Page 94 of High Treason
“You must protect your cover.”
“Which means I’ve most likely destroyed a friendship.”
“Zain and I were friends, as well as cousins. I miss him.”
The anger she’d seen in Ali reared up again. Grief. Sorrow. “Does he have a family?”
“A wife and two sons.”
Her cell, more like an appendage, summoned her to an update. She read it and forwarded the report to Kord.
“Can you give me the contents?” Ali said.
“Parvin Shah wore a custom tailored suit. Came from Balani here in Houston. A bit extravagant for a woman to pose as a man. What terrorist group funds that kind of prop?”
“One with plenty of resources.”
“We have more and strong allies,” she said.
“They believe the same.”
KORD ENTERED PRINCESS GHARAM’S ROOMupon Prince Omar’s request. The solemn looks on Dr. Carlson’s and the nurse’s faces confirmed the grim news. Princess Gharam’s eyes were closed, and her face held the death shade of gray.
“She needs to be in intensive care,” the doctor said. “Her blood pressure has dipped seriously low. I’d like to make the necessary arrangements now.”
“No,” the woman uttered with her eyes still closed. “This room brings me comfort. If the end is coming, then I want to be here.” She cried out weakly as pain appeared to rush through her body.
Dr. Carlson bent over her. “There’s no need for you to suffer. And the end is not here if you’ll let me help you. We can lengthen your life.”
The prince took her hand. “Mother, please listen to the doctor. Take the pain medication so your body can fight the cancer.”
“Omar, I’m trying to be strong. But I’m so tired. All I want is to be with you and my daughters.”
“I’d like for you to be moved to intensive care and follow Dr. Carlson’s orders.”
Tears slipped over her cheeks. “If you think it’s best.”
He drew in a breath. “Is it wrong for me to want you awhile longer?”
She opened her eyes. “Son, I will do this for you.”
“I’ll get my sisters, and we’ll talk briefly, but then you must rest. I urge you to take the pain medication.”
She gave him a frail smile. “Not enough to put me to sleep.”
“A small dose?”
“Yes.” Her whisper came as an onslaught of agony sped through her.
“And you will find courage to fight the cancer? I want to take you home and watch you walk among the gardens. Tell my family stories of when we were children.”
“I will.”
“Promise?” When she nodded, he gently placed her hand back on the bed. “I spoke to Father earlier, and he’d like a word with you.” He lifted Fatima’s phone from his pocket.
“We haven’t spoken in a long time.”
The prince pressed in a number. “Yes, Father. Mother has given her word to obey the doctor.” He handed the phone to her.
