Doctor........My name is James. i must also advice you that you stop visiting the farm for now and also stop any               hard job. You need a good rest.



Pa Udoka......Doctor James thank you so much. i will try  and do as you have suggested. Please extent my sincer               greeting and thanks to chief douglas who is making this possible.


Doctor........That's ok!



                                   LIGHT FADES


Inside a boutique: Agnes and Chief Douglas were buying the trunk box, cloths and costumes to be used for the trip. After the purchase, they all entered Chief's car headed straight home. they reached the junction leading to where Agnes will drop.


Agnes............Chief, i will be dropping at that junction.

Chief Douglas.... I know let me park the car very well. (Chief Parks the car) ok! see you tomorrow at the office.

Agnes............Chief! How about the small hand box and other things we bought. i need to start making                  preparation. At least wash and pack all my cloths, plus the new ones we bought and get myself set                  for the trip.

Chief Douglas.... I will ehm... I will do the packing myself. you don't have to stress yourself. And to remind you                   you don't need any of your old clothes. so don't worry.

Agnes............ (Looking surprised) you mean you will also pack my cloths for me? you have already done enough                   for me. just....



Chief Douglas.....(Insistently) you don't understand there are other things i will need to buy which i forgot.                       Don't just bother. i want to pack everything the way it won't be heavy to carry. Don't worry                       yourself. on the day of our departure. just put on your clothes, wear your shoe and come                           straight to the house. You are the African Queen. you don't need all these stress of carrying                      bag.


Agnes............Ok! Chief. What ever you said.(Open the car stepped down and waved to Chief who waved back and                  zooms off.



                                                                                                    (page 15)


                              LIGHT FADES

A DREAM

Inside the dream, Mr Udoka was walking along the bank of a river with his daughter Agnes. At the other side of the river, Chief Douglas carries riches, smiling and beckoning to Agnes to come and take them. But the only way she could make it to the other side of the river is to cross the river. Chief Douglas continues to beckon on Agnes to cross over and collect those riches. Agnes made to jump into the water, but the dad restrained her.

Mr Udoka..... Agnes! what do you think you are doing? you want to jump into this water? are you...

Agnes.........(cuts in) don't worry dad. i can cross it.

Mr Udoka...... Cross what?! Are you out of your mind? can't you see that the current is very high do you want to                drawn?


Agnes.........I won't get drawn Dad.

Mr Udoka......Is it because of the riches at the other side. Do you think you will make it at other other side?               Can you be alive to enjoy those riches? look Agnes, you know God is always there to provide for us.


Agnes.........Dad! Stop worrying yourself. Nothing will happen to me. this is an opportunity for this family.               (Before Mr. Udoka will say Agnes she had already plunged herself into the water. As she was crying               for help. Chief Douglas deserted her and ran away. Pa Udoka will be crying and calling on Agnes when               he came awake and saw Ikerie and Agnes by his side trying to wake him.

Ikerie/Agnes...Daddy wake up! wake up! (shaking their father).

Mr Udoka.......(Wakes, stares at both of them) oh! so it was all a dream. thank you lord. (Holding them to his                 bosom).


                              
                                 LIGHT FADES

As Chief Douglas zooms off and as driving home. his mind was consumed by the thoughts. "Everything is moving on smoothly as planned. if this trip is successful, than my dear Agnes you are hooked. there is no way i am going to let you go" (hiis phone rings. he picks it) Yeah! John! where are you now? (Pause) Ok! i am almost home. just give me few minutes, i will be with you.


AT CHIEF DOUGLAS HOUSE:

 John waited patiently  in his car. Chief Douglas arrived and met John waiting in his car outside the house. he packed beside him. As both men shook hands, Chief Douglas led him into this sitting room.



Chief Douglas....(Apologetically) i'm sorry Mr. John for keepin you waiting for long (shook hand)

Mr John..........No Problem.

Chief Douglas....Now lets get down to business. in two days time, i will embark on a trip.

Mr John..........The Stuff?

Chief Douglas.... (Retorts) of course you know what i am hinting at.

Mr. John..........It will be arranged. Ehm... Are you still using the same courier?

Chief Douglas.....(Puzzles over the statement) Why do you ask?

Mr John...........Mmm.... You know, you told me that the guy nearly messed himself up.

Chief Douglas.....Forget. i've got a new courier. and don't ask me who because it's somebody that wouldn't                   interest you. the last guy you brought nearly messed up the whole thing. Now i have chosen                                 somebody you will never have imagined for this.


Mr John..........Well, who ever. so when will you be needing it?

Chief Douglas....The trip is in two days time. Can i get it today?


Mr John.........(Thinks it over) Yeah! Could be arranged. But if you don't see me today thn you will see me                 tomorrow unfailingly.

Chief Douglas...Please do. I want to fasten everything my columbia brothers don't like delay. they will always                 expect you to stick to the time you agreed with them. Any single default from you will attract                 sactions.

Mr John..........I will try. And less i forget, how many grams will you be needing?

Chief Douglas..... 10kg will be ok! i will give cheque on delivery to cover for all the payments or do you want                    cash?

Mr John..........(Heaves his shoulder) As it suits you Chief (As Mr John left the house. chief Douglas                   soliloquises)

Chief Douglas.....(Soliloquize) i will package this girl as an international artist from Africa. that i believe is                   enough reason for her to travel without being searched on arrival. Yes! i have already taken                       care of the airport authorities here in Nigeria. My concern is over there on arrival. i just                       hope this deal works out as i am planning it. i just hope.





                                       LIGHT FADE



AT SANDRA AND JOHN'S HOUSE

Inside their bedroom, Sandra and John were preparing for their night sleep.


Sandra.......(Turning to face her husband). Honey! You said last month that you will be going into car importation              soon, since then nothing has been mentiion of it.


Mr John...... Yes! in fact, i must tell you that before the end of this month, i must have started it.

Sandra.......You know as well as i do that your profession is not an honorable one. Please dear, that profession              is a very risky profession. Anything can happen. Please dear, i will continue to remind you about              this everyday, because if anything happens, it will not only affect you alone, i will also be              involved.


Mr John......(Moves cLoser too Sandra) you know i love you? (Sandra nods in concur). You know as your husband i              trust you so much. that was why i don't hide anything from you. you know everything about me. i will              be supplying Chief Douglas the stuff in large quantity tomorrow. He intends to travel with it              tomorrow. he has promised to pay me on delivery. He inteds to travel with it tomorrow. And i must              confess honey, that will be my last deal on cocaine. (Sandra's countenance changed to gloomy) so              relax! Before the end of this month, i must have changed to your honourable profession.(looks at              Sandra's face) why is your face like that? i thought you will be happy with the news Sandra.

Sandra......(Tries to brighten up) of course! i am happy.

Mr John..... You don't seem happy to me. you seem to have this far away look in your eyes.

Sandra......(Smiles) No honey! i'm ok. its just this little dizziness i do feel at times. Can we sleep now?


Mr John..... Oh sure.




                         LIGHT FADES

CHIEF DOUGLAS HOUSE (INTERIOR)

Inside the sitting room, Chief Douglas lines up his boys as he addresses them


Chief Douglas..... Jack! Wacko! Shege! (All responded individually) i called you guys out to intimate you about my 3 golden rules or principles. i strictly adhere to this principles because it guides every action of my actions in life. (chief moved to the bar area, poured himself a drink. than carrying the drink, he returned back to his position) you see in life it is good to have a guiding principle or rule, if you let those principles guide you, you will not make a mistake. the first of this principles is reputation. It is your job to buid and continue to restructure my reputation in this town never allow anything to tarnish my image in this town. if you allow my reputation to slip, it will make me vulnerable (he took a long hard look at them and continue). the second of this  principle is recognisingb a trouble stirrer. up untill now nobody i has challenged my authority in this town. but that does not mean it will not happen in the future. the only solution to this problem is to strike at the source of the trouble. This third is boldness. you have handled all my assignments to you with boldness, I want to commend you for that now! you may be wondering why i am analysing all this to you guys. these principles, i just now should be seen as your duties towards me as your boss, and as you know anyone who fails in his duties will be severly penelized severely. that will be all guys ( Dismissing them with a wave of the hand. as themade to go) One more thing guys. i will be travelling soon. and for that, this week may be a bit hectic for me, so i will need you guys to be up and doing. And concerning what i just analysed to you guys, i will not fail to add that if you want to succeed in life, make these principles your watch word (Turns to Jack) get the car ready Jack i have an appointment to keep.



Jack.......... ok! Boss!



                                                                              (page 18)
                    
                                    LIGHT FADES



AT MR UDOKA'S HOUSE (INTERIOR)

(Mr Udoka was relaxing in his parlour when ikerie entered)


Mr Udoka..........Ike, come!where is your sister? i thought you both left together this afternoon.

Ikerie............Yes papa on our way home, she branched to see off her friend Sandra.

Mr Udoka.......... So how is Chief and his wife?

Ikerie............they are fine papa. they even send their regards to you.

Mr Udoka...........Come ikerie, there is something i want to ask you.

Ikerie............What is it papa?

Mr Udoka...........What do you think about this trip Agnes your sister wants to embark with chief douglas?

Ikerie.............Well papa if your aking for my opinion i will say it is the best thing that has ever happened                    to this family.

Mr Udoka...........(Smiles Mischievously) You see God has a way of revealing thing to me. And the reason been that                    i have a good heart. though i have enermies my hands are clean before God. No wonder God has                    continued to protect this family.

Ikerie.............(Looked puzzled) i don't seem to understand where are you going Papa.

Mr Udoka...........I will tell you but i want agnes to be here. What i have to say concerns Agnes. infact it                    revolves solely on Agnes. God has opened my eyes to see things clearly. i will like to see                    Agnes the moment she comes in.


Ikerie............ok! papa. hope there is no problem?

Mr Udoka.......... my son! Agnes no na Akirika. all that glitters are not gold oh. (Ikerie stars in confusion).






                             LIGHT FADES


SANDRA/JOHN'S HOUSE (INTERIOR)


Sandra.......Believe you me, i was comtemplating coming to your house this afternoon Agnes. Thank God you are              here.


Agnes........Hope all is well, this one you are feeling agitated.

Sandra....... It goes to tell you important it is.

Agnes....... You have not spokene like this this before Sandra. what is it?

Sandra....... it's about this trip you want to make in two days time with Chief Douglas.

Agnes........(Change in facial Expression) what about it Sandra?

Sandra.......(sounds philosophical) If You have been following my advice to you concerning Chief Douglas, you will              know that i have always being using the word be careful. i could also remember telling you that Chief              never venture into anything without an aim. (Agnes Nodes) Now i think i have known his reason for              trying to be nice to you and your family.


Agnes.......(Puzzles over the statement) how do you mean Sandra

Sandra......I never wanted reveal this to anyone. But due to the urgency of the matter now at hand, i have no             choice but to tell you. you see, my husband John deals on Cocain. (Agnes shakes head in             dissapointment) yeah! he doesnot push push cocain, he only makes it available to those who intend to             make a trip with it. Now he has supplied this hard drugs to Chief Douglas for his intended trip in 2             days time. And this will be my husbands last deal on cocain he wants to....

Agnes.......(Cuts her Abruptly) Wait are you trying to insinuate that the drugs your husband supplied to Chief was             meant for our intended trip next tomorrow?

Sandra...... Well, i wouldn't know Agnes!But he told me last night that he will be supplying Chief the drugs              tomorrow for the trip he wants to make  in 2 days time.

Agnes.......(Shakes her head in dismay) Sandra! Am sure you don't want me to believe that Chief wants to use me as             a courier for drugs? look Sandra my mind is already made up for this trip.

Sandra...... listen to me Agnes! whether you believe me or not, i have already warned you. Remember i told you              before, chief doesnot go into anything without an aim.

Agnes........(dismay rises from seat) Ehm... Sandra! want to be going.

Sandra....... you seem to be angry over my advice and warning well the choice is yours Agnes. And please, i want               to beg you . donot confront Chief  with this issue with issue so that it wouldnot bring problem               between me and my husband.

Agnes........(Sarcastic) i will remember your advice and warning Sandra, thank you (Agnes left the house angrily. Camera follows Agnes as she was going home and thinking aloud) "imagine Sandra! i expected her to be  happy at my good fortune and here she is trying to pour sand in my garri, i don't know if she is enermy of progress. Chief Douglas could be anything but a drug peddler (she sighs) i wouldnt have told you about it in the first place.



                                LIGHT FADES


PA UDOKA'S HOUSE (INTERIOR)

(Mr Udoka is talking to his son Ikerie)

Mr Udoka......My son this life we live is all about give and take. Nothing comes easy. in virtually everything we               do in life, there is always a price tag. (Agnes entered)

Agnes.........Good day Papa.

Mr Udoka......Good day my daughter. Please come, i was about to send ikerie to go call you.

Agnes.........(Stares expectantly at him) ok! Here i am papa.

Mr Udoka......Please sit down. i have something to discuss with you both, most especially with you Agnes.

Agnes.........(Stares in dismay) hope all is well papa?


Mr Udoka......All is well my daughter, you see, as your father, i have seen many sunsets before you were born. what i see sitting down if you climb mountain you may not see it. i want you to know Agnes that as your father; i will never with hold any good from you. No man in his right senses will with hold good from his own family. Everybody wants prosperity. But when the prosperity is laced with dangerous risk, then i wouldnot want to be part of it. i know that there is something more to this trip than met the ordinary eyes. (Agnes expression change), you see God has always proved to be with us. Last night i had a dream. Infact a nightmare and it all centered on you Agnes.(Agnes pulled a chair and sat next to the door). Since mourning i have been cracking my brain trying to understand the meaning of the dream, what it really entails. But i think God has open my eyes to the meaning. The revelation may not suit you Agnes. But i will implore you to understand. Now let me tell you about that dream. And you Agnes were walking on path, and than we suddenly we come face to face with a stream or was it a river! At the other side was chief Douglas with bags of money, beckoning on you Agnes to come and take them. I, your father adviced you not to cross the river, because the current is very high but due to the riches on the other side of the river, you ignored me and jumpped in but couldn't make it to the other where the riches are, and as you where drowning and shouting for help Chief Douglas deserted you and ran away. I still thank God it was just a dream. Yes see, it is only a fool that gets blinded by ray thrown by the light of wisdom. A fool is in perpetual disaggrement with the teaching of wisdom. But a wise man sees with the rays thrown by the light of wisdom, and also learns from the teachings of wisdom. So what am i really  saying? this marks the end and termination of the unwholesome trip Agnes.



Agnes..........Papa?


Mr Udoka.......Yes you heard me well Agnes. Tomorrow i want you to go to Chief Douglas, tell him that i would like                to see him.



                              LIGHT FADES

AT CHIEF DOUGLAS HOUSE (Chief is on phone)

Chief Douglas.....Ehm... So Mr Frank i hope everything is set and in there order (paused) good! i also believe that her banner is well situated is. how abouut the hotel where we will lodge (Pause) that's fine! (pause) ok! you mean the columbia brothers? i know! tell them that the stuff will definately arrive tomorrow at the exact time. (pause) 10 Grams,(pause) yeah, all arrangement is in place (pause) well, there will be no problem on that. my immigration friends will  be on duty that very night we will travel so i will make sure she enters his counter and not any other counter. i have already informed him so there will be no problems here.infact he has assured me a hitch free passage with the package. i am only concerned about the immigration and the police over there. (pause) that's fine well, we will leave Nigeria tomorrow. At exactly Nigerian time (there is a knock at the door) Ehm! Frank please i will call youu later, i have a visitor right now. Alright bye (drops the phone goes to open the door) Ah! Agnes coomes in. why are you here so early hope no problem.



Agnes..............No, there is no problem Chief. My dad sent me to call you. he said he would like to have a chat                    with you.


Chief Douglas...... Ehm... Ok sit down let me pick few things inside, so we can drive down to the house together.


Agnes..............Oh no Cheif, i still have other urgent message i need to deliver to a friend across the road. i                    see you in the house.


Chief Douglas......Well if you say so. how are you preparing for tomorrow's trip, i expect you to be excited. Well                    i can understand this is your first step into the world.


Agnes..............(Uneasy) ehm... eh... Yes! yes! Chief (nodding her head)


Chief Douglas......Ok! we will see in the house. (Agnes left and closed the door! Chief stared briefly at the door). Goose pimples! She is very very uneasy. is anything wrong? Because i can see was making an effort to pull herself together. well, could be excitement. i better rush down and see her dad. (entered his room)






                              LIGHT FADES

AT SANDRA/JOHN'S HOUSE:

(Agnes walked into the sitting room feeling weak despair, than slumps in the chair)

Sandra..............(Puzzled) Agnes! is everything ok! with you. are you still angry over what i revealed to you?                     well i am sorry if it is still bothering you, you are still my friend. if i said anythiing                          that will harm you, i will.........




Agnes..............(quickly but timidly cuts her) No! wait Sandra. could you believe that after i left your house,                    i went straight home to rest. you will not believe that my dad sat me down and claimed he saw a                    disaster in his dream concerning our trip. Sandra!  my dad has cancelled the trip.   


Sandra.............I thank God it is coming from your ownn father Agnes. If you don't believe me you will believe                    you father's dream.


Agnes..............I am so confused Sandra.


Sandra............ You should not be confused Agnes! listen to me your life matters here. But wait! did you say                    that your father has cancelled the trip?


Agnes.............Yes! Sandra! he has cancelled it.

Sandra.............Are you serious?

Agnes..............Of course! and i can't bring myself to tell Chief that the trip has been cancelled. i just told                    him that my father wants to have a chat with him.

                                                                                                  (page 22)



Sandra.............We should thank God for opening our eyes to discover his intensions earlier enough. All those                    talk about exposing and promoting you talents was just a front.


Agnes..............But Sandra. seriously! i still don't believe that Chief wanted to use me to peddled drugs.

Sandra.............Well, atleast God has opened your eyes a bit by revealing it to dad in a dream. you should be                    thankful and grateful to God.

Agnes..............Hmmmmmm! Even when he opted to drive me home. i simply refused. i can't even look at him in the                    face. i can't bring myself to tell him it's all over (Sighs in frustion)

Sandra.............(Goes and pacifies Agnes) Hold yourself Agnes everything will soon be over. That your fathers                    has a great meaning of which if you put two and two together you will understand the meaning.                    Do you know that if you are caught some countries may give you life imprision. others may give                     you death sentence. Now think of what will happed to your family the people you left behind.                    the trauma alone will kill your father.(Drys Agnes tears) dont worry Agnes. just see it as                    a bubble that will soon fizzle out.




                                       LIGHT FADES


AT MR UDOKA'S HOUSE: (Chief Douglas was visibly angry)

Chief Doouuglas...........(Mildly) Mr Udoka why?! do you know how much i have invested in this whole trip                                    arrangement? so you want to tell me you are pulling out at this stage when all                           arrangements have been concluded because of a dream you had? you want to throw away good                           fortune because of a mere dream Mr Udoka.


Mr Udoka.................Chief! i am sorry if i have wrong you by my decision to withdraw my daughter. the reason                          was what i hae just told. i also want to use the medium to thank you for all your good                          effort and concerns, you have shown to my famiily. i truely appreciated.


Chief Douglas...........(Implores) Mr Udoka you can't do this! we are leaving tomorrow evening. I'm only trying to                         make your daughter well known in her choosen field. and it is for the betterment of this                         family. Mr Udoka tell me the real reason you are withdrawing your daughter at this crucial                         moment. at this last minute i don't believe its because of a mere false dream you had.


Mr Udoka................Well if you also want to know, Chief! Agnes is my only daughter. i just realized that if i                         let her to go i would not have anyone to look after me. Besides there are other girls who                         will be willing to go with you.(Chief Douglas stares at Mr Udoka with hatred and disgust. than muttered under his breath and lef. Mr Udoka Stares briefly at the door than relayed back in himself)  i cannot see danger and plunge my daughter in to it. i should be a fool to ignore such warning signals. I have always known that there must be a reason for all this fine gestures.


                                                                                                (page 23).

                                          LIGHT FADES


Chief Douglas...............(hits something in anger) me! (grits his teeth) Mr Udoka has beated the finger that fed him. after all i have done for him this is hown he repays me. But he should have realized that, its is better not to ride the tiger in the first place, than to ride ride and want to stop (goes to the bar and pours himself a drink) i can't afford to disappoint the columbia brothers knowing the penalty that comes along with it. Apart from lossing doing business with them for good. they will may sure no body patronizes me auy longer (thinks) how about getting another girl as Mr Udoka suggested? That means i will have to start afresh again, convincing the parents to allow me take their daughter abroad for talent exposure. Well, that is what i may have to do, but first let me call my associats t know if extension will be possible to enable me prepare another (picks up the phone, ddials a number, after sometime) Yeah! Please, Frank there is a very ugly situation here, please can you meet the columbia brothers on my be half and arrange a 5 days Extension (pause) i know it is long over due, i also know they will be furiouse but something has cropped up here, i will explain to you later, i will explain to you later, but please help me solicit for this extension (pause) i know please try (pause) ok! i will be expecting your call, thank you ( hangs up) but come to think of itt something other than the dream he claims must have made Mr Udoka to change his mind and all of a sudden withdraws his daughter and was even suggestin i should go with another girl, or has someone informed him about the drugs? very unlikely (continues to pace) just when you think you gotten it under your control. Well may be i think i have to get another girl, than i will arrange for her international passport, and then start convincing her parents. i just hope they will agree to this Extension. Thers are alot of girls who will jump to this opportunity let me.....(The phone rings he rushes and picks it up lookin expectantly) Yes Frank! how did it go?! (pause) (his face fell. exclaims) What! they gave me two days grace? No! i can't make this trip next tomorrow, there are so many loose ends to tidy up here. please.... hello, hello! Frank!....(he replaces the reciever) (heaves a sigh) what will i do? they said two days. getting another international passport would take even more than two. God! i am determined to make this trip. in fact i must make this trip with Agnes, And Mr Udoka you can't stand on my way to success not after have gotten this far.in fact you have given no choice than to remove you out of my way to success. Mr Udoka you have proved to be a trouble stirrer and i have no choice than to strike you. Yes strike the source of trouble and the sheep will scather and come to think of it if the father is no more the children will be vulnerable. this girl will be more willing for this trip because she will have no choice. Yes!i have just two days too accoomplish these (Moves towards the phone and starts to dial) Mr Udoka you have acted like the pproverbial bird that challenges its Gods for a wrestling competition after a sumptous meal in cell, lets see who will win (As the phone line clicks) Jack! i want to see you and the other boys right now and fast too (drops the phone)





                                             LIGHT FADES


(In the middle of the night at Mr Udoka's house whole town was asleep. Three (3) thugs (Jack,Wacko, and Shegu) wearing face mask moed briskly towards Mr Udoka's House. Expertly, they unlock the door and then sauntered to where Mr Udoka was sleeping with his children. Jack tapped Mr Udoka so hard and he woke with a start.

Mr Udoka...........(Fearfully stammers) Who..who.. who are you? and how did you gain entrance here? (Agnes and                    Ikeri started screeming when the other two thugs covered the mouth to still their screams while                    holding them tight).


Jack............ Where is the Money?


Mr Udoka ........ Money? did you say money? there is no money here. how do you expect a wretched old man like me to have money. please.


Shege/Jack....... (cuts him) shut up we have information that you have money here.

Mr Udoka......... you can look for yourself. there is no.......

Wacko/Jack.......No! you go and get it where you have hidden it.

Mr Udoka......... I am wrethed old man. i don't have any money. i am telling you the truth. there is.......

Jack............. you are wasting my time old man now get up! (Moved close to where  Mr Udoka sat as Agnes and                   Ikerie were wailing and screeming struggling to free themselves as the other thugs trys to still                   there sreems) you will be coming with us.


Mr Udoka.........Me! you can't take me with you, my health is falling me please i am begging you.

Jack............ Your ill health is no concern of mine. And for the money your daughter will have to look for the                  money to ramsom you. (starts to drag Mr Udoka out of the house as the other thugs pushed Ikerie                  and Agnes into the inner room and locked them from outside as they wail and hit the door).



       


                                 LIGHT FADES

(Mr Udoka's house in the mourning of the next day few neighbors and sympathizes and Agnes friend Sandra gathered to console Agnes and Ikerie as they were crying their eyes out refusing to be consoled seconds later Chief Douglas arrived)


Chief Douglas..........(Feigning ignorant) Agnes! Agnes! how did it happen? i came immediately i heard. where is                        your father! Where is Nna anyi Udoka?


Agnes..................(Tearfully) 3 boys wearing a mask entered our house last night and kidnapped my father