Page 32 of High Treason
This afternoon during the prince’s downtime, she had many things to confirm with Kord, beginning with whom he or the FBI suspected of carrying out the plot to kill the prince.
As they turned onto Holcombe, she texted Kord.Would u ask Prince Omar if I can visit Princess Gharam?
Her question wasn’t inappropriate as long as she filtered it through Kord. A few minutes later, he responded.
A brief mtg 2 introduce yourself as my assistant. Nothing else.
Ok. Thanks.
She is unaware of ur protection detail.
At the hospital, Monica sat outside the office door where the other men gathered with Dr. Carlson and two other physicians. She stepped into her people-watching mode. At times she wanted tosay, “Stand up straight” or “Cute children” or “Great smile.” Tough habit to break. She continued for thirty minutes until Kord exited.
“I’ll escort you to see Princess Gharam,” he said. “The prince has another meeting for a second opinion on her condition.”
She joined him en route to the elevator. “Bad news?”
“The cancer has metastasized to other organs and her brain. This morning they started testing her body’s ability to handle the trial drugs. Dr. Carlson recommends a double mastectomy. He doesn’t sound very optimistic about her recovery. Just buying time.” He sighed. “Prince Omar wants to be sure he’s making the right decision.”
She mulled over how the culture protected their women, made sure they were properly taken care of. “I assume he’ll determine the treatment, perhaps without consulting her.”
“Possibly so.”
“What if she believes the surgery is necessary and he thinks otherwise?”
Kord glanced at her. “What do you think?”
“I wouldn’t survive under his rein, and I do meanr-e-i-n.”
“The truth is, if the surgery and treatments lengthen her life for one day, she wants it. Her children mean everything to her. The prince has seen her suffering, and it’s a tough decision.”
“When is the surgery scheduled?”
“Monday—if she gains strength.”
The elevator doors opened, and they entered what looked like a hotel suite. The prince had spared no cost for his mother’s stay. The furnishings and traditionally styled decor in soft shades of cream and healing shades of green caught Monica’s attention and calmed her. The princess definitely needed an environment conducive to healing.
“Before we talk to her, I need to update you,” Kord said. “My informant heard there’s a mole in the prince’s house.”
“Betrayal fits with how the sniper knew when to be in position.”
“I agree.”
“How did Prince Omar respond to the possibility of one of his men being a part of the assassination plot?”
“Staunchly denied his men’s involvement.”
“Not surprised.”
Inside Princess Gharam’s room, a nurse wearing ahijabtended her. The familiar clothing and another woman to possibly share prayer times must be comforting.
Kord approached her bed. “Princess Gharam, it’s good to see you.As salaam alaikum.”
She returned the greeting. Exhaustion deepened the lines around her eyes.
“I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Monica Alden,” he said. “She’s my assistant.”
The princess turned to Monica and held out her hand. Monica held it gently. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
