Pulling up in the driveway, I noticed the front door is ajar. No one should be home. But I’ve got a sinking feeling that I know the intruder. Glancing at the time, I turn the car off. Just an hour before the kids are done with practice.

So, I grab the groceries in the back and push the door open with my foot. Nothing’s been taken or unsettled. The only odd thing is the man going through one of my books in the family room.

“Very similar to your mission reports in the early 2000s.”

I ignored him putting up the groceries. For once I was glad of the open floor plan. Not only did it help with kids but it allowed me to keep an eye on the man. A familiar man that I couldn’t seem to remember. Perhaps it was the beard or the shoulder length hair. Back then all the men had kept their hair short.

“A bummer about the ending though.” He continued as he put the book away. “But that doesn’t keep it from being a best seller. Not that you you need the extra income.”

I sighed. It was Miles. The man couldn’t shut up if his life depended on it. And he took forever to get to the point. But he’d been even more annoying when we were kids.

He moved to my side and I had to suppress the urge to grab the knife hidden in my belt. But I did grab his wrist when he tried to swipe the fruit snacks.

“I told you I was done with that life.”

He tilted his head, “And what if I told you that she was alive?”

“That’s not possible.” But even after all these years I could tell when he spoke the truth.

“Hana’s already gone after the lead. But she went missing and no one else has been able to get into the country.” He gave me a meaningful look.

I got his point. Because of my dual citizenship I wouldn’t raise any brows. I’d just be visiting the family that deserted my father for the ravings of a lunatic. But Bin Laden was dead. Along with his supporters. But they would never forget how Father chose peace over their holy war. Nor would I ever forgive them for killing him. Hell, they’d almost killed me when they found out who I was working for. It was one of the two reasons that I didn’t want to return to Saudi Arabia. The other I didn’t even want to think about. But if she was alive...

“Dalia?”

I cursed quietly as my husband, Ray, came through the front door. He was supposed to go pick up the kids directly after work. But instead he stared at us, holding a bouquet of my namesake.

“Who’s this?” At least there was no jealousy in his eyes.

“Do you want to tell him or shall I?” Miles asked as he popped stolen fruit snacks into his mouth.

I elbowed him in the stomach making him spit up as I put the last box away. “He’s just an old coworker.”

“Ah, from the literacy agency.” Ray gave me the bouquet and kissed my cheek. “I suppose my surprise will have to wait till later.”

I glanced at Miles who was still eating the stolen package of fruit snacks. He gave me a salute and went back to the living room bookshelf.

“What’s going on?” Ray asked, looking between us.

“I’ve accepted an assignment. I’ll have to leave tonight.”

His brow furrowed. “I thought…”

“Jen’s alive.” I blurted. Now that I’d said it aloud tears were starting to prick my eyes. “Hana went after her but she’s gone missing too. I’m the only one left who can bring them back.”

“Ok.” Ray nodded. “Ok. But promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want the kids to lose another mother.”

I touched my forehead to his. “They won’t.”

We stood like that until Miles cleared his throat. “Hate to break up the moment but headquarters is blowing up my phone.”

“Should I get your go bag?” Ray asked.

I shook my head. “The agency will have everything I need.”

Ray nodded taking the bouquet from me. “I guess the surprise will have to wait.”

I grabbed him before he could turn away and kissed him. Only Miles’ tapping foot broke us apart. Then I was out the door and unfortunately back to my old life.