Page 119 of Kiss Her Goodbye

“Last time, they left two men to watch over their prisoner—you.With any luck, they’ll follow the same approach.Meaning one man followed us to see where we were going, the two others stayed behind with Aliah.Though it’s possible,” I allow, “that two followed, one stayed.See, these are the things we can’t predict.”

Another nod.

“So Daryl—”

“Daryl?”

“Big guy, heart of a lion, soul of a lamb.You’ll like him.He’s already Zahra’s favorite.”

At the mention of Zahra’s name, a spasm crosses Sabera’s face.Longing, anxiety, despair.She’s been separated from her daughter for how long now?And she still has only our word that Zahra’s safe.I don’t blame her for feeling distressed.

I return to the business at hand.“Daryl’s thought was that if we couldn’t predict the number of intruders, then the next best option is to control where they go.Given the size of this property, that’s a tricky proposition.So many access points—you have no idea.Meaning they could come from multiple directions, dilute our own limited resources trying to stand guard on multiple fronts.So we set up strategic booby traps at various ingress points.And engaged some interesting assistants.If you hear screaming, don’t worry, that’s a good thing.”

Now Sabera’s eyes widen.“I don’t understand.Even if someone comes, how does that help?Habib is not going to simply give up.And he does nothing but lie.”

I shrug.“It’s possible we also have some ideas on unique forms of interrogation.Not to mention his vehicle could be a treasure trove of information, especially if it has GPS.Or worse comes to worst, we offer you in trade.”

She blinks.

“I’m not saying we’d actually do that,” I hasten to add.“But if we told Habib he was the intermediary to negotiate an exchange, Aliah for you, that might get the players out in the open.More times they’re exposed, more opportunities we have to find them, and thus, Aliah.”

“We?You, Roberta, this Daryl person?”

“Don’t forget Genni.Zahra loves her, too.All six feet four inches.”

Sabera shakes her head in general bewilderment.

“You’re just going to have to trust us,” I state softly.“We’rehere for you, your daughter, and Aliah.Whatever happens next, our goal is to save you.”

It takes a moment; then she nods quietly.Satisfied that she’s on board about as much as one can expect, I turn my attention to other matters.

I settle myself on the opposite side of the kitchen island, where I can lean forward and peer at her directly.“Rafiq and his cousin weren’t just killed, their skulls were smashed to smithereens.The investigators are still picking up pieces.”

She flinches.

“Would Isaad really be capable of doing such a thing?”

“I don’t know what happened after I ran.”

“You knew Rafiq was dead.Said so yourself.”

“I heard it on the news.The two dead men, where they were discovered.I knew it was them.”

I continue studying her.“You’re very clean.”

She blinks, doesn’t say a word.But I can see it on her face, the realization she might have made a mistake and now must frantically think up an explanation.

“Where have you been staying the past two days?Not your former employers’; the police have been watching the resort.”

“All hotels have empty rooms,” she mutters.“Not so hard to find one.”

“Yeah, it is.Without inside info on the bookings, access to a room key.”

“I have a friend—”

“No you don’t.You have one dear friend, Aliah, who is currently being held by killers thanks to you.”

Another flinch.