‘And what would have happened if you hadn’t been there?’
‘Honestly, much the same. It was much more Buse’s scene than Defne’s.’
He frowns and rubs his unshaven chin. ‘Why do you think they’re friends?’
‘I think each wants what the other has. Buse is pretty and outgoing, a real boys’ girl, and Defne envies her confidence.’
‘You don’t think Defne has confidence?’
‘I think being seventeen is tough. I don’t think she knows who she is yet.’
‘And you think that Buse does?’
‘Yes. I think Buse knows exactly who she is, and my guess is that she’ll be the same person in ten years’ time. Just with more cosmetic surgery.’
Yilmaz smiles faintly.
Oxana smiles back. ‘Can I say something?’
‘Of course.’
‘Defne envies certain qualities that Buse has, but she doesn’t want to be like her. She’s studying her. Watching how she handles social situations. Learning from her mistakes.’
‘You’re very perceptive, Miss Vorontsova.’
‘Oxana, please.’
‘So where do you think that Defne will be in ten years’ time, Oxana?’
‘I don’t know what line of business you’re in, Mr Yilmaz. But I’d guess that in ten years’ time, there’s a fair chance that Defne will be helping you run it.’
He frowns. ‘I’m not sure that’s what I’d necessarily want for her, but…’ He spreads his hands. ‘Who knows?’
‘I like her,’ Oxana says. ‘She’s a nice girl.’
He nods. ‘You know my son is joining us later today?’
‘I didn’t know, no.’
‘Emir. He’s a fine young man. You’ll like him too.’
‘I look forward to meeting him.’
This is not good. Twenty-four hours on theMedusaand already I’m much too involved with these people. When I told Tahir Yilmaz I liked Defne, I meant it. I’ve tried to be kind to her because that’s the role I’m playing. What I didn’t expect was that the line between play-acting and reality would be so blurry and indistinct. I was playing a part when I told Defne that she’ll turn into someone amazing, but I’m pretty sure that was me speaking too. I really did want to make her feel better about herself. And, full disclosure, that made me feel good. It was a new sensation for me, and I lay awake for some time last night, trying to analyse it. Kindness is its own reward. Who knew?
Given my mission, though, this is bad news. I can’t start sympathising with Defne, because she’s going to discover, sooner or later, that she’s been used. She’ll know that everything I’ve ever said to her is a lie, a manipulation. She’ll be made to realise that her father is a criminal, and that everything she’s ever been given has been paid for in drug money. In suffering and death. Has Tahir really been able tokeep that truth from his daughter? Does she really suspect nothing? Am I playing this right?
On the sundeck Defne and Buse are lying on towels, sipping black coffee from tiny cups.
Buse regards Oxana balefully. ‘I’m sorry I forgot your name. Defne tells me that’s very rude.’
‘Don’t worry.’ Oxana smiles. ‘It’s an easy name to forget.’
Buse nods, and yawns. She casts a lazy eye over Oxana’s T-shirt, shorts and sandals. ‘But know one thing, OK. I don’t appreciate being told what to do. You don’t get to tell me when my evening is over or not over.’
Defne props herself on an elbow. ‘Oxana was just passing on the message that the launch was about to leave.’
‘I don’t give a fuck. Tonight we’re going to Kytheria, and you and I will be going to another club, and you, Oxana, will not be there. Do you understand me?’