Page 61 of High Treason
“Yep. I’ve read it.”
“And?”
“I’m still searching. Prince Omar urges me to accept Islam, and I see similarities with the Bible.” He paused. “But I see the differences, too.”
“Take a look at archaeology,” she said. “The Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of Josephus.”
“Have been. A discussion for another time.”
She pressed on with her own agenda before he attempted to kiss her and she let him. Great, she should be praying for his soul, notcontemplating a kiss. “Prince Omar had Fares deliver new phones to Fatima and Yasmine right away. They voiced their displeasure about not having their previous contact information, which I assume the prince heard. Not sure why those two haven’t figured out their brother hears everything. Or maybe they have and don’t care. A few moments later, they were both on the balcony texting. Could be innocent, or it could be treacherous.”
“What are you thinking?”
“Looking for an opportunity to see for myself. And I’m certain to have Prince Omar’s support.”
“He may confiscate their phones again for the same reason.”
“If I’m caught, I lose their trust. Tough call. I believe transparency is my key to either exonerating the princesses or proving one or both of them is guilty. I hope not the latter. Malik hasn’t left the witness stand for me. Yasmine is in love with him. But if she’s hiding anything, then she’s a master at lying.” She lowered her voice. “Of course her sister has the same broken heart issue.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” His phone buzzed with an incoming call. “Great timing.” He answered. “Nasim. I’d like for my partner to hear our conversation. She’s CIA.” Kord listened and nodded. “Thank you.” He motioned for her to lean in to the phone. “What’s happening?”
His voice cracked. “My wife and sons are dead. They took my daughter.”
“Who?”
“I never saw them. They broke into my home while I was at work. I blame those who found out what I learned about Prince Omar.”
“I’m sorry. Let me help you escape. Where are you now?”
“At my brother’s house, but I can’t stay here.”
“The safe house is eleven miles from your village. Head north. I’ll alert them.”
“No car. Will call later.”
“Get help before you go after your daughter.”
The call ended, and Kord pressed in another number. The man would not survive unless he followed Kord’s instructions. “Nasim is walking your direction. Family killed. Daughter taken. No positive ID on who’s responsible. I’ll get back to you ASAP.” He pressed in another number and explained to Prince Omar what had happened.
When the calls ended, she secured his attention with a whisper. “Nasim al-Bazzi?”
He nodded.
“One of ours too.” She texted Jeff, the third message tonight. She prayed that between the CIA and FBI, Nasim would escape death.
“Problem is,” Kord said, “I bet he goes after his daughter.”
She moaned. “Can’t blame him.”
“I’d do the same. She’s probably dead, and he’s walking into a trap.”
“I’m staying here until we have intel about Nasim and a plan forward with Malik. The princesses are busy, and I can keep you company. Or help take out Ali.”
“Ali’s not a bad guy. Just thinks differently than you or me.” He leaned his head back. “If the mole is here and giving the enemy our every move, then those of us caught in the rain would be dead.”
“Depends. If all of you were dead but one man, the authorities would have the name.”
“Are you the voice of reason?”
