gesticulating all the way.

EXT. BOLAJI'S HOUSE - MORNING

Lynn stands to flag down a motor bike when she hears a shriek coming from a ride. It's Yomi's. Piqued, she strains her neck to see inside when a very gay Becca alights waving the mobile ride away. Lynn walks towards Becca.

LYNNHi

BECCAHullo girlfriend. Off to work?

LYNNYeah... You don't need to tell anyone you had a good time.

BECCAA swell time Lynn. A very swell time, if I may say so.

LYNNYou may Becca. You deserve the best.

Becca gives Lynn a hearty hug, thrilled about the comment.

BECCAThanks Lynn, that was very sweet of you.I didn't know you loved me that much.

Lynn mocks hitting her. They laugh away.

LYNNAnd I am guessing the driver of that ride that just drove off is the reason behind it all?

BECCA(lovingly)

Yep. He sure was.

LYNNAnd who is he?

Becca's face suddenly all serious, her smile almost disappearing.

BECCAThe man of my dreams.

Becca walks towards the gates , to Lynn's surprise.

LYNNIs that all you're going to say. I demand you tell me all when I come back.

Becca waves her off, walking through the gate. Lynn, intrigued, stares in direction the ride zoomed off.

EXT. IYA IBEJI'S GRILL STAND - DAY

Iya Ibeji serves a famished Baba Agba his meal. He devours.

BABA AGBAThank you very much Iya Ibeji. I could eat everything you have.

IYA IBEJIAh Baba Agba! Everything?

BABA AGBAYes everything. This is no tale Iya Ibeji. I am very hungry that I could eat you yourself.

IYA IBEJI(snaps fingers over head)

E wo! God forbid bad thing, although I know you were joking.

He grins and devours on as Iya Ibeji settles near him with a coy smile.

IYA IBEJI (CONT'D)Baba Agba?

BABA AGBAYes.

IYA IBEJISpeaking of tales, you have not given me any on how your meeting with Mama Nurse went?

BABA AGBAIt went well.

IYA IBEJIThat is good to know. We thank God. I knew you were going to be alright once she treated you.

BABA AGBA

You are correct Iya Ibeji. She is gifted. Her hands are divine. The pains have reduced to the extent I barely feel them.

IYA IBEJIOlorun ma se oo. May God continue to bless her.

BABA AGBAAmen. And you too.

IYA IBEJIAmen ooo... So what else happened there?

Baba Agba devours on as if he didn't hear her.

BABA AGBALike what? I don't understand.

IYA IBEJIEm... Em... What I mean is just if you observed anything else there?

BABA AGBA(looks at her in the eyes)

No Iya Ibeji I did not observe anything more than the usual and just in case you should know the laws of the universe don't accept such.

IYA IBEJIAh! It is not like that. It is not in my character to dip my nose in other people's affairs.

BABA AGBAGood. I thought as much.

IYA IBEJIBut it is just that I thought-

BABA AGBAYou thought nothing. Give it a rest.

He resumes eating his meal to her disappointment.

INT. BOLAJI'S HOME - NIGHT

Becca's all giddy as she chats on a laptop.

BECCA

(laughs, to herself)WoW! I never knew this guy was this funny. He won kill person.

Her fingers pound the keyboard away as she chats on. Lynn enters with two mugs of steaming brew.

LYNNWhat's all the ruckus about?

Becca's fixated to the screen, unwary of Lynn's offer of the brew.

LYNN (CONT'D)Becca, you refuse coffee? Who's gotten you so enamoured?

Lynn, curious leans further to see the screen, but Becca beats her to it as she shuts the laptop down.

LYNN (CONT'D)What's that supposed to mean Becca?

BECCA(takes the mug to sip)

I don't get you.

LYNNDon't patronize me Becca. Or has it gotten to this?

BECCANo... Its not like that Lynn, but I need these early private moments with him before I make introductions.

LYNNEarly my ass! You-

BECCAYou what Becca? You what I ask? Or is it because you lent me your laptop for a few days. No problem, I'll be getting mine back soon from the engineer.

Lynn's suckered, surprised at her outburst. She sulks up to an enraged Becca.

LYNNC'mon B, you know I didn't mean it come out like that. I am sorry if you felt otherwise.

Lynn hugs and begs her. Becca succumbs.

BECCAI'm also sorry Lynn for the unkind words. That is why I hate getting riled up over flimsy things... Just give a few more days and you'll both meet.

LYNNOk.

They hug again.

EXT. OFFICE - CAR PARK - DAY

Alex calls out to Yomi who's backing out in his ride.

ALEXYomi! Yomi!!

Yomi sees him and halt. He alights as Alex reaches him.

YOMIWassup bro?

ALEX(mocks claps)

Na wa o! Earlier you said we'd lunch together and there I was waiting for you only to find you heading out... happily too, if I may say so.

YOMIYou may bro. Or don't I deserve some bit of happiness after all that I have been through?

ALEXYou sure do brother. You sure do.

YOMIOh oh. Help me ask them o. Enemies.

They laugh it off. An unsatisfied Alex presses on.

ALEXSo, what's the real koko behind the permanent smile on your face? Abi that promotion don pass me again?

YOMI

No.

ALEXEhm... Ah, you hit a jackpot?

YOMIYou really are something else. Have you ever seen me playing the lottery?

ALEXWell, spill then. We're due back soon.

YOMIYou mean you're due back soon. As for me I am off on my lunch date.

ALEXLunch date? Or did I not hear-

YOMIYep, you sure heard right.

ALEXWith who? Give me the ish man.

YOMIWell, her name's Becca, we met the other night at the club, she's more beautiful than the best Miss Nigeria that ever reigned and she's an ambitious banker.

ALEX(they high-five)

WoW! You sure are a lucky dude. She sounds like a catch.

YOMIWhat? Just so you know Alex, my woman don't sound like a catch. She is a rare catch...

ALEXSorry o lover boy.

YOMIGood. You'd better be, because in case I forgot to mention it, she's much fun to be with and I am sorry you've suddenly turned to a bore.

Yomi grins as he boards his ride. Alex taunts him.

ALEXIts not your fault at all.

Yomi zooms off. Alex smiles and heads back inside.

INT. YOMI'S RIDE - DAY

Yomi whistles to some music as he cruises on the road. He screws his face when his phone rings. He picks with his hands free.

YOMIHello... Yes speaking... Who?...

He turns down the volume of the music.

YOMI (CONT'D)Hello... Oh Dupe! How are you doing?... How dare you accuse me of such? I have repeatedly called the number you first called me with and all I get is some arabic machine. Where are you now?... And I hope you're alright?... Of course you know I care and if it were up to me you'll be here in Nigeria with me... Ok ooo... I sound happy? What drew you to that conclusion, the music?

Yomi laughs at her response.

YOMI (CONT'D)Sometimes I wonder if you're my mother or my sister?... Well, you ain't far from the truth... I see the Arabs haven't quenched your knack for hitting the nail on the head, so I'll cut the chase. I met someone... Who? A lady of course, a very pretty and lively one at that... Now why don't you just wait till you get back before you know her name?... Ok ooo, her name is Becca, satisfied?... Hello, hello, Dupe, are you still there?... Ah! There you are, thought I'd lost you for a moment there. You were saying-... Of course she's got a job, a good one at that, why do you ask?... I just don't know why you-... Ok ooo, before you kill me, she's in the banking industry if you must know... Hello, hello, Dupe...

Yomi stares at his phone. He shakes his head, pumps up the volume and nods his head to the music.

EXT. BOLAJI'S HOME - EVENING

Becca dances joyfully to some music when her phone rings.

BECCAHullo handsome... Missing me already?... You work your tongue man, you now know flattery will get you everywhere with me... Hmmm, I like that you love the sound of that... Where else would I be? You just brought me home... For the hundredth time, yes, I enjoyed the day with you... Sure, what else is there to do, of course I'll love to video chat with ya, but you've got to keep your vivid imagination in check.

She laughs as she ends the call. She sits to power the laptop when her phone rings out again. She picks.

BECCA (CONT'D)C'mon hands-... Hello... Oh Dupe, I'm so sorry, I thought it was some else...

Becca's guards are raised. She frowns.

What did you just say?... I don't-... That over glorified desert must be shrinking your brain if you-... I didn't get that, did you just say you supported my relationship with your brother?... Be serious Dupe, this is very important to me...

A relieved Becca heaves a sigh.

BECCA Thank you Dupe, that means a lot... Of course Dupe, what would make you think otherwise?... Yeah, I'm still on skype... Okay give me a ring when you're ready.

Becca dances away, wildly.

EXT. BOLAJI'S COMPOUND - MORNING

Lynn's curious about a hurried Becca who clasps on to her hand bag ready for the office.

LYNNWhat's with you this morning?

Becca feigns cluelessness.

LYNN (CONT'D)Have I suddenly turned to an old witch that you seem not to spend time with?

BECCAC'mon Lynn, where's that coming from now? I have to get going. I'm late as it is.

LYNNTell that to the birds. We still got time but you're all up and about as if your pants are on fire.

BECCAWhatever. I've got an important meeting that I am minutes behind already. Bye. Great day.

Lynn's skeptical but helpless, she waves weakly. Becca wins and heads for the gates. She boards Yomi's waiting ride and both zoom off. Lynn hurries to the gates to sight the ride and dust. Her eyes, suspicious.

EXT. STREET - MORNING

Bintu stomps the ground with a squeezed face on a mission. She halts to take a phone ring.

BINTUHello Lynn... Morning my daughter, hope you're fine?... Thank you my child, they are fine thank you... Sorry, what? I didn't get you... Yomi's car?...

Bintu's puzzled.

BINTU (CONT'D)I'm sorry Lynn, I never was a car freak so I wouldn't know the make of his car, what's this about?... Answer me first, has this got anything related to his murder of my-... The color?...

Bintu thinks for a second.

BINTU (CONT'D)Ehm, yes, I believe its blue in color... What do you mean by how sure I am?... You'd better be sorry. I know it is blue because it is my worst color. Now what is this all about?... Ok, I'll be waiting.

The call ends. Bintu remains puzzled about it.

EXT. IYA IBEJI'S GRILL STAND - MORNING

Iya Ibeji keeps busy when a peeved Bintu arrives.

IYA IBEJI(happily)

Ha Mama Nurse, good morning to you.

BINTUA good morning to you too.

Iya Ibeji observes Bintu's countenance.

IYA IBEJIHope all is well?

BINTUIt very well could have been.

IYA IBEJII'm sorry, but I don't understand. Did anyone offend you or-

BINTUYes. Someone did offend me and I am glad you hit it straight on the head.

IYA IBEJIWho dares offends you in this Iddo. You just mention names and I'll descend on them.

BINTUNo need Iya Ibeji, it was just one person.

IYA IBEJIWho? Leave the rest to me. All I need is a name.

BINTUWell, if you remain adamant. The person was you.

IYA IBEJIMe?... Me?... How?... When?

BINTUYes you. And it was the very moment you made a silly error in referring that stupid old man to me.

That man is a monumental disgrace to humanity and I'll seriously advice you to keep off him.

IYA IBEJIBaba Agba? But I thought-

BINTUYou thought nothing. He only fooled you and took you for a wild ride.

IYA IBEJII am sure there's a mistake somewhere. He is-

BINTUHe is a nonentity and nothing else. I have said my piece and that is it.

Bintu walks off lividly, leaving a confused Iya Ibeji.

INT. YOMI'S OFFICE - DAY

Alex pops his head through the doors to see a whistling and gyrating Yomi clearing his desk.

ALEXHey Bro.

YOMIWsup Alex? How's it going?

ALEXTough day at work today. Can't say the same for you. You look happy.

YOMIThat's because I am Alex.

ALEXWhat's it with this girl that has suddenly made you go gaga?

YOMIEverything friend. Although I don't expect you to fully comprehend it.

ALEXFully comprehend what?

YOMIWhat else if not love Alex.

ALEXSo you've both skipped different rungs to love.

YOMIWhatever. I'm off. Got lots to do.

ALEXWe sef go love oo.

YOMII pray for you to. Its awesome.

ALEXLook at you behaving like one love stricken puppy.

YOMINa una sabi. Enemies. Lock up.

Yomi exits. Alex locks the door.

INT. BOLAJI'S HOME - BECCA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Becca video chats with Dupe with Lynn's laptop.

BECCALike I told you earlier Dupe I am absolutely smitten with him. You know me, I say it as it is.

DUPEThat's good to know Becca because if I'm thinking this una love thing goes both ways. Jeez babe, am I happy for you or what.

BECCAThanks girlfriend. That means a lot.

DUPEAnytime Becca. Don't just break his heart.

They giggle at that.

BECCAMoi? Should I not be the careful one here?

DUPE

No worries. Its early days yet.

BECCAYeah... So what's up with youe entering the UK? Any luck yet?

DUPEI pray ooo! These guys have just kept me here waiting since I arrived.

BECCAWhat are they saying? You've got to be careful Dupe, you know one can never too sure with these kind of people.

DUPEI hear you Becca, but wetin diva go do now? I have to see him and know for certain what the future holds for me. I never thought I'd be a dillydallier at this stage of my life.

BECCAI understand Dupe. But I do hope they're treating you good?

DUPEYeah, sure. They don't have a choice now do they?

BECCANo, not with the kind of amount you said you gave them.

DUPEThat's right. But I've also told them to be fast about it as I didn't come all this way to see the scenery. Na today be Dubai?

They both laugh it off.

BECCAI trust you to give them hell. So when are you looking at really.

DUPESoonest I hope. They just keep saying the coast isn't clear yet.

Lynn passes by Becca's door along the corridor when she slowers on hearing voices. She backtracks and eavesdrops.

BECCADon't worry, I'll put you in my prayers.

DUPEEhn ehn, so that means you haven't been puttin-

BECCAAh! Its not like that oo. I simply meant that I'll say special prayers for you this time.

DUPEYou'd better do because in case you don't know I am your new mother and you're to obey me at all times.

BECCAYes ma.

They laugh.

Lynn's eyes are confused, she presses her ears more.

DUPEBut how did you know Yomi didn't know you when you met?

BECCAC'mon Dupe, na today woman don dey tie wrapper? Give me more credit than that.

DUPEBad chick... But one thing.

BECCAYeah what?

DUPEMake sure those that ain't happy for you are kept in the dark or else they'll pour their emotional frustrations on you.

BECCAI understand you Dupe. Don't worry, Lynn's in the dark. I've got in my palm.

Lynn scowls but stays still.

DUPEI trust you. You know she's a first grade prude.

BECCAAh Ah Dupe, that was-

Lynn barges in, bellowing and cursing.

LYNNWho did you just call a prude?

DUPEYou. What? Are you not one.

LYNNYou dare call me a prude. You this murderer. You dare call me words?

BECCAC'mon Lynn, lets not-

LYNNYou just cap it there. I'll be with you soon.

DUPELet her be Becca. We all know her as the nosey mouse that she is.

BECCADupe, that's enough.

DUPEToo far you say? She was eavesdropping on us. That's what she knows how to do best.

Becca's infuriated, she faces Lynn.

BECCALynn, is that true? Were you just eavesdropping on me?

LYNNWhat kind of silly question is that?

Dupe bellows a hearty laughter.

DUPEA classic liar's response.

Becca's fumed. She shuts the laptop.

BECCAGet out of my room.

Lynn's pleas fall on Becca's ears. Lynn leaves haughtily.

EXT. BABA AGBA'S TREE - MORNING

Iya Ibeji walks angrily towards the tree.

IYA IBEJIBaba Agba! Baba Agba!! Baba Agba, you had better come out oo!!!

Quiet. She goes round it. No one.

IYA IBEJI (CONT'D)What's wrong with me, there's no one here. Or was I expecting him to come out of the tree?

She looks around.

IYA IBEJI (CONT'D)Baba Agba! Baba Agba!! Baba Agba!!!... You had better continue hiding in that hole. Shey you will come to my place to eat some maize.

Quiet. Then a sudden breeze blows. Iya Ibeji's fearful. She takes to her heels.

IYA IBEJI (CONT'D)This old man sef.

She hurries off.

EXT. BOLAJI'S COMPOUND - MORNING

Lynn blocks Becca's path to the gate.

BECCAWhat's with you this morning Lynn?

LYNNYou Becca. That's what is wrong with me?

BECCA

Look Lynn, I had enough of your drama last night to last a lifetime. Get out of my way for I am late as it is.

Becca tries to dodge her but Lynn's faster. She blocks her.

LYNNJust like you said when? That ain't working this time around Becca.

BECCAWhat is with you sef? Na you I go marry?

LYNNWe both know the answer to that but hell will freeze over before I allow you be used like a puppet by Dupe and blood soaked brother.

BECCAThat's not funny Lynn. If you must know, we are both in love with each other. So watch what you say about him.

LYNNWatch my foot! I am saying the truth and something in you knows that is the truth. How can you say you are in love with him when Korede's corpse is barely cold? What manner of betrayal is that?

BECCADon't over exaggerate things Lynn. Korede's been gone for sometime now, the guy deserves some respite. Life goes on.

LYNNLife goes on and yet you reside in the home of the brother to a murdered sister. That's very cruel of you.

BECCADidn't know you're now both a lady of the cloth and wig. A priest and a judge. I thought you'd washed your hands off the case.

LYNNOnly for lack of evidence. Never forget that... Don't tell me you can't see that you're been played by them both to get to us?

BECCAPlease spare me your theatrics. I'll make sure I dispose off all those novels of yours when I get back.

LYNNWell, since you've hardened your conscience, I've got no other choice than to intimate Bintu on this latest development.

Becca's infuriated.

BECCARubbish! Dupe was right after all!! Tell her all, I don't give a hoot!!!

She bulldozes her way through Lynn who falls to the ground.

EXT. BOLAJI'S COMPOUND - EVENING

Lynn's reading a novel in a chair when Becca walks in through the gates with a sullen face. Lynn's worried.

LYNNHey, welcome back. How was your day?

Becca walks on.

LYNN (CONT'D)Has is it gotten to this?

Becca ignores her and only halts on her phone ringing. She takes the call.

BECCAGood evening ma... Yes ma... Yes ma... No ma, I am only tired... Yes ma... Thank you ma.

She ends the call, takes the a step.

LYNNHope everything is alright. You look like a truck ran you over.

Becca halts, then turns to face Lynn.

BECCABe satisfied, in fact gloat that your prayers have been answered.

LYNNWhat the hell are you saying now?

BECCAI always knew you were always jealous of my happiness, because you never seem to get any but I never knew you hated me!

LYNNHow dare you spew such words at me.

Becca goes deaf on Lynn's reaction and walks towards the house. Lynn, angry, sits back in her chair to read her novel.

INT. BOLAJI'S HOME - BECCA'S ROOM - EVENING

A dejected Becca walk into her room and locks herself in. She lets her bag drop to the floor, walks to power the laptop, then suddenly, she angrily swipes her cosmetics flying to the ground, causing a loud clatter.

BECCABastard! That's who you are!! Whoever you are that think you can just sit on your fabled throne in the heavens and control our destinies like puppets on strings. Oh! How mighty you must really think you are?... What am I even saying, you sure are mighty, clap for yourself for you have won... But before you begin grinning, you only won this battle and not the entire war.

Empty, she flings herself to the bed and sobs her herself out.

BECCA (CONT'D)Just when I was at peace for a long time this woman does this to me. God punish you too!

Her phone rings on and on. Lynn yells her name and pounds her door. She ignores the world, cuddled whilst staring into space.

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Yomi sits in the romantic set up. He checks his wrist watch intermittently. Worry's etched on his face. He picks his phone and dials.

YOMIHello... Hello, Dupe, are you there?

The call fails. He tries again.

YOMI (CONT'D)Hello, Dupe, its me Yomi... Good, in fact I am not good... I just thought I'd call you to kill time, I just can't seem to get hold of her... Of course I have called her, she's not picking... Very very unlike her, we've got a dinner date and I'm feeling I got stood up... Something seems amiss... I don't like where you're going to... Lynn!, What's she got to do with this? She doesn't know her...

Yomi's face starts to screw over as he listens to what Dupe tells him.

YOMI (CONT'D)... You knew all these, yet you decided to keep me in the dark?... Protecting me? From who?... Mama Bintu! What has she-... Oh I see, so the enemies have started gathering again... Jeez! I thought I was over all these, what else do they want from me?... Thanks a lot, try and get back to me.

Call ends. Yomi's eyes could set a bush on fire.

INT. BOLAJI'S HOME - BECCA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Lynn pacifies Becca and she sobs on.

LYNNWhat's the matter Becca?... Talk to me please, we always could no matter what?

Becca sobs on. Lynn's helpless.

LYNN (CONT'D)Don't tell me this has got to do what that thing called Yomi?

Becca wails and releases herself from Lynn's embrace. Lynn's angry.

LYNN (CONT'D)So its him. C'mon Becca talk to me because its killing me to see you like this... What did he do this time?... Because my God knows that I'll strangle him once I set my eyes on him.

Becca sobs on. The powered laptop buzzes. Lynn guns for it but Becca's cuddle stops her.

BECCAJust let it be. Its nothing.

LYNNOkay. But as far as you tell me what's going on with you.

Becca nods weakly. She gathers herself when the computer buzzes repeatedly. Lynn had enough.

LYNN (CONT'D)That's nothing Becca.

BECCALet it be please.

Lynn ignores her and

LYNNYou never know who it might-

She clicks to see Dupe's face on the screen. World War 3.

DUPEWhat are you doing here?

LYNNI should be asking you that?

Dupe stretches to see a sobbing Becca.

DUPEWhat have you done to her now you this killjoy?

LYNNWhy don't you ask that monster of your brother? He is responsible for this.

DUPEBecca... Beccca

LYNNLet her be. As you can see, she wants nothing to do with your blood stained family.

They both face each other squarely, ignorant of Becca standing up to pack things into her suitcases.

DUPE

Whose family is blood stained?

LYNNWhose again? Yours of course. Must everything you touch turn to sorrow?

BECCAHey, I-

They both ignore Becca. She resumes her packing.

DUPEYou are insane in the membrane to accuse my family of such. You this rat. Bintu and yourself have done your worst. You have both deprived Becca of been happy.

LYNN(laughs)

Happy you say? Who? Your murderous brother? Spare me witch! I saw through your plan early on. That was very amateurish, even for you.

DUPEWhat are you talking about now?

LYNNLike you don't know.

DUPEAbeg comot for road jare!... Becca... Becca... What are you doing?

Lynn turns to see Becca also packing.

LYNN AND DUPEWhat are you doing?

BECCAThat is what I have been trying to tell you both... I have just been promoted and transferred to Port Harcort.

They are both stunned.

DUPEAnd you accepted?

Becca remains mute.

LYNN(grinning)

Of course she did.

Lynn slams the laptop shut and hugs Becca.

LYNN (CONT'D)Congratz girl. I'm gonna miss you. You don't worry, things gonna be alright.

Lynn helps her out.