Page 40 of High Treason
The prince and Dr. Carlson held a private meeting in Princess Gharam’s room. In the meantime, Kord questioned each man for formalities and Monica took notes. The real intel would be revealed later on today.
All seven men were seen in the presence of others.
None of the men had witnessed anything suspicious.
Each man willingly handed over his mobile phone. No texts or calls to follow up.
The men followed Wahhabism.
Body language raised few questions, but those who objected to questioning did so respectfully. Except Ali.
“This is an insult,” Ali said. “Loyalty is earned by service, not by ridiculous interrogation.” He blew out his anger. “For the prince, I will answer you.”
None of his responses caused concern, but Ali remained hostile. Kord couldn’t blame Ali for grieving Zain’s death. Every man handled sorrow differently. As long as his method didn’t involve more deaths.
When the interviews were completed, Kord and Monica discussed their vague findings beyond earshot of others. Someone who’d been trained in deceit was among them.
“The consul general wanted to discuss another matter, but we were interrupted when his office called,” Kord said.
“Call him.”
He pressed in the number and then Speaker. “Consul General al-Fakeeh, has a new driver been assigned to you?”
“Yes. I’m on my way to my office. Do you have a new development?”
“No, sir. We’re working through interviews. You’d mentioned another topic earlier.”
“Prince Omar has a reputation for being a little reckless when it comes to his safety. He likes to take matters into his own hands. I encouraged him to cooperate explicitly with the US regarding Zain’s death and to take heed for another possible assassination attempt. I also asked him to refrain from public appearances. I doubt he’ll take my advice.”
“Thank you.” Kord well understood Prince Omar’s unpredictable behavior. “I’ll remind him of your precautions.”
“Perhaps he’d send his sisters home.”
The thought had entered Kord’s mind. “I’ll do my best.” When the call was completed, he glanced at Monica.
“What’s driving you crazy?” she said.
“Prince Omar forgets his phone, and the situation may have saved his and the consul general’s life, while another man is killed.”
“Picking at me too. Any of his men could have more than one phone. Coincidences are not in my vocabulary.”
“Wondered where you stood with the faith thing.”
“I deal in facts and solid leads. My faith is how I live my life, in obedience to God. The supernatural and chance can weave together, but I’m no expert on the subject.”
He expected her to quote Scripture. Maybe he needed to put aside his stereotypical view on Christians. He’d read the Bible as well as the Quran, Hindu teachings, and Buddhism. None of it made sense. Kord took a quick look around to ensure they maintained privacy. “Why did Prince Omar leave his phone behind?”
She blinked. “Unintentional? Wanted solitude to speak with his mother? A bodyguard picked his pocket?”
“Didn’t want to be interrupted.”
“Interrupted from what? Kord, what are you implying?”
“Not sure, but I intend to find out. If I’m spending too many brain cells with this, I’ll admit it.”
“Boils down to who in his entourage wants him dead.” She folded her arms in front of her. “Let’s discuss this later when you reach your conclusions because I have an opinion.”
“Will I want to hear it?”
