Too late. He was walking towards us.
“As my accountant parents always say, it’s better to deal with issues directly instead of cowering. Be the blade in the hand, not the snake in the grass,” Rashid said.
I was starting to wonder ifaccountantwas a New Delhi euphemism for “mafia.”
“We had a strange conversation yesterday,” I explained, desperate. “Can you please handle him?” I paused, not wanting him to misunderstand what I meant by “handle,” given my newly birthed suspicions.
“I did notice tension between the two of you during the meeting,” Rashid said. “I was unsure if you wanted Zulfa and me to leave or if you wished to make use of my concealed dagger.”
I really needed to talk to Rashid about his jokes. “Just go see what he wants,” I clarified.
Rashid shrugged and set off to intercept Aydin. They talked for a long time, heads bent close together. My cousin returned with a big smile.
“Aydin gave me these!” He waved two tickets under my nose. “Two tickets to a Toronto Blue Jays game tomorrow! You must accompany me as my guest.”
“Those tickets are expensive.”
“He knows I’m a baseball fan, and he said they would go to waste otherwise.”
Rashid was so excited. I realized I still hadn’t spent a lot of time with my cousin, or even shown him around the city as I had planned. Mom had asked me in particular to take care of Rashid, but so far he had been taking care of us.
“My schedule is completely free tomorrow,” I said impulsively. “Why don’t we make a day of it? I can show you around downtown Toronto.”
Rashid grinned like a little boy who had just learned he could have another piece of rasmalai. “Aydin will be so happy to hear you can make it,” he said. My stomach sank at his words. “Back home, when two accountant bosses are unhappy with each other, it is always best if they meet and talk things over. Fewer bodies on the ground that way.” Rashid looked at me. “I mean metaphorical bodies.”
Why did I get the feeling I had just been bamboozled by the son of a New Delhi mob boss? “Aydin is coming to the game with us, isn’t he.”
Rashid shrugged. “It would be a bit strange if he didn’t join us. These are his expensive tickets, after all.” His fingers moved quickly over his phone, texting. “He says he has time for the sightseeing too. What luck!”
Chapter Twenty-Two
When we set off for the bus stop the next morning, Rashid had a list of things he wanted to see in downtown Toronto. “The CN Tower, Kensington Market, Graffiti Alley. Oh, and Imam Abdul Bari said I must visit the aquarium and ponder the majesty of creation in front of the jellyfish tank.”
It was nine a.m. and Yusuf was setting up a display of oranges at his father’s store. He spotted us and walked over.
“Oh, great, theullu,” Rashid muttered. I nudged my cousin in the ribs.
“Where are you off to?” Yusuf asked. He grinned at Rashid, who gave him a small smile and turned away, fingers flying on his phone.
“I’m taking Rashid downtown.”
Yusuf frowned. “Just the two of you?”
“Aydin Bhai will also to be accompany us,” Rashid said, putting on his fake Indian accent, and I gave my cousin a warning look.
“Why is that guy going with you?” Yusuf asked, eyebrows drawing together.
“Very much we must discuss a business deal of grave import,” Rashid said.
“Cut it out,” I said to my cousin. “He doesn’t talk like that,” I explained to Yusuf.
“Talk like vhat?” Rashid blinked at me. “Is there something comical about the vay I am taaaaalking?”
“No, no, of course not, Rashid,” Yusuf jumped in. “I can understand everything you say. YOUR ENGLISH IS VERY GOOD!” he said loudly, beaming at my cousin.
I gave Rashid my bestdo not mess with melook and turned back to Yusuf. “I wanted to show Rashid around the city, and Aydin had Blue Jays tickets, so...” I trailed off at the sight of Yusuf’s unhappy expression.
“You should be careful around him, Hana,” Yusuf said, arms crossed. “I don’t trust that guy. Make sure he doesn’t try anything.”
