Page 63 of High Treason
Kord swallowed his ire. “I am well aware of the potential repercussions. The consul general’s security is also a concern. What’s being done there?”
SAC Thomas drew in a breath. “Everything possible. Heavily guarded. Surveillance teams.”
“Doesn’t mean he won’t be a target.”
“We’ll work our end. You work yours.” He looked at his watch. “When will Prince Omar and his bodyguards be done with prayers?”
“About ten minutes.”
“I’m due in a meeting, which means I’ll miss them. Give my regards and contact me later. You want to prove Malik’s knee-deepin this? You have forty-eight hours. We all have the same amount of time. No one wants this settled more than I do. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Yes, sir.”
SAC Thomas frowned and left the room. Kord understood the pressure the FBI and the CIA were under to keep the prince alive. But neither of the men had more at stake than Kord. Nothing in his growing-up years slid close to the level of commitment he had with Prince Omar.
He texted Monica.
Holding Malik 48 hrs.
If he’d lure Yasmine 2 lie & break culture, he can’t b trusted. What about trip 2 Iraq?
Same story as yours. Anything on ur end?
Youssof Dagher returned 2 Iraq.
Why?
Don’t know. Working on finding him.
News from princesses?
No. I don’t trust Malik.
Jury’s out here.
Why had Youssof returned to Iraq? The other matter that wouldn’t leave Kord alone was Nasim. Why hadn’t he called?
SHORTLY AFTER1P.M.,the FBI arranged transportation for Prince Omar, Ali, and Kord to the Saud home. The rain had ceased and receding waters made driving easier.
“Ali, contact the men at the house. I want all of you to hear this,” Prince Omar said once in the vehicle. When the three bodyguards were in listening mode, the prince began again. Obviously not concerned about the FBI agent driving the car hearing every word. “Authorities have enough cause to keep Malik in custody forty-eight hours while they investigate his story and a possible connection to the assassination plot. According to US law, they need evidence to incarcerate him any longer. In my opinion, he’s not being held long enough to verify his statements. But if released, he will be sent home for us to deal with. He’s lucky to have his life.”
No mention of Yasmine.
“Do any of you have reason—and proof—to distrust Malik?” His voice was shrouded in anger.
None of them expressed doubts.
If a thirty-two-year-old man had been sneaking around seeing Kord’s teenage sister, which he didn’t have, Malik might have a few broken bones. The one consolation was Ali acting as press secretary. A fine man in Kord’s opinion. Hot-tempered and highly intelligent. Although Monica distrusted him. Kord could be closer to Ali and the prince, a strong team. And if Malik was at fault, his treachery ended now.
The vehicle pulled up to the gate, but it was open.
“Why is the gate unlocked?” Kord strained to see any vehicles.
“Food delivery.” Ali rubbed his face, no doubt worn-out like the rest of them. “The driver is prompt every afternoon.”
“Who do you use?”
“A service on Wilcrest.”
