Since neither remembers anyone mentioning the presence of dogs there, they look at each other and then at Dajaal. Dajaal explains, “The ringing of the bell activates the barking of dogs inside the house. Cambara imported the device from Toronto to scare off potential burglars. It’s most effective because no one keeps dogs as pets or guards in a Muslim country, and virtually everyone is terrified of them.” Cambara receives Jeebleh and Malik with warmth. She has waited for them close to the entrance, the door open, her smile broad and beaming. She meets them halfway as they walk past the day guard. She hugs and kisses Jeebleh on the cheeks. She is formal with Malik; she takes his right hand in both hers. Dajaal takes his leave, suggesting that they ring when they are ready to be picked up. On the way in, Cambara walks between the two men, Jeebleh’s hand in hers in acknowledgment of their presumed closeness, even though the two have only ever spoken on the phone. He remembers that Cambara arrived here with the disquiet of a mother mourning, after losing her only son, her marriage broken and her life in tatters.
