Page 54 of Afraid to Hope

Silence permeated the room until Emmet conceded. “I’ll grovel. Matilda, please cancel the rest of my day. I need to address this situation.”

Natasha’s exodus led her to theKasbahof Udayas. She turned off her phone and strolled the uneven, narrow streets of the ancient blue and white-walled neighborhood until she came to the charming Café Maure with its restful garden. There she ordered hot mint tea and took the steps up to the terrace to sit in the brilliant sun and view Salé’smedinaon the other side of the Bou Regreg estuary and the Atlantic in the distance.

She slowly began to ruminate over what had happened in the director’s office. Her outrage crept in again. Sneaky. Sour. Alone, Natasha let the tears flow, rubbing her cheeks and chin where they itched from the salty anger.

Had she just made a complete fool of herself? No. The director had crossed the line. Natasha’s fury about his accusation pounded fiercely within her, along with the urgency to clear her grandfather of any wrongdoing. She wanted to renege on her commitment. Tell the director to bring in another person to fulfill the assignment, but Natasha had to get answers about Pépé’s ties to the American and explore the blossoming relationship with Bane.

The water churned frothy-white where the Bou Regreg River discharged into the open sea, mirroring what she felt—roiling shame and anger. Natasha’s eyes drifted from the agitated water to the action inland, where the river lapped calmly against the ancient city walls below her. That was what she strived for. Calm.

A small, bright blue fishing boat moved into her peripheral vision. After finishing her tea, Natasha watched it for a few minutes longer, contemplating the fact that her grandfather had washed up on themedina’s beach in Asilah in a boat of similar color and size. Natasha’s gut told her that Pépé’s drowning and his entanglement aboard a boat with the same name of the last entry in the discovered ledger were not a coincidence but a warning to others, an example of what would happen if they created issues for the American. The only way she would get to the truth of Pépé’s involvement was to see the assignment through. Decision made, Natasha glanced at her watch and stood, ready to begin her trek back to INTERPOL. She was calmer. Refocused and prepared to apologize and talk.

Matilda regarded Natasha thoughtfully. “Did some time away help?”

“It did. I went to theKasbah.”

“It’s a peaceful view.”

“It is.”

“They’re still in there.” She inclined her head toward the director’s door. “I’ve no idea what they’re chattering on about. Go on in. Your lunch is still warm. I’ll bring it in to you.”

“Thanks.”

Matilda squeezed Natasha’s arm and smiled warmly.

Natasha walked over and rapped on the door loudly enough that it could be heard over the men’s voices. Indeed, they were having a rousing discussion about something. She poked her head in first, unsure how the director would welcome her after she had stormed out.

“Come in,” the director said, rising from the chair next to Bane, the one she had occupied earlier, a rueful smile on his face and regret in his eyes.

Natasha entered cautiously, her posture erect and tight, hands clasped firmly, eyes flitting to Bane and then back to the director. “Sir—”

“Please, allow me,” he said, his eyes holding hers. “I must apologize for how I expressed my utter surprise earlier. I was stunned, and my concerns—” Emmet cleared his throat and glanced briefly at Bane, who was still seated behind him, then continued. “I expressed them quite poorly. I am profoundly sorry. My concerns came across as an attack on your family and your character and integrity, which I know to be unquestionable. I meant nothing of the sort. I hope you will forgive me and that we can return to the mission at hand.”

Natasha weighed the director’s apology, realizing it had taken a lot for him to admit his blunder. She sensed a presence behind her and smiled inwardly. Matilda. “I do, sir,” she said, extending her hand. “I apologize for my language and for leaving abruptly.”

The director looked relieved and then chuckled. “I’ve worked with Bane on a number of missions. Trust me, your language and your response didn’t raise an eyebrow. I do have a request.” Natasha’s guard began to build again, and he clearly saw it because he rushed to offer the last of his appeal. “Please call me Emmet, and if it’s all right with you, I’ll call you Natasha.”

“I’d like that, sir—” Natasha amended her response as soon as his eyebrows rose. “Emmet.”

She heard the door click closed behind her.

“Bloody hell. What you discovered is hugely significant. I’m pulling three of our analysts from their projects to examine these in greater detail. This is now their priority. Matilda will make copies of everything for each of them as well as for each of us.”

A knock on the door announced Matilda with Natasha’s lunch and more tea and water. Emmet asked her to make the copies and return the originals to Natasha. He directed his question to both of them. “Do you think there might be anything else in theriad?”

“Possibly. My grandmother left clues, and we have yet to follow them.” Natasha washed down her bite of food before explaining how she and Bane had discovered the documents and journal, her grandmother’s note, and what they planned for the rest of the afternoon.

“This is astounding, Natasha. I realize you two are further delayed, but it can’t be helped. Keep me informed.”

Bane straightened and leaned toward Emmet, his deep voice sending shivers through Natasha. “Emmet, there is still the unanswered question. How did Rafiq Nasir find us?”

“As part of the team, Rafiq had theriad’s address.”

“Okay, but why would he be close to our residence?”

“That’s the answer we don’t have. Be extra vigilant.”

“Oblige me. I’m playing the devil’s advocate here. You trust everyone on the team?”

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