Page 30 of High Treason
“What else would you like for it to say?”
“The US and Saudi Arabia refuse to give up the name of the killer or his motive.” The prince turned to Kord. “Does my plan meet with your approval?”
“Will the announcement prompt the real killer to strike again? Or will he shut down until the media reports fade to the next sensationalism, then strike again?”
“Nothing the FBI has done before or after my arrival stopped the murders.”
Kord chose his words. “Prince Omar, this has the possibility of blowing up in our face. We—”
Prince Omar lifted a finger. “We all manipulate media for our benefit. If it serves a purpose, what’s the difference?”
“How will your suggestion help us find those responsible when we’re giving them time to regroup?”
“It buys time, my friend, and informants.”
Kord’s secure phone alerted him to a text—his contact from Iraq. Perfect timing. He captured Prince Omar’s and the consul general’s attention. “This is important. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’d like to take the call in private.”
“If it relates to Zain’s death,” Prince Omar said, “you can talk while we’re here.”
Choose your battles.“Would you do the same for me?”
The prince hesitated, then smiled. “Take the call wherever you choose. If there’s one man I can trust, it’s you.”
Kord thanked him. The recording devices located all over the home would hear the one-sided conversation, so he walked through the foyer and onto the front grounds. He touched Nasim’s number, and the man greeted him in Arabic.
“I received your text,” Kord said in Nasim’s native tongue.
“I have little information, my friend. The plot you are seeking against Prince Omar didn’t originate in Iraq or Iran. Neither do I have a leader’s name or those funding the scheme. From what I’ve learned, Prince Omar has an enemy in his house.”
“What’s your source?”
“Iranian intel. Secure.”
“What else was said?”
“The enemy in Prince Omar’s house would destroy him.”
“Keep searching. Anything you can find, no matter how minuscule.”
“I give you my word. How is my father?”
“Spoke with him two days ago. He likes Seattle, but the cold and wet bother him. Says he can’t get warm.”
“Very good.” Nasim laughed softly. “Give him my best. Tell him I look forward to the day when we are together. Tell him the children are growing.”
“Every time you help me is documented for your benefit. If you fear for your family’s safety, the Saudis will help as well as my contacts.”
“Good. I’m pleased. I’ll call you again soon.”
Kord phoned SAC Thomas and relayed the information. “Sir, the new piece is possible betrayal from among the prince’s trusted men. If true, it narrows our scope. But the prince won’t be convinced easily. His men are like brothers.”
“The situation needs to be addressed.”
“I’ll pull him aside as soon as possible.”
“What’s your take?”
“If someone in the prince’s house is behind this, then a killer was hired to carry out the assassination.”
