“I’m going to take a cab up to Tariq’s,” I announced. “Right now.”

“Hold your horses. What will that get you?”

“The element of surprise. Tariq won’t be able to lie about what Claudia’s up to.” What I didn’t add was that I thought there was a chance that Claudia might even be staying with her ex. They were that close. My sister had bragged to me that she had her own room at Tariq’s penthouse apartment, where she stayed every now and then. If she swore Tariq to secrecy, he’d be like a vault. I’d learn nothing over the phone.

The valet parked Jesse’s baby blue Camaro at the curb and we went outside. “Hop in,” Jesse said to me, opening the passenger door.

“I’ll be fine. I’m just going to flag a taxi…”

“Nope,” said Jesse. “I’m comin’ with you.”

“I need to talk to him alone, Jesse.” I’d been to Tariq’s apartment several times; I’d even conspired with him once to send my sister to rehab, for all the good that had done. I knew Tariq wouldn’t talk about anything more personal than polo with Jesse around.

“I don’t have to come up to his place, but you’re not going over alone, Tiger Lily.”

I gave in and got into the car. “Thank you.”

As Jesse steered Ginger up Third Avenue, he was quieter than usual. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, tapping out an inaudible rhythm. “What if this Tariq guy did something to your sister?” Jesse said suddenly.

“Are you kidding? They’re like Bonnie and Clyde.”

“I’m thinkin’ about the gun aspect, Lil.”

I thought about that, too. Back in the summer, when Claudia had convinced me that she was off drugs and doing so well, we’d had a strange conversation about Tariq. How’s Tariq taking the new you? I’d asked her. He’s happy for me, Claudia had answered. But we’re not really in touch very much right now. It’s just… easier this way, better to break established patterns. Old friends, old habits. She’d sounded as if she were regurgitating a self-help book.

What do you mean? I thought he was your best friend. And you told me Tariq never tried heroin.

Oh, I don’t mean that, Claudia laughed. You always think everything is about drugs, Lily.

Then what?

He’s got his own issues, my sister had said. All of these awful family problems you couldn’t imagine.

I can imagine quite a lot, Claudia.

Yeah, you’re right. But Pakistan is different—someone hurts your family, you have to hit them back twice as hard. Someone attacks your cousin, you have to kill him and maybe his brother, too.

Claudia, did Tariq kill someone? I’d gasped.