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LAWLESS

BYAUGUSTA UDOK

LawlessBy Augusta Udok

(C) 2013

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CharactersEbitimiUrehTarget SwordDawari Kperin:PereziTupeleAkunaAwongo

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EPISODE ONE

SCENE 1 INT. MRS. EBITIMI’S RESIDENCE DAY

THE DOOR BELL RINGS.EBITIMI RUSHES INTO THE WEEL FURNISHED'LIVING ROOM

Ebitimi: Just a minute.

EBITIMI OPENS THE DOOR.

Ebitimi: Ureh! I’ve been expecting you, come in,Ureh: Good evening Aunty Ebitimi.Ebitimi: So what did the doctor say?Ureh: He said; “it’s typhoid and he…”

A LOUD AND CONTINUOUS POUNDING BEGINS TO ROCK THE DOOR

Dawari: Open up! …I said open up; because if I get in by force I will do more harm Ebitimi: (Whispering) Thieves at this hour of the day?Ureh: (Whispering) Aunty I’m scared.Ebitimi: Say Psalm 23 in your mind and…

POUNDING OF THE DOOR BEGINS AGIAIN.

Ureh: I think we should open the door.Ebitimi: He or all those people can’t get in; there is a burglary proofUreh: You did look in when I came in…

DOOR VIOLENTLY OPENS AND SLAM ON WALL.DAWARI, FAIRLY BUILT LOOKING TWENTISH, RUSHES IN BRANDINSHING A GUN.

Dawari: Why didn’t you open the door… (SLAPS MRS. EBITIMI)Mrs. Ebitimi: Ah!!… Please-take what you want, don’t harm us!Dawari: Shut up! Lie down flat! And don’t look up except if you want to end up blindMrs. Ebitimi: Ahh no!Dawari: Hey! You!

UREH LOOKS UP QUESTIONINGLY.

Dawari: Yes you, small girl, come here! …I said come here; move or

DAWARI MOVES TO AND GRABS UREH.UREH BEGINS TO STRUGGLING PUSHING THINGS TO THE FLOOR.

Ureh: Aunty please don’t let him take me…Aunty! Aunty!

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Dawari: Shut up or else I’ll shot your Aunt… Madam, you will hear from me soon. Make sure you comply or else this will be the last time you see her. Make no move to follow us; and if you call the police be sure her coffin is ready/

DAWARI DRAGS UREH OUT AND IS QUIKLY FOLLOWED BY THE REST OF THE GANG WHO SLAM THE DOOR AS THEY DEPART.CAR ENGINE COMES ALIVE FROM A DISTANCE. CAR VIOLENTLY SPEEDS OFF.

SCENE 2 INT MR. TARIMU’S RESIDENCE DAYTARIMU IS READING WITH A HEAD SET OVEWR HIS EARS. HIS HEAD SWAYS FROM SIDE TO SIDE AS HE SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING THE SOUND.WE HEAR FOOT STEPS RUNNING.

Mrs. Ebitimi: (VO) Landlord! Landlord!

WE HEAR BANGING ON THE DOOR.

Mr. Tarimu: (Startled) Eh! Eh… Sorry my earphone was in my ear… Please have mercy on the door I have no plans for it in the nearest future.

EBITIMI RUSHES TO AND OPENS THE DOOR.MRS EBITIMI IS PANTING FRANTICALLY; PACING IN ALL DIRECTIONS.

Mr. Tarimu: My Lovely lady, so you have decided to honour my request… (Confused) Why are you hopping from one foot to the other?

Ebitimi: I am finishedMr. Tarimu: Ebitimi have a seat and calm down…. That’s better. So what seems to be the

problem?Ebitimi: Ureh has been kidnapped.Mr. Tarimu: (Laughs) My dear you worry too much. I saw her walking out with her

boyfriend. Some of his friends were waiting in front of your door. I saw her struggling with him but I’m too old to interfere in young lovers squabble

Mrs. Ebitimi: (Disappointed) You saw them and you refuse to help her. He is not her boyfriend. Even a deaf man would have heard that she was calling for help

Mr. Tarimu: My earpiece was in my ear…What nonsense. Who could have been that stupid to commit a crime in my house. The person wants to spoil the goodwill my name Tarimu has brought to my tenants I better inform the police.

Mrs. Ebitimi: Aah! Mr. Tarimu please don’t they said they would kill her if I called the police

Mr. Tarimu: When dealing with criminals the best thing to do is do the opposite of what they say.

Mrs. Ebitimi: Not when a life is involved Mr. Tarimu: So what did they steal?Mrs. Ebitimi: Nothing; they only took Ureh.Mr. Tarimu: (Laughs) Honestly I think that girl planned it. Surel,y if they were thieves

they could have taken your jewelries. You’ve got assorted designs of gold and silver trinkets to mention but a few

Mrs. Ebitimi: She was scared; couldn’t you see the distress on her face?

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Mr. Tarimu: Trust me children of nowadays are born with talent for acting especially when it’s for the benefit of spending time with the opposite sex (Drawing) Come, come my dear lets go into my house and we’ll go to a place only lovers go

Mrs. Ebitimi: (Angry) Instead of trying to solve the problem at hand you are looking for who will satisfy your desire. You better look for the ladies of the night. I’m going.

Mr. Tarimu: I’m sorry. Please do sit still…Okay let’s say she was really kidnapped, what can you honestly do if I remember correctly? You just paid for her rent last week. We’re did you get the money?

Mrs. Ebitimi: Are you accusing me of being involved in a shady business?Mr. Tarimu: No, but if this gets out of hand you’ll be answering worse questions. So let’s

just say you are practicing… Is she related to you and where did you get the money to rent a self-contained for a young girl?

SILENCE

Mr. Tarimu: Look I’m not the bad guy here am trying to help. If I can’t call the police at least let’s brainstorm, we may come up with a plan to save her.

Mrs. Ebitimi: (Takes a deep breath) I suppose your right. The money came from Lydia Odepho

Mr. Tarimu: (Impressed) The Lydia?Mrs. Ebitimi: Yes, the Lydia, Commissioner Odepho’s wife. She said Ureh is related to her

and that I should help her get settled just to take her SSCE exam. After which the girl will be gone. That’s why the rent is for only a year.

Mr. Tarimu: But why didn’t she let the girl remain in her former school?Mrs. Ebitimi: I never try to understand the rich and famous.Mr. Tarimu: The shouldn’t have been left on her ownMrs. Ebitimi: She’s not, that’s why she was put in my careMr. Tarimu: But she could live with you in your two-bedroom flat. Your children are not

back from boarding schoolMrs. Ebitimi: And end up depleting my resources. This brain-stormy isn’t working, I’m

going to my…

A PHONE RINGS.

Tarimu stares at Mrs. Ebitimi

Mrs. Ebitimi: (Alarmed) It’s from Ureh.Mr. Tarimu: Could be she’s back.Mrs. Ebitimi: Hello…

INTECUT SCENE 2 WITH SCENE 2B

SCENE 2B EXT DESERTED ROD DAYDawari: Listen and listen carefully, I want Three million Naira to…Mrs. Ebitimi: Where will I …Dawari: Keep quiet when I talk. Don’t speak unless I ask you toMrs. Ebitimi: (Murmuring acceptance) Mmh!

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Dawari: I want Three million Naira. You have three days. In three days time I’ll tell you how it’s to be delivered.

DAWARI PUTS THE PHONE TO UREH’S EAR.

Ureh: Aunty help! Help!

DAWARI SLAPS UREH; UREH FALLS TO THE GROUND AND RUSHES TO STAND DEFIANTLY.

Dawari: Shut up! Twat!

UREH BEGINS TO SCREAM.

Ebitimi: (SCREAMING) Please don’t hurt her…

PHONE CALL ENDS ABRUPTLY

Ebitimi: They are asking for Three million Naira.Mr. Tarimu: It’s not surprising. That’s what the range is on the NewsMrs. Ebitimi: I better inform her aunt, Lydia.

SCENE 3 EXT BUSH ROAD DAYTHE ROAD IS BUSY WITH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. DAWARI IS STRUGGLING TO MAKE A CALL.

Dawari: (Sternly) I believe your name is Ureh?Ureh: Yes.Dawari: In your best interest do not play such stunts of trying to be smart. The next

time you interrupt me or revolt against me these bullets will find themselves in your body

Ureh: Where are you taking me to?Dawari: You have ears but; but it seems they’re connected to your mouth… guys tie

her hands behind her and gag her mouth… Get down.

THE GANG ALIGHTS FROM THE CAR.

Dawari You too.

DAWARI SIGNALS THE REST OF THE GANG.THE OTHERS DRAG UREH DOWN.

Ureh: No, please, I won’t talk again,Dawari: comply… Boss must have switched off his phone… Alright, I’m going to

drive until I can find a clearing. You guys take her to the hideout, keep her gagged and bound until I get back.

DAWARI DRIVES OFF.

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SCENE 4 EXT JUNGLE DAYTHE JUNGLE IS ALIVE WITH THE SOUNDS OF CRICKETS, OWLS AND OTHER CREATURES.

Dawari: Boss! Boss!Perezi: Bullet na you be dat?Dawari: Yes BossPerezi: I no bin fit see you for de moonlight. I no wan take chances. Wetin don

happen?Dawari: I’ve caught a new onePerezi: I hope say no be another pickinDawari: No, this one is a young girl very fresh. She would make you feel like a king.

Well-rounded, succulent and fresh body. She will haunt many men in their sleep. God took time to endow her with sex appeal.

Perezi: Dawari? You dey craze for head? I hope you never touch the girl. We no be rapists; na money we dey find. (Laughs) But eh… make you bring the girl come this side. Oya make you find person wey go take care of that pickin wey you catch. If de pickin die, bad blood go enter dis bisiness, oya dey go.

SCENE 5 INT EBITIMI’S HOUSE DAYA PHONE RINGS

Ebitimi: (On phone) HelloDawari: Listen and listen good. Bring Fifty thousand Naira to Dataga T Junction.

Take the bush path on your left. Do not inform or come along with anyoneEbitimi: But where will I get that kind of money at this hour. It’s already 10pm the

banks are…Dawari: I believe you’ll sort that out if you want to see the girl againEbitimi: Please don’t…

PHONE CALL CUTS ABRUPTLY

Ebitimi: Oh Lord, what am I to do… I better call Lydia.

EBITIMI BEGINS TO DIAL HER PHONE

Mr. Tarimu: Ah! Ebitimi my love you are still awakeEbitimi: Yes oh. Good evening. I have serious problemMr. Tarimu: Anything I can do to help?Ebitimi: Very much sirMr. Tarimu: Remove the formality. Call me Mr. Tarimu? No! Call me Tarimu that should

bridge the gap between usEbitimi: Ta…ri…mu.Mr. Tarimu: That’s better. So, how can I be of service?Ebitimi: Please I need it really bad it/’s a matter of life and death…Mr. Tarimu: What is the thing you need?Ebitimi: I’m going to pay you back. It’s not a gift. I …

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Mr. Tarimu: (Takes a deep breath) Tell me what you want me to do or giveEbitimi: I need Fifty thousand Nai…Mr. Tarimu: What? What for?Ebitimi: It’s a matter of …Mr. Tarimu: Life and death? It’s not for these hooligans called kidnappersEbitimi: No! Why would I want to give them money?Mr. Tarimu: So what is it for?Ebitimi: It’s a woman’s affair; kind of embarrassingMr. Tarimu: Why would I give you such money; I mean tenants shouldn’t borrow from

their landlords? But if you and I were friends-that would be an appreciable scenario.

Ebitimi: You are not giving, it’s lending… Besides if I don’t live past this month because of this money you would have to chase my corpse

Mr. Tarimu: God forbid… But I don’t have Fifty in the house, just thirty thousand; I’ll give you the complete money tomorrow.

Ebitimi: No please, give me the thirty I have some money with me. I’ll give you the money before the week runs out.

Mr. Tarimu: (Laughs) Ebi, Ebi, you know I’ll do anything for you.

Tarimu moves in trying to touch Mrs Ebitimi; she slowly evades his advances.

SCENE 6 EXT ROAD DAYA TAXI STOPS AT A DESERT JUNCTION.TARGET RAISES HIS HEAD FROM BEHIND THE BUSHES. AND BEGINS A EBITIMI ALIGHTS FROM THE TAXI AND BEGINS TO WALK DOWN THE ROADEBITIMI WALKS DOWN THE ROAD LOOKING

Target: (STERNLY) Don’t turn! Walk straight along the bush path.Ebitimi: (ATTEMPTING TO LOOK BACK) Is Ureh safe?Target: (PUSHING EBITIMI ‘S HEAD) I said look forward!Ebitimi: But- but… Here is the money!Target: Move!

TARGET GUIDES EBITIMI OFF THE ROAD.

SCENE 6B EXT BUSH DAYTARGET ARRIVES WITH EBITIMI AT WHERE DAWARI AND THE REST OF HIS CREW ARE WAITING.

Dawari: Stop! Close your eyes.

DAWARI BLINDFOLDS MRS EBITIMI.

Ebitimi: How can I see… what ah!Dawari: Quiet! The blindfold is for our security. If you came with anyone consider the

person dead.Ebitimi: I came with no one.Dawari: Good for you… Move gently. I’ll guide you.

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SCENE 6C EXT HIDE OUTA BLINDFOLDED EBITIMI WALKS CAUSTIOUSLY AS DAWARI, TARGET AND THE OTHER ARMED GANG MEMBERS FOLLOW HER.

Dawari: Stop… Remove the blindfold from her eyes

TARGET REMOVES THE BLINDFOLD FROM MRS EBITIMIS.

Dawari: The money…

EBITIMI HANDS OVER AND ENVELOP.

Dawari: Target, count the money.Ebitimi: Where is Ureh?Dawari: Shut up! You have no right to talk or ask of herEbitimi: But I’ve paid the ransom.Dawari: (Laughs uncontrollably) You’re quite stupid. The ransom is Three million

Naira. Fifty thousand is for Logistics.

A BABY BEGINS TO CRY.

Dawari: Sword bring the child.

SWORD STEPS UP WITH A BABY WRAPED IN A CLOTH.DAWARI COLLECTS THE BABY AND HANDS IT TO EBITIMI

Dawari: Feed the baby!Ebitimi: How?Dawari: You’re a woman; you’ve got breasts; feed her!Ebitimi: I’m not a nursing mother.Dawari: What has nursing to do with this? Just put your breast in its mouth and…Ebitimi: The child; don’t refer to the baby as it.Dawari: You have the nerve to correct me?Ebitimi: I’m sorry. But I can’t feed her. I’m not a nursing mother. Where is the

mother?Dawari: The mother has not complied.Ebitimi: (In disbelief) You…you…you mean you kidnapped her?Dawari: For ransom yes…Sword bring the things

SWORD PRODUCES A BAG AND EMPTIES ITS CONTENTS OF TINS, PLATE, SPOON KEEP ON TABLE

Dawari: Prepare a meal for her!Ebitimi: That’s not possible.Dawari: That’s pap, powdered milk, liquid milk. She refuses to eat anything. Just

make her keep quiet

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Ebitimi: She’s too young for you to be separated from her mother. These days babies are fed strictly on breast milk. The milk you bought is for adults not infants. Her temperature is high. If you don’t return the baby she will die.

Dawari: Damn! Damn! What a mess!Ebitimi: What about Ureh?Dawari: She is safe until I don’t see the three million; I have no use for you now so I’m

sending you home. You will remain my contact to get the money. If you obey you will live to tell the tale. If you disobey and act otherwise then you will be otherwise. Bullet blindfold her. And lead her to the road

Ebitimi: What about the baby?Dawari: Go and get my ransome.

EBITIMI ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK BUT IS QUICKLY BLINDFOLDED AND GAGGED.BULLET AND TARGET LEAD EBITIMIAND THE BABY AWAY.PHONE RINGS

Dawari: HelloKperin: (Hysterically) Dawari, come oh! Come, mummy, in the hospital, Tupele,

Tupele was…Dawari: Kperin, calm down, which hospital?Kperin: Marian Hospital.Dawari: Calm down. I will be there soon.

SCENE 7 INT HOSPITAL DAYKperin is pacing round the corridor.Dawari rushes in looking well dressed and civilized.

Dawari: Kperin!Kperin: Dawari; thank God you’re hereDawari: Where is mummy?Kperin: She’s in the intensive care unit.Dawari: I’ve told her to stop worrying about my fees that I’ll work something out. She

knows she’s hypertensive.Kperin: It’s not your fees that triggered the shock. Uncle had already given her.

Tupele was kidnapped in the morning when he came back from all night party with his friends.

Dawari: The police caught…Kperin: Not the police, they mistook him to be one of the Commissioners children.

The kidnappers are asking for three million Dawari: So how did mum get to hear it?Kperin: Tupele must have given mums’ number to the kidnappersDawari: Let me go in and see her.Kperin: The nurses won’t allow you till morning. She’s not to be disturbed… Sorry I

had to take Ten thousand Naira from your school fees to pay deposit for mum’s bill

Dawari: No problem I’ll see you in the morning. Be strong.

Dawari walks away.

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