Page 44 of High Treason
“You mentioned three matters,” she said. “Curiosity is getting the best of me, and patience is not part of my operating system.”
“Who is in our line of work?”
She gave him a thumbs-up. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I’d like for you to help me figure something out.”
“If I can.”
“In talking to Fatima and Yasmine, did either of them bring up my name?”
Okay, she’d play. “Does this have to do with your Romeo role?”
“I didn’t tell you everything. Fatima thought I was in love with her.”
Now she understood Fatima’s animosity. “Are you telling me you two had an affair?” She shook her head. “That would be punishable by death.”
“She mistook my interest in the family as a lifelong commitment to her. She approached me in secret and declared her love. She was only sixteen. I tried to be gracious and flattered, but she was very upset.”
“You’re sure Prince Omar didn’t learn about it?”
“If Fatima had gone to him or their father, she’d have to admit to sneaking off to see me.”
“I get it. Have you talked to her since their arrival?”
“No. The vibes are bad.”
“Do you want me to bring up your name?” Monica startled at a thought. “We have everyone in this house under a microscope, but do you suspect her involvement with the murders?”
“Hope not. If she chooses to be confrontational, it would be to discredit me in her brother’s eyes. I hurt her pride. She’s impetuous and stubborn but not stupid. If Prince Omar believes I acted inappropriately, our friendship would be over. Due to the current mess, the situation between our two countries could go south real fast. Think about the nightmare media headlines. ‘Prince Omar’s friend and requested US bodyguard accused of having an affair with his sister.’ I’m asking if you think I should arrange a meeting with her, both of you.”
“Avoiding the subject with Fatima is the best route.”
He stared into the trees. “Use your best judgment. If I need to talk to her, we can work something out. The last thing we need is her ruining my credibility.”
“Yasmine told me she was upset because one of Prince Omar’s friends was here. I assumed a bodyguard.”
“Not exactly. I do have another matter to run past you.”
She held up four fingers.
He gave her a quick nod. “Just had a private meeting with the prince.” Kord revealed the prince’s desire to take a better front in assisting his country’s development by initiating a press conference and a rodeo event in a private suite. “Plans are to dine oil executives. Not bring up leasing of oil reserves.”
“If he’s determined to become a leader, why are his sisters here in the thick of danger?” She found it difficult to accept a changed man when his views about the modern world and women were archaic.
“His mother would be devastated if they left. I tried to convince him, but for now the princesses are under his eye. There’s no denying Saudi Arabia’s enemies will continue to press against them in every direction. Especially when the country’s advancements in every arena make them stronger as a world power.”
She nodded. “Our killer is organized, mobile, one step ahead ofus, and hiding in plain sight. Kord, he’s among us and knows every move Prince Omar makes. Why doesn’t he send his bodyguards home and get a new crew?”
“What would you have him do with them once they’re back in Saudi?”
“Hold them in custody until someone confesses. Their judicial system accelerates ours in the way of obtaining information. Even if I don’t agree with their methods.” She peered into his brown eyes. “How much do you trust the FBI?”
“How much do you trust the CIA?”
“Don’t want to go there unless we have proof,” she said. “But it’s a no-brainer—a mole on the prince’s team or ours. And someone has us scrambling.”
“Tough call. Let’s hope we don’t have to explore it further. We have a suspicious nature, and if I had a reason to doubt either agency, trust me, I’d be overturning rocks.”
