“Someone threw an explosive device and started a fire in the entry lobby of the mosque,” the society said. “Firefighters rushed to the scene and put out the fire.”

The FBI has taken over the investigation and Los Angeles special agent in charge Harold Feld told reporters that the blast was from an improvised explosive device.

Aziz Twajiri, executive director of the Islamic center, told reporters that a witness saw a pickup truck drive away after the device was tossed into the mosque.

A motive in the bombing, and whether it was a hate crime, has not been determined.

46

46

Kaveh had no idea what to expect where his family’s treatment of Cora was concerned, especially with the events of last night now casting a pall over things. He’d sent his mother a text message before they left the hotel that morning:

we’re fine, valee lotfan be nice and

speak English. This has been so hard for

her. Babash khaylee aziatesh kardeh.

Nils has done some really terrible things

to her yavashakee. No one else knows

about that.

Her response: ok pesaram.

Okay, my son. Cool minimalist, atonal response. Coolcoolcoolcoolcool.

Kaveh and Cora weren’t the first to arrive—Leila and Eli had arrived ahead of them, which if anything made the scene solemner. His mother didn’t greet them at the front door, but rather waited for them with everyone else in their big open-concept kitchen. His mother had an air about her that was both refined and calculating, quiet and watchful. Even at family gatherings like this, she looked professional, and her long black hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. At first, she didn’t acknowledge him at all, then looked at both of them coolly. Cora shivered like his mother’s gaze was a cold wind.

“Pesaram,” his mother said.

“Maman.”

He approached her, and they kissed each other’s cheeks.

“Good to see you, finally,” she said, in English. Thank God.

“Sorry, Mom. Been a busy month.”

Cora may not have caught the slight hesitation as his mother regarded her, but Kaveh did. She paused, looked Cora over, then took her by the hand before kissing both cheeks. “I’m very glad to meet you. I’m sorry it had to be under these circumstances.”

“I’m sorry, too,” said Cora. “Trouble seems to follow me around.” Seeming to think that was the wrong thing to say, she switched tracks. “You have a very beautiful home.”

“Thank you,” said Mom. It was a nice house. Unlike Nasser and the Beverly Hills branch of the family who absolutely went ham on the “Persian Palace” chic, Kaveh’s parents preferred a much more Crate & Barrel understated style of wealth-flaunting.

“I’m glad to see both of you,” Kaveh’s father chimed in, much warmer than his mother as he greeted Cora (kiss, kiss). “After what happened last night, I’m just glad you all are safe, thanks God.”