Page 130 of High Treason
She tilted her head. “Only that Omar believed he was doing the best for our country.”
“And Malik shared the same conviction?”
“I assumed so. Monica, I’ve told all I can remember. I hate him. He’s not who I thought he was at all.”
KORD SPENT THE REMAINDERof Tuesday morning reviewing security footage from every venue in which Jafar or Parvin might have been present. FBI and CIA techs were on it, but he wanted insight now, which meant doggedly pursuing every angle. The FIG beat him to the find—Parvin visited Jafar twice after the prince landed in Houston. Both trips at night to his apartment. She appeared to avoid one camera, as though knowing where it was located, but missed a second one. Didn’t mean Jafar was guilty of conspiracy—only that he and his sister had met.
Shortly after lunch, Kord sat in Prince Omar’s office with Ali and the prince awaiting a live feed from Riyadh. Monica slept, but she could view it later. A protective nature for her had him concerned for her weakened condition.
Kord mulled over the connection points for the plot. Information about the conservatives lacked clarity. None of them would own up to an assassination attempt to reinforce their views of how the country should handle natural resources. Monica believed Malik held a critical role, while Kord wavered. Could the former press secretarybe innocent and simply have done his father’s bidding and tried to help Youssof, a wayward cousin?
“Prince Omar, Malik is in place to answer your questions,” Ali said.
Malik faced a plea for his life. His whitethobewas streaked with dirt and bloodstains, and bruises marred his features.
“Malik,” Prince Omar said, “your story hasn’t changed.”
He lifted his head and stared into the camera. “Because it is the truth.”
“I have new questions, ones that might jar your mind and help you remember.”
Malik closed his eyes. “I doubt I can help, but I will answer.”
“What were the dates of your trip to Iraq?”
“January 3 to the thirteenth. Prince Omar, I’ve answered this before.”
“Ten days is a long time.”
“My cousin, Rashid Dagher, took a while to make a decision about returning home.”
“What was his delay?”
“His wife’s family didn’t want them to leave.”
“I see,” the prince said. “You know Parvin Shah was killed in an assassination attempt. But we’ve uncovered more. She worked with Youssof Dagher, and he’s dead.”
Malik startled.
“Are you surprised at the death of your cousin?”
“I have no knowledge of this woman. I thought Youssof lived here with his family.”
“Not so. He left for Iraq and ended up in Houston. He attempted to kill Miss Alden and Kord but failed. He sped away but sustained serious burns and injuries in a car explosion that resulted in his death.”
Malik rubbed his face. “I spent time with Youssof. I thought he’d be fine once in Riyadh.”
“Why did the two of you spend three days in Baghdad?”
“When I broached the subject of wanting to get to know him better, he suggested a short trip. I asked where, and he said Baghdad.”
Prince Omar crossed his arms over his chest. “Why?”
“I asked the same, and he claimed to like the city.”
“What happened there?”
“Visited mosques. Talked for hours.”
