“He spent most of that time away on some project.” I managed. “He was rarely ever home.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why?” Tarek pushed. “He didn’t tell you or didn’t you care to know? Because I can guarantee if my father is going to be away for any length of time I’m knowing where he’s going, who he’s going with and when he’s coming back.”
I hung my head. The truth was, I hadn’t thought to ask. The money he was bringing in was a little more important. What the hell had I been thinking? When had I become just an ass?
“Figures.” He still hadn’t faced me. “What do you know about his work in Colombia?”
I had nothing.
“How about Iraq?”
Silence.
He turned on his heels and I withered under his glare.
“Whatdoyou know?” He stressed.
Nothing.
“How about where he was going the day he went missing?” Tarek asked.
“A meeting, I think.”
“You think?”
Hell, I didn’t think anything was wrong until I saw my mother hit the floor. I couldn’t take his judgment. Knowing Tarek was disappointed in me again broke my heart into a million little pieces. Pushing from my place at the edge of the bed and wrapped my arms around myself.
“Okay.” Tarek dragged his fingers through his hair. “What was he doing the last time you saw him?”
“Leaving. I was coming back from walking—from walking Lilah.”
“The puppy?”
I nodded.
“How did he seem to you?”
I shrugged.
“Thank you.” His sarcasm was right. “You’ve been no help at all. I thought I should let you know that.”
“What do you want me to say?” I looked pointedly at him. “I’m a shit daughter, okay? Is that what you want from me?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Tarek chuckled bitterly. “I’ve never wanted anything from you—not one damn thing, not ever. Isn’t that why you destroyed my life?”
He stormed from the room and I followed silently.
“She’s useless.” Tarek shouted at someone in the room. “Absolutely useless.”
“Cobra.” Taz’s voice echoed softly. “Come on, man.”
“I’m standing right here.” I snapped.
“Then I’ll say it to your face—”
