Page 53 of High Treason
It wasn’t wasting time. Kord’s mission was to find a killer, and what choice did he have but to bring all information to the surface? “I’d like to ask her for myself.”
“You have my word. She’ll be upset. Besides, what else is needed?”
“In the US, we want to hear from every man and woman who may be involved in a crime. If you want to discard our procedures, I can take you immediately into custody as a person of interest in the plot to assassinate Prince Omar. You choose.”
“You’ll overlook what you’ve discovered?” Malik whispered as though his secret had ears.
“Would she rather you be arrested for murder? I’ll wake Monica and have her escort Yasmine to meet us in the kitchen.”
Malik rubbed his face. “This is not how I planned to seek Yasmine for my wife. Prince Omar will learn of it.”
“If she doesn’t back up your story, you’re facing a lot more than loss of a woman to warm your bed.”
FATIMA OPENEDYasmine’s bedroom door. “I heard you crying. What’s wrong? Is Mother all right?” She frowned at Monica. “Did you cause this?”
Another can of worms. “Indirectly.” Monica touched Yasmine’s arm. “Would you like to tell your sister what I discovered?”
The younger woman shook her head. Fatima slid onto the bed beside her sister and wrapped her arm around Yasmine’s waist. “You can tell me.”
Several seconds passed with only the sound of Yasmine’s weeping. She swallowed hard. “I’ve been seeing Malik alone. Tonight, Monica caught us outside.”
Fatima stood abruptly from the bed. “How could you disgrace yourself to meet him without an escort? At night too? What else have you done? Been with him? Are there other men? Yasmine, are you pregnant?”
Yasmine was in Fatima’s face before Monica could break themup. “How dare you ask such a horrible question? Malik would never seduce me. He’s good and kind.”
Monica could have argued against Malik’s intentions, but she’d not interfere with two sisters quarreling unless it meant they’d waken the household. That tipping point had arrived. “Enough. You will have the prince pounding on the door and demanding an explanation.”
Fatima whirled around, her back against her sister. “You’re right. If our brother learns of this, the outcome could be unthinkable. He can’t find out, but this can never happen again. Is this why you wanted to delay giving Omar your phone? I knew it wasn’t charging.”
“Yes. I ... I needed to delete Malik’s number.”
“How shameful.”
“He wants to marry me.”
“Then let him seek permission the proper way.”
A text alerted Monica. She glanced at the screen. Kord.Bring Yasmine 2 the main kitchen ASAP.She captured the young woman’s attention. “Why would Kord need to speak to you immediately?”
The young woman’s eyes widened. “Did he see me with Malik? I thought we were careful, but—”
Fatima touched her throat. “Omar must know what you’ve done.”
Monica typed into her phone.On our way. What’s up?
Malik may b the mole.
Monica placed her phone inside her pocket and stared into Yasmine’s face. “We’re to meet Kord in the kitchen now. How much do you trust Malik’s allegiance?”
“He’s loyal to my brother. Why? Will my brother be with Mr. Davidson?”
“I have no idea.”
“I’m scared.”
Yasmine had the look of innocence and young love. Monica hadbeen there, and she wanted to shield her from heartache. “Take a deep breath. First we need to find out why Kord has questions for you.”
“What am I supposed to say?”
