Secret Lifestyle of The Barons (STORY) -- Part 2

This is a story about the underworld operation of the rich and powerful of society, importing and distributing drugs codedly across cities, offices, hotels and nightclubs. As the story unfolds, we see how an ambitious cartel boss used money from drugs to buy his way to become a governor in one of the states in Nigeria and used his immunity as cover for his agents to expand the distribution of drugs to Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

The governor recruits smooth operators who move drugs from Brazil into Nigeria, using the Abuja airport as their favorite entry point due to poor security. But things took a different turn when a big member of the drug network died suddenly.

Story continues from Part 1…

SCENE OPENS TO ARRIVAL TERMINAL OF ABUJA AIRPORT - DAY

A bustling airport terminal filled with travelers. ODOGWU, a middle-aged man with a fitted outfit, arrives, discreetly carrying a bag filled with drugs from Brazil. He walks with purpose, blending into the crowd.

SHADOW, a huge man in his 40s, wearing official jacket and working as an insider for the government anti-drugs agency, spots Odogwu and approaches him. 

SHADOW
(sly smile) Odogwu, my guy. Welcome back. You know the drill.

ODOGWU
(nods) Shadow, always a pleasure. You know I'm just a private businessman, nothing more.

Shadow discreetly scans Odogwu's bag with a hidden device, confirming its contents.

SHADOW
(grinning) All clear, my friend. Enjoy your trip to base. Don’t forget to send my cut.

ODOGWU
(thankful) I appreciate your help, Shadow. Our arrangement will continue to be beneficial for everyone.

They exchange a knowing glance before Odogwu continues on his way.

SCENE SHOWS EXTERIOR OF ABUJA LUXURY BUS STATION - DAY

A bustling bus station filled with people and vehicles. Odogwu boards a bus, finding an empty seat next to KEMI, a woman in her late 30s, with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor.

ODOGWU
(smiling) Hello, pretty lady. Mind if I sit here?

KEMI
(grinning) Not at all. It's a long trip from Abuja to the Southern state. Nice to have some company.

They strike up a conversation, gradually getting to know each other as the bus embarks on its journey.

Interlude:
INTERIOR OF LUXURY BUS - DAY 

Odogwu and Kemi's conversations unfold against the backdrop of passing different landscapes and villages along the highway. They share food and drinks, deepening their connection as they reveal their hopes, dreams, and personal struggles. Their laughter and moments of vulnerability create an unexpected bond.

SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF SAME LUXURY BUS - NIGHT

The bus is now shrouded in darkness as night falls. Odogwu and Kemi, sitting side by side, lean closer, their conversation turning intimate.

ODOGWU
(whispering) There's something about you, Kemi. I feel a connection I haven't felt in a long time.

KEMI
(smiling) Likewise, Mr. Odogwu. It's as if fate brought us together on this journey.

Their eyes lock, the bus humming with a shared anticipation.

SCENE SHOWS EXTERIOR OF ARRIVAL LUXURY BUS STATION - DAY

The bus arrives at its destination, and Odogwu and Kemi disembark, their faces glowing with newfound affection.

ODOGWU
(taking Kemi's hand) Kemi, I don't want this journey to end just like that. If you don’t have any major plans at the moment, I will love for you to stay with me.

KEMI
(teary-eyed) Oh dear, Mr. Odogwu, are you serious? I feel the same way. I want to be by your side.

They embrace, sealing their romantic connection, as the world around them fades into the background.

FADE OUT.


SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF ODOGWU'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Odogwu's lavish apartment, dimly lit. Odogwu sits on a soft couch, deep in thought. KEMI, a woman in her late 30s, paces nervously.

ODOGWU
(careful with his words) Kemi, like I said, I have something big to tell you. It's about my business... what I really do.

KEMI
(curious) Please dear, tell me whatever it is. This suspense is too much for me. I hope I am safe?

Odogwu takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

ODOGWU
(reluctantly) Well, I'm involved in the drug trade. I smuggle white powder into Nigeria, and I have connections with people you can’t even imagine. We also have discreet agents who distribute the stuff to politicians and other clients.

KEMI
(calms down) I’m not really surprised sha. I've had this feeling that there is something about you. Like you are connected to big people or something. But... What does this mean for us?

ODOGWU
(earnestly) I'm telling you this because... I believe in us, Kemi. I think you have the potential to help me, to be a part of our... you know, drug distribution network.

Kemi's face displays a mix of shock, curiosity, and uncertainty.

KEMI
(whispering) I never thought I'd be involved in something like this in my life. But if it means we can be together and have a good life… then no qualms.

SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF MONGOLO'S OFFICE - NIGHT

Governor Mongolo's opulent office, adorned with expensive decorations. Odogwu enters, carrying a bag filled with cocaine. Mongolo, a powerful and intimidating figure, sits behind a grand desk.

MONGOLO
(serious) Odogwu, my strong man. You've done well by beating all the odds during your trip and delivering the goods once again. Show me what we have.

Odogwu places the bag on the desk, the weight of the situation palpable.

ODOGWU
(respectfully) This is everything, your excellency. The finest "grade" from Brazil, and two extra parcels from Mexico, just as you requested.

MONGOLO
(satisfied) Excellent work my boy. My other politician friends will be pleased… Yeah, that reminds me. Please, Odogwu, always remember that discretion is paramount. Don't get too comfortable. Our operation depends on it.

ODOGWU
(nods) I understand your excellency. I'll ensure the other distributions are carried out smoothly and the proceeds deposited in the usual account.

They exchange a lingering look, a mix of trust and calculated power.

SCENE SHOWS TUSH UNDERGROUND MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

A hidden room beneath Mongolo's mansion, accessible only through a secret passage. Odogwu, Kemi, and discreet drug couriers gather around a table, their faces masked by shadows.

ODOGWU
(whispering) This is our network, Kemi. My Boss and his associates rely on us to spread the white powder to Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos in a discreet manner. As for the police and the anti-drugs agency, we have enough insiders there. We keep them happy, and they protect our operations.

KEMI
(a bit nervously) My dear, things are happening really fast... But if you're sure I'll be well taken care of and our love is not just a game, then I'm all for it. Whatever it takes, I'm ready.

Odogwu takes Kemi's hand, their eyes filled with a mixture of determination and apprehension.

FADE OUT.


SCENE OPENS TO THE INTERIOR OF ODOGWU'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Odogwu's apartment, filled with a somber atmosphere. Odogwu sits on his couch, a look of grief etched on his face. A LETTER lies on the table, bearing the emblem of a Brazilian cartel.

ODOGWU
(teary-eyed) My master… o my master is gone. I can't believe with the best hospitals in Brazil you are gone like that, Odogwu Senior… He was like a father to me.

KEMI
(hugs and consoles Odogwu) It’s okay, my love. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your master means a lot to you, but you just have to be strong. I am here for you, dear. Please be strong.

SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF MONGOLO'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT

Governor Mongolo's opulent penthouse, where Odogwu stands before Mongolo, a powerful and calculating figure.

MONGOLO
(sympathetic) I'm sorry for your loss, Odogwu. Your master was a formidable force in our organization even though he was fully based in Brazil. His death leaves a void and that is why you are here. I have a new offer for you, my boy.

ODOGWU
What other offer, your excellency?

MONGOLO
(grinning) Well, it’s simple. You are the best man to take your master's position. Go and reorganize the cartel in Brazil. Expand our operations, establish new connections. And you too will become a master in your own right.

ODOGWU
(taken aback) My Governor, ah your excellency, I... I'm honored. Thank you, thank you. I won’t let you down, sir.

SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF ODOGWU'S LAVISH APARTMENT - DAY

Odogwu sits at a desk in his study area, pen in hand, drafting a letter. He writes with determination and purpose.

ODOGWU
(muttering to himself) This is a new era and I will make sure I recruit the best, the most capable. Our network needs to expand beyond Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos. We can do it… I can do it!

SCENE SHOWS INTERIOR OF SHADOW'S SAFE HOUSE - NIGHT

Odogwu walks confidently into a secret safe house where SHADOW, a cunning staff of the anti-drugs agency, awaits.

ODOGWU
(hands Shadow an envelope) I need your help, Shadow. I want you to recruit someone I believe is bold and courageous enough to join our network. And he is no other person than Obalola, our childhood friend. I believe he'll be a valuable addition to our network.

SHADOW
(nods) Hmmm… that’s a good choice. Consider it done, Odogwu my friend. I'll talk to him on your behalf. I remember his many escapes during our school days. Obalola is indeed a smooth operator. But be careful with him sha. You know trust can be a double-edged sword, especially when it involves big money.

SCENE SHOWS UNDERGROUND MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

Odogwu and Shadow sit at a dimly lit table, with OBALOLA, a sturdy man in his early 40s, joining them.

SHADOW
(earnestly) Thanks for honouring my invitation, Obalola. You know I trust you and Odogwu trusts you too. And that speaks volumes. Just like I told you on the phone, the cartel operates discreetly, using couriers like yourself to transport their drugs. It's a risky business, but the rewards are substantial. And I will always be at the airport to personally clear you myself. So, you have nothing to fear.

OBALOLA
(confident) Odogwu, Shadow, you guys know me well from way back. Obalola is a King, I am fearless. I'll do whatever it takes to secure the bag. Sign me up, I’m fully ready.

Odogwu hands Obalola a dossier, outlining the mode of their operation.

ODOGWU
(firmly) One more thing, Obalola… loyalty is a big plus in our line of business. Stay true to what I already know about you and I promise to take you to the Boss, I mean the Don himself very soon. We protect our own, but betrayal comes at a high price.

Obalola nods, his gaze fixed on the dossier, as the weight of his decision settles upon him.

FADE OUT 🎬

 See other episodes of 

SECRET LIFESTYLE OF THE BARONS: 

>> Part 1 Here 

>> Part 3 Here

>> Part 4 Here 

>> Part 5 Here

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