......Life of Dana Walsh (04)

Bernard: (sipping from his cup of coffee) so tell me what you have been able to gather..
Omo: The Otto is a big name in Delta. The family runs an empire they built from scratch. In earlier years they traded in coal later expanded to quarrying and bottle manufacturing. They monopolized the market so they were major marketers in the whole county. They partnered with the Ibrus, Ogagas and Agofures; the business was massive.
Bernard: Ok......?
Omo:  They traded internationally too and that arm of the business was run by Eva, Dana's mum. China, Europe you name it.
Bernard: So if her family is so wealthy, why isn't she working for her dad and why isn't her name Otto. Is she married or she had to change her name for some weird reason? Hmmm! now that i think of it she's always silent about her family and background all together....
Omo: Married? I don't think so. Something in her past, maybe...
Bernard: so what is it?
Omo: I need more time and money, she is a very private person and getting this information will involve getting deep into her family and business.
Bernard: How much money do you need?
Omo: A million....
Bernard: That's preposterous....
Omo: Well how well do you want to know Dana. I can leave you with this or get more juicy stuff on her....
Bernard: (thinking)..............lemme get back to you?
Omo: You know how to reach me boss.

Bernard leaves for a hotel in Lakowe and places a call to his new friend Michelle

Michelle: Hi! Thought you had forgotten me so soon.
Bernard: With a body like that.....i wonder why i didn't call you immediately.
Michelle: You have a wife remember?
Bernard: Oh, are we playing saints now...
Michelle: Hmm....whats up, how you doing?
Bernard: Was wondering if we could see today. I can send my driver to come get you if you don't mind....
Michelle: Oh! Where are you?
Bernard: Lakowe. There's a new hotel...very discrete with a beautiful waterfront view. Its..
Michelle: You want me to meet you in a hotel? Do you think I'm a call girl or something! Silly old PRICK!!!
Bernard: I'm sorry, didn't mean to...
(Michelle hangs up and smiles. Lets see how much you want this piece...)
Bernard: Shit! I really have lost touch. Need to step up my game.

(The following day)

Dana: You told him what!!! Here i am thinking i can have this long weekend to myself, strategize on other important stuff and you tell me you put him off track by telling him about my family!!! What the hell were you thinking!!
Omo: Calm down Dana.
Dana: Calm down! Calm down!!! Are you crazy? or maybe you had too much Okro yesterday and you couldn't keep your tongue in your mouth!!
Omo: You really need to calm down and hear what i have to say...
Dana: Oh! you have a light bulb in your head! Lets hear those bright ideas...
Omo: (looking really worried) I just believed him knowing you had a strong background will put him off whatever he's thinking of doing.
Dana: How did you even find out i was related to the Otto's to begin with.
Omo: Its my job to find out stuff, i knew this a long time ago.
Dana: (murmuring) dang! shouldn't have trusted mother to do this one thing right!
Omo: What was that?
Dana: So what were his concerns after you told him.
Omo: He wanted to know where you got the name Walsh from and why you aren't working with your fathers company.
Dana: .........and?
Omo: that actually spiked my curiosity. Why do you want Bernard out of the way so bad when you can fight your way up the ladder in a company that probably will be willed to you anyways.
Dana: What's that saying about curiosity and cats again.....? they get fucking killed!!
Omo: I just think you should throw him a power punch to put him in his place. Hes not going to get anything interesting out of your past. I'm sure you covered it all up since even i couldn't dig up further connections with your family.
Dana: (sobbing) I just had to get away from those people. I had to go through the pain of changing my name and identity completely, it will be bad for me if anyone from my past finds out that i am alive or even in this country.
Omo: That bad?
Dana: If i had to go through the pain of changing my identity completely, you of all people should understand why there shouldn't be any leakage.
Omo: I guess i have thrown Bernard the wrong bone here.
Dana: No worries, it isn't your fault. You had no idea how this would affect me. I'll just have to deal with any issues that arises from this. I'm a fighter remember, wont allow this weigh me down.
Omo: No, let me deal with this. I gave him a story, i can turn it around. He'll probably just chew on any bone i toss at him
Dana: Probably..
Omo: I'll make it a certainty! Don't worry that pretty head of yours. I'll deal with this ok?
Dana: OK (forces a smile).


(Omo steps out to use the phone and Dana decides to call her mum - Eva Otto for a quick chat)

 

Eva: I did make it go away!

Dana: Apparently not! There are two people on my heels and i can't deal with this...not with everything going on around me now.

Eva: What exactly did they find out? That you are an Otto? Which of the Delta Otto families do they think you are from?

Dana: I don't see where this is going mum!

Eva: Trust me, this isn't going to bite you in anyway.

Dana: You still haven't convinced me on the how Ma!
Eva: I know trust isn't one of your traits but you have to believe and trust me on this one.
Dana: Oh please mum! I'll just sort this out my own way! But thank you. Love you mum.
Eva: Love you too baby.

Omo: I just set up a meeting with Bernard. He said he's somewhere far away but will meet up with me soonest. I'll make this go away ok?
Dana: Ok. Thank you.

(Omo leaves)


Dana decides to go out for some drinks at her favorite spot and she runs into Shola - Bernard's wife.

Dana: Hi Shola....
Shola: (squints trying to remember)
Dana: Its Dana, Bernard's colleague..
Shola: Oh! I am so sorry (burps) excuse me. How you doing...my apologies, i didn't recognize you.
Dana: (smells the alcohol) Not a problem madam. What you doing here?
Shola: I'm waiting for Bernard actually. We are supposed to have dinner....its our wedding anniversary today (she lies)
Dana: Really!! Congratulations.
Shola: Thank you (smiles). If you don't mind, i need to use the bathroom
Dana: No problem, I'll be at the bar. You don't mind i wait with you till Bernard comes?
Shola: Of course not. I'll join you in a bit.

Shola disappears into the bathroom and Dana gets herself a drink at the bar.

Shola: (re-joins Dana) What are you doing here though?
Dana: I come here occasionally for drinks and i get to meet new people.
Shola: It is a nice place. I've been coming here even before i met Bernard...feels like a second home (she lies again).
Dana: You can say that again.

(Shola talks on and on. Dana distracts her for a bit and slips a pill in her drink)

Shola: Ooh, i feel light headed. I think i should head on home.
Dana: You not waiting for Bernard anymore.
Shola: I'm sure he'll meet me at home. Besides I've had too much to drink already. You are bad influence..
Dana: (Laughs) Do you want me to give you a lift and probably my driver take your car home?
Shola: That's so nice of you. Thank you.

(Shola manages to get into the car before she passes out)

Dana: (humming) We are going to take a quick detour, then i can take you home....

(In a shack not too far from the bar, cameras going haywire)

Dana: Seal and deliver all the pictures to this address on Tuesday morning. All soft copies should be sent to me.
Photographer: Ok Ma'am.

(Dana puts her in a taxi and sends her home; Shola is still unconscious)

Dana: (talking to herself as she drives off) Not fair but someone has to be put under the radar....that can't be me!



More to come......

 

 

 

 

........Life of Dana Walsh (03)

Omo: (on the phone) You have to do something about your boss, he just hired me to dig up dirt on you.
Dana: (surprised) You are the PI he hired?
Omo: Apparently he is uneasy about something going on in your office and needs you out, and how do you know he has someone on you.
Dana: I guess the time is right to take him out
Omo: What do you plan on doing and you didn't answer my question?
Dana: The less you know the better but thank you for the info....what feedback are you going to give him though, he did pay you right?
Omo: Not as much as you do sweets. When do i get to have a taste of you again?
Dana: Thanks for the tip. Bye. (hangs up)

(In the office, there is an uproar as people see the results from the appraisals)

Funke: Congrats Dana, you are one or more like 4 steps away from where you want to be.
Dana: I got it?
Funke: You got it darling (giggling). If i didn't know how ambitious you can be, I'll be envious of your achievements.
Dana: You are too good a girl to be me.
Funke: My point exactly.

(Walking towards Dana's desk)

Funke: So you are going to have your corner office and a secretary.
Dana: Oh (exhales) life is going to be good. Finally separated from this cheese cakes!! That excludes you of course.
Funke: I know (smiles)....ooh, here comes your bosses boss.
Jide: (Jide walks up to them) Congratulations is in order, welcome to the big boys league. Dana, please see me in my office after you settle in, OK.
Dana: Will do.

(Jide walks away)

Funke: (sighs)
Dana: What i will do to that man behind closed doors...
Funke: My only nasty thought spoken out loud...
(They both laugh and go to their separate offices. Dana goes to see Jide a while after)

Dana: Hello Jide.
Jide: (not looking away from his computer) Come in, have a seat.
Dana: (presses her phone as she is uncomfortable)
Jide: I'll just go straight to the point. We have faith you'll do well in your position as Manager South West division, however you will have challenges since you are not so much of a people person.
Dana: Ermm....
Jide: So i have decided you will be on a 6 month trial period, if you can prove to me you can handle this position without a glitch, all will be well...
Dana: Are you saying i will be fired if i do not meet your criteria of a 'good manager'?
Jide: You are undeniably a smart girl and i am sure you will be just fine.
Dana: So i report to you directly?
Jide: You report to Tosin and I.
Dana: (under her breath) wow, this people must really want me out!
Jide: What was that?
Dana: I won't let you or this firm down (smiles).
Jide: Good! I have sent you an email with things i recommend you start your day with.
Dana: Thank you. I will see you later on sir?
Jide: Pardon?
Dana: At the party. Apparently the board made a lot of people happy so there's a party later on today at Sky Lounge.
Jide: You sure know how to change a subject!!
Dana: I just thought the air was really tight in here. I am really a people person and i can be a good leader. I am sorry if my previous supervisors didn't see it in me, but i really will not let you down.
Jide: Ok then.
Dana: So see you later today?
Jide: Will see...

(In Bernard's office)

Dana: (smiling) Hello Bernard..
Bernard: Hello
Dana: Just wanted to swing by and thank you for the opportunity to rise, heard your recommendation put me where i am today. I am truly grateful.
Bernard: (Coldly) No need to thank me. God works in mysterious ways. Just ensure you manage that seat properly while you can.
Dana: Ooh, i indeed plan to. Have a good day Ben.(walks away)
Bernard: (Places a call through to his PI)
Omo: Hello!
Bernard: (yells into the phone) Its well over a week now, tell me you have something good!!
Omo: Well, i found out she is from the Otto family and....
Bernard: So where did she get the name Walsh from? Is she married or something?
Omo: I need more time to put that piece together.
Bernard: I like what i am hearing already.
Omo: Do you know anything about the Otto family?
Bernard: Should I?
Omo: I don't know....I'll give you more information as soon as i can.
Bernard: Make that very soon please.
Omo: That's my job. (hangs up)
Jide: Chitty chatty in the office now ehn....
Bernard: (shocked to see him standing there) Of course not, just following up on some family matter.
Jide: Ok. So are you ready for our 4 O'clock
Bernard: Yes, I'll join you shortly.

(At Sky Lounge later in the day, people talking about their time with the firm and how they look forward to spending more years reaching set goals. Dana sits in the corner and has a couple of drinks. When she realized Jide wasn't going to show up, she left to have a more interesting night out.)

Bernard: I don't believe we have met, do you work with the firm.



24982: No! A friend invited me over but she had to run. My name is Michelle.
Bernard: Hello Michelle, I'm Bernard.
Michelle: I know, i already asked Folashde who you are.
Bernard: Oh, so you came with her.
Michelle: You want to talk about Folashade?
Bernard: I'm married you know (showing off his ring)
Michelle: Makes it more interesting
Bernard: (smiles)
(They talked a little while longer, exchanged numbers and Michelle leaves. Bernard walks up to Folashade)
Bernard: She's a stunner, you never said you had pretty friends!!
Folashade: Who are you referring to now?
Bernard: Michelle
Folashade: Oh yes, she seems sweet. (I'm coming, she yells out as she walks away)
Bernard: (mumbling) A catch she is. Have to save her name as something else before madame yanks my head off.....

 

More to come.........

.....Life of Dana Walsh (02)

(3 months ago in a hotel in Benin)

Dana: What exactly do you think i should do with him? I really want to hurt him bad.

Omo: You have to get your hands dirty with this one.

Dana: I play fair, this you know! But if i have to get dirty to win this, i can go the whole nine yards

Omo:  So take out a member of his family.

Dana: (rolling eyes) How does that help me kick him out of the company. You know the drill - scandal, bring to light some hidden secret or we plant something incriminating on him. I cant believe I'm the one with the ideas.

Omo: Way ahead of you darling, Kill someone in his family and pin the murder on him. He wont keep this job or get any other anywhere in this country.

Dana: and his motive?

Omo: His wife is a drunk and a public nuisance....

Dana: Who gets married to a woman like that anyways (smiles) . As much as i like this idea, i want something else. Think up something more excruciating and let me know.

Omo: You are one heck of a woman.

Dana: I know (chuckles) I'm going for a swim. You can let yourself out when you finish that (pointing at the scotch on the table).

(Goes for a swim in a private pool within the hotel. Later gets some drinks and heads back to the room)

Dana: (surprised) You still here?

Omo: Wanted to ensure you get back safe

Dana: Sure about that?

Omo: (grins) I have missed you

Dana: (Laughs out loud) Tell me what you want darling

Omo: I cant get the last time out of my head.

(Phone rings and Dana picks up)

Dana: Not your lucky day sweety, i have to be on the next flight to Lagos.

(In Lagos, Dana arrives at the hotel and walks through the service entrance headed straight to the penthouse)

Door Man: Welcome ma'am

Dana: (walks in without looking at him) Get me a drink.

Door Man: Yes ma'am

Adebode: You can at least be nice to the guy

Dana: I choose not to be (shrugs and jumps on her friend) When did you land.... Wasn't expecting you till tomorrow (with all the enthusiasm she could muster)

Adebode: I called immediately i landed. Tell me all about your day, missed how you talk passionately about stuff.

Dana: Nothing new. Though there is a rumour that they want to start off new offices in the northern and eastern parts of the country so there will be some shuffling and raising of funds.

Adebode: What kind of funds?

Dana: Its still a rumour...

Adebode: I'm here whenever you need monetary assistance...

Dana: Enough talk. Wanna get busy?

Adebode: You must have really missed me.

Dana: You have no idea......

Life of Dana Walsh (The Beginning)

Oh shut it mummy, i need to show him how it's done. It doesn't always have to be done your way you know?

 

"The Beginning".......

 

Sean: It isn't going to hurt, is it?

Dana: Just trust me Sean. You are going to love it.

Sean: Whatever you say darl, I'm going to have the best night of my life...

Dana: You don't mind the cameras now do you?

Sean: One copy and it remains with me?

Dana: As long as we watch it together first...

Sean: Sure baby....that's the plan.

 

Dana cuffs him to the bed, ties his legs far apart and blind folds him. There is honey, ice cream and hot stones on the side table......

 

(Knock! Knock!!)
 

Dana: (walks to the door) who is it?

Guest: 24982 

Dana: (smiles and opens the door) Take a seat and read the note (she whispers)
Sean: Who is that darling (he calls out from the bedroom)

Dana: Room service baby..

Sean: Come in here, i cant wait anymore....

24982: Are you sure you don't want more, this is kind of bare.

Dana: You have room to improvise, only if he can handle it though.

24982: Got ya!

 

She walks into the room and shuts the door.

 

Earlier that day........

 

Dana: (walks in the the store and straight to the dresser) You sound very much like me, that's a good thing. Did you read the contract.

24982: Yes, but i need clarity on the number of clients i have to do this with.

Dana: As many as i deem fit, is this going to be a problem?

24982: I need more money, you seem like a very adventurous person, I'm sure you'll need me to do some outstanding performances on your clients. Probably payment per individual instead of monthly.

Dana: Is it that obvious (smiles) and they are your clients not mine. Anyways, money isn't a problem as long as there is no fowl play or fall you falling in love with any of this clients. It is purely business.

24982: Got ya!

Dana: Good.

 

Act 1, Scene 2

 

(Meeting in the office about fund raising and target allocation)

 

Bernard: I trust you all will out perform the other teams, we cannot afford to come second place. We all know competition is what Wale had in his mind when he put us in teams.

Shade: ...but why does our target have to be so high?

Dana: (coughs)

Bernard: Do you have something to say Dana?

Dana: Nope (continues pressing her phone).

Folashade: I think this target should further be broken down, as in per individual, so it can be easier to appraise each persons performance.

 

(Dana's phone rings)

 

Dana: Yes, please (pause) ooh, that's fantastic (pause) I'll come over in 20 minutes. 

Bernard: Who says this meeting will be over in 20 minutes?

Dana: (standing up) I just raised two thirds of our target, so i believe this meeting ends for me now.

 

(The team looks at her in shock)

 

Dana: Can i go now? (sarcastic voice) please...

Bernard: of course, no problem.

 

(Dana walks out of the room avoiding glances from her colleagues)


 (2 months later in an appraisal meeting)

 

Jide: I believe Bernard's team did well in the past exercise, exceeded their target beyond my wildest imagination. They actually tripled the set target.

Bernard: We have some outstanding team members and they indeed showed team spirit.

Jide: Are you sure about that? With Dana on your team?

Bernard: I would say i was shocked myself but she did raise the highest.

Jide: I guess she is due for a managerial position then..

Bernard: (surprised) Managerial??? That means we will be on the same level...

Tosin: You did just say she raised the highest and the incentive for that is a managerial post.

Bernard: So what happens to me as the leader of the team? besides she doesn't have leadership skills.

Jide: Of course you will get your commission..... and we will deal with her leadership skills after(sends a mail via Blackberry to Tosin)

Tosin: That will be all Mr. Bernard, you are excused.

Bernard: but....

Tosin: (picks up the receiver to call the other unit head) you have something else to say?

Bernard: no, not at all. Have a good day.
 

(Back in Bernard's office)
 

Bernard: (on the phone) i need a background check on Dana (pause) Walsh, yes....its Dana Walsh!

Receiver: Information from birth, school, boyfriends, enemies and all?

Bernard: Yes, everything.

Receiver: (long pause)

Bernard: Money is not a problem, i just need this information as soon as possible.

Receiver: OK! will call you by the end of the week.
 

(In Dana's office)
 

Dana: (drops phone and smiles) its going to be a good day (exhales).

Bernard's secretary: He just called a PI to do a background check on you.

Dana: Really? Do you know who this PI is?

Secretary: Not yet, but i can find out if you want.

Dana: Leave that to me. Thank you.

Secretary: Can i have those pictures now. You promised me.

Dana: will you trust me enough if i give you a copy. I have several copies darling so it won't make any sense. Just continue with my bidding and we'll all live happily as one big fam.

Secretary: You promise not to publish?

Dana: I swear on my life

 

 

 

 

More to come......