Page 24 of High Treason
Kord clenched his fist. “I refuse to see you end up like Zain.”
“Then where do we begin? Syria? Yemen? Iran? The oil situation that fuels power and hatred? The constant actions of ISIS? The Sunni? Those in Iraq who side with Iran? The protesters in your country?”
“What’s changed?” Kord said.
“There are no fools in this game. All roads lead to Iran, and our sources are on it. Just who is carrying the smoking gun, only Allah knows. We’ll hunt down all those involved and execute them.”
Kord understood a nation’s pride and how the prince believed his country deserved the distinction of eliminating the killer. “Are you ready to exchange names?”
“I gave those to Carlton and Thomas.”
Kord believed he was holding back, but why? “You have more. When will you share what’s really happening?”
“I’m waiting for a report inside Iran. If correct, then we can move forward. You stated earlier you had an idea.”
“I’m also waiting on info—from a man inside Iraq. Politically connected, and I trust him implicitly. He’s helped the FBI many times, but his concern is for his family. I didn’t want to mention it at dinner and expose his cover. As soon as he calls, I’ll relay the information.”
“We could help him get out of Iraq or protect his family.”
“I’ll make sure he’s aware of your generosity.”
“Is he a friend from your upbringing there?”
“No, my work with the FBI. It’s been too many years since I lived among the Iraqis to have a reliable informant from that time.”
“Ah, weak men sway with the wind. Do you suspect a man here or in the Middle East?”
Kord wished he could give him a name or a group. “If I did, he’d be dead or in jail.”
“Saudi eyes miss nothing.”
“Do you trust every man in this house?”
He pressed his lips and nodded. “It makes this conversation difficult. But someone leaked information about my arrival.”
“Do any of your men side with the conservatives?”
“No. That bunch is in Riyadh.”
Kord took a sip of coffee. “Amir, I see your schedule is blocked for personal time.”
“I need to ensure my mother’s care and possible surgery can be done with my presence. Business meetings will occur then too.”
Kord knew the prince far too well, and idleness wasn’t in his vocabulary. “When is the first meeting with oil and gas executives?”
“Tomorrow afternoon with Shell. Also talking to Exxon the end of the week.”
“Who’s aware of the meetings?”
“Malik and Ali.”
Monica had jarred loose his investigative skills. Unless a hacker had been successful in obtaining Prince Omar’s schedule, a traitor roamed the house. “You’ll keep me posted on all developments?”
“You are my ambassador to the Americans.” He smiled. “Tomorrow is a busy day and we need our rest.”
“Before we head to bed, may I ask two favors?”
“Of course.”
