The four strangers receive a call
Less than an hour after the four strangers check into their respective wings, they receive calls from a mysterious caller who only identifies himself as 'the guide'.
Professor Kimani is the first to receive the call. The guide's role, as he puts it, is to make the mission of the four strangers a success.
Professor Kimani guesses that the mysterious man is a Nigerian from the way he stresses every stressed syllable. A cocky educated Nigerian! Kimani observes.
Stylistic devices
The imagery of the "African night" falling "like a heavy rain of ink" is evocative, symbolising both the literal darkness and the metaphorical obscurity surrounding Professor Kimani's situation as one of the four strangers. The locked briefcase serves as a symbol of hidden knowledge that has restricted access.
A dialogue has also been used between Professor Kimani and the mysterious caller. It is terse and direct, reflecting the tension between the characters. Note that the caller seems to hold all the control.
Repetition of phrases like "obey, Professor Kimani, obey" underscores the authoritative tone of the caller, emphasising the pressure on Professor Kimani to comply without question.
Themes
Power and control is a central theme. The Nigerian caller dictates terms to Professor Kimani, showcasing a hierarchical power dynamic. The use of the briefcase, locked and containing potentially vital information, symbolises the control over knowledge and the importance of obedience.
Trust and suspicion is another theme. Professor Kimani is cautious, suspicious of the caller's motives and identity. The reluctance by the caller to disclose personal information, such as the caller's name, further deepens the atmosphere of mistrust.
Characterisation
Professor Kimani is portrayed as cautious from how he cautiously receives the call and interacts with the caller.
He is also portrayed as an intelligent and introspective character, evident from his quick assessments of the Nigerian based on his speech. He is also submissive and obedient, as he offers no objections to the caller's demands.
The caller is authoritative, judged by how he asserts himself while issuing out orders to Kimani.
His speech is direct and commanding, reflecting someone who is used to being in control. The use of impeccable grammar and his ability to give precise instructions ("It's one, one, two, four") add to his image as an educated and efficient individual.