Page 59 of High Treason
“We’re using everything the city has, including trucks, to evacuate civilians. Just get back to the house and sit tight.”
“Keep me updated.” Kord relayed the instruction.
The limo stalled. Wasi’s attempts to restart failed.
“We’ve got to walk,” Kord said. “Keep your eyes open.”
Malik remained cuffed. The prince knew the immunity law and termed Malik as a potential serious threat. The men in the rear would shoot him if he gave the slightest indication of running.
“Grab flashlights, but don’t use them unless I give you the go-ahead. Leave the umbrellas. Hides our view. Avoid streetlights if possible.” He turned to the prince. “Prince Omar, I know you’ll be drenched, but ...”
“I agree. Inform those at home to stay inside. No point inanyone attempting to rescue us while we’re waiting in rising water. We can walk.”
He opened the car door and water rushed into the vehicle and onto them. Instantly they were soaked. Everyone exited onto the empty lakelike street. Wasi released the trunk and retrieved flashlights for himself, Ali, Saad, and Prince Omar. Kord had his Glock in one hand and a small personal flashlight in the other. The men formed a circle around Prince Omar. Kord assigned Saad to Malik detail and then took that bodyguard’s place. Street and business lights flickered in the heavy rain, making Kord question their reliability. In the open, they were like flies ready to be swatted. Add to that the blinding rain. He swung to anything stirring. For sure Prince Omar thought sand was easier to navigate than fast-moving water.
He phoned Monica with an update. “No one is to leave the house. We’re not far.”
Again they walked toward the River Oaks estate.
Ali walked beside Saad. “Faster,” he said to Malik.
“Take these cuffs off, and I will.”
“Not happening,” Kord said. Street and business lights silently disappeared, indicating loss of power. Relieved, Kord waded on. He preferred a shield of darkness. They needed the flashlights, and yet an assassin could mow them down.
He glanced back at Malik stumbling through the water. He fell face-first. Ali held Malik down.
“Don’t let him drown,” Kord said. “We need his intel.” He hoped the order would keep Malik alive.
Ali continued to hold him beneath the water.
“Ali, let him up.” Kord pulled his Glock and moved to where Malik was flailing in the water. “What if you’re drowning an innocent man?”
“He’s guilty.”
“Now, or I’ll pull the trigger.”
“Ali, release him.” Prince Omar emerged from the circle of bodyguards. “He’s Saad’s responsibility. This man will not die tonight.”
Ali jerked Malik up and shoved him toward Saad. Malik coughed and sputtered.
If they made it back to the house without being killed, who’d prevent the bodyguards from carrying out their own justice?
KORD AND THOSE WHO’D BEEN IN THE LIMOarrived at the wrought-iron gate of the Saud home. Security hadn’t been hampered by the inclement weather and allowed them access. They plodded up the driveway in wet clothes and waterlogged shoes to the home lit by generators, as were many of the residences in the area. Karim and Fares ushered them inside the front entrance and provided them with towels and a change of clothing.
Prince Omar raised his shoulders. Kord knew the prince would not complain of the wet and cold. Not his style. “Saad, lock Malik in the safe room until he can be transported. He won’t be able to hear a word there.”
“Amir,” Malik said, “I’m innocent—”
Prince Omar whirled and did a nose-to-nose in Malik’s face. “Be glad the FBI will be questioning you. If you have information, you’d better tell all. Every moment lost to the FBI’s questioning infuriates me. Don’t make me wish I hadn’t stopped Ali. One more word, and I’m walking away.”
Nothing else was said. Kord would need to stay close to the safe room or Malik wouldn’t survive the day.
Monica heard the men enter the house, and she could only imagine the tempers flaring. Angry bodyguards with blood on their minds? Plus they’d dealt with rain pouring buckets on the terrain with no sign of easing up. She counted ten minutes and texted Kord.
Malik alive?
In safe room.
