Spirit Tiger by Barbara Ismail Read Free Book Online Page A

what will become of us.’ She brightened momentarily. ‘Since Che Yusuf is gone now, do you think Cik Noriah will forgive the debt? It’s possible, right?’
    Maryam thought it most unlikely that Noriah would begin her tenure as the sole owner of a gambling den with a general amnesty, but didn’t want to dash Munira’s hopes immediately. Maybe she would forgive just this one, as the circumstances were so dire. But then, didn’t every one of the gamblers have dire circumstances surrounding their debt? Children to be fed, spouses to be cared for, homes they could not afford to lose. Each one had a story, Maryam was sure, and even so, they gambled away the rent money, or the food money, or – in Ruslan’s case – absolutely everything. It was depressing to consider. She shrugged and smiled sadly, as if to indicate she had no insight into what Noriah might do.
    â€˜Where did you think he had gone?’
    Munira shifted her eyes, minimally yet unmistakably, and Maryam and Rubiah both knew at that moment she was lying about something, or omitting something at least. ‘I didn’t know,’ she maintained.
    â€˜You are very close to your husband, aren’t you? It’s a real marriage, where you share everything, isn’t it?’ Rubiah smiled, indicating her admiration for that kind of relationship.
    Munira nodded, now looking nervous again.
    â€˜So you’d know,’ Rubiah continued gently, ‘where he was going, wouldn’t you? He wasn’t the sort of husband to just leave and not tell you where he was going?’
    Munira looked from one to the other, licking her lips and tugging at her sarong. ‘I don’t know,’ she repeated faintly.
    With sudden inspiration, Maryam asked, ‘Did he leave the next morning, or did he go out after Che Yusuf left?’
    Munira burst into tears, sobbing and pulling at her hair. Malay society did not encourage operatic displays of emotion, and her guests were shocked into inaction when confronted by it. Maryam gingerly put her arm around Munira’s shoulder while she bent double at the waist and howled. She looked beseechingly toward Rahman, who approached Munira as he would an angry snake and, with extreme caution, picked her up and deposited her back onto the sofa. Rubiah disappeared into the kitchen to make coffee or anything else she could locate. She thought this might go on for awhile.
    â€˜There, there,’ Maryam cooed, hoping her distaste didn’t show, though Munira was too far gone to notice if it had. ‘Now,’ she offered a package of tissues from her purse, ‘tell me all about it. That’s the only way you’re going to feel better.’
    Rahman retreated back to the corner, willing Maryam and Rubiah to take care of it. After all, they were the Mak Ciks , and their all-around competence should surely extend to this. It took Maryam several long minutes to calm Munira down to the point where she could speak coherently, if not completely truthfully. Rubiah acted as hostess, pouring out coffee for everyone and passing out cigarettes. Maryam shook her head at Munira, not allowing her to smoke until it was clear she wouldn’t choke.
    â€˜Now,’ Maryam ordered, patting Munira on her damp knee, ‘tell us what happened. What really happened.’

Chapter VIII
    Munira gave a few exploratory sniffs, as if to test her ability to breathe. She then straightened herself, squared her shoulders, and looked bravely at Maryam.
    â€˜Yusuf came here to ask for his money. You don’t know how he does it, but I’ve heard about it, so I knew what to expect. This was his first visit, so no one was hurt.’ Maryam and Rubiah exchanged looks.
    â€˜Oh yes,‘ Munira assured them, ‘I know how this goes. People talk. First he comes to talk to you, nice and friendly. You’re going to work out a schedule and pay him back. But, there’s a problem. Where are