Page 38 of High Treason
“This will take days to sort through.”
“I want it ASAP.”
“Haven’t heard you this demanding since—”
“Jeff, you dumped me into an operation because I can do the job.”
He chuckled. “And you’ll get it done.”
She heard sarcasm in the compliment, but she’d take it. “Twopeople have triggered my alarm button—the bodyguard Ali and Prince Omar’s sister Fatima. Could be distinct personalities or something more.”
“What does Kord say?”
“When I can trust him, I’ll open up.”
“You and I have had our share of differences. One thing I know is you have trust issues.”
“It’s part of the job. Keeps me alive.”
“Kord Davidson is not Liam Fielder.”
The mention of the name was like pouring alcohol on an open wound. “What does Liam have to do with my current mission?”
“Your lack of trust could get you killed. Or is that what you want? To go down in a blaze of glory?”
A chill attacked her nape. “You have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“You run on facts. Do I need to alert SAC Thomas about anything concerning Kord’s behavior?”
“Not yet. I’m observing.”
“I’m listening.”
“First off, my personal thoughts and life are off-limits. Kord and I have an okay relationship at the present. And I doubt he trusts me either.”
“You’re on the same team. Base your evaluation on that.” He ended the call.
The memories of what Liam had done, the people he’d killed, and the betrayal stung. The one area where she’d found it impossible to forgive was herself—innocent people died because of her idiocy.
Ali walked her way with long strides. His face a road map of lined anger. “A woman has no place here with Saudi men.”
“I’m working with Kord. Deal with it. I’m here. I’m good at what I do, and I don’t cower to bullies.”
KORD SPOKE TO PRINCE OMARaway from his men while Ali blocked the doorway of Princess Gharam’s room. “You believe your men are loyal, but there’s no other explanation for today. What happened outside the hospital confirms what my informant said—a mole is among your trusted men.” His gaze drilled into the prince’s dark eyes. “I refuse to watch you die. Does the killer have your mother’s death planned too? What about your sisters?”
The prince jutted his chin. “How do you propose we find this mole? Offer a reward? Replace all my men?”
“Force him into the open. Loyalty is your ally. Demand we check every man’s cell phone now.”
The prince stared at those who’d vowed to sacrifice their lives for him. Long moments passed.
“Someone close to you has plotted your assassination. Ignoring it has deadly implications.”
“You’re right,” the prince said barely above a whisper. “The planis cleverly constructed, but we are smarter. I too am concerned about my mother’s and sisters’ safety.” He turned to the men. “Each one of you is to bring his phone to me now. You are not permitted to use them until they are checked.”
Kord inwardly sighed. Prince Omar either suspected one of them or wanted to prove his men’s loyalty.
“Kord,” the prince began, “if the killer would attempt an abduction and possibly the life of Consul General al-Fakeeh, then he’d surely find access to others. Since he’s failed with me, who’s next on his list?”
