Pastor banda, Mr. Nxumalo and Natasha are still in the church. 3 pm
PASTOR BANDA: I have a very bad feeling about this (fanning his face with his handkerchief) What will I say when I’m asked why I didn’t answer my phone?
MR NXUMALO: The police rarely follow up on why you didn’t answer.
NATASHA: And even if they do, you can just say you were sleeping or in the restroom.
PASTOR BANDA: Jesus Christ Natasha! How is it that you have become so comfortable with lying? Why do lies roll off your tongue so easily? (Fanning his face faster)
NATASHA: It is my lies that have earned us the number 1 position in the annual singing choir over the years, your lies that bring in communion every Sunday, and the deacon’s lies and denial that made him force Bandile into becoming an usher, if he were an honest deacon-
MR NXUMALO: Shut up! What has possessed you?
PASTOR BANDA: We have won the annual church choir competition fairly throughout the years. We will not stand here and listen to you insult us, have you forgotten that we are your elders? What does the bible say about respecting your elders? You have sinned repeatedly, broken the 10 commandments numerously and now you insult our characters as leaders of this church?
MR NXUMALO: I will hear of this no longer, Call the police station, we did not raise a disrespectful brat nor a sinner.
PASTOR BANDA: And we will not harbor a murderer.
NATASHA: You live with a murderer in your home, at least she is honest about who she is to me. Call the police, I dare you to. See if you will win the competition without me, see if your little church will survive without the cash injection from the competition because I can bet money that you will not win without me and without Stella.
PASTOR BANDA: What is the meaning of all this? What have you gotten us into?
NATASHA: Listen, this is simple. The police don’t have the murder weapon, they cannot charge me or Stella. All we must do is keep quiet and let this die down, that’s all. We continue to the competition, and I will ensure we win.
MR NXUMALO: What do you mean you are the one ensuring we win?
PASTOR BANDA: Mlungisi was an important part of this church and a dear member of this community, the congregants and the public won’t take this lying down.
NATASHA: (Under her breath) He was part of the community alright. (Louder). You must trust me; I will win this competition for the church.
MR NXUMALO: You speak as if we cannot find a replacement lead singer, what you did is inexcusable, and you clearly are not remorseful.
PASTOR BANDA: (Standing up) I have half a mind to throw you into the back of my car and take you to the police station myself.
MR NXUMALO: Now we’re talking.
NATASHA: (Backing away) I dare you to do that, I will air all the dirty laundry this church has. (Raising her eyebrows) How about you ask Stella if she thinks the church would win the competition without me. Watch yourself lose the competition and your wife (Walking away) Talk to me again once you’ve done that and we will see if you are as eager to (Air quotes in the air as she walks away) throw me in your car and take me to the police station. Pathetic.
PASTA BANDA: (To Mr. Nxumalo, angrily) What has gotten into her?
Mr. Nxumalo: (Irritated) Seemingly, Stella. (Walking around) What is all this Banda? Did you know your wife was having an affair with Natasha? Exactly what goes on in your marriage?
PASTOR BANDA: Did we not just discuss how much of a liar Natasha is? Do not speak of a marriage you know nothing of.
MR NXUMALO: Your marriage holds this church together, what kind of example are you setting for the newlyweds? (Walking away) Fix this!
PASTOR BANDA: Why won’t you listen to me? (Shouting) There is nothing to fix, Natasha is a liar!