Page 126 of High Treason
“It’s in the book of Monica. Sure hope there are leftovers in the fridge.”
“If not, I’ll whip up scrambled eggs.”
“With lots of cheese.”
She took slow, deliberate steps. Not since she’d caught malaria had she been this weak. Clinging to the smooth metal railing, she worked her way down the winding steps while he carried her medicine bag and supported her arm. “Keep talking to me,” she whispered. “Keeps my mind off myself.”
“What kind of a diamond do you want?”
“A little sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“I’m bedazzling you.”
“Where did you get that word?”
“Found it in the dictionary.”
She could get used to Kord Davidson. Seemed to take far too long to get to the kitchen.
Ali entered the room. “Thought I heard you two talking.” He shook his head at her. “You need to be resting.”
“I will once I get something to eat.”
He wrapped his arms across his chest. “I’m staying until you do. And Jeff Carlton is at the gate.”
Prince Omar walked in dressed in jeans. “I want to hear what Mr. Carlton has to say.”
What were the odds of the kitchen being the most common meeting area?
Oh, well, there went her idea of having Kord all to herself.
A short time later, Jeff sat at the kitchen table, while Kord scrambled eggs with chives and cheese for her. Coffee brewed. Maybe it would keep her awake.
“Are you checking on my progress or are you bringing info?” she said.
“How’s the pneumonia?”
“Better.” If only the fever would break. Kord set the eggs before her, and she picked up a fork. Needed nutrition to work smart. “Tell us what you’ve learned.”
Jeff smiled, his scruffy beard causing him to look like a college kid. “Figured you’d say that. We have a lead on Parvin Shah’s brother, a man who’s lived here in Houston for eight years. Works as a librarian at the downtown branch of the library she frequented. He didn’t pop up on the initial search for Shah’s family because they don’t share the same last name.”
She perked. “You have him in custody?”
“On it. A follow-up earlier this evening with the library director shows he hasn’t been at work for the past two days. Neither has he called in or responded to his phone. Not his habit. Well liked and dependable. He’s a naturalized citizen, lived in Houston since his arrival to the US.”
“Address?”
“The apartment was cleaned out. We’ve got a BOLO out now with his photo. Viewing security video from his apartment complex as we speak.”
“Anything left behind we can use?”
“He has a strong resemblance to his sister. Sending pic of Jafar Turan to your and Kord’s phones.”
“Mine and Ali’s,” Prince Omar said.
“Yes, sir. Jafar Turan has a clean background.”
“Definitely not the kingpin?” she said.
