Original subtitles

[panting]

[man] Hold it! Hold it there.

Come on. Come on. Down.

[grunts]

Come on. Up.

[inmate, in African language] What's your problem?

You! I don't like you!

I hope you're not deaf. I said I don't like you!

[in African language] Everybody likes me.

But I don't like you!

Then everybody likes me except you.

-[guard] Kola Alabi. -I said!

Ah! You are so lucky!

[exclaims]

I would have taught you a lesson.

Hey, you, Officer. You messed up big time.

They installed this throughout the department.

I am old-school!

Can somebody get me a typewriter? Not this junk!

-You had a good night? -Why they haven't you contacted my lawyer?

Why? Is there something you want to confess or something you are afraid of?

I am afraid of my human rights being trampled on! My lawyer, now!

You haven't been charged yet.

But if you insist on legal representation, no problem.

You go back to the cell while we wait for your lawyer.

I'm sure your cellmates will be glad to make your acquaintance.

[shouts in African language]

-[in English] Put this man back there. -What-- What is it you want?

To get your story straight.

What were you doing at the beach resort?

Oh, gosh.

We went over this again and again before you locked me up last night, Inspector!

Chief Superintendent, please.

-I earned the rank. -My story won't change!

Oh! Maybe your attitude will.

When it comes to a murder case,

your being a big shot does not matter.

[typing]

[detainee] Is he okay?

Riikard.

-He's still in surgery. -But what did the doctors say?

Will he pull through? Is he going to make it?

The beach resort.

You, there.

-Why? -[sighs]

I am the marketing director of TransWire Communications Nigeria.

The phone network.

Our global headquarters is in Paris.

With Nigeria's population of 170 million,

this country means huge capital gains for my firm.

Big country, big opportunity, big palaver.

The expatriate CEO of TransWire Nigeria recently retired.

As a multinational firm,

global HQ decided to appoint his replacement from within Africa.

And you were in the mix?

Along with four others.

Hey, Bermudez.

How've you been?

I'm completely pissed off,

considering I had to drive all the way from Mombasa to come find your ass.

I'm sorry about that.

So, where's my dough?

Is that all?

-Plus interest? -Plus interest.

Till next time.

There won't be a next time.

[in African language] I have decided not to play this game again.

[in English] I'm done with gambling.

[both laugh]

Done?

Jomo, you are an addict.

[in African language] It's impossible for you to quit now.

-[in African language] We shall see. -[Bermudez] Listen.

Next time we meet...

you better have the rest of my money.

[woman sighs]

[in French] This luggage is quite heavy.

Jean-Marc, you have not taken your drugs yet?

Look, it's past the time already.

Please open your palm.

I don't know why you do this always.

Merci.

I really don't have to go on this trip, you know?

I'm happy working here at home in Abidjan.

[in French] Darling, it's a great opportunity for you.

Besides, you'll make a terrific CEO.

Look, I'm going to be fine.

My sister will stay here to make sure I take my medication.

I've got my laptop to keep me occupied,

-and the kids to keep me on my toes. -[laughs]

That's what I'm afraid of.

Darling, are you okay?

I'm going to be fine.

You mustn't overexert yourself.

And if I do get offered the Lagos job,

I'm not relocating to Nigeria without you.

I can assure you that I'm going with you.

Is that okay?

Okay.

[sighs] Is it time already?

[kisses] I will miss you so much.

I love you.

I love you more.

[shouts]

Oh, come here, my baby.

I'm going to miss you. Where is your brother?

Hey, you, come here.

Take care of your dad for me.

Okay? All right. I have to leave now.

-Come and help me with my luggage. -Call me.

Every morning, every night, my darling.

Let's leave the heavy load for your brother.

Hurry up. I'm running late already.

[in French] Thank you very much.

[in French] Johannesburg, please.

Becky.

[in English] Good morning, sir.

Please tell me you haven't boarded your flight Joburg yet.

[in English] No. No, in fact, I just got to the Air France lounge. What's up?

Global HQ just called.

I've been instructed to reroute your flight to another destination,

which I have just done.

What? Where?

Lagos, Nigeria.

Apparently, sir, you're in the running for the CEO Nigeria slot.

I've just mailed your Lagos trip itinerary to your box.

[tablet chimes]

Yep. Yeah, I just got it. Thanks, Becks.

You're an angel.

I know. All the best in Naija.

Naija?

You'd better wise up on your local lingo if you're going to run the Naija office.

All the best, sir.

[chuckles]

[in African language] I'll call you later.

[in African language] Have a safe trip.

[footsteps approaching]

-Mr. Van Outen? -Yes.

This is your new boarding pass to your new destination, Lagos.

[chuckles] Wow! That was quick.

-Of course. -Merci beaucoup.

We wish you a very pleasant flight.

Naija.

Hey, Yasmin.

-Hey, Kola. -Where are you heading?

I'm rushing to the audit department, actually.

Mm-hmm. You getting ready for this team-bonding retreat tomorrow?

Team bonding?

Come on, Kola. We're in competition with each other.

Competition, team bonding, rat race, whatever you call it,

I am bringing along some company of the female persuasion

to while away the time.

You obviously didn't get the memo.

What memo?

Sun, sea, sand,

unaccompanied.

Huh?

Sorry.

All senior-level TransWire executives?

[Kola] Mm-hmm.

Brought here to Lagos on a week-long leadership retreat

to nominate one of us as the new CEO of TransWire Nigeria.

[scoffs]

[superintendent] Is there something funny?

Have you ever played musical chairs, Superintendent?

The children's game?

Mm-hmm.

I hadn't played it for over 35 years...

until last Monday.

I take it you directors all know each other previously?

We've all met at company retreats in the past before, except Riikard.

Yes, I only joined TransWire Joburg last year from Standard Telecoms.

Standard? The rival network?

-[Kola chuckles] -Yes, I remember we headhunted you.

And already a contender for the top job in Africa's biggest market.

[in African language] Then he must be highly connected.

Hmm.

[in African language] Or just highly competent.

[in English] I picked up a bit of Swahili back in Tanzania in the '90s.

That white building over there...

that's the official residence for the CEO of TransWire Nigeria.

-Nice. It's a castle fit for a king. -[whistles] Wow.

Or a queen.

Yeah, I remember. Frank threw some lively cocktail parties over there.

Property in that neck of the woods must be expensive.

[Kola] Yeah, well, you can get in the door if you have two or three million to spend.

Naira?

No. US... dollars.

But these days you've got property companies popping up like ADRON.

They allow middle- or low-income earners to get on the property ladder

through some kind of installment payment plan.

So, Lisa.

[speaks African language]

[in English] Are you coming from an all-night vigil in church or what?

[chuckles] Just joking.

Where are you from, exactly?

A bit of everywhere, sir.

My father was half Nigerian and half Cameroonian.

And my mother is half Kenyan and half Namibian.

Wow! Viva Africa.

Viva.

So how did you end up working at global HQ?

I applied, sir.

And my master's in Human Resources wasn't exactly surplus the to requirements, sir.

I see.

So, um,

you've been privy to my personal file then.

Strictly confidential, sir.

[Kola chuckles]

Uh, the least you can do is reveal to me how thick it is.

Nine inches?

-[Yasmin] Kola! Stop pestering her. -Huh? Just joking.

Sorry, Lisa. He will tease you to death.

By the way, sir. You're only three inches.

Your file, that is.

-[laughing] -Touché.

Touché.

Sorry, man.

[no audible dialogue]

[no audible dialogue]

[in French] Hello, my darling. How are you?

[chuckles]

[in French] I am well, my dear.

You can see that I am all dressed up to receive your call.

And you? How was your journey?

Yes, I arrived safely, darling.

It is beautiful here.

We've got to come back together and relive our honeymoon real soon.

I'm not sure I have the strength for those marathon sessions.

[laughs]

We were both a lot younger then.

A lot more energetic too.

Hmm. The energy may have waned, but not the desire.

Ever present.

[sighs]

Jean-Marc, look at me.

Everything is going to be fine. We will get through this, okay?

[kisses]

[kisses]

I love you.

I love you more.

[children shouting in African language]

-[yawns] -You're yawning?

I'm the one with jet lag. Long-haul flight from Kenya.

[Kola] Oh, yeah? [laughs]

Bro, between you and I,

a pretty young thing that works in the accounts department

kept me up all night.

Hey.

Yet Jomo is not requiring details. That's odd.

Jomo. Join me?

Hey. What's bothering you, brother?

The South African muzungu.

Riikard?

Word in Nairobi says he's good.

Ah!

I'm good, you're good, we're all good. That's why we're here.

They say he's really good though.

Have you seen the pre-tax profits coming out of SA lately?

TransWire are building castles over there.

Last year alone saw a 48% increase in customer base,

and they're putting it all down to the boy wonder.

-The muzungu. -I'm not worried.

You should be.

My educated opinion tells me this leadership course is just a front,

a face-saving exercise.

The muzungu has already been offered the job.

Jomo. Jomo!

You are becoming paranoid in your old age.

Huh?

I left a real big mess in Nairobi, man.

A real big mess.

[chattering]

[singing in African language]

[Kola] Hey. Yasmin.

Kola.

How are you?

Good, actually.

[sighs] Yasmin, look.

Back at the office,

I've noticed there's been a bit of... tension between us of late.

Really?

There was a time we used to talk.

There was a time where

rumors about me were not being circulated in the executive suites.

Go on. Pretend you didn't hear it.

About you and Frank?

I mean, I've worked darn hard to reach the level

of director of communications in this cutthroat industry.

Hey, listen. You have earned your place in the boardroom.

So why let idle talk and innuendo bother you, huh?

I want respect.

I mean, you have it.

You are a quite famous office flirt,

yet nobody is questioning you...

[laughing]

...who you bedded to get to the top.

Well, I...

Alas, I'm a woman.

Look, regardless,

I think you have a really good shot at making CEO, Yasmin.

So have you, Kolapo.

Me? Not a snowball's chance in hell.

Hey. I'm just catching my fun here! I'm not even stressed about anything else.

Come on. We're talking about CEO of a multinational company here.

Yeah, but look. You've been in Nigeria for, what, the past four years.

So your familiarity with the terrain means that you're in the frame.

But, um... [sighs]

Being that we broached the subject,

was it really going on between you and Frank?

Come on, Kola.

-[chuckles] -[scoffs]

Shall we dance?

Let's dance it out.

I actually developed this ad campaign for South Africa,

but global HQ liked it so much they plan to adapt it

to other markets across the continent.

Nice one.

Really innovative brand company.

That's bound to yield dividends across the board.

Wow.

And all the demographic indices are covered too.

It will go down well in the Côte d'Ivoire market.

Yeah, Frank tried to approve it for the Nigerian market.

But I convinced global HQ to veto it.

[Riikard] I see.

So you don't think it would create an increased customer base here?

[Kola chuckles] Don't get me wrong.

The advert is on point. Kudos.

But, um...

It's way too similar to an Etisalat ad campaign used here in Nigeria.

You see, we are innovators, not copycats.

Nothing personal, of course.

I saw you this morning doing, uh... What was that? Kung fu.

No, no, no. Tai chi.

It's, uh, an ancient form of Chinese meditation in motion.

Relieves stress. [laughs]

[clears throat] Something I picked up during my foreign exchange scholar days.

[woman] Good morning, all.

[in French] Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

-[Kola] Morning. -[Riikard] Morning.

[in English] My name is Dr. Zimmerman.

I do hope we have the most productive period together

over the course of the week.

My teaching methods are unorthodox, albeit quite effective.

So, Dr. Zimmerman...

you have been given the mandate to nominate the new CEO?

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I possess no such powers.

My brief is to lay out your pros and cons for global HQ to decide.

But you can still sway opinion.

I've been giving those courses for over 15 years now.

And one thing I've learned...

who I may view as a pro,

your firm might view as a con, or vice versa.

I don't know exactly what TransWire is looking for.

[in French] I don't know exactly what TransWire is looking for.

I would imagine the best CEO, obviously.

But what is best?

Who defines best?

Who decides best?

Self-elimination is a process I find most beneficial.

You yourselves will withdraw

once you realize that you are not up to the task.

What time does our assessment commence?

[Zimmerman chuckles] It's already started,

from the moment you set foot on this resort.

I like to kick off each morning with a little game.

I did warn you that my methods are somewhat unconventional,

but proven effective.

Musical chairs.

[laughing]

Are you kidding us?

[in French] Musical chairs?

[lively music on speaker]

[all laughing]

Sorry, man.

It seems we have a loser.

It's just a game.

[Zimmerman] Fear or respect.

Which virtue should a leader expect to endorse?

Which one commands authority,

the most loyalty...

instills the most confidence?

Say, for example...

would a chief financial officer of a firm be inclined

to embezzle funds from the coffers

if he or she feared the CEO

or respected the CEO?

I think the chief financial officer wouldn't commit such fraud

if he or she feared the law.

Ha! So the law is to be feared, not respected?

The law should be applied,

and the CEO should be respected.

[Zimmerman laughs]

We have an idealist in our midst.

Unfortunately, Miss Raggi...

idealism and pragmatism are not birds of the same feather.

[laughs]

You have shareholders,

investors.

Public confidence in your firm is vitally important

to your sustainable presence and growth in a highly competitive market.

Rumors of financial embezzlement render your brand irreparable damage.

So, we are talking a cover-up, then?

[Zimmerman chuckles] Mrs. Touré,

I prefer to use the term "PR damage control."

Still a cover-up.

Well...

The guilty party still gets caught.

[Kola clears throat]

But the company's reputation remains intact.

Let's move on.

Your CFO here in Nigeria, he's a Canadian fellow, right?

Yeah. Colin Denvers.

Interesting. I've always wondered why most multinationals with offices in Nigeria

tend to hire expats as their chief financial officers.

Excuse me?

Could it be they just don't trust you chaps

with the keys to the candy store?

Riikard,

if you happen to ever end up working in this country,

don't ever repeat that remark!

No. Come on, gentlemen.

No need for that.

Apologies, Kola. I was just making an observation.

Nothing personal, of course.

Forget the muzungu. We need to talk.

I swear to God, Jomo. I haven't said a word!

-Then how does she know? -Zimmerman knows nothing!

She's just messing with our heads, trying to psych us out.

But it seems to have worked on you, huh?

Trust me, man, she knows.

She looked me right in the face, Kola.

Wait, wait, wait. And you think I told her?

Well, with me ruled out of the picture,

your chances of becoming the next CEO sure seem a lot better!

[laughs]

I'm not that desperate.

Look, man, don't piss on my back then tell me it's raining, okay?

You think I'm fooled by you?

Jomo. Jomo, will you calm...

You will calm yourself down. You've got it all twisted.

You screwed me, man.

What? Look, don't blame me for your own shortcomings!

[in African language] You backstabbing bastard!

Jomo, are you out of your mind?

Listen! Just listen to me, okay?

It wasn't me. I didn't say anything. Think about it.

Would they consider you for the Nigeria CEO position

if your financial discrepancies in Kenya had been discovered?

It doesn't make sense.

[sighs]

Yeah, you're right. You're right.

[Kola sighs]

I'm sorry, brother.

This Zimmerman really freaked me out.

[chuckles] Listen, though.

The weekend gambling sessions in Mombasa.

-They've got to stop. -I know, man.

I know.

And I'm going to refund the firm's money as soon as I get back,

before anyone notices it's missing.

You're a good friend, Kola.

[chuckles] Kiliman-Jomo!

[both laugh]

Ah. Listen. I'm going for a swim in the morning when the tide is good.

Do you want to join me?

You're on your own.

[knocks]

What happens on the beach stays on the beach.

[scoffs]

You do realize that I'm a happily married woman, right?

See no evil,

hear no evil.

[chuckles]

Éloise.

All right. I just want to talk.

Hmm, world peace?

Yeah, there's, uh, stuff on my mind.

Then talk to your priest.

Well, it's been a few years since my last confession.

Oh. Sorry for you.

I'm always there for you when you want to Skype.

-About work stuff, yes. -No, this is about work too.

Oh.

So,

you can't walk and chew gum at the same time?

[sighs]

Just to talk, Kola.

Oh, no.

You can wipe that grin off your face.

Good morning to you too.

Now you are happy, right?

I should never have let you in last night.

I'm a married woman, for heaven's sake!

Éloise.

What happens on the beach stays on the beach.

Get out!

There's really no need to make this out to be anything more than it was:

a one-night stand.

I'm not exactly asking you to leave your husband.

[scoffs] You can't wipe the dirt off his shoes!

He's worth 20 of you. Thirty, even.

Mm-hmm.

Only it wasn't his name you were screaming out last night.

I'm so ashamed of myself.

Just leave.

Okay. You're the boss.

[Kola] Morning, guys.

-Morning, Kola. -Hey.

Morning.

Good morning, all.

[all] Good morning.

[Zimmerman] Let's settle down now.

We're going to concentrate on set core values today.

But before we commence--

Sorry to interrupt, Doctor, but Jomo must be running late.

Oh.

I assumed you all knew.

Mr. Jomo Wangai will not be joining us today.

-He's dead. -What?

Dead?

Jomo?

Uh, sorry, Doctor. I haven't had the chance to inform them yet.

[Zimmerman] Oh.

I see.

On my head then falls the unfortunate task.

According to the police,

Mr. Wangai left his chalet this morning,

made his way over to the beach,

stripped off his clothes,

then swam out far to sea.

The tide washed in his body this morning.

[speaking French]

My condolences.

Suicide hasn't been ruled out.

[in English] But why? Why would he commit suicide?

[Zimmerman] However, the police suspect death by misadventure.

Apparently, Mr. Wangai was fond of early-morning swims

during his weekend breaks in Mombasa.

Looks like he swam a length too far.

Has TransWire been informed?

Affirmative.

And they are conducting an internal audit into his account at the Nairobi office.

Hmm. Who knows what skeletons they're gonna stumble upon?

[speaking French]

Well, time for a game.

Please stand.

[lively music on speaker]

[music ends]

[Zimmerman] It seems we have a loser today.

The sensibilities of collective responsibility.

Take the following into account:

if you are an integral part of a company's decision that is enacted,

yet you did not resign from your position as a result of that decision,

then you must be considered as part and parcel of any such action.

The term "team player" comes into strong effect here.

So tell me...

If the rabbit manages to escape from the hatch,

who should fall on their sword?

Should somebody take one for the team,

or should the whole castle go up in flames?

No, the team should stick together and ride out the rough terrain

until that little rabbit is back in the hatch.

Huh. Good answer, Mr. Van Outen.

But what about the weakest link,

the person whose very demeanor enabled the rabbit to escape in the first place?

There is no place on the team for a weak link.

A CEO must be able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce

and apply such knowledge accordingly.

Very well put, Mrs. Touré.

What do you think about that assessment, Miss Raggi?

It all depends on one's definition of "strong" and "weak."

And what is that definition, then?

[speaking French]

[in French] It takes a strong-willed person to strike a solitary stance

when the majority around them stands for the opposing view.

Hmm.

Even at the expense of the firm?

[speaking French]

At the stake of the firm?

[speaking French]

At the cost of the expansion of the firm?

[speaking French]

Let's talk about executive decisions.

[Riikard] So, Kola, you and Jomo, you go back a while, eh?

Yeah.

About eight years ago, when I was on attachment with the Nairobi office.

He was a good man, a good colleague.

-Why do you think he did it? -[sighs]

Jomo was a keen swimmer, unlike me.

I would drown in a bathtub.

At the peak of his career.

Left behind a wife and three kids.

Maybe they'll find a clue when they audit his files back in Nairobi.

I'm just saying. He was the CFO.

I can't believe it.

He was with us yesterday, and now he...

-[sighs] -[in French] God forbid.

Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll turn in.

Yes. You're right, Riikard.

Good night, Kola.

-[in French] Bye, Yasmin. -[in French] Good night.

[in English] Kola...

Do you ever have this funny feeling

there's more to this leadership retreat than meets the eye?

That Dr. Zimmerman, she gives me the creeps.

The way she stared at me, like if she knew.

That merger that the firm pulled off last year.

With, um, Connect Signals?

Have you ever wondered why the authorities didn't kick up dust

when the deal changed from a merger to a hostile acquisition?

All the T's were crossed, I's were dotted, as far as I know.

Were they?

What are you saying?

We cut corners?

The CEO had to.

Assets management was poking their nose in.

The last thing we wanted was the...

Securities and Exchange Commission wading their canoe into the deal.

So, yes, Frank made payments.

Jesus!

We had to have this market...

to compete with those like Airtel, MTN, Etisalat.

Oh, my God.

I didn't like it, Kola.

But I had to be a team player.

Hold on, hold on, hold on.

Is this why Frank had to resign as CEO TransWire Nigeria?

You pay off some, you don't pay off others...

people start talking, rivals start bitching.

Headquarters had to clean shop.

Frank was a liability.

He had to go.

[sighs]

But we're clean now, huh?

The heat is off, right?

Right?

EFCC!

For heaven's sake!

Kola!

Kola!

Kola.

Kola! Kola!

[speaking French]

What has the Financial Crimes Commission got on you?

Not here.

My chalet. Ten minutes.

[footsteps approaching]

I think I have been followed!

-What? -My nerves are on edge, Kola.

[knocks]

So, what have they got on you?

Video footage of me making payment to a government official.

I was set up, Kola.

You're done.

They're throwing me a lifeline.

I give up the others,

the whole acquisition team, lock, stock and barrel.

Then I walk.

You could skip town. Just head back home to Casablanca.

They have my passport.

I asked the commission to give me more time to think about it

till I get back from this retreat.

[sighs] So what are you going to do?

If I don't play ball, I'll go down.

If you do play, the whole firm goes down.

I will never survive a prison term, Kola.

Never.

Does anyone else at TransWire know?

Of course I didn't tell a soul.

But the way that Dr. Zimmerman looked at me--

Oh, never mind that. She does that to all of us.

I'm scared, Kola.

Really scared.

Excuse me.

Hey, sister. [in Tamazight] How are you?

[Yasmin] Sorry, brother.

I just want to talk to you.

I don't have anyone else to turn to.

Is there anybody you can confide in over there?

I don't know who to trust.

It's very cutthroat in this industry.

Listen to me. You have to come back.

It is not that easy.

I have worked so hard,

really hard to make a career for myself in TransWire!

Then you have to give them what they want. You have to put yourself first.

There's got to be a way out of this without hurting the firm.

I'll always be here for you, whatever you decide.

I really miss you, brother.

I will find a solution.

Take care of our parents, please.

[in English] Everybody's fine, parents...

[in Tamazight] thank God, all is good, but please take care of yourself.

You too. Thanks.

Bye for now.

Goodbye, Yasmin, my sister.

-[knocks] -Yasmin!

Yasmin?

Yasmin, it's me.

Yasmin!

Wakey, wakey!

Yasmin.

Yasmin, wakey, wakey!

Oh, my God.

[murmurs]

Yasmin?

Yasmin.

Hey! Hey! Someone come here. Come here. Now, now!

Will you call me an ambulance now? Get an ambulance here, now.

Yasmin.

Yasmin!

Yasmin!

[no audible dialogue]

I hear you're all colleagues of the deceased.

I'd like to speak to every one of you.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Dr. Zimmerman sends her condolences

and has asked that I cancel this morning's session.

We will recommence at 2:00 p.m.

Do you think anyone is in the mood to talk about being a CEO right now?

Gosh, woman, have a heart.

We just lost another colleague!

Please don't shoot the messenger.

The chairman at global HQ has requested that you all continue the course

or consider your employment at TransWire terminated.

Kola.

You and Yasmin worked together in Lagos.

Have you any idea why she would want to kill herself?

Problems on the home front, maybe?

I don't want to speak ill of the dead, but...

there was talk that she'd had a fling with your former CEO, Frank.

That was just idle gossip.

Come to think of it,

she did seem down in the dumps yesterday.

But we all were, over Jomo.

Hold on.

Could they be linked?

I mean, Yasmin and Jomo's death?

Oh!

And that's when you brought us in for questioning on Wednesday.

The thing is, Mr. Alabi...

each time you narrate your story, something changes.

When I questioned you two days ago,

you did not mention anything about that small altercation you had with Mr. Jomo

on Monday night.

-I told you we had words. -Words!

He was stressed. He had stuff on his mind.

The security personnel who witnessed that incident said

Mr. Jomo was very angry, specifically at you.

Because he thought, wrongly so,

that I had revealed his financial transgressions in Nairobi.

To better your chances of landing the CEO seat?

Look, you've had me singing the same tune for two hours now!

Can I get a glass of water please?

Thank you.

TransWire Kenya audited Mr. Jomo's files and documents.

No kobo was missing.

There was no, as you put it,

"financial transgressions."

PR damage control.

Standard procedure to protect the brand.

Great job...

beautiful wife,

three adorable kids.

Yet he wakes up,

strips himself off all his clothes,

and swims in the Atlantic?

[sighs] I don't know.

Furthermore,

you had a tête-à-tête with Miss Raggi on Tuesday night.

She kills herself on Wednesday morning.

She was under pressure from the Financial Crimes Commission

as regards the merger and acquisition deal.

You are talking to people one minute, and they're dropping the next like flies.

The commission was turning up the heat right under her,

closing in on her!

Do you see how this is beginning to sound, Mr. Alabi?

She had to give up names to cut herself a deal!

Your name too, apparently.

-You were part of the acquisition. -I am small fry!

-We're talking big names here. -She chose to confide in you.

-Big financial sector names. -You who were in competition with her.

Big government names. She was scared. She was really, really scared.

Why did you kill them, Mr. Alabi?

I didn't kill them, you hear me?

I didn't kill them!

There's no way I'm going to allow you to frame me for murder!

I am an innocent man. You hear me? Innocent!

Sit down, Mr. Alabi.

Sit your yansh down, now!

Any word from surgery yet?

They're still working on her.

After I spoke to you and your two colleagues...

Mrs. Touré and Mr. Van Outen,

the three of you went right back to the course?

Nobody was in the mood.

Well, at least I wasn't.

But our jobs were on the line.

[Zimmerman] Good afternoon.

"Those whom the gods love die young."

[speaks French]

A quote from the classical Greek dramatist Menander.

It sprung to mind when musing on our departed colleagues.

Lisa, arrange the chairs.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed

that whoever loses this musical chairs game somehow dies by the next morning?

That's just pure coincidence, surely?

[Kola] Hmm.

Like lightning striking twice in the same spot.

You guys are freaking me out.

[sighs]

[lively music on speaker]

[music ends]

[gasps]

It seems we have a loser for today.

I don't want to die!

[sobbing]

My dear, none of us want to die.

Although, it is one of the inevitable occurrences for all of us,

one day.

Lets talk about corporate loyalty.

[sobbing continues]

Hence form the basis of one's commitment to the job and to the corporation.

In a highly competitive industry such as telecommunications,

especially in an emerging market,

CEOs are compelled to tie their destiny to that of the firm.

It's a marriage of sorts...

much similar to the notions of a normal societal marriage

between a wedded couple.

So.

Let me ask these questions.

Can a person who cheats on their spouse

also be an effective chief executive?

Mrs. Touré?

Um... Sorry?

[in French] You've been happily married for 16 years, correct?

Are you therefore of the view...

that a cheating spouse can make a competent CEO?

Um...

[in French] I suppose they can.

[in English] You suppose?

[in French] You suppose?

There's a major difference between being a spouse and a CEO, Dr. Zimmerman.

[in English] But surely they share the same sensibilities.

[in English] In outlook, maybe.

But not in function?

[speaks French]

It's just a different type of dynamic commitment.

Huh.

Mr. Van Outen. You're married.

Is there a different level of commitment in the workspace and home front?

None at all.

Different environment, same dynamics.

A cheat is a cheat, I say.

Regardless.

Hmm. You're divorced, Mr. Alabi.

What are your thoughts?

A good CEO should be able to keep what they do in the boardroom

and what they do in the bedroom completely separate

without their position being considered untenable.

[Zimmerman] Hmm.

What about trust?

What about loyalty?

What about devotion?

Don't those qualities depict the person's character?

Don't they define a person's moral fiber?

If your husband has good reason to mistrust you...

why should a firm of 100,000 staff members

place their fate in your hands?

Was it something I said?

We are all senior-level executives here, not some schoolkids!

She just behaved like a schoolkid.

And you behaved like a playground bully!

[Zimmerman laughs]

The calm, the cool and the collected Mr. Alabi finally reveals himself.

Tongue as sharp as a razor blade.

Solidarity quite omnipresent,

albeit misplaced.

Yeah, well. Same to you, too.

Is class through today?

[Zimmerman] Have a pleasant evening.

[Kola] Éloise!

Éloise!

Éloise!

Éloise!

[Zimmerman sighs]

Lisa.

Prepare for two people tomorrow.

I have the strong feeling someone won't be showing up.

-Éloise! -I don't want to die, Kola.

I don't want to die!

Éloise, of course you're not going to die.

[sobs] Leave me alone!

[sighs] Ah!

Éloise! Damn it.

You okay?

Dr. Zimmerman knew about you and me.

No way. She couldn't have.

She looked me right in the eyes and accused me of cheating on my husband!

She was just being hypothetical.

[scoffs] Ah.

Did you boast about your conquest the other night, Kola?

How you managed to shag the Ivoirian lady?

How good I was in the sack?

Oh, come on. Give me some credit.

[sobs]

If my husband ever finds out...

[sniffles]

[gasps]

Jean-Marc...

He...

He's been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What?

I didn't even really want to come on this retreat.

[sobbing] But he said we should just carry on as normal.

Is he going to pull through?

Doctors believe we caught it in time.

There's going to be chemotherapy.

But the emotional strain on us has been...

Maybe that's why I let you in the other night.

I've been so tensed up of late.

So stressed.

Jean-Marc can never know what happened between us, Kola.

Never.

It would finish him!

He will never know, Éloise. I promise.

Where are you going?

-You need to get some rest. -No, no, no.

I don't want to be on my own tonight.

Ever since I lost at musical chairs,

I have this uncanny feeling that something bad is going to happen to me.

Can't you crash on the sofa?

Just for tonight? Please?

Um...

I'll go to my chalet...

shower, change,

then I'll be back.

Okay?

Okay?

Thank you.

[sniffles, sighs]

Hey. Kola.

Hey.

Hey.

Éloise okay?

Yeah. She needs to get some rest.

Good.

She kind of freaked out earlier.

Hmm.

I'm surprised you haven't.

I managed to calm Éloise's nerves, but did raise some valid points.

Come on. Not that musical chairs sudden death theory again.

It doesn't strike you as odd?

Look, shit happens, okay?

Two people dead.

-"Shit happens"? -Hey.

I get the feeling Jomo and Yasmin weren't exactly choir singers.

What do you mean?

They dug their own graves. And they took the coward's way out.

Be very careful, Riikard.

Whatever, man! Listen.

Éloise obviously has emotional issues.

So right now, this CEO gig is down to you and me.

Are we gonna take this to the finish, or are you going to quit too?

I'll be sticking around.

Good!

Dr. Zimmerman warned us right from the get-go.

The new CEO will emerge from our own process of self-elimination.

Only the strong survive in this game, brother.

Oyinbo, you are not my brother.

Yeah?

I'll soon be your boss.

[sighs]

[Éloise, on phone] Kola, rot in hell!

-You hear me? -Oh, no.

Rot in hell!

[groans]

Oh, shit.

Shit!

Éloise!

Éloise!

Éloise!

-[stun gun buzzes] -[Kola groans]

[retches, coughs]

[coughing continues]

[knocking]

[Kola] Who's in there?

Who's in there?

-Who's in th-- -[door lock clicks]

Éloise.

Thank God.

You're okay.

Éloise.

[sighs] Where have you been?

-Huh? -What do you care?

You didn't come back last night.

I'm sorry. I-- I must have dozed off.

I have been looking for you everywhere.

Yeah, right.

I...

I thought--

Thought what?

Thought I had killed myself?

Or hoped I had?

Éloise,

I swear I had nothing to do with that video.

I don't know how it was shot or how your husband got hold of it.

It doesn't matter anymore.

[Kola] Where are you going?

Back home to Abidjan...

to arrange Jean-Marc's funeral.

What?

My 11-year-old son discovered him this morning.

The cancer opened the casket.

But that video of us put him six feet under!

Éloise.

Éloise, I'm sorry.

I am so, so, sorry.

[Éloise] Life is a bitch...

and then some.

[knocks]

[porter] Good morning, ma'am. I'm here.

Yes, I'm all packed.

As soon as I get back to Abidjan, I'll be tendering my resignation at TransWire.

"For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?"

Good luck, Kola.

You will need it.

Sorry I'm late.

[chuckles] Better late than never.

Apparently.

From the onset,

my gut instinct told me it was going to boil down to one of you.

Gentlemen.

There can only be one winner.

There can only be one CEO.

May the best man win.

[speaks French]

Lisa! Music.

[lively music on speaker]

Riikard,

you know whoever loses this game,

something bad is going to happen to that person, right?

All I know is that I want the top job.

So did Jomo, Yasmin and Éloise!

And you.

[Kola] Not at the expense of my life,

nor yours.

Bullshit. I told you, I don't believe that psychobabble crap.

Look, we have the power to take matters into our own hands.

We can stop this charade simply by refusing to take part.

I'm a winner, Kola.

I take all.

So if you want to forfeit, go ahead. Be my guest. But I'm in this to win it.

[Kola chuckles]

And what if you lose this time?

I won't lose.

I never lose.

Let's play.

[music ends]

[Riikard] Yes!

Winner, baby!

You had the advantage, Mr. Alabi. Why didn't you seize the opportunity?

Opportunities collapse.

I'll kill you, you son of a bitch!

[Zimmerman] Calm down! Calm down now.

Please, let's settle down now.

Let's talk about industrial espionage.

As a CEO of a firm in a highly competitive field,

how do you curtail espionage, Mr. Van Outen?

We check and double-check all activities of employees within the firm's parameters.

[Zimmerman] Mr. Alabi?

-I wouldn't hire him. -[Riikard scoffs]

You joined TransWire just a year ago,

directly from Standard Telecoms in Joburg.

I was headhunted, man!

As director of marketing for TransWire South Africa,

I changed their fortune in a very short period of time!

Hey, I'm not taking anything away from your achievements,

incredible as they are.

All I'm saying is I would instill a policy in which

high-level members of staff leaving or joining the firm from competing firms

will have to undergo a one-year, fully paid compulsory sabbatical.

Hmm. Interesting.

It's done by some firms.

That means our friend Riikard here would never have been hired.

Really?

Any employee, even you, could be spying for a rival firm, right?

Yes... even her.

I googled you last night.

And I came up with nothing. Nada!

I'm not an employee of TransWire.

You're a high-end consultant who works with numerous blue-chip companies,

and somehow you don't show up on the radar.

I'm off the grid.

I fly below the signal.

[Kola] Oh, yeah?

Well, those that require your services somehow seek you out.

I'm good at what I do.

Too good... almost.

Listen, what's all this got to do with industrial espionage?

She consults for many firms worldwide.

What's to say she's not spying on TransWire for our market rivals, huh?

[Zimmerman] Hmm. Mr. Alabi.

If I did not maintain high-level confidentiality,

I would be out of work.

Then maybe Jomo, Yasmin and Éloise's husband would still be alive.

Oh, for crying out loud, Kola! Shit happens.

Is there something you would like to contribute, Mr. Alabi?

This is an open forum.

Then move on.

The ramification of policy changes

vis-à-vis the emerging market in this global world is--

I'm done here.

[Zimmerman] The course is not finished yet.

It is for me!

Global HQ will take a dim view of your attitude, Mr. Alabi.

What difference does it make?

I lost the game.

Right?

A package was delivered for Mr. Van Outen which needs to be signed for,

but I could not find him in his chalet.

Ah, well, he's probably out celebrating.

Thank you.

We've all met at company retreats in the past before, except Riikard.

Yes, I only joined TransWire Joburg last year from Standard Telecoms.

Standard? The rival network?

[Kola chuckles]

-Why do you think he did it? -[sighs]

Jomo was a keen swimmer, unlike me.

I would drown in a bathtub.

[knocks]

[Riikard] Hey.

Hey.

I understand an envelope has been left for me in your care.

Thank you.

I take it you've been offered the job, then?

Informally.

I should receive official notification from global HQ when I get back to Joburg.

Congratulations.

Best man won.

Well, you did put up a heck of a fight.

Cause for celebration.

[both sigh]

Look, Kola.

I know we've been pit against each other these past few days. I just...

I hope it's not gonna be a problem going forward.

You're a brilliant marketing director,

and as the new CEO here in Nigeria,

I want to keep you on the team.

But I don't want to spend valuable time watching my back.

So are we good?

We're good.

Okay, then.

I'll see you back in Lagos in a month.

All right, boss.

So, you're still in touch with Standard Telecoms?

What's that?

The envelope.

Just some, uh, outstanding residuals, I would imagine.

Oh. Okay.

You know, you ought to be careful with that.

It could constitute a conflict of interest.

Yeah.

[blade slices]

[Kola] Riikard!

I know it's you!

It's been you all along!

[both grunting]

Ah! It's over!

[grunts] Lisa!

[gasps] Huh?

It wasn't meant it to end like this.

You were meant to be asleep,

in bed, like the others.

Why?

Why?

You never really paid attention in class did you, sir?

Nigeria has the biggest market in Africa.

Massive potential.

My client wants a say in who becomes the next CEO.

Your client?

Standard Telecoms?

Standard Telecoms was just a red herring

to throw you off the scent.

I needed you to finger Riikard as the mole.

Hence the package I sent to him,

which I redirected to you.

So who's paying your bills, then?

Dr. Zimmerman?

Is she a part of this?

Dr. Zimmerman was just a means to an end.

All this was just to flex my client's muscle

in the sub-Saharan continent.

-[stun gun buzzes] -[Kola grunts]

[Riikard] Kola!

Kola, there's something weird...

Lisa. What are you doing here?

-[blade slices] -[grunts]

[groaning]

[Lisa] I can fix this.

I can fix this. I have to fix this.

I can fix this.

[Kola] No, you can't!

[shouts]

[groaning continues]

Riikard! Hold on. Hold on, man.

Hello! This is Kola Alabi, chalet 37.

A man has been stabbed in my room!

Yes! Stabbed.

Look, just gets the paramedics! Get the police, now!

Just call them here, now! Now!

Riikard. Riikard!

Just hang on. Just hang on. Just hang on.

Help is coming. Okay?

[both grunting]

How does it feel, huh?

How does it feel? Huh? Huh?

Is this how you killed Jomo and Yasmin? Huh?

Huh? Huh?

You deserve to die!

[grunts] You're an animal!

[Kola continues grunting]

Police are on their way. It's over.

So you think.

So good to see you, Mr. Cheng.

[Cheng speaks Mandarin]

He cannot say the same.

Look, I know how this looks.

But I can fix this.

I just need one more day. One more day.

[Cheng] Lisa.

[speaks Mandarin]

We gave you specific assignments,

a lot of time and lots of money.

But you have failed us.

I can explain that.

I just need more time.

Éloise Touré. She is still in the play.

I can convince her to still vie for the job.

I just need more time.

[speaks Mandarin]

-[interpreter] Too late. -I need one more day.

I can fix this. Please.

-[stun gun buzzes] -[shrieks]

You were saying?

And that's when I was arrested

and brought in for questioning last night.

My men,

they searched the entire resort.

[Kola sighs]

No Mr. Cheng.

No Chinese assassins.

No dead body of Lisa Fernando.

So, this Mr. Cheng.

He stunned Lisa and took her away.

Then he allowed you to walk away freely?

I didn't walk away. I escaped!

Ah.

You do not know how much shit you're inside.

At the very least, we're looking at a triple murder charge.

[footsteps approach]

[whispering]

In my 28 years' service in the police...

this is the first time...

my gut instinct has been wrong.

You can go, Mr. Alabi.

What was that?

Your colleague, Mr. Riikard Van Outen...

he came through surgery.

Is he okay?

He confirmed your story.

You can go there, sign, take whatever it is you have.

Leave.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

[sighs]

Um, Mr. Alabi?

Just out of curiosity...

do you think there is a connection

between the musical chairs game and the job of CEO?

Who knows?

Mr. Alabi. I'm relieved to see you're okay.

Dr. Zimmerman. What are you doing here?

I came to give my statement, as police requested it.

A terrible shame that Lisa became somewhat misguided.

[chuckles] Deranged, more like.

You should learn how to swim, Mr. Alabi.

A person may not always be there to pull you out of the pool.

[Cheng] Kola.

[in Mandarin] Good to see you again.

The consortium has been impressed with how you have handled yourself.

You have been a solid investment.

Cheng.

[in Mandarin] Please slow down.

I am not fluent as I used to be.

It's been a while.

[Cheng] Ah, yes.

Let us proceed in English then.

[in English] The original plan didn't involve anyone being murdered.

[in Mandarin] We didn't sanction murder.

[in Mandarin] She almost killed me too!

Lisa went rogue on us.

Her job was to influence the choice of CEO,

not eliminate the contenders.

My sincere apologies.

[in English] Did you instruct her on the exact choice to make?

The consortium is comprised of businessmen, not gangsters.

They clean up when others mess up.

Our associates in Beijing won't be happy we're out of play, Cheng.

The original plan has not totally derailed.

[chuckles] Are you kidding me? It's ashes.

I have another play.

At some point today, you will receive an SMS from your global HQ.

[in Mandarin] They are not going to hand me the job. Not now.

As we agreed,

when contracting out technical assistance,

-maintenance, accessories... -Huh. Uh-huh.

...mast infrastructure and supplies,

you do it through us.

My new contact.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[cell phone beeps]