Page 90 of High Treason
“So glad. Whom do you trust?”
“I learned from experience the time comes when we have to trust someone. Prince Omar and Zain took the role of family for me.”
“The company shrink encourages me to unleash my emotions.”
“I’m getting there. Is your handler a friend?”
She laughed. “Not hardly. Jeff and I barely tolerate each other.”
He stopped and turned her to face him. “I’m not Liam Fielder. I’m not out to get you, to set you up for a kill, to lie, or to betray our mission. Trust that we’re on the same side.”
Jeff had made the same statement. Had the two been comparing notes? “It’s difficult.”
“Isn’t God supposed to help with those things?”
She breathed in and out. “Kord, I have your back. Count on it. If I thought for one minute you shared any of Liam’s traits, I’d blow a hole through you.”
BREAKFAST WITH FATIMA AND YASMINEhad become a routine. The fruit and breads were delish and the coffee amazing, yet growing closer to the sisters gave Monica an opportunity to be a real friend. She walked into the common area. Fatima greeted her, but Yasmine avoided eye contact.
At noon the FBI would release Malik and escort him to Hobby Airport to board a commercial flight. He had no future in Saudi Arabia. No future anywhere.
Yasmine needed to find strength.
“We’re leaving at eight this morning for the hospital.” Monica poured a cup of coffee. “I’m sure your mother will be happy to see you. You both look lovely.”
“I miss her.” Fatima filled a plate with dates and bread.
“This will be a special time,” Monica said. “When I’m with my mother, I feel like a little girl again. She wants to cook and fatten me up. We garden together and spend long hours talking about life.”
“Ours is wonderful too. Her love and wisdom will stay with me forever.”
“Precious memories.”
“I hope there are more.”
“I wish the same for you.” Monica set her plate on the small table before them. “After Prince Omar’s press conference, and providing Kord doesn’t have something that requires my attention, we can start the self-defense classes.”
“I’m not interested.” Yasmine walked to the window, weeping softly.
Enough of this weakness from a princess. “Yasmine, you have a decision to make.” Monica joined her and resisted the urge to shake the princess like someone should have done to her when Liam’s treachery hit the forefront. “It’s time to face the facts. You broke the rules. You knew better. You played a risky game with Malik. Both of you were caught and faced discipline. Did Malik ever request your hand in marriage? Why didn’t he offer to marry you in the kitchen the night of his arrest?”
Yasmine touched her lips and paled.
“Instead of facing your consequences like a strong woman of royalty, you cry as though your tears will erase what you and Malik have done. Rather selfish, don’t you think? Face the truth. Time to return to your studies. Bring honor to your family. Choose now to put the past behind you and learn from your mistakes.”
The room grew quiet.
“You’re unfair,” Yasmine said. “You have no idea what it’s like for women in my country.”
“You’re right. But it’s how you’ve grown up. If your goal is tohelp bring more reforms to women, then expand your education and seek advances in an appropriate way.”
“But I’ll never see Malik again.”
“That could be a blessing. The man encouraged you to lie. He’s been accused of betraying your brother.” Monica softened her tone. “You have the rest of your life to find purpose and meaning.”
Yasmine rushed to her room, the manner in which the two princesses handled their emotions. Monica returned to her coffee and looked at Fatima. “Guess I was too harsh.”
Fatima blinked. “Not at all. I’ve been mothering her, and my efforts haven’t improved her attitude.”
