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She’d heard rumors of people trying to escape. If the guards didn’t shoot you, or the attack dogs catch you, the electrified fence took care of it. The people of Tabiq never had to worry about a hardcore criminal escaping, but with a corrupt government, she knew there were innocent people sentenced to life there, through no accident. Their only crime was not complying, or speaking out against the inhumanity of Tabiq. Ziva knew if she was caught doing this, she wouldn’t have to worry about seeing the inside of the prison. This place was for men only. Women were handled in an entirely different way. They deal with us swiftly and permanently. Our life sentence is short.
This knowledge should be enough for her to stop the taxi, turn around, and pretend to have never met Alexander Henderson. Yet, she couldn’t do it. She wanted, no needed, to break the cycle of immoral behavior. If she could make Alex see how wrong it was, maybe he would enlighten others. If the billionaires of the world didn’t take part in such acts, her government wouldn’t have a choice but to find an alternative income. Hopefully a legal one.
She waited for Alex to speak when the towers came in sight. It didn’t take long.
“Not very romantic, are you?” Alex said, his tone dry as he stared straight ahead at the prison.
If circumstances were any different, she’d have laughed, but too much was at stake for even a grin. Although Alex’s words didn’t appear to be serious, the look on his face was.
“You wanted to see someplace that a tourist doesn’t normally see. Unfortunately, some have. Once inside they’re no longer considered a tourist but become a permanent resident of Tabiq, whether they like it or not. And trust me, Alex, they don’t like it.”
In her language, Ziva instructed the driver to pull onto the shoulder of the road and to get out of the vehicle. He did as she asked. She needed time to speak to Alex alone. If the driver overheard, he might turn her in. All would be lost at that point.
“I’m familiar with how prisons work.”
“Even here in Tabiq? It’s not a hotel, believe me.”
Alex turned to face her. His dark eyes seemed to bore into hers as he stared. “Why did you bring me here, Ziva?”
This was her chance to tell him exactly why. She should be honest and lay it all on the line. Tell him she knew why he was here and what she thought about it. As she opened her mouth, panic filled her. What if I tell him and he doesn’t care? What if I’m wrong about him and there is nothing good inside? He could go back to the manager and tell him what I did, where I took him. I’d have signed my own death sentence.
Ziva held her head high and said as confidently as she could, “I thought someone of your... intelligence might want to see all sides of Tabiq.” Since you seem to be interested in the ugly side, thought I’d show you a different view. One you might have to get used to.
Sad thing was she knew he’d never see the inside of that prison. With his kind of money, he could buy his way out of anything. Even now, if he chose to kill her, nothing would be done. My life would be over, and no one would blink an eye because of who he is. And who I am too.
Alex raised a brow and looked back toward the prison. It was odd, but he seemed to really be looking at it, with some interest. Odd.
“How many inmates does it hold? What are the living conditions?”
It was her turn to be stunned. Alex was asking her questions and really was expecting answers. She knew the facts, but for the life of her, she couldn’t understand why he wanted to know.
Ziva provided him those answers, then he came up with more questions. They spent the next hour talking about the prison and the judicial system in Tabiq. Ziva forgot why they were there. It was supposed to be a scare tactic. Instead, it became a history lesson on her country. I’m not supposed to be enjoying myself, and neither is he. What is wrong with us? This is not a date, yet here we are sitting in the back of a taxi, practically holding hands while debating world politics.
Ziva called for the taxi driver, and their way back continued with deep, serious, yet engaging, conversations. If this had been an actual date, she’d have considered it one of her better ones. That was sad, considering he was a man she could never allow herself to care about. He was and always would be a Henderson.
As they arrived at the hotel, Ziva pulled herself back onto task. She needed to think logically. If not, she risked him walking her to her room and kissing her goodbye. Neither of those things could happen.
As they exited the taxi, she said, “I have to check in at work. Thank you for accompanying me today. It was... interesting.”
Alex looked at her as though he was going to stop her. His phone must have vibrated, because he pulled it out from his pocket, checked it, then said, “Have a good night, Ziva.”
He left her standing outside the hotel as he made his way back inside. She hoped it wasn’t the manager saying the young lady was there, waiting. Whatever the message was, Alex seemed in a rush to respond. Think positive. He told the manager tomorrow at noon. There’s still time. It’s not over yet.
Ziva walked across the street to make it look as though she had a place to be, in case Alex was watching. Today hadn’t been a waste of time. She’d learned more about Alex, and she’d provided him with the information she’d set out to. Actually, more than she’d thought possible. Now all she could do was hope he’d contemplate everything she’d said. Her window of opportunity was getting shorter, and her ideas were running low. Tonight would be another sleepless night as she formulated plan B. And hopefully it won’t be haunted by his beautiful eyes or smile. Neither is part of any plan I have.
