Page 48 of High Treason
“Is Mother well-guarded?”
“Prince Omar has men positioned around her at all times. No one comes near her without clearance.”
Fatima lifted her chin. “If we are the next victims, locks won’t keep anyone out. There are men within this home who will protect us. We don’t need Americans interfering in our business.”
Did she have no clue of the real world? “We’re risking our lives to ensure you have yours,” Monica said.
“Aren’t you an assistant to a press secretary?” Fatima said. “What do you know?”
“I have solid training.”
“What if you make mistakes?” Fatima said. “Whose fault is Zain’s death? If we were home, he’d be alive today.”
“Are you saying the tragedy is Mother’s fault?” Yasmine’s voice rose.
“No, Sister. I’m saying this wouldn’t have occurred at home.”
“I do have a license to carry a firearm, and I’ve taken professional instruction,” Monica said. “I’m a light sleeper. If an intruder is able to sneak past the bodyguards, I assure you the rustle of gaining entry would wake me. I’m quite capable of defending you.” Monica refused to mention a trained killer had methods beyond their understanding. Or that she’d really like to shake a few people in this house and open their eyes to the seriousness of the matter.
Ignorance was not bliss.
Might get a throat cut, like the poor janitor at Paramount High School.
“How did you move from serving coffee to being Kord’s assistant?” Fatima’s voice would freeze water. “That’s a little degrading for him, don’t you think? But you Western women have your ways.”
Realization hit—Fatima believed Monica and Kord were together. The princess’s flame burned hot and green. Kord needed to straighten out this mess with her. But how?
Monica plastered a smile on her face. No point in Princess Fatima having the satisfaction of riling her. “My job is to follow Kord’s orders. So get over your animosity.” She walked to the door leading to the hallway, locked it, and made her way back to Fatima. Forcing pleasantness into her voice, she stared into the woman’s brooding eyes. “If you like, I’ll show you the art of self-defense, how to use a knife or send a bullet into the heart of an enemy. I took those lessons too. Let me know, and I’ll fit your training into my schedule.”
“It’s impossible for a woman to defend herself against a man,” Fatima said. “It would be a waste of time.”
“Just because they’re bigger and stronger doesn’t mean we can’t overpower them.”
Yasmine reached out to Monica. “I want to learn. If the offer is for me too, I’ll request permission from my brother.”
“By all means. Every woman, regardless of her religion or culture, needs to have the skills necessary to keep her from harm.”
Fatima rose and returned to her bedroom.
“My chances of becoming her friend are zero,” Monica said. “She’s a beautiful woman, and from her accomplishments, she’s highly intelligent.” Would Yasmine open up about her sister?
“The problem is not you,” Yasmine whispered. “She’s very unhappy.”
“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
“Nothing will make her happy but the impossible. She’s been in love with Mr. Davidson for years. Seeing him here is difficult.”
The prince would hear every word. Would he confront Kord about his sister’s feelings?
“And since he’s training me, I spend a lot of time with him.” Monica kept her voice low.
“Yes. I’m sorry. She fears our brother may have arranged a marriage to a man she despises while her heart is for another.”
How would Monica ever win Fatima over?
Kord sat with Prince Omar alone in his office and discussed personal times together, avoiding critical matters at hand. The prince’s phone alerted him to a text. He read it and handed the phone to Kord. A photo of Princess Gharam covered in blood filled the screen. A caption read,Cancer won’t kill her. I will. U 2 will soon b dead.
Taking a pad of paper, the prince wrote and pushed it Kord’s way.Your theory about a phone hack may be correct.
