Now, there was silence in the hut. They looked at each other, searching for the answer to Emma's question. After a long silence, Jeremiah dare to speak, even though he was aware that his point will not make sense.
“How can you ask suck question, my fellow elder? Does he not have children? His children should settle his bills.”
“Which children?” One elder cut in.
“Is it your children who pay your bills?”
“Jeremiah, you are a crafty person. Did you place a fine on him for not training his children?”
At this point, Jeremiah was ashamed of himself. Then, another elder spoke, “Let us not forget that for Beck's age, his funeral would attract a cow, one thousand tubers of yam, one hundred kegs of …”
“Shut up. Who would provide all those items? Does he have a male child?”
“His daughters, of course.”
“If you are his daughters, will you provide?”
The elder was dumbfounded. Then, another elder requested, “Emma, tell us, when do you intend to bury your brother? Let us settle this and get out of here.”
“He is also your brother,” Emma corrected curtly. He knew what the last speaker was up to. If he accepted that Beck was his brother, he would shift the responsibilities to him.
“He can be buried anytime his daughters are ready. Do we need any ceremony for that?” The last speaker concluded.
“You are right. Our in-law, kindly plead with your wife on behalf of the elders to forgive their father and give him the final respect.”
“I will do my best,” Callum, who had learned a lot on how to play local politics, promised. To avoid leaving any stone unturned, Emma spoke as though, he was doing them a favor, “Seven days from now is all right. I will also plead with his daughters on your behalf.”
“Thank you so much, Emma. Let's do it and get it done with.”
“You're right,” the elders chorused. Thereafter, Emma appreciated them for the turnout and presented the palm wine to them. Then, one of the elders teased.
“We are not expecting this.”
“But you have a cup in your pocket.” The other elders teased. Instantly, they pulled out their local cups which was a product of mature dried long melon and drank merrily, hoping that the drink was the only thing they would benefit by being Beck's relation.
“My in-law, I was scared to my wits,” Callum said after the elders left. “I noticed it. In a situation like this, just assure yourself that they don't have the capability to swallow you. It is a battle of words, and a good understanding of the situation will put you in a more advantageous position.”
“That is correct, my in-law. What next?”
“Proceed with your plans. We will settle the bill on that day.”
Now, the astounded Callum gave his in-law a questioning look and he explained further.
“If you had settled it today, they would come up with more unfounded bills, and you can't refute it.”
“That is brilliant, my in-law. My wife would be glad to hear this.”
“Yes, give her the money. If she settles it by herself, it would make more impact.”
“It is all right. What about the items they requested for? We have placed an order for two bulls.”
“That's good. Add a cow to it and two thousand tubers of yams. I will let you know of the other items to be included to make your wives proud.”
“Thank you, my in-law. I don't know what we would have done without you.”
“Don't mention. He is also my brother. We are in it together.”
At a later time, when Callum was in the guest room, he gave his Co in-laws a call and updated them on the latest, and they were pleased.
In the Hotel Room
He returned to the hotel which was about five kilometers away from the village at 4 PM and met his wife with a long face.
“Welcome back,” she greeted through her nose.
“Hi! Sweetheart,” he responded cheerfully. His wife chuckled and played along.
“Who is your sweetheart?” She joked. Suddenly, Cynthia, interrupted their joke with her request.
“Dad, will it be wrong if we move to the village now?”
At that moment, her brothers, who sent her on the errand, were attentively waiting for their father's response. He looked at his wife to get her view. He was not disappointed when he saw her long face. But the children must be considered too.
“I don't think there will be anything wrong with it. Everyone, get ready. Villa, here we come.”
Within a few minutes, they were on the way to the village. They hired another vehicle from the hotel, who brought the driver and some items.
At Uncle Emma's Compound
He was resting in his hut and meditating over the meeting with the elders when two cars drove into his compound.
“Who is that?” He mumbled and got up at once. To his delight, he saw Callum's car and wondered, “Did he forget something?” Then, he stepped out of his hut to meet him, but he was befuddled when three healthy looking youngsters threw the back doors open and ran towards him.
“Big Uncle. Good evening.” They greeted one after the other. He was elated to see the joyous youths and spread out his arm for an embrace.
“Welcome back, my children.”
“We miss you, uncle.” They said, and gave him a hug one after the other.
“Where is grandma?” They inquired. Uncle Emma looked towards the main house and behold the two women walking towards the hut. The children ran towards them when they sighted them.
“Good evening, grandma. Good evening, Aunt,” they greeted simultaneously.
“Callum, what happened? I expected you tomorrow morning.” Emma asked.
“They insisted on coming now. You know that they own us, and we can't refuse their wishes.”
“You are right.”
Now, Ada reluctantly got off the car and walked to her uncle.
“Good evening uncle.”
“Good evening, my daughter. Why are you moody? I hope you are not missing your late father?” Emma, who was a born troublemaker, taunted.