“That may be. But we’ll be sharing our information. I may put the story together before you. I’ve more experience.”

“What did you learn today?” I asked.

“I spent the bulk of the afternoon at Çırağan Palace—where the sultan’s brother is imprisoned. Nice digs, that,” he said. “Far from a hotbed of political discontent, but there are several individuals who’ve aroused my suspicions.”

“Who? What are they doing?”

“I’ve little to go on yet—primarily instinct. They’re all men who lost power when Murat was deposed.”

“I trust your instincts,” I said. “Bezime suspects trouble is brewing there.”

“I shan’t dismiss her thoughts without further investigation. And you’re quite right to trust my instincts. They will help me reach a solution before you.”

“I don’t think you will,” I said.

“And?” His eyes narrowed.

“And if I’m right, I want you to swim the Bosphorus for me.”

“Swim the Bosphorus? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“It’s romantic.” I picked up another fig. “Think of Hero and Leander. He crossed the sea every night to be with her.”

“And drowned. After which Hero, if I remember correctly, flung herself off a tower to her own painful death.”

“So you don’t think you’re a good enough swimmer?” I asked, a wicked smile creeping onto my face.

“I’m an excellent swimmer.”

“Which is why you should swim the Bosphorus for me. I’ll cheer you on from our balcony and receive you with open arms. Leander himself will never have had such a welcome.”

Now he smiled, his dark eyes full of heat. “If you determine the identity of Ceyden’s murderer before I do.”

“Yes.”

“And if you lose?” he asked.