ACT SEVEN
30 minutes after
As they disembarked from the car, Sekinat couldn't help but wonder where they were. However, the Hat Man's stern instruction was clear, no questions were to be asked. They walked into a large building, where they encountered a group of mourning women by the entrance.
Sekinat, her curiosity getting the better of her, touched the Hat Man's shirt.
Sekinat: "What happened to them?"
The Hat Man shot her a withering look, but he noticed her genuine curiosity and decided to share some information.
Hat man: "Their husbands were among the corpses."
Sekinat was shocked by the revelation.
Sekinat: "So their wives also live here? Aww, poor wives... their lives were just wasted like that."
The Hat Man was less patient this time.
Hat man: "You need to shut up and stop talking, or I'll insert something in your mouth."
Sekinat nodded in agreement and then realized they were being escorted by the men from the car.
As they reached a grand chamber, the Hat Man knelt down before a majestic figure seated on a throne.
Sekinat wondered about the man's identity, thinking he might be a lawyer or judge.
The Empire, who was on the throne, noticed Sekinat's failure to bow, and his disapproval was evident.
Sekinat: (in her mind) "Your lord? Who is he? Some sort of lawyer or a judge?" The Hat Man quickly reacted and pulled her down to the ground, urging her to bow. Sekinat, perplexed by the situation, refused.
Sekinat: (shocked) "Why would I bow to my fellow human being?" (she whispered)
Hat Man: (whispers) "Do you want to die right this instant?"
Sekinat: "I can't bow to anyone except Allah." She stood firm and averted her gaze.
The Empire, observing the unfolding drama, raised his hand, and armed men instantly aimed their guns at Sekinat.
Empire: "Young lady, you certainly show how ignorant you can be!"
The tense situation had just taken a dangerous turn, and Sekinat found herself in a perilous predicament.
Sekinat's knees shook as the armed men surrounded her. The Hat Man, infuriated by her defiance, forced her head to bow before the Empire.
Hat Man: "I will deal with you later." He then turned to address the Empire. "I'm
sorry, my lord. She's just being foolish."
The Empire ordered the guns to be lowered, taking interest in the situation.
Empire: "I heard there was an attack last night."
The Hat Man confirmed.
Hat Man: "Yes, my lord. We lost 50 of our men, and their wives are mourning by the door."
The Empire inquired about the attackers.
Empire: "Who attacked your men? Raphael?"
Hat Man: "No, sir. It was unknown men, but we are investigating."
The Empire speculated on the attackers' motive.
Empire: "Let me guess. They're here for some of the cocaine?"
Hat Man had more to reveal.
Hat Man: "I don't think that's all, sir. Their leader said he's coming for you and me. His name is Ridwan."
The Empire was alarmed and swiftly stood, prompting everyone in the room to bow.
Empire: "Ridwan!"
Hat Man confirmed the identity.
Hat Man: "Yes, my lord."
The Empire realized the gravity of the situation.
Empire: "I know him. He is indeed coming for me. Hat Man!"
Hat Man acknowledged the Empire's command.
Hat Man: "Yes, sir."
Empire: "Get my armies ready. War is imminent, and we must be prepared. Come with me."
Hat Man agreed and turned to his men, giving them a new responsibility.
Hat Man: "Make sure she doesn't leave your sight. If she does, you know what's coming for you."
His men obediently acknowledged his order.
Sekinat, left alone with the armed guards, was concerned and questioned their intentions.
Sekinat: "Where are you going? Are you going to leave me all alone with them?"
The Hat Man chose to ignore her, following the Empire out of the hall, leaving Sekinat in the company of the guards, her anxiety growing as she watched them closely.
Sekinat: "Where are you going? You're just going to leave me here, with them?" The Hat Man paid no attention to her as he walked out with the empire, leaving Sekinat alone.
Sekinat: (Suddenly, the crowd's eyes were all on her, and she bowed her head in fear.) "I don't think I can make it out of here alive," she whispered.
30 minutes later, the crowd continued to watch Sekinat closely, making her
uncomfortable, until she finally spotted the empire's entrance with the Hat Man,
and the crowd erupted into action.
Sekinat: (Raising her gaze in relief) "Why would you leave me with them?"
The Hat Man snapped at her, "Can you just shut up?"
The Empire sat on his throne and addressed Sekinat.
Empire: "You are Sekinat, right?"
All eyes turned to Sekinat as the Empire awaited her response.
Hat Man: (Roaring at her) "Speak!"
Sekinat: "Yes! Yes, sir, my name is Sekinat."
Empire: "I heard you're a surgeon, correct?"
Sekinat: "Yes, sir."
Empire: "Very good! As you can see, everyone in my empire has their usefulness. I was considering terminating you at first, but since you're a skilled surgeon, you will be my personal medical attendant."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, welcoming Sekinat into the empire.
Sekinat: (Confused by the jubilation, she shifted her gaze to the Hat Man and noticed his pained expression.) "I guess he was only pretending to be fine after the gunshot! Someone who should still be in bed receiving treatment." (She whispered to herself.)
Hat Man: "That's very kind of you, my lord. I'm sure she's truly excited for this great opportunity in her life."
Sekinat: "Opportunity?" (Unintentionally raising her voice) "You think I want to be part of this? For how long have I been begging you to set me free? I don't want to be here and join in whatever this is. Being here was a mistake. I'm not here for a job, I run a private hospital in Lagos. All I wanted is freedom. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Just open your gate and let me out. My family is worried, please, Empire! Empire is his name, right?" (She realized the crowd, including the Hat Man, was shocked by her statement.) "Did I say anything wrong?"
Empire: (Rising from his throne) "How dare you talk to me that way! Who do you think you are? How dare you!" (The crowd began to bow as he took each step towards Sekinat.) "I thought your life wouldn't be a waste, but you've proven me totally wrong." (Finally, very close to Sekinat, who looked away, avoiding eye contact with him, while the crowd pitied her for the danger she was in.) "I can see you have quite a lot of guts, don't you?"
Sekinat: "No, sir, but I..."
Hat Man: (He walked up to her and delivered a stinging slap across her face.) "Learn to know when to shut up!"
Sekinat: (She couldn't believe what had just happened, touching her cheek in shock.) "You slapped me?"
Hat Man: (He raised his hand to land another slap on her face when the Empire intervened.)
Empire: "Don't waste your energy on her. Assuming you'd allowed her to die the day you brought her here, I'm sure she wouldn't be causing you lots of trouble like this. Now, I shall pass my judgment."
Sekinat: (Crying, her sorrowful eyes fixed on the Hat Man.)
Hat Man: (Looking away.)
Empire: "Guards!"
Two guards immediately bowed to him.
Empire: "Lock her up and starve her until death!"
Guards: "Yes, my lord." (Without hesitation, they lifted Sekinat and swiftly exited the hall.)
Sekinat: "Nooo!!! Please, don't let them take me away! Hat Man! Noooo!"
Hat Man: (Closing his eyes in regret, he went down on one knee.) "I'm sorry, my lord, for the disappointment. I've let you down so many times. Please forgive me. You can do whatever you want with her now, as I also see no future with her."
Empire: "Very good! Now, back to our mission! Are my boys ready?"
The crowd roared cheerfully.
Empire: "Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Hat Man, get your men ready, because this mission is already a win for us! We're getting that element, and we plan to strike tonight." (He got up and walked out of the hall while the crowd bowed until he disappeared from their sight.)
Hat Man: (Panting heavily as he clenched his fist.) "Suit yourself, Sekinat." (He also walked out of the hall.)
***********************
A day after (evening)
Alhaja Selimat: (Dialing Summayah's number) Assalamu alaykum.
Summayah: Wa alaykum assalam.
Alhaja Selimat: I hope you're aware of who's on the line or you didn't delete my number.
Summayah: Even if I did, my brain can't forget the voice that yelled at me since I was born.
Alhaja Selimat: (Sighing heavily) Anyway, how have you been? And how is my grandson?
Summayah: Since when did you care, Mum?
Alhaja Selimat: (Raising her voice) Don't talk to me in that manner; I'm still your mother. I have every right to scold you when you're wrong.
Summayah: You're right, Mum. And to avoid stressing your life, that's why I avoided you as much as I could. So, seeing your call was unexpected.
Alhaja Selimat: Summayah! How many times did I call you?
Summayah: Two or three times.
Alhaja Selimat: Your father said I didn't train you well, that's why you've been very disrespectful toward me. I accept the blame, but I raised you to where you are today. So, is this what I get in return? Your sister has been missing for over a week now, and you don't seem to feel any remorse about it.
Summayah: Yeah, and that's why you said I was behind her disappearance. You accused me of kidnapping her to get back at you.
Alhaja Selimat: I never said you kidnapped her, but you didn't seem bothered or
concerned about it at all. Like you have no relation with her at all, your own blood.
Summayah: Maami! I know nothing about Sekinat's disappearance. That's all I can say. Am I free to end the call now?
Alhaja Selimat: Are you trying to hang up on me? Summayah, what has come over you? What exactly is your problem? Am I that worthless to you?
Summayah: I never said that.
Alhaja Selimat: You don't have to say it before I understand what you mean. Alright, fine. Since you've cut all ties with your family, my regards to your family. But I have one important piece of advice for you, and if you use it wisely, it will benefit you. Stop taking your husband's position in your family just because he isn't rich. It doesn't mean you should take his rights away from him. I won't say more than that. Besides, we never wanted you to marry him, but you insisted.
Summayah: (Angrily hangs up.)
Alhaja Selimat: (Sighing heavily) Her father was right. I didn't raise her well. But I will make sure to reset her brain, if indeed I am her biological mother or if they switched my child after my labor.
*********************
Twenty sleek black cars sped into the concealed compound as the armed men disembarked, swiftly sealing their entryways. They dashed out of the parking lot, some injured, others carried out lifeless from car trunks. The Hat Man, their leader, had been injured but not shot. He directed his men, who hurried into various buildings for medical attention, while the deceased were handed over to the mortuary manager for care.
The Hat Man burst into his mansion, welcomed by his loyal followers. He collapsed on the couch, gasping heavily. He shed his jacket and hurried into the medical room, discovering that he was bleeding from a previous gunshot wound. He cleaned and rebandaged the wound, instructing his men to respect his privacy as he sought rest.
Five hours later, the Hat Man awoke from his nap. He was served dinner and changed into fresh attire. Heading out, he found his car door opened for him and stepped inside, driving away.
****************
Sekinat was left all alone in the dark prison. She hadn't been fed since the judgment was passed over her. She had become too weak to do anything but lie helplessly on the cold, moldy floor, yearning for death to come and take her away. Her throat was as dry as a cursed forest, and with each breath, she grew weaker. She had cried her eyes out to the point that there was no water left in her eyes and body. Even reciting the Kalimatu Shahadah in her mind was an immense struggle, but she fought to recite it every minute. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching, but she paid no attention to them, only praying for death to come.
"Sekinat!! Oh my God, is she dead?" (The guards rushed to open the
prison for him.) "Hurry up! You! (The gate was finally opened.) Get me water and the most delicious meal available."
Guard: "But, sir, my lord said..."
Hat Man: "I said bring me the most delicious food available right this instant!"
Guard: "Okay, sir."
Hat Man: (Lifting her head) "You will be fine, okay? Just hang in there."
Sekinat: (She attempted to push him away but couldn't, managing only to whisper,) "Let... me... go."
Hat Man: "What did you say? Hurry up, you fools! If she dies, you all die! Do you get that?"
Guards: (Presenting a large tray of delicious food with two bottles of water) "Here, sir."
Hat Man: (He snatched one of the bottles and forced it open) "Here, Sekinat." (He helped her drink.)
Sekinat: (Too weak to open it herself, but with the Hat Man's help, water flowed through her mouth. After a few seconds, she finally grabbed the bottle from his hand and drank it eagerly, as if she were a hungry lion. The Hat Man quickly opened the second water bottle.) "Here, take this one too."
Sekinat: (She grabbed the second bottle and gulped it down, panting heavily.
Suddenly, she broke down in tears.)
"Here, have this." (He attempted to feed her, but she grabbed the food
with her two hands, devouring it like she had never eaten before. She ate so quickly that she almost choked, but the Hat Man ordered the guards to bring extra water for her.) "Sorry!"
Twenty minutes later.
Sekinat was finally released from the prison and taken to the Hat Man's mansion
for proper medical treatment.
Hat Man: (Entering her room, he found her receiving a drip while she helplessly lay on the bed.) "How is she?" (He asked the caregiver.)
Caregiver: "She is going to be fine! I never knew she is a doctor! She even corrected me on how to insert the drip."
Hat Man: (Cutting her off) "Are you done with your work here?"
Caregiver: "Yes, sir."
Hat Man: "Now, get out!"
Caregiver: "Okay, sir." (She gathered her first-aid equipment and left, slamming the door behind her.)
Hat Man: (Moving toward her bed and sitting at the edge) "How are you feeling? Talk to me; I know you can hear me."
Sekinat: (She sat up and landed a slap on his face) "This is for not killing me when you had the chance." (The moment she slapped the Hat Man coincided with one of his men barging in to pass on some information, and the guy was shocked by what he witnessed.)
(Bowing his head at her, staying silent.)
Sekinat: "Just kill me, and I'll save you the trouble of rescuing me."
Hat Man: "Get out!" (He roared at his follower.)
Follower: "Sorry, sir." (He slammed the door.)
Hat Man: (He turned to Sekinat and attempted to speak, but she welcomed him with another slap.)
Sekinat: "I'm going to make sure you kill me with your own hands rather than being killed by your crew."
Hat Man: "I know I hurt you." (She attempted to slap him again, but he held her hand.) "At least let me speak."
Sekinat: (Trying to free her hand) "Don't you ever touch me! Just stay away from me! I hate you so much, and I never want to see your filthy face again."
Hat Man: (Sighing heavily) "Can you please stop this and hear me out? I had to do that just to keep you alive."
Sekinat: "Did I ever beg to be saved? You should have watched me die! You monster." (She broke down in tears.)
Hat Man: "I can feel how weak you are. Don't drain your last energy on me. Get some rest, and I will explain some things to you later." (He got up and tried to leave.)
Sekinat: (Pulling out her hidden gun and pointing it at him) "This time around, I will not hesitate to kill you. Trust me; I know the right place to target because I'm
a doctor. If you won't let me out of here right now, then you die." (Furiously, she removed the drip from her hands, got off the bed, and aimed the gun at him.)
Hat Man: (Rolling his eyes) "So now we're doing this? You want to kill me?" (He chuckled.) "Are you serious right now?"
Sekinat: "Yes, I'm serious, and I'm not afraid to blow off your head this time
around. After all, it's self-defense."