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“And you really think Tabiq can be that again?” Myla looked around the rundown cabin.
“Yes, I do.”
“But how? You never saw it. I never did either. It could just be stories and not true.”
Ziva reached out and grabbed Myla’s hand. Giving it a pat, she said, “Just have faith, Myla. Believe it is possible. And don’t settle for anything less.” She wanted Myla to go on her next journey in life filled with hope and all the positive energy she could give her. By the look on Myla’s face, it was working.
“Then I say we better get back and help me pack.” Myla practically danced her way out of the cabin and down the path to the truck.
Ziva followed at a much slower and somber pace. She loved seeing Myla like this—full of excitement and truly happy. It was a beautiful sight, the way all young girls should be. Ziva knew Myla was one of the lucky ones. She’d been given an opportunity of a lifetime, and Myla was brave enough to take it. It showed her resilience and bravery.
Ziva refused to be anything but happy for Myla. Although they hadn’t known each other long, they had bonded on many levels. You’re going to do great in Boston, Myla. I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve it.
Because they were in the middle of nowhere, Ziva was used to leaving the keys in the truck. When she got to the vehicle, Myla was already inside with the radio on, singing her heart out to some pop star. She pretended to hold a microphone while belting out the words. Ziva rolled her eyes, climbed into the truck, and off they went. Who can be blue when you’re with Miss Sunshine here?
Ziva reached over and turned the volume up, then joined Myla in one comical attempt as singers. They were laughing so hard, tears rolled down their cheeks, and their sides hurt.
Just hope and believe. I know this can be the start of a new Tabiq. Everything will be okay. I’ll be okay. I have to be.
The day wentby too damn quickly. Nothing he needed to accomplish happened. It might have been his hangover from all the beers the night before with Dean. He wasn’t cutting himself any slack. The clock was ticking, and he had to move.
He was leaving in the morning, and there was no way he could leave so much unresolved. Not just with Tabiq but with Ziva. It was like she was avoiding him. The connection hadn’t been in his head. He still visualized that day they were both rescued. The joy on her face to see him. The way she ran into his arms as if she couldn’t bear to wait another second. He knew she’d felt it too. She was being stubborn, refusing to leave. Why would anyone want to stay? It’s an unstable society. Calm today but it could be right back where it was tomorrow.
He hated her staying behind. When he saw Myla, he’d planted a seed. Since Ziva wouldn’t listen to him, maybe she’d hear Myla. Pacing the hotel room, he figured that hadn’t worked either.
Fuck it. I’ll make her see me.Alex grabbed his phone and opened his room door forcefully. He wasn’t expecting to see anyone on the other side, but an older woman stood before him, looking scared. Of me or someone else?
“Are you okay? Do you need help?”
She blinked and nodded. “I’m looking for Mr. Henderson.” She choked on his last name.
Hate saying it myself.“I’m one of them. What can I do for you?”
Since Rajani had been removed from power, many people had approached him. Mostly for money, some to spit on him for who they believed he was. He had no idea what this woman would want.
She looked around in the hallway and then turned back to him. She couldn’t seem to face him but asked, “May I come in?”
Alex looked her over. She didn’t look like she was carrying a weapon or was a threat. Then again, Ziva hadn’t either. The last thing he needed was an angry sister or cousin out to avenge what happened to her relative. Although he could certainly understand why they would.
“Listen. I don’t know why you’re here, but I can tell you I didn’t do anything to anyone. I’m leaving in the morning and not planning on coming back. Does that satisfy your concerns?”
The woman finally looked up at him. Her eyes were filling with tears. “Tomorrow? Then please, I must speak to you today. If all I ever have is a moment of your time, it will have to be enough.”
Alex didn’t do well with tears. He actually didn’t know any man who did. Opening the door wider, he said gruffly, “Five minutes.” He knew he shouldn’t be terse with her. He had no clue what horror this woman had survived, but he wanted desperately to get to Ziva, and manners and compassion eluded him.
The woman entered, and Alex closed the door. He waited for her to say something. Instead, all she did was stare at him. It creeped him out.
“Four minutes and counting.” He knew he was cold, but he didn’t care what she had to say. His jet was fueled and leaving first thing in the morning. I should give her Bennett’s room number and let him deal with her.
“Please, forgive me.”
Well, that’s a start. For what? Who the fuck knows?Alex ran his hand through his hair in confusion. “Listen. You’re forgiven. If you’ll excuse me, I need to leave.”
“Please, I beg you. Let me see you for just a little longer.”
See me?There was something not right with this. “Who are you?”
The woman looked down again. He saw her hands tremble as she spoke. “Nikolet Maadi.”
