Page 129 of High Treason
He might be right, but she’d not admit it. A raw throat from the cursed cough plagued her. No time to sleep when she wanted to follow up on the same info as Kord and Saudi security.
Inside the women’s quarters, Fatima and Yasmine were reading in the common area. At times Monica wished for a more leisurely lifestyle, but it never lasted more than a few minutes. She’d be bored out of her mind.
“Good morning,” she said to the sisters.
“We’re good. You’re pale,” Fatima said. “Did you take your morning medications?”
“Absolutely.” The word had become a joke between them.
Fatima stood and examined her IV bag while Yasmine retrieved her pole from Monica’s bedroom. Sweet ladies. She’d never forget their kindness. She wanted to talk to Yasmine, see if she unknowingly had vital information.
Monica sank into a chair. “While you two slept last night, I walked down the stairs.”
Fatima touched her heart. “By yourself?”
“Kord met me in the upper hallway. I was hungry.”
Yasmine giggled. “Ali helped you walk down midmorning. Congratulations.”
“Slow but sure. Before you know it, we’ll start back with self-defense classes. Actually a child could take me out right now.”
“You have many tricks,” Fatima said. “I think no matter what you face, you’d be triumphant.”
She laughed. “I doubt it. Do you mind if we chat?”
“Of course.” Fatima pointed to a comfy chair. “Rest and talk. Is this about my brother’s safety?”
“Your entire family,” Monica said. “Has Prince Omar spoken with you about the latest findings?”
Fatima put her book aside. “He told us our people and the Americans are looking for a man named Jafar Turan, brother to Parvin Shah.”
“It’s not my role to give you any more information than the prince has shared. My question is about another subject, one we’ve discussed before. Mostly for Yasmine.”
“Malik?” Yasmine said. “Has he done something else?”
“I’m just working on making pieces fit. Did Malik mention Youssof Dagher to you?”
“He looked forward to spending time with him in Riyadh.”
“What happened when the family moved?”
“He encouraged my brother to meet with Rashid and Youssof.”
“Why?”
“He said to build good relations between the men. He was proud of Youssof and hoped he gained favor with Prince Omar to secure a position within the family.”
“Were there other times Malik met with the younger man?”
She shrugged. “He never told me.”
Fatima took Yasmine’s hand.
“If there is anything at all you remember that can help us end this nightmare, tell me now. When Malik returned home, he called you right away?”
Yasmine shook her head. “Not until the next day. That’s when he told me about the trip.”
“Did Malik speak of your brother’s business dealings here in Houston?”
