A Death in the Family by Michael Stanley Read Free Book Online Page A

me?”
    â€œThe door was unlocked…”
    â€œSo what? I told you not to get involved.” Mabaku took a deep breath. “And what were you talking to the neighbors about? I saw you. From my car and from this window.”
    Kubu squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. “I just wanted to know if they had seen anything last night. I was just trying to save you some time.”
    â€œWhat did I tell you?”
    â€œYou said I should keep well away from the investigation into my father’s murder.”
    â€œAnd don’t you think this break-in is linked to your father’s murder? And don’t dare say no!”
    â€œBut, Director—”
    â€œThis is my final warning, Kubu. One more time, and you’ll be stationed in Tshane or Kang. For five years! With no chance of an appeal. Do you understand?”
    Kubu decided discretion was the better part of valor and nodded. “Yes, Director. I understand.”
    Mabaku turned and thanked a shocked Mma Ngombe and stalked out.
    As Kubu watched through the sitting room window, Mabaku strode toward Amantle’s house and Zanele Dlamini, who had just arrived.
    I hope she finds something, Kubu thought. If she doesn’t, Mabaku’s going to rip her to shreds.
    *   *   *
    KUBU STOOD UP and thanked Mma Ngombe. Then he turned to Amantle.
    â€œCome on, Mother,” he said. “We’d better go home. I’ll phone Joy and tell her we’re going to be there for dinner.”
    â€œI am not going back to Gaborone.” Amantle’s voice was firm. “I need to prepare for your father’s funeral on Saturday. And now I have only four days left to do it. You go home, and I will stay here and arrange everything.”
    â€œBut, Mother—”
    â€œI have made up my mind, David. I am staying. If I cannot use my own home, Mma Ngombe will let me stay here, I am sure.”
    Mma Ngombe nodded.
    â€œThen it is settled. When will you return to Mochudi, David?” his mother asked.
    Kubu sighed. He couldn’t argue with his mother over something as important as her husband’s funeral.
    â€œAll right, Mother. You win. We’ll both stay as planned. And we’ll stay in your house. We’ll just have to wait until they’ve finished with all their work. I’ll see you in an hour.”
    With a nod to Mma Ngombe, Kubu turned and walked out, hoping he could persuade someone at the hardware store to come and install the new locks.

 
    CHAPTER 11
    When Mabaku and Zanele left Amantle’s house, Kubu took his mother back. They found the house in far better shape than it had been earlier in the day. His colleagues had tidied things up.
    â€œDirector Mabaku is such a nice man,” Amantle said as she saw what had been done. “And Detective Khama is very nice too.”
    â€œHow do you know Detective Khama, Mother?”
    â€œWhile you were sorting out the locks, she came and said she would pray for your father’s soul. And for me as well.”
    Kubu frowned. That didn’t sound like the Samantha he knew. “Is that all she said?” he asked.
    â€œOh no. She also asked about your father’s friends. She wanted to talk to them. She was very kind.”
    Kubu felt a flash of resentment that a junior detective was trying to find his father’s murderer rather than himself. What experience does she have? he thought bitterly. It should be me on the case.
    He took a deep breath and set to work putting everything back in order, while Amantle stitched the mattresses and pillows so the stuffing wouldn’t come spewing out when they lay down. The sofa would have to wait until the next day.
    Among the papers that had been stacked on the dining room table, Kubu came across the funeral policy that his mother had mentioned. He opened it and found what he had expected. The policy was twenty years old and paid a mere five thousand pula—barely enough for a coffin