When she said she hadn’t, Lulu’s forehead creased. “She left the property to replenish Ammi’s water and refill some prescriptions, but the rideshare app shows her returning over an hour ago. I’ve called her a million times, but it goes straight to voicemail.”
“That’s weird,” said Hena. Gita was like their mother’s shadow. Why was she suddenly unreachable?
“I’m sure it’s fine. She probably got sidetracked, but after the video hack I’m on edge. Lucinda’s arranging more security on the premises ASAP. We should be set up by this afternoon.”
“Let me change and help you look for her,” Hena offered.
“Great.” Lulu looked relieved. “Haris was looking for you too, by the way. I think the detective wants to follow up.”
Of course he did. Whoever shared the slideshow at the mehndi likely would have sent it to the detective as well. It would explain why Detective Milcheck had been so confident about knowing she’d spoken to Nasir the day he was reported missing.
“I’ll call Haris after we find Gita,” she said.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby.” Lulu headed to the front door. “We can…” Her eyes had dropped to the floor, landing on the pair of men’s shoes tucked neatly on the side.
She stiffened. Her gaze flicked to Hena, then to the closed bedroom door.
Hena opened her mouth to say something, but Lulu was already moving.
“Hey!” she called after her. “Don’t—”
Too late. She pushed the door open.
Reza was sitting at the edge of the bed. He saw her and jumped up.
Lulu exhaled, low and sharp. “What the fuck?”
“I can explain…” Hena faltered. Lulu wasn’t looking at her. Her eyes were locked on his.
“What are you doing here?” She glared at him.
Reza didn’t answer. His face had gone pale, his lips parted, as if the question had sucked the air out of his lungs.
A prickling unease crept up Hena’s spine. Her eyes darted between them. What was going on? Why was Lulu looking at him like that? Why did he look so scared?
“Last I checked, I’m the big sister here,” Hena said. “Can we be grown-ups about this?”
Reza shifted. “I should go.”
“Yes,” Lulu replied. “You should.”
“What? No.” What was Lulu doing? “You can stay, Reza.”
But he was already walking to the foyer. He slipped on his shoes. In seconds, he was gone.
She stared at Lulu. They’d been getting along so well. But the way she spoke to him—
“What the hell was that?” Hena asked.
Lulu opened her mouth. Closed it. Then said, “Let’s find Gita first. We’ll talk about this later.”
Hena released a sharp breath. Lulu was stressed. They were all barely getting any sleep. But they would definitely need to address this.
She quickly changed, and they headed downstairs. Lulu asked Lucinda to make an announcement, and seconds later, her words rang through the hallways, asking Gita to join them in the lobby. Asking for anyone who saw her to alert them.
Lulu rushed off to talk to a security guard by the front door, and Hena heard a sharp voice.
“You have some nerve showing your face here.”
