"The girl is here. Our car is parked at the village entrance—it’s too noticeable. Better settle the remaining 10,000 dollars quickly."
Willie wasted no time, nudging his wife to fetch the money.
As soon as Rosemary and Sally got their hands on the thick wad of cash, they grinned and began counting under the dim glow of a kerosene lamp.
The light flickered across Erick’s face. His expression shifted.
He turned to Rosemary, his tone suddenly friendly. "Big Sister, have you eaten? You must be tired from the journey. Why not stay for dinner?"
Daryl, about to scold him for delaying, paused when he noticed Sally’s face illuminated by the lamp. His eyes gleamed with an unsettling light.
I seized the moment.
"Uncle, Grandpa," I piped up, looking at Erick and Daryl. "Do you have wives?"
They shook their heads.
"Perfect!" I clapped my hands, pointing at Rosemary and Sally. "These aunties can be your wives!"
The two women froze, mid-count.
"What nonsense are you saying, little girl?!" Rosemary snapped.
I ducked behind Simon, feigning innocence. "But you just said all women have to marry. Since Lauren can stay and be a wife, why can’t you?"