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ACT 2

Scene 2

(At the bar in the hotel)
{Entered Ubong and the barman}

UBONG

Ayo, give me one stout, please.

AYO

Ok. (Handing the drink to him)

UBONG

Thanks. So Ayo, how is business?

AYO

Hmm (exhaling). Ubong, you know the BOSS is really keeping his hotel moving. So, business is flourishing.

UBONG

Yeah. He has invested so much in this place (looking around). Pleasure hotel is the number one hotel in the whole of mainland.

AYO

True and the extra sport he host, which you are a part of, really pumps money into this place. And the girls who he hires to entertain his special guest and also regular guest, also draws attention to this place. The BOSS has made pleasure hotel a mini heaven. Spend a night here and you’ll never wish to leave.

UBONG

Ha ha ha( laughing hard, then he takes a gulp of his drink) oh, Ayo. If not that you are glued to you station I’m sure you would have had your own share of fun.

AYO

Who says I don’t have my own share of fun?

UBONG

Ha, bad guy. You just dey hide they solo your own abi?

[Interpretation: you have our fun in secret, right?]

AYO

Na wa for you oo. Why you dey fall my hand na? you think say all this fine face, sexy abs and thick skin way God give me na for decoration? Or  abi you think say na only you fine for this place? I see how the girls they look you na. them no know say the guy way them they eye get wife for house. Well, you see this my belle, food must enter.

[Interpretation: I’m surprise at you , why are you embarrassing me? You think I am handsome for nothing? Or do you think you are the only one here who is handsome? I see how the way girls here look at you, they don’t realize you are married. Well, you see this my stomach, food must get in]

UBONG

Ayo ….. you are funny. But you must admit, no matter how old I get, I’m more handsome than you

AYO

(laughing) No argument there. So Ubong, I hear a certain man is coming today and you are challenging him.is that true?

UBONG

Yes, I thought it was confidential, how did you know about it?

AYO

Nothing stays secret in pleasure hotel. And you know, my station is a place for drunk men. My people say alcohol brings out what it meets in the stomach. And the church people also say , em..., something…( hitting his head to remember) yes. Out of the abundant of heart, the mouth speaketh.

UBONG

HMMMM… Pastor Ayo.

AYO

What I’m saying is, drunk men have no secret.

UBONG

I understand you.

AYO

Ok, do you know who this man is? Have you met him before?

UBONG

No. BOSS just told me about it today. Why do you ask? Do you know him?

AYO

Ubong, I know I have nothing to offer and my life is messed up. I’m in no position to give advice. But, if I have a million naira now, I’ll quit my job and start a family.
I know that time will come soon, I pray earnestly for it. I don’t care if she’s beautiful or not, I just want peace. After all, my handsomeness will cover both me and my wife.

(Ubong smiled)

That why I try not to involve myself in dirty business

(Flashing a side smile)

I guess what I’m saying is, I am the only friend you have, and I’ve made my research on that to be sure. Even though we only meet in this bar. And I will do everything I can to keep you out of trouble. If not for anything but for your beautiful Uyai.

UBONG

Hmmm. Ok, go on

AYO

Thank you. I know this man, but I don’t know his name. He’s been here before, so my predecessor said. And he plays dirty. He never loses a game. He is a pro, a very rich pro. Money works for him and not the other way round. He is always careful and unpredictable. He brings death to those who challenge him. Not literally, but they eventually commit suicide, owing the BOSS is a death sentence, losing your chance to payback is death.

UBONG

Are you trying to scare me?

AYO

Oh no, I know you are the best player the BOSS have. I just want you to be careful or better still change your challenge mate.

UBONG

I wish I had known this before I gave the BOSS my reply.

AYO

But it’s not too late.

UBONG

I know but, I’m a man who keeps his word. I’m not a coward.

AYO

This your pride. Well, break a leg. And hey, I want to celebrate your victory. I’ll stay back after my shift to make sure. Please win this one. I need to see the look on the man’s face when you do. Let him know that one of our own is better than him ok?

UBONG

Yeah, sure. I’ll have to go get ready. I’ll see you after it’s done.

AYO

Yes you will. Let me get back to work.

[Exit]

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Words (880)