ACT THREE
In the dimly lit room of a vast building, a flurry of activity unfolded. People hurriedly moved boxes and suitcases up and down, some unloading while others meticulously arranged the cargo within the building's depths.
Abdulrasaq, a commanding figure amidst the commotion, called out urgently, "Yo man! Hurry with the offloading! We have an operation to carry out in a few hours."
The workers nodded in acknowledgment, responding, "Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman approached Abdulrasaq with a grave tone, saying, "R.S.,
I heard something unsettling about the Hat Man's mission."
Abdulrasaq raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what about it?"
"I heard the mission failed," Abdulrahman replied solemnly.
Abdulrasaq shook his head in disbelief. "Naa! I don't believe that! It's not even possible. The Empire trusts him with these missions; he's highly valued. I believe he's still alive; he can't die that easily."
"But," Abdulrahman continued, "I know you won't believe it, which is why I have this video on my phone." He retrieved his phone and showed Abdulrasaq the footage. "Can you see their corpses?"
Abdulrasaq's face contorted in shock. "No way! So this mission is a failure... But... Hat Man's corpse isn't here?"
"Maybe Raphael's men took him with them," Abdulrahman suggested, "but their mission is undoubtedly a failure."
"Why do I find this so hard to believe?" Abdulrasaq muttered in disbelief.
"Don't you notice," Abdulrahman pointed out, "that the Empire hasn't seen anyone? He's been on a rampage, destroying everything in his path. You know he's only like that when a mission has failed or he's lost something dear to him."
"Yeeh! You're right in that aspect," Abdulrasaq conceded, "but Hat Man can't die like that. He never fails a mission. Something isn't right about this... Hey, you there! What are you standing around for?" Abdulrasaq shouted, noticing a strange response from one of the workers.
As he approached the hesitant worker, Abdulrasaq drew his gun and pointed it at him. "Who the hell are you?"
Abdulrahman followed suit, aiming his firearm. "On your knees before I blow your head off!"
The strange guy, however, scanned them from head to toe before launching a sudden attack. Chaos erupted as they struggled to fire their weapons. The scuffle caught the attention of everyone in the building, and alarms rang out as fists exchanged blows. Eventually, Abdulrasaq managed to shoot the strange intruder in the leg, but not before receiving a shot in his own leg.
Abdulrahman rushed to Abdulrasaq's aid. "Call Tolani! He's been shot in the leg!" He quickly retrieved the gun and fired four fatal shots at the assailant. "You motherf***er!"
**************************
Evening 5:39pm
Hajia Selimat sat on the couch, her impatience evident as she stared at the ceiling, surrounded by a crowd of people conducting investigations in their home.
Mr. Tunde entered the crowded room and noticed the commotion. He began, "As salam alaykum, please, I'm looking for Madam Sekinat…" His words went unnoticed, and no one acknowledged his presence. Frustrated, he raised his voice, "Hello! I said I'm looking for Madam Sekinat! I'm here to return her car that's spoiled!" Suddenly, every gaze in the room turned towards him.
"Did I say anything wrong?" Mr. Tunde questioned as the police officers in the room handcuffed him. "Wait now! I'm not an intruder. I'm Madam Sekinat's mechanic, and I'm here to return her spoiled car."
Alhaja Selimat and her husband rushed towards him.
Mr. Tunde continued, "Officer, I swear I didn't do anything wrong! I'm just here for my job and my payment. I've tried calling Madam Sekinat's number several times, but it's not reachable. That's why I brought her car home, and I came to collect my payment."
Alhaji Sulaiman peered through the window to check the car. "That's the car she took to work the last day we saw her! This man must know something about my missing child."
Mr. Tunde replied, "Your missing child? You mean Hajia Sekinat hasn't come home yet? But she called me to come repair her car that broke down on the side of the road on her way home two days ago. She said she would take a cab or bus home."
Alhaja Selimat questioned, "Are you telling the truth?"
Mr. Tunde earnestly responded, "I swear by the name of Allah; that's all I know."
Alhaja Selimat added, "We haven't seen her since then. She didn't come back home, and we thought she was kidnapped. Kidnappers should have called to demand a ransom, but we haven't received any calls."
Mr. Tunde expressed his shock, "She had been kidnapped? She went missing? I swear I didn't know. I'm just here to return her car and collect my payment for my services. Subhanallah!"
Alhaji Sulaiman intervened, "Let him go, officer. He doesn't know anything."
Relieved, Mr. Tunde said, "Ahhh! Whoever took her will never find peace. Please, Alhaji and Alhaja, keep her in your prayers because this world is more dangerous than we imagine. I pray she is in safe hands and returns home safely, insha Allah. Such a wonderful and religious lady. She is safe, insha Allah. Here is her car key, by the way." He handed the car key to Alhaji. "Am I free to go now?"
Alhaja Selimat nodded, tears streaming down her face. Mr. Tunde offered his condolences and took his leave.
Alhaji Sulaiman chased after him, calling out, "Mechanic man! Where did she park her car? What's the name of the place where she got lost?"
***********************
Sekinat was on the brink of surrendering her life and soul to her captor, the Hat Man, as the excruciating pain coursing through her body became unbearable. The
Hat Man, indifferent to her suffering, stood by the dark road as if awaiting
someone or something.
Sekinat's helpless body had reached its limits, and she could no longer summon the strength to cry out for help. She whispered his name weakly, but her words fell upon deaf ears.
Finally, she gave up on life itself, tears streaming down her face as she bowed her head, her body trembling in pain and despair. The darkness closed in around her, and she felt the weight of hopelessness.
Then, in her darkest moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. She noticed a distant flash of light growing brighter, accompanied by the distant sounds of approaching cars. Although she was too weak to discern who or what was coming, she clung to this newfound hope.
As the light and sounds drew nearer, she saw movement around her, shadows converging. Her vision blurred, and her body gave in to the overwhelming exhaustion. Sekinat passed out, her fate hanging in the balance, as the mysterious newcomers rushed to her side.
****************
The Hat Man's commanding leader walked majestically to his throne, and his subjects bowed before him. His every step and movement carried a chilling intensity that could send shivers down one's spine. As he took his seat, he began to
speak.
Empire: "Raphael's mission was a failure! I sent the bravest and strongest among you, but he failed me! And you all know the consequences of a failed mission. So, I shall pass my judgment now."
One of his subjects spoke up, "But boss! I thought you had sent for him. We all know Hat Man never fails in his missions."
Empire: "Well, he failed this time, and that will be his last failure. He shall be executed, just like the rest. You all know my law! None of you is above my law except I. So, here is my judgment." His crew and slaves murmured in response. "Silence, everyone! If you are against this judgment towards H.M, then speak or forever remain silent."
Suddenly, Hat Man himself stepped forward. All attention turned to him as he walked majestically into the palace, carrying an unconscious lady with him. The crowd murmured again as they moved towards the Empire's throne. Hat Man stopped and bowed his head before the Empire.
Hat Man: "My lord, I'm back from the mission."
Empire, furious, stared at him. "You failed the mission and destroyed the trust I had in you. How dare you fail this mission?" He roared in anger.
Hat Man: "I'm so sorry, my lord." He bowed his head in remorse.
Empire, with a wicked laugh, continued, "You are sorry? You are sorry!" He jumped to his feet. "I trusted you with all I have, and you broke my trust! And now you are sorry? Execute him now!"
Hat Man: Five men moved towards him to attack, but he stopped them with his hands, intriguing the crowd.
Empire: "I said, execute him!"
Hat Man: "My lord, wait, please! There is something I must show you before you execute me. Once I'm done showing you that, you are free to do whatever you want with me." He turned and gave a command to his men, who brought in a burnt suitcase, piquing everyone's curiosity. They handed the suitcase to him and paid their respects to the Empire.
Hat Man: "My lord, I know the mission is a failure. But you know me well, and
you know that I never give up, no matter how much it fails." He placed the suitcase
on the floor and opened it, leaving everyone gasping, including the Empire. "Here is the device for the next project."
Empire, speechless, ordered his elderly seer to confirm the authenticity of the device.
Hat Man then ordered his men to place Sekinat, who was still unconscious, on the floor.
The crowd buzzed with excitement as they realized the mission had not been a complete failure.
Hat Man: "I'm sorry I lost my men during the mission, but at least it was still a success."
Empire's wife chimed in, "I knew you wouldn't disappoint my husband! You are the bravest of them all. Congratulations, H.M."
Hat Man responded with a humble bow, and the crowd eagerly awaited the Empire's verdict.
Empire: "Well, you surprised me again, just like your father. Despite all my doubts towards you, you still proved me wrong. Congratulations, H.M. You are now the commandant of my empire!"
The crowd erupted in jubilation at the fantastic news, showing their love for Hat Man for his unwavering commitment and hardworking spirit.
Empire suddenly noticed Sekinat and questioned, "Wait!" Everyone froze. "Who owns that captive?"
Hat Man: "My lord, she isn't dead yet. She is the reason I haven't been able to fully celebrate your award. I have a request from you, sir."
Empire: "And what could that be?"
Hat Man proceeded to narrate how he had encountered Sekinat and saved her. "This is why I want her to be in our midst. I know she can't leave here alive because she has seen our hideout, but please, I want her alive. I promise not to let her escape. I just want her alive."
Empire: "So, you are saying I should spare an intruder in my empire, alive?"
The crowd began to murmur once again.
Empire: "Silence, everyone! You know that is against my law, and anyone who attempts to bring an intruder here must be slaughtered alive."
Hat Man replied, "I know, my lord! I know! But you know this is my first favor from you. You know I never break any rules before, but please, I want her alive, and I promise not to let her leave my sight." The ladies in the room started to murmur angrily.
The Empire's teenage daughter stormed out of the palace in frustration.
Hat Man implored, "Please, my lord! You know I always keep my word. In fact, I don't want the reward; I just want her alive by my side. Please."
Empire, exhaling softly, agreed, "You promise to keep her silent until her last breath, and you promise she won't escape? What if she does?"
Hat Man: "Then, kill me! But before you kill me, I will make sure to kill her first."
Empire: "Convincing indeed. I like that. Just remember the rules and promises you make on this day right here. Don't forget who you are."
Hat Man, relieved, expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, my lord."
Empire stood up and walked out of the palace, accompanied by his subjects.
Hat Man finally raised his head and commanded, "Take her to the medical room!" The crowd jubilated over Hat Man's victory, lifting him up in the sky with their cheers.
*********************
The next morning 4:10am
Sekinat finally regained consciousness, and as she opened her eyes, she found herself in complete darkness. Panic gripped her, and she tried to scramble to her feet, but she realized she was bound by chains. Her heart pounded as she let out a desperate scream for help when several men approached her, brandishing their guns.
Hat Man's Boys: "You better stay calm, or we'll calm you down with these guns!"
Sekinat, terrified: "Please! I'm begging you. I don't want to die, please!" She noticed a drip attached to her.
Hat Man's Boys: "Stay calm, and you won't be killed! You're currently receiving treatment!"
Sekinat pleaded, "Please, I just want to go home, please!" She instinctively covered herself with her torn khimar.
Hat Man's Boys: "There's no home for you anymore!"
Sekinat: "Please, I want to live! Somebody help! I don't want to die!"
Suddenly, Hat Man himself walked in, and his men bowed to him.
Sekinat, still terrified, begged, "Please, sir, let me go! My family must be worried."
Hat Man: "Put your family aside and worry about your existence." He clapped his hands, and food was brought in by some women. "Put it on the table."
Sekinat remained scared and bewildered.
Hat Man: "You must be starving. Have some food." He turned on the light.
Sekinat, trembling, couldn't initially recognize him. She stammered, "You... You are the guy... We..."
She fell to her knees, pleading, "Please, I want to live, please! I'll do anything, but I just want to live."
Hat Man sat next to her and said, "Eat."
Sekinat, scared and disoriented, implored, "Please, I'm not hungry. Please!"
Hat Man, his anger simmering, insisted, "Eat."
Sekinat continued to beg, "Please, I just want to go home!"
Hat Man, losing patience, furiously slammed his hand on the table and roared at her, "I said eat!"