Page 100 of High Treason
Investigators hadn’t found a connection between Parvin Shah and the core terrorist group targeting Prince Omar. Who’d recruited and trained her? Who’d funded the attempts? Like Monica, Kord longed to be in the thick of the investigation.
The uncertainty wasn’t over, and all Prince Omar’s goodwill intentions meant nothing if he was killed on American soil.
AN HOUR BEFORE DINNERand after prayers, Fatima entered the common area wearing a dark-green jumpsuit that would give her mobility for the self-defense instructions. Good choice of clothes, and Monica told her so.
Yasmine’s bedroom door was open. If she’d toss off her stubborn mode and listen and watch, she’d learn how to rely less on men. Especially those who manipulated unsuspecting women. Self-defense was as much about mental skills as physical.
“Are you ready?” Monica said to Fatima. “You may be sore tomorrow.”
“I can handle whatever you bring my way.”
Monica laughed. “Wonderful, because we’re going to be working hard. I’m going to start with an easy technique. We’ll not move on until you’ve mastered it. I want you to feel comfortable while building your skills. The most important part of learning self-defense is confidence. You can defend yourself if placed in a precarioussituation.” She positioned herself directly in front of Fatima. “Put your arms at your sides as though you have no idea a man or woman intends to harm you.”
Fatima obliged. “For sure a man.”
“Both. A woman can catch you off guard quicker than a man.”
Fatima seemed to ponder the idea. “Perhaps so. I wouldn’t expect a woman to do me harm. But Parvin Shah was a killer.”
“The good and the bad believe their actions are justified.”
“I will think about that, remember it. With my upcoming marriage, I choose to be happy and a good wife. While my brother’s enemy chooses to do all he or she can to kill him. A difficult concept, but I see the truth in it.”
Still facing Fatima, Monica quickly grabbed her arm, stepped behind Fatima, and positioned her arm behind the young woman’s back.
“I understand. I must think fast and memorize what to do next.”
Monica smiled, and the two faced each other again. “For practical purposes, you will be the attacker. Step into my personal space and grab my right arm, pushing it away from my body.” Fatima followed instructions. “This leaves me defenseless, or so you think. I will counteract with a move called a wrist sweep. I’ll bring my elbow to the center line.” Monica demonstrated. “Then I’ll twist out, which allows me to break free and punch you in a vulnerable area.”
“Twist inside or outside?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s the elbow’s action that’s important against the would-be assailant’s grip.”
Fatima practiced a few more times until she had the technique perfected.
“See how easy? Ready for another one?”
“As you Westerners say, absolutely.” Fatima faced Monica.
“Sometimes a person will try to touch you. So put your hand on my shoulder.”
“Which side?”
“Either one.”
Fatima placed her hand on Monica’s right shoulder. In turn she gripped Fatima’s hand and thumb, lifted up and inside, forcing Fatima down, which allowed Monica to add pressure above her elbow and gain control.
“Ouch.” Fatima rubbed her hand.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Have you used these movements before?”
“Absolutely.” They both laughed.
Yasmine ventured into the room.
“Would you like to try?” Monica said to her.
