Page 5 of High Treason
“What’s it going to be? I haven’t time to waste.”
“I’m in.”
Jeff faced the table. “You two can get started here. No time to waste. Kord, your car is parked two blocks south, and you will use it to transport Monica to the Saud family estate in River Oaks. Everything you need will be brought to you. Monica, your vehicle has been removed.”
SAC Thomas handed her a copy of Prince Omar’s itinerary. His agent must already have one. “You’ve been given access to a secure site for all communications. I don’t care if the prince is heading to the bathroom, we want to know what he’s doing. Operative Alden, Prince Omar’s sisters may have info, and they’d be hesitant to talk to a man. Kord has Middle Eastern experience working undercover and has knowledge of the language, culture, and familiarity with the Saud family. Use it. Kord, your partner has completed two missions in Iran and one in Iraq. She speaks Farsi, Arabic, and Swahili. She has a photographic memory, reads lips, is a bomb expert, and is superior in pulling info from unsuspecting targets.”
Jeff cleared his throat. “Nine months ago, Monica believed a terrorist planned to bomb the city’s underground tunnels and was right. We’d discounted the scheme while she pursued it.”
Kord raised his right index finger. “The family has state-of-the-art security equipment ensuring the premises are protected. Have we detected any weaknesses within our control?”
Jeff deferred to SAC Thomas. “You have that covered.”
“It’s solid,” he said. “Not much we can do about preventing an attack via a drone.”
SAC Thomas pulled two phones from his pocket and slid them across the table along with an ID naming Monica as FBI. “Use the FBI badges and IDs. Are there any questions before you two read the intel sent to your new secure phones? Kord, most of it is redundant.”
“Will local agents be aware of a new agent bearing her name?” Kord said.
“Have it handled,” SAC Thomas said.
“How long will Prince Omar’s mother be here for treatments?” Monica said.
“Approximately four weeks. If she survives.”
She rose from the table. “I’d like to make a phone call to secure my cover. It should take all of five minutes.”
“Go ahead,” Jeff said. “That has to stay intact.”
Reaching inside her handbag, she pulled out her iPhone and listened to SAC Thomas talk to his agent before she left the room. “The urgency of a task force and the work ahead is your style. Behave yourself and get the job done.”
“The prince will object to any American on his protective detail but me, especially a woman.”
“It’s not your call.”
MONICA TAPPED HER FOOTand waited for Lori to answer her cell phone at the Coffee Gone Dark café. The time registered at 1:35, and the shop didn’t close until 3p.m. Few customers ventured in midafternoon, making the last hour easier to prepare for the following day.
“How’s everything?” Lori said, a bit breathless.
“Okay, I think. Were you running?”
“Took a late delivery order and left my phone in the office. You didn’t answer my question.”
A heavy shot of remorse hit her. “I’m going to be out of pocket for the next few weeks, maybe a month. I’m so sorry.”
“Forget it. Don’t worry about your job. Take care of what’s pressing, and I’ll get my niece to fill in until you’re back.”
“Are you sure?” Monica enjoyed working at the café, although she could be whisked away at any given moment.
“We’re sister-friends, aren’t we? Just call me when you can.”
“You’re the best.” Soon enough she’d have to quit her job and move on to wherever the CIA sent her.
“What can I do to help? I understand family and personal issues, and I’m praying, but what else?”
She’d have an ulcer soon. “I wish I could talk more. Just impossible.”
“No worries. You’ve had to take off before, and it always works out.”
