Page 101 of High Treason
“It’s interesting.” Yasmine eased onto a chair.
Monica bent beside her. “I hope neither of you are ever in a setting that calls for self-defense. But we never know what the future brings. The best we can do is be prepared. As your friend, I want to share what it takes to avoid being hurt.”
“I need to learn too,” Yasmine said. “First I want to say something. Your words about forgetting Malik made me angry. I hated you for them. Then I thought about my desire for women in our country to gain more independence.” She took a deep breath. “By breaking rules with Malik, I did more harm for women than if I’d been obedient. I should have insisted he talk to my father or brother. I think Malik didn’t value me as an equal like he said, but something he could own.” Tears filled her eyes. “If I’m honest with myself, then I know he lied about his love. I will learn how to have wisdom and knowledge—not to be better than a man but to show I have value.”
Monica drew Yasmine into her arms as she’d done in the past. She’d grown incredibly fond of the sisters. “You’re on your way tobecoming a courageous and strong woman. Respect for ourselves and others is the beginning.”
“Malik is on his way home. I hope to one day look at him as a lesson learned and not a broken heart.” She swallowed. “I’m changing clothes so I can join you.”
In less than ten minutes, Yasmine stood beside her sister dressed in Western workout clothes. Monica repeated the same instructions she’d given Fatima. Soon Yasmine mastered the techniques too. “One thing I want to point out is every person, no matter how strong, has weak areas. Those are the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, throat, fingers, toes, and the groin. Memorize them.”
“You mean hit the attacker there?” Yasmine said.
“Exactly. For example in the eyes, use your thumbs, or aim straight at the person with your fingers. By remembering the vulnerable areas, you can use what you have and not be concerned about the absence of a weapon.” She lifted her chin. “Pray you never have to use these techniques.”
“Has it been hard for you?” Yasmine said.
“Easy when someone meant me harm. Self-defense is about preparedness. If a bodyguard has been hurt or is not around, you can be confident of doing your best to protect yourself and others.”
SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT,Kord met with Monica in the foyer for the drive to Coffee Gone Dark. Prince Omar and Ali knew of their plans, and two FBI agents stood at the front door to handle the prince’s protection duty. No way was she making the trip by herself, and he had two reasons.
She’d been working on nailing the Nigerians involved in a weapons case before this assignment. If she’d arranged to meet a contact at the café, she needed Kord to watch her back. Whether the man who’d alarmed Monica’s friend Lori was Middle Eastern or Nigerian or just an admirer, the jaunt was too dangerous for her to take alone.
Yesterday, she’d acquired a cough. Her face was flushed, indicating a possible fever. She could be off her game and need his assistance.
“I’m capable of doing this myself,” she said to Kord.
“Discussion closed, and I’m driving.”
“Text me with whatever you find,” Ali said. “Better yet, call. If this concerns the prince’s assassination attempt, I want to be informed.”
“Will do,” Kord said. “Shouldn’t take long.”
“Ali,” Monica said, “I want to see the face of whoever asked for me at the coffee shop. No matter if he’s related to this case or a previous one, the idea of someone frightening my friend doesn’t sit well.”
“If you feel this is too dangerous for the two of you, I can come along.”
“Thank you, but that leaves us a bodyguard short here,” she said.
Kord had a problem with the way Ali looked at her. The tenderness thing made him ... uneasy. She’d claimed disinterest, and Kord believed her, but Ali could be persuasive.
Kord pulled his keys from his pant pocket. “Ready?”
“Let’s go.”
They left the house in his Charger and headed downtown. The familiar restlessness nipped at his mind. The sooner they saw the Coffee Gone Dark footage, the better.
Kord flipped on his windshield wipers to clear the rain. The streets glistened with a light mist, and more rain was predicted within the hour. He’d been caught in rising waters a few days ago and didn’t wantto be there again. Ali’s attitude toward Monica had gotten tohim.
Focus, Davidson. End this case and then see whom she prefers.
“Are you okay?” she said. “Did I miss something at the press conference?”
“Just thinking about flooding streets.”
“I can swim.” Monica grinned at him, then pulled out herphone. “This is a good time to call Lori. She’ll be in bed, but I was concerned she’d insist on meeting us there.” She pressed in a number. “Hi, Lori, it’s Monica. Sorry about the hour. Wanted to let you know I’ll be at the café in a few minutes.” She paused. “I’m good, and I’m not alone. I’ll disarm the system and arm it when we’re finished. I didn’t want you to find out about it without forewarning.” Ending the call, she leaned her head back.
“I’m not an idiot, Monica. You could have hacked into the coffeehouse’s security system. We’re going fishing, but for whom or what? Or should I ask which case?”
