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time.”
    Tumi and Nono looked at each other. “Will he see us when we’re being naughty?” Nono asked with wide eyes.
    For a moment there was silence. Then Kubu smiled for the first time since the evening before. “Yes,” he said. “I think he will.”
    *   *   *
    DINNER THAT EVENING was a somber affair. Although Amantle had been stoical during the day, when the family sat down to eat, she broke down. Tumi and Nono were unsure what was happening and started crying also, so Pleasant suggested they go outside and turn dinner into a picnic. That immediately cheered them up, and they dashed into the garden.
    Joy sat down next to Amantle and put her arm around her, patting her gently. She let Amantle weep without saying a word. Kubu wasn’t quite sure what he could do, so he picked at his plate of food. He had long ago learned that keeping quiet was a better strategy than attempting to help.
    After about ten minutes, Amantle sat upright. “I am sorry for behaving like a schoolgirl,” she said. “But I miss him so much.”
    Kubu leaned over and took her hand but said nothing.
    â€œThank you.” Amantle squeezed his hand. “Thank you both.”
    Joy stood up, took Amantle’s plate, and replaced the now cool food. When she put the plate down, Amantle said, “I must go back to Mochudi tomorrow. I can’t wait any longer. I have to prepare for the funeral. That is what Wilmon would want.”
    Kubu frowned. “Mother, as I said this morning, I think you should stay a few more days. The funeral arrangements can wait.”
    â€œNo. I have made up my mind. I am all right now, and my friends will expect a proper funeral. They will be with me all week to help me.” She dried her eyes and smiled. “It will be a big day with many people coming. Sometimes I thought Wilmon knew everyone in Mochudi. I would not be surprised if there are five hundred people.”
    â€œWhere will you hold it, Mother?” Joy asked. “Your house is too small for that many people.”
    â€œI will speak to our priest,” Amantle replied. “I am sure he will let us use the church hall. And it has a kitchen big enough to cook for everyone.”
    â€œAre you sure you’re ready to go back?” Kubu asked.
    â€œI have made up my mind.” Amantle’s voice was now strong. “We will return to Mochudi in the morning, if that is convenient for you.”
    Kubu glanced at Joy, who nodded.
    â€œThen we’ll leave after breakfast tomorrow, Mother. And I’ll stay with you until the funeral. I want to help with the preparations, and I’ll pay for all the food.”
    â€œThat will not be necessary,” Amantle said sharply. “We have a funeral policy to pay for it.”
    Kubu decided not to pursue the matter, even though he knew that the payout of such policies seldom kept pace with inflation.
    â€œAs you wish, Mother. You and Father planned so well for this sad occasion.” He stood up. “We should all get an early night, so I’ll go and pack. You and Joy can have some tea on the veranda; then I’ll join you.”
    â€œYou are a good son, David. Thank you.”
    As he was packing, Kubu realized that an early return to Mochudi was actually a win for him. Whether Mabaku liked it or not, he was going to poke around, even if it was behind the scenes and unofficially.

 
    CHAPTER 9
    After breakfast, Kubu took his suitcase and Amantle’s cloth bag to the Land Rover and put a couple of bottles of chilled water in a cooler.
    â€œWhen will you come up?” Kubu asked as he kissed Joy good-bye.
    â€œOn Thursday evening with Pleasant and the kids. I’ll borrow some foam mattresses, unless you can get some from the neighbors. We can all sleep on the floor.”
    â€œCan’t you come up sooner?”
    â€œI’ll try, but I’ve so much on the go at work at the moment.” She