“And your sister?”
“We’re not close. I couldn’t tell you what she was doing now or where.” I drain my glass and place it on the table. “I probably know a lot more about you and who you’re keeping company with.”
Goldsmith doesn’t budge. “My company tonight was yourfriend. We had a remarkably frank and honest conversation. About a lot of things. And people.”
I stand up. “I’m sure you did. I hope it was very productive in resolving the conflict between our countries, Mr Goldsmith.”
“It was. We seem to have found a way forward. A very agreeable way forward. It should prove to be very satisfying.” His tone tells me everything he wants me to think.
“I’m pleased for you. Would you like me to get you another drink before I head to bed?”
Goldsmith shouldn’t play poker. His eyes tell me he was expecting another reaction, one that gave him fuel for whatever line he wanted to pursue.
“I can buy my own, but thank you for the gesture.” He takes out his phone, his interest with me burned out.
I head to Blair’s room, the one next to mine, and knock on the door, paying no attention to the guard outside.
“It’s me. Can I come in?”
She opens the door, dressed in a black robe that I’ve had tied round my hands once before.
I wait until the door’s closed before speaking. “How was Goldsmith tonight?”
“Charming. Interested. We stayed away from politics.” She doesn’t sit down and her arms are wrapped around her.
“I saw him in the bar. He made it sound that you’d come to some form of agreement.”
“We agreed at the conference on the tax on imported and exported electrical goods, which is a start. But that was it. If it takes that long for just one thing…” She looks to the ceiling. “But so be it.”
“He offered me a job. Said he’s mentioned it to you.”
“He’s a politician. He will say things to test you out. It’s his job.” She sounds upset. Heightened.
I take a step backwards, like you would with an animal that’s starting to bare its teeth. “Sorry. I know it’s been a long day.”
“It has.”
The air’s cold enough to freeze Bahrain.
“I saw you kiss Isaac.”
I let my back hit the door and close my eyes.
“I’m sorry if it hurt you. It was just the kiss. I saw him this morning after he’d slept with another woman. One of his hook ups.”
“And you were jealous? Of her?”
I open my eyes and look at her.
“Because I was jealous of both of you.”
“I don’t know how I feel. I don’t know how he feels.”
“Well I feel like shit. I need some space. Please go.”
I open my mouth to protest and then let the silence fill the gap. She says nothing more so I leave, heading to my anonymous hotel room that gets to house yet another lost soul.
Part Three
