Page 113 of High Treason
“No.”
“When will you be here?”
“Within thirty minutes. The doctor will be making another house call around five thirty.”
She’d wasted far too many work hours. Yet she should be grateful. “Thanks for taking care of me.”
“Get used to it.”
But they didn’t have a future together. She pressed End and placed her phone beside her. “The doctor is coming in less than an hour. I need to get cleaned up.”
“We’re here to help you,” Fatima said. “The steam in the shower will be good for your lungs, and you can sit on the bench.”
She didn’t have the strength to get out of bed.
“You can’t do this by yourself,” Fatima said.
Yasmine shook her head. “We’re afraid you’ll fall.”
A heavy dose of humiliation warmed her, not the first occurrence in this mission. “Not since my mother has anyone helped me bathe.”
“Oh, we’ll honor your modesty,” Fatima said. “I’ll start the water. Washing your hair will be the biggest obstacle. We can do this together.”
She choked back emotion. “How can I thank you for tending to me like a baby?”
Fatima touched her face. “This is a small kindness for what you’ve done for us.”
“Self-defense classes are on hold.”
“Yasmine and I will practice.”
Monica wanted to cry. Crazy medicine. Stupid pneumonia in both lungs. Since when did a CIA operative resort to tears because of a shower? They slipped down her cheeks despite the self-talk.
KORD PACED THE NATATORIUMwhile the doctor from the FBI examined Monica upstairs in the women’s quarters. The trickling of water from the fountain might soothe Prince Omar, but it did nothing to ease Kord’s stress and unanswered questions.
Prince Omar watched him. “Would it be easier for you and Ali if I asked Miss Alden to be wife number three?”
Kord startled. “Where did you come up with that? My mind’s on Youssof Dagher.”
“Maybe a little.”
Kord wasn’t going to admit he was right. “She’s my partner.”
“I see more.”
“Ali and I are friends.”
He nodded. “To you, friends are family. You’re loyal.”
Kord fished for something to say. “Not sure what you’re seeing with Miss Alden.”
“Personal matters are difficult for you.”
How well the prince understood him. “I don’t want to damage my friendship with Ali. What’s important is keeping you and your family safe.” He formed his words. “But you’re right.”
“I won’t make you feel more uncomfortable right now.” Prince Omar gave his typical nod. “How did the questioning go with Youssof?”
“HPD recovered his weapon in the car. Not registered. We were missing his cell phone, but pieces of it have been found in what’s left of his car. Doubtful anything can be salvaged. At the hotel, a change of clothing hung in the closet. A toothbrush in the bathroom.”
