Page 107 of High Treason
“My sisters will sit with her,” the prince said.
“Good.” They left the room and learned FBI medical help had arrived.
While the doctor tended to Monica, Ali and Kord sat with Prince Omar in his office.
“Before we discuss what happened tonight,” the prince said, “I’m thinking about sending my sisters home. This is far too dangerous for them.”
Kord inwardly sighed relief. “Good.”
“I’ll not make arrangements until I think this through and we have more details. My father has assured me he’ll protect them. It’s telling our mother that concerns me. I’m afraid she’ll give up.” He paused before speaking again. “Tell me what you found at the coffee shop and about the attack.”
Kord shared what they’d seen on the Coffee Gone Dark footage and what happened when Youssof Dagher opened fire on them outside the café. He also relayed what he had learned about how Dagher had entered the US. “The FBI is digging into how he gained access here, possibly through Mexico or under an assumed name.”
“Do you want to know how Saudi Arabia would handle a border problem?”
“I already know.”
“Is Dagher alive?” the prince said.
“Critical. He suffered third-degree burns over 50percent of his body. I’ll be notified of any changes in his condition.”
“He didn’t suffer enough. Rashid Dagher is in custody and being questioned. Do you know where he was staying?”
“No, Amir. We haven’t learned that yet.”
“How long will it take?”
“A few hours. We want answers too, and my patience is wearing thin.”
Prince Omar released a deep sigh. “This has all of us short-tempered.”
“In addition to the Dagher men’s family ties to Malik, Monica and I are working on a separate link tying them all to Parvin Shah. Intel is scouring for footage all over the world as well as reaching out to informants while monitoring online presences.”
“Earlier, I sent word to have Malik questioned again. The people around me always meet with rigid security, but that doesn’t mean one or more of them isn’t an enemy.”
Kord received a call from the FBI doctor and tapped Speaker.
“Agent Davidson, Miss Alden has double pneumonia. She claimed to have had cold-like symptoms for the last week, and being exposed to the recent weather hasn’t helped. I recommended hospitalization, but she opposed it. I’ve prescribed antibiotics. WithPrince Omar’s permission, I’d like to have some IV equipment and meds delivered with instructions on how to change the bag. ASAP.”
“Fatima could do this,” the prince said.
“I’ll need to report her condition to SAC Thomas.”
The prince held up his hand to signal Kord. “She stays here, and she doesn’t need to be replaced.”
“If she doesn’t get any worse, I can check on her here,” the doctor said. “Can I meet you in the foyer with further instructions?”
AT11:15 A.M.,Kord received a call from the hospital that Youssof Dagher had regained consciousness. Still critical and receiving care for his injuries, but alive. Kord informed Prince Omar and Ali, but he wouldn’t waken Monica. She’d not be happy to learn Youssof had been questioned without her. Yet she’d understand the nature of what they were doing. Their mission came first. He arranged for an agent to take his place at the mansion and wrote her a note before driving to the burn center at Memorial Hermann.
During the alone time, his thoughts turned to Monica. Last night he’d kissed her, and he’d welcome the chance to do it again. He laughed at recalling her reactions to being diagnosed with double pneumonia. She was one upset lady. No way would anyone hold her back from working a case. What would a future be like with a CIA operative?
Gorgeous. Skilled. Intelligent. Committed to her job.
Christian.
The God-Jesus thing had him rethinking his agnostic views. Fortoo long he’d been searching for purpose and an answer for how this world came to be. He didn’t believe he was a sack of chemicals, a being whose thoughts were merely electrical impulses. Was he a product of a big bang? The result of a huge fireball? Who or what set the standards for right and wrong? He’d read the Bible from cover to cover—twice. Also read the Quran twice. The Bible and archaeological proof had leverage. It was the grace thing that didn’t fit into the human personality ... or was grace what each person needed?
While Monica’s family believed she was finding her way in the career world, she put her life on the line to keep them safe. But she didn’t appear bitter about her family’s view of her. Instead, she claimed they loved each other unconditionally. The strange part of her faith came in her conviction—totally out there, and nothing he’d ever experienced before.
