A Dead Djinn in Cairo (Dead Djinn Universe, #0.1)

by P. Djèlí Clark

And her father always said if people were going to stare, you should give them a show.

“When I was in school in Luxor I would see these photographs of Englishmen and Frenchmen who visited Egypt, before the djinn came. Mostly they were in suits. But sometimes they’d put on a jellabiya and headscarf. I found out they called it ‘going native.’ To look exotic, they said.” “Did they?” Aasim cut in. “Did they what?” “Look exotic.” “No. Just ridiculous.” Aasim snickered. “Anyway, when I bought my first suit, the English tailor asked me why I wanted it. I told him I wanted to look exotic.”

First unwritten rule of investigation—when in need of information, make sure you flatter your source. In that regard, immortals were no different than anyone else.

When they come from their dark realm, you will see. You will pluck out your mortal eyes to look upon them, but you will see.”