Page 128 of High Treason
But this morning she allowed him to hover over her. Falling face-first down the stairs might stop her from attending the rodeo on Thursday.
In the prince’s office, she sat beside Kord. Coffee was served, and she desperately needed a second cup. The prince gave her his attention.
“Miss Alden, you look feverish.”
“I’m much better, Prince Omar.”
“Following doctor’s orders by multiple ascents and descents of the stairs?”
Ouch. “I’m taking the antibiotics and sleeping.”
“So my sisters tell me.” He rested his cup on a saucer. “During the night, Kord and I requested information. Kord, would you fill her in?”
“Jafar has not left the States since his arrival in 2009. Legally, that is. I sent a request for sources inside Iran to learn about ParvinShah and Jafar Turan with ties to anyone in Saudi Arabia, specifically Rashid and Youssof Dagher and Malik al-Kazaz.”
The prince’s phone sounded, and she paused to listen. He spoke in Arabic to someone she believed was the director of Saudi security. Out of respect, she rose to leave.
“Miss Alden, wait.” The prince immediately returned to his native language.
Ali gestured for her to sit, and she did.
“Are you certain?” The prince listened for a few moments longer. “Arrange a live interrogation with Malik. I want to pose questions. Dig into his mother’s death. Also I want more on Youssof Dagher’s companions in Iraq. We need answers.”
The conversation ended, and Prince Omar set his phone on a side table. “You heard my part of the conversation. I’ll let you know when the interrogation takes place.” He eased back in his chair. “We have additional intel. Jafar Turan had military training before entering the United States. He’s not associated with any Iranian government official. We don’t know who recruited his sister, trained her, or what the motive behind their actions is in connection with Saudi Arabia.”
“Youssof claimed to have recruited Parvin, but where does Jafar fit? A sleeper cell doesn’t make sense. We assume the ultimate goal of the plot is to eliminate Prince Omar, but why Parvin, Youssof, and Jafar?” Kord said. “And the consistent question is what Saudi paid an Iranian to assassinate Prince Omar?”
“We’re researching a plot by the conservatives,” Prince Omar said. “I’ve read the reports and shared them with Saudi officials. We need to find Jafar alive. If he’s killed, we’ll have a difficult time stopping the enemy from sending another assassin or suicide bombers into my country or here.”
“Would you cancel the rodeo event on Thursday?” Kord said.
“Not at all. Jafar may have slipped out of the country since he’sa fugitive, but I’m prepared to hire additional security to protect my family here and friends at the rodeo.”
“I intend to accompany you,” Monica said.
“Miss Alden, the doctor will have a few things to say about that decision.”
“I heal quickly.”
“What about your fever?”
She might have to pull a trigger on Kord for that question. “I’m sure it’s normal now.”
Prince Omar huffed. “We’ll allow the doctor to deny or permit your participation.”
She’d not let anything or anyone deter her. Including the doctor.
“I’ll escort Miss Alden to her room,” Ali said.
“Good. I need a word with Kord.”
Exhaustion seemed to take a chunk out of her normal vibrancy.
“May I encourage you to stay in bed,” the prince said.
She rose and slowly moved to the doorway. A bit of dizziness swept over her, and Ali grabbed her arm.
“Last night’s meeting in the kitchen weakened you,” the prince said.
