Page 20 of High Treason
He spoke as though giving directions to the nearest McDonald’s. “We needed water. I knew of a well near the camp. Took the risk, not knowing Zain had followed me. Got myself caught by two men. They were ready to behead me when Zain arrived and ended their plans. We slipped back to the cave with water and a little food until the Saudis rescued us and killed the terrorists. Zain and I remained fast friends, and Prince Omar and I have kept in contact ever since. He’s as close as a brother.”
Did the CIA or FBI have reservations about Kord’s alliances? “You saved a young prince and his mother. You infiltrated ISIS. Are you certain the past isn’t linked to the present?”
He leaned his head back on the chair. “I’ve thought about it. Like I said, that retaliation would have happened a long time ago.Doesn’t mean I’m not burning brain cells looking for leads. Since this morning, I’ve mentally checked off some people and highlighted others. Right now I need a one-on-one with Prince Omar.”
“When?”
“First chance I get. Sometime tonight.”
“I’d like to be present, but I also know he won’t be open to having a woman there. I’m counting on you to brief me.” She wanted the info now, but they both did. “What did Ali say?”
“He wants revenge for Zain’s murder. And he saw you at the window with binoculars.”
She expected it. “Do you believe him?”
“In our business, everyone is a suspect. He’s a good man.”
She’d keep her thoughts to herself for now until she had Ali’s background.
“Monica, there are others who despise us and the Saudis.”
“An internal attempt by the Sunnis?”
“Wahhabism is the practicing form of Islam. Doesn’t prevent the Sunnis from protesting.”
She’d considered the same. “I’ve seen the list of names. If we narrow those down to Houston with possible terrorist affiliations, we have a half dozen who could be in the middle of it or have information.”
“The FBI is engaging them in interviews as we speak. Terrorists’ cells seldom leave a cyber or paper trail.”
“Except on the deep web,” she said. “ISIS has recruited those with computer skills.”
“The FBI and CIA are digging into encrypted networks.” Kord looked at her, but his gaze was distant.
“What are you thinking?”
“I have a call in to an informant to see if he can learn the killer’s identity. He has a family and wants them safe in the US.”
“I’m suspicious of a fistful of countries as well as factions within the US,” she said. “Maybe I’ll learn something when I talk to the princesses. Anything there?”
“Could be.”
“What about the other bodyguards and the press secretary or entourage?”
“One.”
“Who—?”
Ali filled the doorway, his massive frame like a grizzly. “Prince Omar is ready to see you now. I’ll escort your assistant to the women’s quarters.”
“Ali, I respectfully request that Prince Omar allow Miss Alden to be a part of this discussion. SAC Thomas and Jeff Carlton value her expertise.”
“I’ll request permission.” The bodyguard disappeared.
“Thank you.” She was starting to like Kord.
“I may owe you a favor before we’re finished.”
Ali returned in less than ten minutes. “Miss Alden is permitted.”
