Page 68 of High Treason
“Going on now. Might have an update when we talk.”
“We need more of a break than two men who share the same height.”
“Right. You were amazing today. I’m a lucky guy to have you as my partner.”
His words touched her in a forbidden place.Change the subject, Monica.“You’d have done the same thing. I have a topic to discuss with you. The prince sent me to join his sisters after the episode with Malik and Yasmine. We talked in the common area. I assume he’s listened to every word.”
“Bank on it.”
“Would he share that with you?”
“Possibly, if Yasmine admitted something. Is there a problem?”
She wished for the umpteenth time that she hadn’t mentioned Liam. Telling Fatima and Yasmine came far too easily. The truth flowed from her lips despite that others would learn about her regrettable past. Not her normal mode of operation. Small comfort if the prince or Kord had done a thorough history—they already knew. “This house is filled with cameras and listening devices. Makes me uncomfortable. But in his position, I’d do the same to protect my loved ones.”
“We have nothing to hide.”
Privacy was essential in their mission, but she’d not speak of needing it inside the home and neither would Kord. Ali ... maybe he wasn’t a part of the prince’s betrayal. He’d risked his life today.
Malik was in a cell when the bomb was brought to the house. But she believed Malik had not worked alone.
The undeniable fact repeatedly surfaced. They had no clue who wanted Prince Omar dead. And she felt incredibly inept. Why hadn’t Jeff given her the mission of finding who was responsible for the murders instead of ... this?
SHORTLY AFTER 4P.M.,Kord learned the Honda driven by the suspect was found at a used car lot.
The owner of the dealership became suspicious when the news indicated a potential killer was on the loose in a car matching one he’d just taken as a trade-in. A Hispanic man with an accent had paid cash for a red Chevy pickup truck. He wore jeans, a T-shirt that saidAnything for Selenas, a tattered cowboy hat, and dirt-covered boots. Went by the name of Jose Alvarez. Upon further questioning, the dealer claimed Alvarez was of slight build and had no mustache.
They assumed at least two men were involved in the assassination attempts, but that speculation needed verification.
HPD verified the Honda had been reported stolen the day before, and the owner of the used car lot had been given a false title. Kord relived the frustration he’d seen in Monica’s face earlier.
Nasim hadn’t called, and Kord feared the worst. Others insideIraq could provide valuable intel, but this man was a friend. Took risks to bring positive changes to his country and the Middle East. The tragedy in Nasim’s life made Kord question why he considered the existence of God, why the matter pressed against his mind. Only his desire to find a superior being who made more sense than the failings of mankind kept him looking, exploring.
He’d become way too philosophical.
Kord walked to the natatorium, reaching deep and searching for who and what motivated the relentless assault. Two and a half days with Prince Omar, and he knew little more than on Tuesday morning when he’d met his friend at the airport.
Prince Omar entered the area and the two men ventured outside onto the grounds, warm with the western sun. “Kord, you would tell me if the plot is from the Americans?”
The somber look on his old friend’s face clouded the truth of who Kord was and his ideals. “I assure you the US government is not behind this. Why would SAC Thomas and the CIA be supporting you to end the killings and crimes?”
“The perfect American cover-up?”
“No, Amir. In this instance you’re wrong. I understand your doubt, the distrust, but the US government is on your side. Are you thinking Malik is innocent?”
“Looking at all the possibilities. I’ve spent hours thinking through every person in this house and at home, even my sisters. Kord, I have no suspects.”
“Malik is no longer here, but he could have easily given your schedule to the media, or an accomplice, before arriving in the US. He could also have arranged for the bomb to be planted in the food delivery. If he isn’t the one who betrayed you, we’ll soon find out.”
“What course of action do you recommend? Because the waiting is making me short-tempered.”
“I suggest rearranging every item—again. Better yet, don’t go anywhere.”
The prince smiled despite the bleak circumstances. “That won’t happen. Once dinner is over, we’ll retire to my office and reschedule everything. It may be a problem with some appointments, especially those regarding my mother. For example it’s impossible to change her surgery date and time. We’ll need extra men with us to cover it.”
“For the after-dinner meeting, shall I include Monica?” Kord wanted her input rather than giving info to her secondhand.
“I prefer she keep company with my sisters.”
