Page 132 of High Treason
“I’m loyal to you.”
“My final question—are you prepared to die for your crimes, or do you wish to provide names in exchange for your life?”
“I have never betrayed you or any member of the Saud family. If you choose to execute me, know you are killing an innocent man.”
Monica’s phone rang late afternoon after a nap. A call from Mom while on a mission was seldom a good thing. Except this time Monica didn’t mind, and she was in the mood to chat. Closing her eyes, she breathed in and out while willing her lungs to work properly.
“Hi.” Mom’s cheery voice greeted her. “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time. I thought the coffee shop would be closed for the day.”
“It is, so talk away. Love hearing your voice.”
“Are you in the middle of dinner?”
“No, and it wouldn’t be a problem if I was.”
“Your dad and I want to see you. Wondering when you’d be available for us to visit.”
“Were you reading my mind? I was thinking of a trip home.”
“I’m so excited. When?”
Monica touched her chest. The cough would most likely linger. “In six weeks. I can take a few days then, like a Thursday through Sunday afternoon.”
“Before Memorial Day?”
“Yes, unless you want me to wait until then and take two more days.”
Her mother squealed.
“Okay, that settles it. I’ll be home on Friday the twenty-fifth and fly back on June 3.” She’d put in for leave now before getting a new assignment.
“I can hardly wait. We’ll have a new foal then.” While Mom talked about farm life, Dad’s refusal to slow down, and her brothers and their families, she longed to join them. But only for the planned week.
She’d go nuts after that, but she’d never tell them so. Her dear family meant too much to hurt them.
“I’m going to have all your favorite foods. The rhubarb should be ready then too. Have you saved up enough to buy your own coffee shop?”
“Not sure I want the responsibility of ownership.”
“My winsome daughter. I don’t care. Do what makes you happy. Is there a special young man?”
Monica thought about saying yes, but the complications from it might snowball. “Maybe.”
“Bring him with you. He can have your brother’s room.”
“No promises.” Now why did she offer such a thing?
THE DOCTOR ARRIVED AT 5:00 P.M.to see Monica. Not a moment too soon as far as she was concerned. He removed the IV and took her temp.
“Still running a fever,” he said. “Let me check your lungs.” He listened and she prayed, but he frowned. “Neither lung is clear. I’ll be back on Friday.”
It was what he didn’t say that bothered her the most.
“Stay on the bronchodilators and antibiotics. Don’t attempt any strenuous activities. A little walking is good. Rest often.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.”
She hadn’t requested the doctor’s approval about attending the rodeo, and she hoped the prince hadn’t either. Priorities meant a few sacrifices.
