In the current event, the hall stifled with an authoritative cloud.
Jeremy's father, Reece and his mother, Marilyn Lutman had just stepped into the hall in slow, proud gaits, took their seats and the rest quickly joined along afterwards.
It was clear to Jeremy that his mother had the slightest intentions to look him in the eye while his father met with his coldly.
In the midst of the silence, the sounds of classic dress shoes were heard as a troupe of 5 suited men walked into the room. Trimmed but loose leather coats, fitting suits, thin gloss shades, these men weren't family.
Among them, one in the center held a briefcase unto his side as they all walked up to the podium and took their seats.
Placing the briefcase gently on the outer front of the table, the man tapped on the thin mic that stretched upwards before leaning in to speak,
"Thank you all for taking out your time to participate in this meeting" he paused "Straight to the pending issue, I believe we are all seated here for the same reason as similar letters dispatched has shown the emergency of the situation", "Dire indeed"
Series of files, papers and envelopes were drawn from the briefcase.
"There has been a disruption in the transactions surrounding the Government and the Lutman family", "Following the disappearance of a certain ledger, activities have come to a stop, assets have been withdrawn and a contract has been arranged"
The man cleared his throat as the others looked through the files.
"A hunt for the ledger will resume immediately after each impacted member of the family signs in accordance to the contract"
A paper was handed to him, he began
"The summary of the terms of the contract are as follows;
At the end of each passing day, a summary report is given in relation to the search. Only temporary leaves in a lasting duration of 3 days will be permitted, in a month. Dependable members of the family are considered a part of the family and are to partake when necessary. If any member attempts to continue in any business venture whatsoever, and is supported, the assistant and the assisted will be fined and jailed for partaking in illegal activities. Placing a staining fine on the family budget."
The man sipped on a glass of water at his side.
"And lastly,
If the ledger is never returned before the end of this year, the Lutman family will be fined accordingly."
On the pause of the man's voice, everyone sat quiet. Composed just as they all had been trained.
"Ruby Lutman-Harris" the thunderous voice echoed.
Ruby stood to her feet and walked forward, climbing up the podium. The man pushed forward an office paper and pen. Everyone watched her sign in the silence.
"William Lutman"
William stood from beside Jeremy, arms shaky, before walking out and doing the same.
"Harry Lutman"
One of the men leaned sideways. It seemed information was coming through.
"Harry Lutman"
The man on the left leaned close to the man in the middle.
"Due to a disturbing news of failing health, Harry Lutman will not be present with us today. This meeting has been postponed until after three days" he paused "If by then he is yet to be conscious we will take his fingerprint"
The men packed, rose to their feet and walked out the hall. Once passed the door, a microphone was handed over to Jeremy's mother, Marilyn.
Her hands frail with age, she pulled close to her lips.
"Many things have changed in these passed years" she began "Carelessness beyond our expectation, that notwithstanding, we must do our best. The Lutman name has walked over the years, this is but a wee thing"
She paused. Her voice strained, she continued
"I welcome you all", "-home"
The hall burst into heavy applause. Rising to their feet, the rest followed after, applauding till Reece and Marilyn walked out of the hall.
Slowly yet elegantly, Ruby walked up to Jeremy.
"How've you been?"
William stood aside. Jeremy nodded.
"Would you like to meet my family?"
Jeremy turned to face Ruby as she walked over to Ryan, uttered a few words before walking back to him with a sleepy little boy around the age of four in her arms and another of about six years of age holding unto Ryan.
Leaning over to the boy beside Ryan "Henry, this is Uncle Jeremy" she stood up and smiled warmly "Jeremy, this is Henry, our first son"
Jeremy watched as the boy stood quietly. His eyes calm as he stared in composure and silence, like a familiar presence. Almost like himself.
The boy was the least bit shy, neither was he uncomfortable yet their shared silence resonated with each other's gaze.
"This is Saul" Ruby spoke, breaking the quiet as she turned slightly so Jeremy could see his dozing head.
"He's a character, this one" William spoke, igniting a subtle laughter in each of them while Jeremy watched. Henry as well.
"Yes, yes, a mouthful since kindergarten" Ruby added before turning to Jeremy in a small smile "It's been a long while" she paused "Your room is still in shape, get settled, we'll discuss more on the ledger issue in tomorrow's meeting"
He nodded. Ryan gave Jeremy a light pat on the shoulders as it was time to leave. Ruby quickly urged Henry to wave and as soon as he did, they walked away.
"Let's go" William nudged.
Placing the saucer on his chair, Jeremy and William walked out of the hall.