Page 49 of Grave Danger

“Did you ever threaten her in any way?”

“No, I would never do that.”

“Did you use words or gestures to make Yasmin afraid of you?”

“No. I wanted my daughter’s love, not her fear.”

“Did you ever say anything to embarrass or humiliate her in front of others?”

“No. Yasmin was not perfect. No child is. But Ava and I corrected her privately, not in public. We were in complete agreement on that.”

Farid’s lawyer paused and flipped to the next page of her notepad. Chapter 1, Farid the good father, had been written. On to chapter 2, Jack presumed: Farid the victim.

“Let’s talk now about your two marriages, starting with the most recent one. We’ve already heard testimony that you dated Zahra some years ago, before you dated Ava. Tell us how Zahra came back into your life.”

“After Ava disappeared—”

“You mean, fled the country and abandoned you?” said Beech.

“Objection,” said Jack. “Counsel is putting words in her client’s mouth.”

“Sustained. This court has not yet decided whether Ava Bazzi is alive or dead. ‘Disappeared’ seems like an appropriate word. The witness may continue.”

Farid started over. “After Ava disappeared, I did my best to raise Yasmin alone. But I quickly realized she needed a mother. Zahra stepped in and helped. At first, she visited as the good aunt providing support for Yasmin.”

“Did that change over time?”

“Yes. I’d say it evolved to include not just caring for Yasmin but also companionship for me.”

“Were you courting?”

“I would sayshewas courtingme.”

Zahra grabbed Jack by the wrist. “That’s such a lie,” she said in a coarse whisper.

“I don’t want lurid details,” said Beech. “But in a general sense, what do you mean when you say Zahra was courting you?”

“I wasn’t ready to start touching another woman. Zahra exploited the fact that we had once dated to make me feel comfortable about those things. It was Zahra who suggested we try being a couple again.”

“Who first raised the idea of marriage?”

“Zahra.”

“Who first raised the idea of Zahra adopting Yasmin?”

“Zahra. It wasn’t required under Iranian or Islamic law that Zahra adopt Yasmin, but she insisted on it.”

“Soon after the adoption was final, the three of you went to London, correct?”

“Yes. Zahra persuaded me to reapply for the UK Entrepreneur visa, take one more shot at expanding my hotel and restaurant business outside Iran. She said it would be a fresh start to return to London as a new family.”

“Zahra fled with Yasmin the day after you landed at Heathrow, correct?”

It was an ugly fact, but Jack couldn’t object simply on the grounds that the truth was ugly.

“Yes, that’s correct,” said Farid.

“Did you feel deceived?”