Page 132 of Kiss Her Goodbye

“And your brother?”

“You know how you keep a secret a secret?By keeping it a secret.”

I want to punch someone.But on the other hand, I was just wishing if only Sabera could still be alive.

“I don’t get it,” I manage finally.“All the smoke and mirrors; I’m not cut out for this spy shit.Are you pregnant or not?”I finally ask.

“Isaad’s memory will live on,” Sabera answers, which I think means yes.

“Are you crazy or not?”

“My struggles are genuine.When I first saw Habib standing alive on the sidewalk here, I so wanted to believe that was another hallucination versus the ghost in my head.But Dr.Richard and Dr.Porway have been working together on my care.I have challenges.With the proper regimen, however, I do better than I’ve possibly let on.”

“Because it’s easier for people to think you’re crazy?Let them doubt or underestimate you.Which is why you released her medical records?”I stare at Lilla, then scowl at Dr.Richard.“But also took them back.”

“Covering all bases,” Dr.Richard says, while Lilla states:

“Warring on all fronts.”

“You people are terrible,” I inform them.Then, because their actions were not without merit: “What now?”

“I’m dead,” Sabera states.“I must stay dead.”

“Fair enough.”

“I’ve arranged transport for Sabera and Zahra to the UK,” Lilla inserts smoothly.“We returned here merely to gather some belongings, then determine how best to grab the child in the morning.”

I roll my eyes.

“Sabera and Zahra will be safe with me,” Lilla continues unabashedly.

“A last favor to your friend.”

“Something like that.”

“You really loved Maryam.”

“Something like that.”

“And Farshid?”I have to ask, my gaze going to Sabera.“I’m still confused.Is your brother alive or dead, because you only know half of the rare earth elements puzzle.Correct?”

Lilla answers that question as well.“I have searched for the past four years.To the best of my knowledge, Farshid died during the fall of Kabul.”

“But you implied you saw him grabbing Aliah!”

“Think of it as high art,” Lilla provides.“Direction.Misdirection.Followed by direction.Misdirection.Resulting in…”

“No one knowing what the hell to believe.”

“Now you’re getting it.”

I had previously vowed never to work for a serial killer again.Now I add spy to the list.

“But half a set of coordinates is still better than no coordinates,” Dr.Richard continues.“The Taliban would love to have even that much, and of course, no one wants them to have a head start on locating such a valuable resource.The British government has incentive to keep Sabera safe.”

I gaze from Sabera to Dr.Richard to Sabera again.He stands close to her, clearly protective.And perhaps she leans slightly into him, but… Another place, another time, I think.Which must echo Dr.Richard’s own thoughts, as he flushes.

“I’m sorry for your troubles,” Sabera says.