Writers 
INTRODUCTION
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What is your worst fear? Mine is being hunted by my husband's debt as I am with my father's. I fear that if I have a son tomorrow, he may be like his father or even, my father.
Some say gambling is a disease, some say it's an addiction, others says it's a spirit. What do you say it is?
At a point my father was a champion in his sport; I saw how much he made until one evening. We had a knock on the door. Innocently, I opened the door; little did I know that my father was literally hiding from him. He was huge and dark, holding a mean face that his eyes widen up like he was the world's scariest movie. His hair was a bit full with a gold tint at the left side of his head. I stared at him murmuring "we are being robbed". I wish.
The BOSS had come to collect. It was an August visit in September.
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ACT 2
Scene 1
February 29th, 1996
Pleasure hotel, mainland
{Enter Mr. Walter (a.k.a BOSS) and Ubong}
UBONG
Two escorting Ubong to the Boss (Raising both hands a little above his head, with a closed fist sliding back and forth as a sign of respect) Boss, I greet you oo.
MR. WALTER
Ubong my man.(He waves his hand as a sign that the men should leave) How things dey go na?
[Interpretation: how is everything?]
UBONG
Fine. Boss you sent for me
MR. WALTER
Yes Ubong. You know you are my star player and I have somebody who is betting with a huge sum of money. And the catch is, if he loses, he will bet more with more money.
UBONG
Why so?
MR. WALTER
Maybe because he thinks he's the best.
UBONG
Hmmmm
MR. WALTER
Yes but, he hasn't met my one and only champion. Ubong, (moving towards him) you are going to make me rich and proud. And you are also going to be famous and rich. What do you say?
UBONG
(Without thinking) Oh, yes I'm in.
MR. WALTER
Good, good. You know you owe me a lot of money. And you know the money you'll get from this game, if you win, is not enough to pay back. (Moving to the window in his office)
UBONG
I understand that Boss.
MR. WALTER
So, you must win. And only that will make him fix a date for a rematch. Win that too, and consider all your debt paid.
UBONG
Yes Boss. I'll bring in my best.
MR. WALTER
Bring in more than your best because the game is this afternoon.
UBONG
Yes boss. I will.
MR. WALTER
Good. You can leave.
UBONG
Thanks Boss.
[Exit]
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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 what's up? 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 has now become the number one hotel in the entire mainland.
AYO
True and the extra sport he host, which you, of course, 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 alone 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
(Ayo flashes 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 has. 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
(Giving up and shaking his head) 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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ACT 2
Scene 3
(At the bar in the hotel)
{Entered three customers and the barman}
(Three customers arrived in the bar speaking about a matter that attract Ayo’s attention)
CUSTOMER 1
(Waving his hands at Ayo) Bar man, get us three bottles of Gulder.
AYO
Ok! (walks to the counter to bring out the bottles of beer from the fridge and carried it to their table). Here are your drinks, sir.
CUSTOMER 1
Thank you.
CUSTOMER 2
I can’t believe he works in a place like this and he treats his wife like trash.
CUSTOMER 3
You better believe it. I live close to their compound I hear their drama almost every night. I say almost because, the night I don't hear a thing that means he's not home.
CUSTOMER 1
Really?
CUSTOMER 3
Yes, really.
AYO
(Speaking to himself as he walk back towards the counter.) All this customers, they come here and table people’s matter as if it’s their headache. Only God knows who they are talking about this time.
CUSTOMER 2
And Uyai is very beautiful and calm. Despite all, she still portrays strength.
AYO
Ehh! (His ears pricks up as he heard Uyai's name)
(Still speaking to himself.) This people should better not be referring to Ubong and his wife.
CUSTOMER 2
I’m no better man but the harsh treatment Ubong give Uyai is unbearable. I know some women by now would have left the marriage.
AYO
This is serious. They are really talking about Ubong.
CUSTOMER 3
I remember the last time I wanted to buy groundnut from her, it was like her body was there and her mind was in space. I tried calling her, it didn’t bring her back not until I tapped her to consciousness.
CUSTOMER 1
I’ve known Uyai since she was a child. I knew her family. I use to toast her then but she won’t even notice me. I didn’t blame her. Her family gave her a hard time. Mr. Nsikan Itim, Uyai’s father had gambling issues. Just like Ubong. And anytime I came close, Mr. Itim will insult and chase me out of his compound. I guess Uyai don’t have any luck in men.
CUSTOMER 3
What a bad luck. And it is obvious she really love Ubong.
CUSTOMER 1
How won’t she? It was Ubong who rescued her father from the teeth of the BOSS. It is ironic how Ubong works for the BOSS just as Nsikan did. Mr. Itim owed the BOSS a huge amount of money and he couldn’t pay back. So Nsikan went to seek help from Ubong. Only that Nsikan presented his youngest daughter as collateral to Ubong. Ubong couldn’t get his eyes off the beautiful lady so he accepted. Only to useless her afterward.
CUSTOMER 2
All this things that her father did, couldn’t her mother protect her from them?
CUSTOMER 1
Which mother? Her mother died when giving birth to her and her family blames her for it.
CUSTOMER 3
(Nodding his head) this world is wicked
CUSTOMER 1
It is indeed. It is only Ime, Uyai’s elder sister who was even a bit kind to her. And now she Is happily married with four boys. So I heard. But her remaining two elder sisters, Eno and Idara, they are wayward. I remember one day they brought a guy to sleep with Uyai, she refused. And they beat Uyai mercilessly and refuse to let her into the house. Uyai slept outside that night.
CUSTOMER 2
Uyai has suffered oo, tears has become her new joy from when she was born. Ubong does not know what he has and I pray he don’t lose her. Because no woman can take what Uyai has and is taking. Not even my wife. Well soon she will cry tears of joy.
(All laughing)
CUSTOMER 1
Well let’s leave that. Remember we have a meeting with my landlord about that land my brother want to buy. So we better get going.
CUSTOMER 3
Yes that’s true I almost forgot. Ok. Let’s go.
{Exit the customers}
AYO
What I’m hearing about Ubong should better be lies. Because how can he maltreat that woman? A woman that put him first, even before her own self? This can’t be true. And I can’t ask Ubong because he will either not tell me or he will lie about it. But eventually we will get to talk about it.
[Exit]
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ACT 2
Scene 4
(At the bar in the hotel)
{Entered Ubong, Mr. Walter and Mr. Henry}
(Celebrating Ubong for his victory in the game)
MR. HENRY
(Stretching forth his hand to shake Ubong) You played very well. I’m impressed.
UBONG
Thank you Mr. Henry. You weren’t bad yourself. Challenging you was like a dream come true. You have exceptional skills. I thought I was losing not until the game was over.
MR. HENRY
(Giving Ubong a suspicious smile) I was the one caught off guard. Your maneuvering was unbelievable. Mr. Walter, you have a star in your grib. He’s truly the best. I’ll be back in two weeks’ time. I’ll double the bet and you’ll double yours. Deal?
MR. WALTER
(Giving Ubong a nod).Deal.
MR. HENRY
Great. My boss will be thrilled, especially after knowing how horrible I lost. So Ubong, I hope you’ll bring your best. I love a good challenge.
UBONG
I will do my best sir. Do take care as you leave.
MR. HENRY
Thanks. See you in two weeks. Take care Mr. Walter
MR. WALTER
Yes have a good day.
{Exit Mr. Henry}
Well Done Ubong. Prep yourself. In two weeks, it will be grand.
UBONG
I will BOSS.
MR. WALTER
(Signaling one of his guards) take this. This is part of your pay for today. The rest is to cover part of your outstanding. Spend it wisely. And buy something good for that wife of yours. In two weeks you will become a millionaire.
UBONG
Thanks BOSS, I won’t let you down
MR. WALTER
Yeah, you dare not. Doubling the bet will cost me so much you better not screw it up
UBONG
I won’t BOSS
MR. WALTER
Good. You can leave now
UBONG
Thanks BOSS.
{Exit Walter}
(Enter Ayo)
AYO
Was that the man?
UBONG
Yes. Mr. Henry.
AYO
Wow, Henry huh? I hear we won
UBONG
We?
AYO
Yes, we. Or aren’t we the dream team again?
(Both laughing)
So where are we celebrating
UBONG
Well, I hear of a new club that just open, let’s go and check it out
AYO
Yeah. That’s what I’m talking about
[Exit]
