In forty-eight hours this will all be over, she told herself. She’ll be safely in Jordan, where her secrets posed no threat to anyone, not her, not Rania and Huda, not Tom either. She rested her arm across her eyes to conceal her pink, mottled lids, and counted the seconds until he left for the kitchen.

In the morning, Ally pretended to sleep through Tom’s alarm. She didn’t want him looking in her eyes. If they were windows to the soul, surely he’d notice hers curled up in a ball, rocking back and forth, and gnawing its fingernails down to the quick. Once she was sure he was gone, she packed a small suitcase, then spent the rest of the day in front of the mirror, rehearsing lies, over and over again, until Tom returned from work once more.

“I’m in the bedroom,” called Ally. She tucked the battered manila envelope into her suitcase and zipped it shut. “I’m doing some packing.”

“You’re packing?” Tom kissed her on the cheek and dumped his briefcase next to the bed.

Ally poked her head inside the wardrobe and rifled among her dresses. She’d already chosen her clothes, but suddenly she wasn’t sure she could go through with her story. She repeated her lies so many times, the words had lost all meaning.

“I’m going to take up your suggestion, well, sort of . . .” Her laugh sounded so fake in her ears she was amazed that Tom didn’t notice. She shoved her coats to one side. “I thought I’d take a little trip to Jordan. I’m overdue for some R and R. And maybe, to make you happy, I’ll check out some apartments while I’m there.”

“You will?” said Tom. “That’s great. When do you want to go?”

“Tomorrow.”

“So soon? I don’t think that’s possible.”

“I talked to Huda already. She’s got it all organized. The driver, the exit permit, and everything else. You don’t need to worry about anything. You’re busy enough.”

He slipped his arm around her waist and turned her about.

“I’m never too busy for you.”

“Yeah, right.” Ally faked another laugh.

“I’m glad to see you feeling better.” He smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. “I was sure that migraine was going to keep you in bed for at least another day or two. No offense, but you looked pretty horrendous last night.”

“Thank you, love.” She patted his cheek. “You have such a charming way with words.”

Tom shifted Ally’s suitcase off the bed and removed his shoes.

“Come here.” He smiled slyly, and patted the mattress beside him. “You must be exhausted from all the packing.” He reached for her hand and pulled her toward the bed. “Lie down, relax, with me.”