Page 131 of High Treason
“Weren’t you fearful of bombings? Shootings?”
Malik moistened his lips. “Encouraging my cousin to be a good man was more important.”
“Whom did you meet with there?”
“Neither of us saw anyone we knew.”
“Were the two of you ever separated?”
Malik blinked. “Twice he went for food, and I stayed behind.”
“Unusual?”
“He was insistent I rest.”
“Were you ill?”
“A stomach problem from bad food.”
“How convenient he was unaffected.”
“Prince Omar, when can I leave this wretched place?”
“When I have the truth. If it’s a comfort, you will leave. How remains to be seen.” Prince Omar turned to Kord. “What would you like to ask?”
Kord wished this was face-to-face. “Did Youssof have unsavory friends? Did you see any of them?”
“No.”
“Names?”
“No.”
“What was Rashid’s argument with these men?”
“They stressed violence against enemies.”
“I see,” Kord said. “Had Youssof participated in any of their activities?”
“Rashid wasn’t aware, but he worried his son might soon embrace their ways. I asked Youssof about his friends, and he claimed they were fine and his father was suspicious of every Iraqi or Iranian.”
The first bit of information that Malik had offered on his own. Truth? Lies? “Were they Iraqis or Iranians?”
“I have no idea.”
“Did you hear any statements termed as treason?”
“If so, I’d have told Prince Omar.”
The prince huffed. “Like you told me about my sister?”
Malik lifted his chin. “I am not a traitor. I’d give my life for you.”
And he might if evidence proved otherwise soon. Kord posed a question. “Who is Jafar Turan?”
“I have no idea. Never heard the name.”
Prince Omar indicated he wished to speak. “Do you side with the conservatives?”
