Page 26 of High Treason
She bit back a grin, but he saw it. “Or get your throat cut.”
“Hard to choose which could be worse.”
“Sure enough, Romeo.”
“Not funny.”
They walked to the natatorium, where the prince awaited them with Ali. The prince shouldn’t be annoyed with her dress. Although the damage had already been done.
Kord and Monica seated themselves on a gold tufted sofa across from the prince. His old friend’s eyelids looked heavy, aging him way beyond his forty-two years and cementing the need to keep the conversation short. A tray of coffee had been delivered. More caffeine would keep Kord awake when he needed rock-solid sleep, but respecting the hospitality guidelines was more important. Ali poured three cups. Kord waited until Prince Omar grasped his before he and Monica took theirs.
“Prince Omar, I appreciate your taking the time for Miss Alden to have a word with you,” Kord said.
“Yes, of course. Miss Alden, what can I do for you?” As expected, he offered no eye contact.
“I appreciate this opportunity in light of today’s tragedies. It’s an honor to be a part of the team to protect you and your family. You were briefed about my Middle Eastern experience. I also have the ability to read lips and a photographic memory. I have a mental snapshot of every detail about today: where your bodyguards were positioned, the exterior of the Frozen Rock, and how investigators have swept the crime scenes. While on the roof of the high school, I zeroed in on the surroundings there as well. Each man or woman who passed us at the high school is in my head, those at the hospital, and the description of each man at dinner tonight.” She lifted her chin, a little risky if the prince viewed her boldness as disrespectful. “I regret my first impression on you, and I don’t have an excuse. In your travels, you’ve been to many events in which Western dress is prevalent and appropriate. I will do my best to honor your preference of a woman’s appearance whenever possible. Please note, your safety is my priority. I want to assure you of my commitment to the mission and to help prevent another death.”
Kord turned to the prince for his reaction.
“Did you read the lips of any who might be a suspect?” the prince said.
“Possibly. I’m researching all those, including Americans and Saudis.”
“I want your conclusions.”
She didn’t dare implicate Ali with him standing there.
“As soon as I can verify them. I refuse to cast suspicion until I have facts.”
“You carry a weapon at all times?” he said.
“Usually two.”
“Now?”
“Yes, Prince Omar.”
“Are you accurate?”
“My record states so.”
“You’re a follower of the book?”
He meant Jewish or Christian. “I’m a follower of Jesus.”
“If given the time, I’d very much like to discuss your faith.”
“I’d be honored.”
“Do you enjoy your work at the coffee shop?”
“Yes. I like people.” Monica’s face showed no emotion.
“And what kind of coffee do you serve?”
She smiled. “Arabic.”
“Why?”
