ACT EIGHT
Hat Man: What are you doing?
Sekinat: (with steely determination) One more step, and I'll blow your head off. You better not test me.
Hat Man: (chuckles) Seriously? You have the guts! (He strides up to her, and the gun's cold barrel presses against his chest.) Go ahead, shoot me! I've been waiting for you to pull that trigger since forever. Come on, where's your ego? Just do it already!
Sekinat: (her hand trembling) I'll shoot you! Don't come any closer!
Hat Man: (swiftly wrestles the gun from her, throwing it to the ground) Killing isn't your style, is it? So if you want to threaten me, you should consider different options. But this... this isn't your thing. Now, are you ready to listen to what I have to say, or not?
Sekinat: (collapses onto the bed, her body quaking)
Hat Man: (dispassionately) See? You're not even strong enough to confront me, and you wanted to kill me? Get some rest. I'll check on you later. (He turns to leave)
Sekinat: (in tears) Why can't you just end it? Why do you always save me? What do you want from me? Just tell me!
Hat Man: (pauses at the door) I just need you to stay alive. That's the least you can do for me. (He exits, slamming the door)
Sekinat: (frustrated, she hits the bed and pillows) Ugh, my hand hurts! (She glances around the room for a moment and then inserts the injection back into her vein.) I shouldn't have removed this in the first place. Now my hand hurts a lot. (Suddenly, three elderly women enter, leaving her to heave a heavy sigh.) What now?
Old Woman 1: (scolding) Is this how you welcome your elders?
Old Woman 3: Clearly, she lacks proper manners.
Old Woman 2: I need to meet your mother one day before we die, trying to instill some training in you. You didn't see us for a few days, and you can't even inquire about our well-being from Hat Man?
Sekinat: (confused) Wait, I'm lost. Why should I ask about you guys?
The old women look at each other and deliver another knock on her head.
Sekinat: (wincing) Ouch! What did I say wrong this time? Why are you hitting a sick person?
Old Women: (exasperated) When elders are speaking, you stay silent! Where are your manners?
Sekinat: (rolls her eyes, muttering to herself) How did I end up in this situation, for God's sake?
Old Woman 3: (kindly) Now, eat up. You must be starving. (They place a tray of different varieties of food in front of her.) Go ahead, eat.
Sekinat: (hesitant) I can't possibly eat all of this. It's too much.
Old Woman 2: Hat Man insisted we take good care of you, and that's what we're doing. Eat up and stop complaining.
Sekinat: (reluctantly) But I'm okay; I've already had a meal.
Old Women: (exasperated) Are you really going to reject our meal? We've worked tirelessly to prepare this delicious feast, and you're just going to turn it down?
How ungrateful!
Sekinat: (sighs heavily) Okay, fine, I'll eat. Happy now? (She picks up a spoon but seems unsure where to start.)
Old Woman 2: (encouraging) Start eating already!
Sekinat: (awkwardly begins to eat, giving a fake smile) See, I'm eating it.
Old Women: (approving) That's a good girl. We want you to look beautiful for our Hat Man. He certainly has an eye for beauty. Don't worry, dear; we're going to make your skin glow like a pearl. So eat up. We'll be right back.
Sekinat: (forces a smile as she contemplates their words) What are they talking about?
Alhaja Selimat: (worried) I heard you wanted to see us. Any news?
Alhaji Sulaiman: (impatiently) Any clues? Please, tell us now.
D.P.O: (clears his throat) I know what I'm about to say might sound unbelievable, but despite our extensive investigations into your daughter's case, we couldn't find any leads. We were able to trace the bus she took, but it led us to an empty piece of land.
Alhaji Sulaiman: (concerned) So, what are you trying to say?
D.P.O: (with a hint of frustration) What I'm trying to say, brother, is that since the kidnappers haven't contacted us or demanded a ransom, and we haven't come across any information about her being a victim of ritualistic practices, I find it strange. Even if she were kidnapped by ritualists, there should have been some evidence, but there's been none. I know my last statement might sound absurd, but have you considered the possibility that your daughter might have traveled out of the country or disappeared?
Alhaja Selimat: (angry) D.P.O, what on earth are you saying? A grown woman has gone missing, and this is the nonsense you're suggesting? What kind of nonsense talk is this? Alhaji, say something now!
Alhaji Sulaiman: (outraged) So, what you're telling us is that all this time, you couldn't find a single clue about our daughter's disappearance? (He angrily slams his hand on the desk, his face contorted with frustration.) You've wasted our time! You're a D.P.O, for God's sake! Let me ask you this: if this were your daughter, would you sit back and let someone say this to you? A human being has been missing for over a week, she's out there somewhere, breathing just like you, and you can't even do your job properly? (He furiously hits the wall.) You're a disgrace to Nigeria! Dear, let's go home. Since they can't do anything about it, we'll find other means.
Alhaja Selimat: (already in tears) Please, D.P.O, do something, please! I know you did your best, but my child is missing, and this situation is draining me day by day.
Please, help a helpless mother.
Alhaji Sulaiman: (pulls her hand) I said, let's go home!
Alhaja Selimat: (tearfully) Please... (she can't control her tears) please, ejor!
Alhaji Sulaiman: (drags her away, leaving the D.P.O behind)
D.P.O: (sighs heavily, feeling utterly helpless and speechless)
*********************
Later in the night, after finishing her solat (prayers), Sekinat tidied up her room, her thoughts filled with questions. She eagerly awaited the return of Hat Man, her curiosity growing by the moment. She had no opportunity to see the outside world as there was no window in the room. However, she could hear voices from beyond the walls. With great curiosity, she pressed her ear to the wall, trying to find the perfect spot to eavesdrop on the conversations.
As she continued to shift her attention around the wall, she suddenly spotted a small hole. Tempted to peer through it and catch a glimpse of the outside, she squinted. To her luck, she could only see a limited angle of what lay beyond. She was about to move away from the hole, but her eyes widened as she witnessed a group of men surrounding a helpless figure lying on the ground.
Sekinat couldn't discern what was happening, but it was clear that the group of men were violently dragging and beating the helpless man. One man stood apart from the rest, exuding confidence and waiting for his turn. The scene sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't help but wonder what was transpiring beyond the confines of her room.
Sekinat couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. Hat Man, the very person who had been her enigmatic captor, had taken part in the ruthless murder of the helpless man. She pressed her hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp, her heart pounding in her chest. Her mind raced as she considered the implications of this horrifying revelation.
As she cowered on her bed, consumed by fear, a large, intimidating man barged into her room, interrupting her thoughts. Trembling, she dared to speak.
Sekinat: (nervous) Can't you knock? Must you always barge in?
The Chef Man: (wearing a wicked smile) Shut up and eat, or you die!
Sekinat: (frightened) Okay, sorry. (She noticed the man's imposing stature.) Okay, sir, I'll eat now.
The Chef Man: (he exits, leaving the room shaking with his every step)
Sekinat was left alone, overwhelmed by her emotions. She realized that she was trapped in a perilous world where life held little value. She missed her home desperately, tears streaming down her face.
Unbeknownst to her, Hat Man stood by the door, his presence unnoticed.
Sekinat: (in a tearful plea) I don't want to be here! Ya Allah! Is this some kind of punishment for me? Please forgive me if this is a punishment from you. Please... I just want to be out of here soon. Please help me.
Top of Form
Hat Man: (coldly) Do you seriously believe He will help you out?
Sekinat: (startled and moved back) What are you doing here?
Hat Man: (takes a few steps closer) Why haven't you touched your food?
Sekinat: (staring at him with a mix of fear and anger, she remains silent, her thoughts racing)
Hat Man: Speak!
Sekinat: (still doesn't utter a word)
Hat Man: (sits at the edge of the bed, extending the spoon toward her) Let's eat together.
Sekinat: (immediately declines without speaking)
Hat Man: (begins eating in front of her) You're not hungry tonight? Fine then. This meal is delicious.
Sekinat: (glares at him) I'm still wondering how you can eat peacefully after taking so many lives.
Hat Man: (calmly) I suppose you're blaming God for taking what belongs to Him.
Sekinat: (incredulous) Excuse me? You kill people like chickens, and you don't feel anything? I'm not even sure you're human. Very soon, you'll come for me. That's for sure. I'd better prepare for my end too.
Top of Form
Hat Man: (nonchalant) Alright, just make sure you prepare yourself.
Sekinat: (accusingly) No wonder you don't have a family. How would you know what it feels like to be worried about home and family, to be anxious about someone missing?
Hat Man: (visibly angered, he strikes the plate with his spoon, causing it to shatter, which startles Sekinat) Watch your mouth! Or you might be next.
Sekinat: (defiant) That's what I'm preparing for! You're just feeding me like a Christmas chicken, ready for slaughter on some special occasion. I understand.
The room was fraught with tension as Hat Man's rage boiled over. He glared at Sekinat, and in a fit of anger, he abruptly dragged her hands to the wall and bound them to the fan.
Hat Man: (furious) Maybe I should start dealing with you now. All you seem to do is blab, right? I'm going to teach you a lesson. (He noticed that she was already crying before he could take further action, and this made him close his eyes, his fists clenched as he aggressively punched the wall.) You give me plenty of reasons to want to kill you. Can you please watch what comes out of your mouth? Your mouth will be the very thing that leads you to an early grave. (He untied her and let her go.) I don't want to kill you. I don't know why, but I've never felt this way before. I've killed many females, yet I still wonder why I haven't killed you yet. So watch your mouth, or I'll grant your foolish wish soon. Do you understand?
Sekinat finally began to calm down, her fear and defiance giving way to a sense of cautious compliance.
Hat Man: So, are you ready to cooperate with me in order to survive, or are you going to stick to your annoying self?
Sekinat: But can I ask you a question?
Hat Man: Make it quick. (He resumes eating)
Sekinat: Why did you kill that man a few minutes ago?
Hat Man: (smirking) I can see how clever you are. Even without windows in this room, you managed to find out what's going on outside, huh?
Sekinat: Who wouldn't want to find out what's going on outside when I could hear your voice and gunshots? Are you even human? How many lives have you taken?
Don't you have a conscience about the lives you've wasted?
Hat Man: (coolly) We are the Mafia. What are you expecting?
Sekinat: (curious) How many lives do you take every day?
Hat Man: (nonchalant) Minimum... one.
Sekinat: You are unbelievable! Do you have feelings at all?
Hat Man: You don't know anything, so I expect you to keep your mouth shut if you want to stay alive.
Sekinat: (softly exhales) But do you find peace? After all this? How do you feel?
Hat Man: I feel... nothing.
Sekinat: You don't have a heart at all. You have a heart of stone.
Hat Man: (smirking) Exactly! Finally, you give my heart a name after all these years. I'll take that as a compliment. Now, listen to me. You're stuck here with me until your last breath. Just cooperate with me, and you'll be safe.
Sekinat: (in disbelief) Ah! I've truly ended up in a nightmare. Ya Allah! So, there's no way back home for me?
Hat Man: You know what? There is an option now. One, if you want to go home, you're free to leave right now. Or, you stay here and become the empire's personal doctor.
Sekinat: (skeptical) You still want me to do that dirty work for your boss? I'm not stupid. If you can set me free right now, I will find every means never to come back.
Hat Man: (intrigued) Oh really? And what if you couldn't find a way to escape?
Sekinat: I will find every means to escape.
Top of Form
Hat Man: But what if you don't? Let me make this clear: If I set you free now, and you manage to survive, which is highly unlikely, I will never come for you again. But if you die, well, that's the end of you. However, if you choose to run back to me, then you must do anything I say. Deal?
Sekinat: Deal! I would rather die than be stuck with you.
Hat Man: Alright then. (He gets up and opens the door for her.) Come on! The door is now open for you. I'm going to set you free.
Sekinat: (incredulous) Are you serious?
Hat Man: (nodding) Yes, I am. (He picks up a bag and tosses it to her.) And here's a gun with extra bullets. I don't want you to die that easily. Now, you can go. Best of luck.
Sekinat: (still in disbelief) Oookay. (She walks past him and exits the room as Hat Man watches her leave.)