I’m asking you not to send him more information or money while the bank checks the transfer.” Her voice softened for exactly one sentence — “Kiki, I thought you wanted me to be happy” — and then hardened again when I said I did.

“Then stop trying to ruin this for me.” I had expected anger.

I had not expected her to make the warning itself sound like jealousy.

“Monique,” I said, “if his business is legitimate, a review won’t change that.” But she had already stopped listening, and the call ended before I could ask whether she had sent him anything else.

Chapter 24 — Dubai

At 11:10 at night my phone lit with a number that began with digits I did not recognize, and I answered immediately.