Huda jotted down a few notes on the new driver and sipped her steaming coffee. The cardamom-scented brew was thick and creamy, twice boiled as required, but a touch too bitter. The cook in the cafeteria was skimping on the sugar again.

“Have you ever had one of those dreams where you think you’re flying? Well, these days I dream about driving.” Ally chuckled ruefully. “Since I found out I’m not allowed a license, I wake up drooling at the idea of stomping on the gas.”

Huda laughed, despite herself.

“And what about the driver’s salary?”

“I’m happy to pay the going rate.”

“And which day of the week shall the driver have free? A Muslim may want Friday. A Christian perhaps Saturday.”

“He can have two days off, whatever days he likes.”

“Whatever he likes?” Huda frowned. “Be careful, people will take advantage of you.”

Ally blushed. The label of diplomat’s wife made her seem older than her years, but Huda knew she was still young enough to believe the best of everyone. Pity needled her side. The mukhabarat didn’t give a damn about youth. Or innocence.

Ally offered her cup for inspection. “I’ve finished my coffee.”

Huda set aside her notepad.

“First, keep hold of your own cup,” she said. “Then you must still your mind. Find a quiet place inside yourself. Think of the questions you want answered.”

Excitement flickered across Ally’s face, followed by a ripple of apprehension. The girl was easy to read. A worm of envy wriggled in Huda’s chest. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone a day without cloaking her true feelings.

“Watch carefully,” said Huda. “And do what I do.”

She removed her saucer and clamped it like a lid on top of her cup. Porcelain clinked as Ally did the same. Huda raised the pieces to her chest, swirled counterclockwise, and then flipped them upside down. She set them gently on the desk, with the saucer now lying underneath the upturned cup.

“Wish me luck,” said Ally, and did the same. Dark dregs drained into the pale saucer.

“Now,” said Huda, “we must wait a few minutes for the grounds to dry.”

Ally leaned across the table.

“I heard your grandmother was a famous fortune-teller,” she whispered.

“Hush now.” Huda patted the young woman’s hand. “You must focus on the questions you want answered.”