“I do not need a cat,” Yasmin said quickly. “And neither do you. You already have like six.”

“Five,” Aisha defended herself.

Yasmin rolled her shoulders back, loosening some of the stiffness from sitting on her bed and studying. Volkan had included an office chair to go with the desk, but she hadn’t used either yet. She enjoyed sitting across the room where she could admire them while she studied. Tomorrow, she’d give them a whirl.

“Is there a reason you’re calling?” Yasmin asked.

Not that her sister had to have a reason, but Aisha always had something going on and she loved to share with her younger sister. She rarely called without a reason.

“I was hoping you’d have dinner with me. I know you’re busy, but it’s been ages and we need to catch up. We can call mom and dad and give them an update.”

Their parents lived about an hour outside the city in a smaller town where retirement was cheaper. They were happier being out of the hustle and bustle of city life, but they worried about their daughters. It made them feel better when Yasmin and Aisha made time to see each other.

Yasmin hesitated for a few seconds, glancing at her binder, which was stretched open on her bed and surrounded by papers. She’d put in a few solid hours of study and could use a break. She had a good handle on the subject matter and if she did a few more hours before bed, she’d be golden for her exam.

“Yeah, works for me,” she said, glancing at the time. “Where and when do you want to meet?”

* * *

Volkan glanced at his phone as it chirped. Picking it up, he checked the message, hoping it was Yasmin. He was back in his hotel room, sitting on the couch, the doors to the balcony wide open. In his hand, he held a crystal tumbler filled with the best scotch the hotel offered.

The message was not from Yasmin, but from Henry who was tasked with keeping an eye on her. Another job the man didn’t want but knew better than to complain about.

Henry: Your girl is on the move.

Volkan frowned at his phone and hit the icon to call Henry. Henry picked up on the first ring.

“I want to know everything,” Volkan growled into the phone. “What she’s wearing, where she’s going, and how she’s getting there? Don’t leave out a single detail.”

There was a long pause, then Henry said, “White dress with pink flowers on it. She’s waiting at the bus stop up the street from her house. You want me to pick her up?”