26 ACT SEVEN: Scene 5

Back in the village, Akanji's old time neighbour, Iya – Agba, has just sent for his friend Karimu who is overseeing his saw-mill back in the village. He arrives with his car, which he packed a few distance from the house and then walks down to see the woman. It is in the evening and the woman is busy collecting firewood from a nearby bush. Karimu walks over to her.

Karimu: [Prostrating] Good – evening ma. [He stretches out his hand to collect the firewood from her]

Iya Agba: [Handing over the wood relunctantly]

Good evening Karimu how is your work and your family?

Karimu: Everything is fine. Thank you. [They both walk along heading for the woman's house with Karimu carrying the sticks.]

Karimu: I received your message early this morning

Iya-Agba: That is true. I sent for you.

Karimu: I hope there is no problem?

Iya-Agba: [Pauses] There is no problem.

[As they get to her house, she goes inside and brings out two small wooden seats for them to sit. Karimu puts down the firewood somewhere and they both sat. ]

Iya – Agba: What I called you for is about your friend Akanji

Karimu: [A little surprised] Is he around?

Iya-Agba: No, he's not. But you see, as you know I attend a little church which started not long ago in our village, it was there I was told by the pastor who had a vision, as he said, that somebody close to me, who is like a son to me, is in danger and needs prayer to avert it. As you know, your friend was the closest person to me in this village before he left. It is true we used to fight many times but the fact still remains that we are very close. I have no other relatives in this village, no son, no niece, no nephew. Do you see what I mean Karimu?

Karimu: [not moved] I understand

Iya-Agba: [continues] Even now that he is not around I know I miss him.

Karimu: [interjects] I understand mama. But I can assure you there isn't going to be any problem of any sort. Maybe the man just had a dream. There is no problem.

Iya-Agba: [unhappy] But can't you just send for him and tell him I want to see him.

Karimu: [Bluntly] Ah ah, not now maybe another day. I still have to return back to sawmill to finish some jobs. I'll do that another day.

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[At this juncture, he stands up to take his leave and as he does he offers the woman some money which she rejects politely. Karimu, did not waste a second, he dashes into his car and speeds off. The woman is still standing outside thinking and then starts muttering some words.]

Iya – Agba: I knew it from the beginning. I knew the source of his money is evil, and would surely be a snare to him later. If only I knew his residence in the city I would have gone there myself. I pray he'll come home soon.

[As she finishes her soliloquy, she packs the firewood left by Karimu and takes them behind her little hut where she prepares her meal.]