Ghassan shrugged. “I’m sorry.”

The front door rattled, and Ally pried open the door. Huda glanced at Ghassan.

“Please wait a couple of minutes while I talk with Ally.”

She made her way inside reluctantly. In addition to the telephone lines, Ally’s house was sure to be bugged. She prayed the girl wouldn’t say anything stupid.

“Is Ghassan’s wife okay?” Ally locked the door behind her. “I couldn’t understand everything he said, but I think her brother has gone missing.”

Huda wasn’t sure if it was the light of the low-hanging chandelier, but Ally seemed a little feverish. Her eyes glowed too brightly.

“I told Ghassan if he needed to go, I’d be okay, but honestly, I’m a little nervous.”

Ally paused. She glanced at the chandelier and then eyed the television. Huda realized that she too must suspect someone was listening in. She wasn’t as naive as she appeared. Not by half. Ally lowered her voice.

“Is something going on?”

“Ahh, well . . .” Huda tried not to be obvious, but habit took over, and she too scanned the lights, lamps, and air-conditioning vents. “The government has decided to make a prisoner amnesty. It’s a reward for the president’s victory in the election.”

“What do you mean?”

“All the inmates have been freed.”

Ally’s jaw unhinged.

“All the prisoners are out? Now? Roaming the streets?”

“Where’s Mr. Tom? Isn’t he back from his trip up north?”

“A meeting got pushed back till tomorrow morning. He decided to stay an extra night.” The girl kneaded her hands together. “When he hears about this, he’ll freak out.”

“As any husband—” Huda stopped herself. She didn’t want to be heard criticizing the president’s gift to the people. “In that case, Ghassan must definitely stay here tonight. He can’t leave.”

“I don’t think I can make him stay, not if . . .” Ally trailed off. She turned to the window and gestured at its thick bars. “This place is like Fort Knox. I’ll be safe in here, right?” She hugged her arms around her chest. “Right?”

Huda stared at the floor and wondered, Were the mukhabarat copying down their conversation, recording the knock of the wind against the windows and the frantic honk of the traffic outside? Did they analyze the silence too, that rose now and ran its chilly fingers along the women’s spines?

* * *

Abdul Amir emitted a rumbling snore. Huda squinted at the clock on her bedside table. The neon dial read 1:15. She sighed, slipped out of bed, and padded down the hall to Khalid’s bedroom. He lay motionless on his narrow bed, Chewie tucked tight under his arm. Huda watched his chest rise and fall beneath his pajama top. Tears welled in her eyes, so sudden it frightened her.