Flirting With Murder

Chapter 5

Sonya heaved a deep sigh. She was mentally preparing herself to spend time with her mother. It's not that Sonya didn't like her mother; it just seemed like most things in Sonya's life, it was complicated. Growing up, she spent more time with her father, and Faris Lahiri was a very rational, logical man. Quite opposite of Gemma, who is in touch with her "mind's eye," which in Sonya and Faris's opinion, left little room for logic.

However, Sonya understood how much Gemma sacrificed for her. She knew how difficult it was for her mother to leave Faris. Sometimes, Gemma would look far off into the distance when talking about Faris, as if she was catching glimpses of a highlight reel. Sonya knew that, even though it was difficult to leave Seattle after getting married, it was more difficult to leave behind eight years of marriage. Remembering her mother's struggles and pain allowed Sonya to put up with Gemma's absurdity, regardless of how excuritiating it was.

She just hoped that if having tea took longer than expected or Gemma was trying to set Sonya up with another man, Kai could provide a great excuse to leave.

Walking down this side of town was a bonus though. It was a much quieter side of Seattle. Seattle was a lot calmer than the busy streets of New York or London, but there still was a decent population. So, this side of town gave Sonya a break from the hustle. Walking briskly, with Kai trying to keep up, Sonya and Kai were standing across "Gemma's Mystical Magical Shop of Wonder." The business Sonya's mother built after moving to Seattle. It was her pride and joy. Sonya had to admit, although it caused her some ridicule in high school, her best memories took place in this store. Sonya and Gemma actually lived above the quirky shop, and Gemma still lived there. It was Sonya's first job as well. Everyday after school, Sonya would help her mother with the customers. She would offer advice about herbs, amulets, and from time to time predict their future. That was Sonya's favorite part of the job. She was able to use her deducing skills, and let people down about their cheating partners or close to failing businesses. Sonya couldn't help the smile that crept up her face as she relieved those days.

Kai seemed to notice as well. "Have you not seen your mother in a long time or something?" Sonya had given Kai the shortened version of where they were headed. Kai tried to get Sonya to give a more elaborate explanation, but she ignored all his attempts. So naturally, she ignored him once again.

They crossed the street. Going around the all black BMW, and opened the door, making the chimes ring. In the center of the room there was a table set up with a teapot and finger sandwiches. Dark purple and magenta curtains were hung on the ceilings and draped on the walls. A chandelier sunk in the middle of the room. Candles, books, and shelves of bottles filled with various herbs, all of which were marked down with a price tag, scattered the room. Immediately, Sonya felt the warm comfort of home. As she was taking in the sent of the burning incense, she approached the table, Kai following close behind her. She opened the top of the teapot letting an oddly familiar aroma. It was chai. Sonya's heart dropped into her stomach. How did she not piece this together?: her mother's persistence of meeting, especially in the last few days, her father calling, and the tinted black car outside the store. The chai brought it all together. This was her father's drink. The smell of cardamom and tea herbs stuck to his suit. Sonya's mother usually drank every other type of tea except chai, so this couldn't be her.

Sonya turned slightly to face Kai. "We have to--," but before Sonya could finish her sentence and make an escape, Gemma walked through the beaded curtain with a plate of macaroons and Faris Lahiri trailing behind her.

Even though years have gone by, Faris Lahiri hadn't changed a bit. He was still standing at 6'0, his skin was pale brown, a mix of coffee bean and the lack of London sun, and his dark pensive eyes. His hair, which was normally dark as the midnight sky, now had streaks of white and was parted to the side. Faris' beard was perfectly groomed and he was dressed in a neat navy suit.