Don't let me find you hiding under the covers

[Narrator]

In a posh London flat that recently went off the market, a mobile phone on a nightstand starts ringing.

It isn't a number commonly given out, nor is it what most would consider 'business hours.'

[Alessia Abate]

An ageless woman picks up the phone, glancing at the display and then pushing the button to accept the call. "How can I help you?"

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"...this isn't Michael," a familiar voice comes from the other end.

"Which of you does he have screening his calls this time?"

[Alessia Abate]

That someone would know her grandfather by his first name *and* be familiar enough to not pay courtesy at the same time gives her pause, but for only a moment. The list of people who could do both those things was quite short. "I regret that Michael is no longer with our organization. This is Alessia. Who am I speaking to?"

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"This is Rashida Muqaddam. Your 'grandfather' knew me well."

Alessia can almost hear the air quotes in the woman's tone of voice.

[Alessia Abate]

"Ah, yes. He spoke well of you, Dame Rashida." A pleasant enough half-truth. "To what do I owe the honor of the call?"

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"If he's no longer with you, I need to know if you intend to honor his commitments."

[Alessia Abate]

"For you, of course. My 'grandfather' was not always the wisest individual with regards to commitments, but I am a woman of my word and I intend to see all accounts settled to satisfaction."

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"Then I'm calling in my marker for the Badr affair. I need someone of your... particular expertise."

[Alessia Abate]

"I see. Are you wanting a phone consultation or should this be a house call?"

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"I'll send you directions to a meeting place."

[Alessia Abate]

She glances at the clock, "I'll pack a bag and call my driver. I trust you have a place for me to stay."

[Rashida Muqaddam]

"I can see to it you're... not disturbed."

[Alessia Abate]

"Thank you. I await your directions."