Shadow Play Read Online Free Page B

though, they can talk to: I’m only a Mak Cik and everyone will talk to someone like me.”
    Osman nodded automatically.
    â€œSo,” she continued, expertly flicking her cigarette butt onto the hard-swept ground below, “I’ll go and ask the questions. You can tell me what you think I should ask,” she added graciously, since she didn’t intend to let this kid ever tell her what to do, “and I’ll let you know what I find out. Then you can do your police … stuff. I think that should move things along faster than if you try to do it yourself.” She smiled modestly at him. “I’ve got to talk to my daughter for help at the stall, but it shouldn’t be a problem. And if I need a ride, I can always ask you, right?”
    Osman automatically nodded again. Her personality and naturalcommand seemed to take over, and he tried manfully to shake it off. “Now, Mak Cik,” he began, determined to re-establish his authority, “It’s nice of you to offer to help …”
    â€œOffer to help?” Maryam echoed, expressing both sarcasm and disbelief, leavened with a touch of irritation. “Do you take me for some bored housewife with nothing else to do?”
    In fact, Osman did just that, but he wisely refrained from admitting it. He began explaining himself, realizing immediately it was a mistake, but too late to change direction. “No, indeed. I meant only that we police, we have methods, and you know, it’s my job to do this. Why, you could get hurt!”
    â€œI think it’s more likely for you to get hurt, Che Osman,” she retorted, staring at him with narrowed eyes. “I’m offering to help you when you need it most. Well …” She stood up and dusted off her sarong with sharp slaps. “If you don’t need any help, I’ll leave it to you. Good luck.” Disobeying all precepts of Malay courtesy, she turned and strode into her living room, leaving him alone on the porch.
    He stood, looking disconsolately at the police hat he held in his hands. He’d corrected her attitude and warned her off the investigation. It was the right thing to do, he assured himself, but he’d offended her. That was bad enough; he was well brought up, and pained to think Maryam would think him rude, and he feared he might have lost a valuable ally. He began to leave, dragging his feet as he came down the steps, hoping to be called back and be convinced to accept her help.
    He looked back hopefully while idling on the stairs, but the living room seemed empty, and no one called to him. He trudged slowly through the yard, head down, proud to have asserted his authority, anxious about having spurned such a perfect surrogate mother.
    â€œ Che Osman!” Mamat hailed him before he reached the road. Osman lifted his head hopefully.
    â€œGood luck!” Mamat smiled at him. “It looks like a tough case, but I know you’ll solve it.”
    Osman’s face fell. “I think I’ve insulted Mak Cik Maryam,” he admitted glumly. “She offered to help, but I, well, you know,” he stammered, “I can’t let her take such chances.”
    Mamat watched him quietly.
    â€œIt could be dangerous,” Osman continued, justifying himself. “I mean, how could I place a Mak Cik in danger, right?”
    â€œWell, Lebai berjanggut, kambing pun berjanggut juga : a religious teacher has a beard, but so does a goat,” Mamat observed mildly. “She’s a lot more than she seems. I mean, not just a Mak Cik who’s never been outside her kampong. She’s got a lot of know-how. But,” he clapped Osman familiarly on the shoulder, “you’re the professional! I know you’ll do well.”
    Osman sighed deeply, but didn’t walk away.
    â€œYou have work to do, Che Osman,” Mamat assured him. “I won’t keep you any longer.” He turned and strolled back to the house,