{ My heart does not lie; you will return to us safely. }
After hours of grueling paperwork, it was finally time to clock out. As I was heading toward the exit, I ran into Nour, who was also packing up her things to leave.
"Are you finished for the day?" I asked.
"You could say that," she replied with a warm smile. "I'm actually planning to visit one of my friends today."
"Won't your family worry since it's getting quite late?"
Nour's smile faded slightly, a bittersweet look crossing her face. "...Only my mother would worry, but she's currently staying at our house back in the village. My father passed away a long time ago. But don't worry, I've already let her know."
"I see..." I said, feeling a slight pang of regret. "I apologize if I pried into your personal business."
"Oh, no, not at all! I'm not bothered by it," she said quickly, waving her hand. Then, her tone turned slightly more serious. "More importantly... don't forget about that lady from earlier."
"I haven't forgotten. I'm about to see what she wants from me in a few moments. Do you want a ride?"
Nour's eyes lit up. "Thank you! I certainly won't turn down an offer like that. At the very least, it'll save me some taxi fare."
"Where is your car anyway?" I asked as we walked down the corridor.
"At the mechanic's," she sighed heavily. "I found the engine completely dead today... and what's weirder is that the body was covered in deep scratches, as if someone had done it on purpose."
"Troublemakers are everywhere these days," I muttered, pushing the exit door open. "Come on then, let's not get delayed any further."
We made our way to the parking lot. Nour climbed into the passenger seat, while I lingered outside for a moment, pulling out my phone to dial that unknown number.
The line rang twice before a cold, sharp voice answered.
• "Hello?"
"What do you want from me?" I demanded, skipping any pleasantries.
• "We don't conduct this kind of conversation over the phone. My, what an incredibly impolite man you are."
"Then I'm hanging up."
• "Has anyone ever told you that you're far too impatient? Listen to me... Shizen Café, on Ruana Street. Meet me there in an hour."
"And why on earth would I show up?" I scoffed.
• "Oh, I know you'll come. After all, you attended my husband's funeral this morning... you'll definitely want to know why I need to speak with you."
"That's none of my concern... Goodbye."
• "It involves Rina. Bye."
"What do you mean by—"
Click.
"Damn it," I hissed, staring at the blank screen. She had already cut the line.
The person who had demanded to meet and speak with me... was Jan's wife. The stepmother of Rina and Mayar.
Whatever she wants from me, I will find out. No matter what it takes.
I climbed back into the car. Nour was currently on her phone, murmuring a few words to someone on the other end. After a few moments, she slipped her device back into her bag.
"I'm sorry if I kept you waiting while I was talking," she said apologetically.
"Don't worry about it. Where is your friend's house located?"
"Well... actually," Nour murmured, looking a bit sheepish. "She just informed me that an emergency came up on her end. So..."
"So your visit is canceled, then?" I asked, shifting the car into gear. "Alright, I'll drop you off at your place instead. Where do you live?"
"Near Ruana Street."
I paused for a fraction of a second, my eyes narrowing slightly. "It seems coincidences are piling up today. I'm actually heading right there myself."
"Oh? Do you live around there?" Nour asked, turning her head toward me in surprise.
"No, but I have a meeting at a café in that area."
"Ah, right!" Nour smiled, clapping her hands together. "The cafés over there make absolutely delicious coffee!"
"Thanks for the tip. Let's go then."
I hit the gas, and we drove out of the lot.