Page 70 of High Treason
“Only talk. But three men are dead.”
They needed so much more intel.
AT THE PRINCE’S REQUEST,Monica prepared to enter the common area with the princesses and share dinner with them. If given a choice, she’d eat in her bedroom and sort through the day’s intel and happenings. What a day ...
The bomb.
Kord’s flesh wound.
Nasim’s plight.
Malik’s fate.
Another confirmation of a plot inside Saudi Arabia against Prince Omar.
And tomorrow the trap for the alleged killer. Add to all of it the rising floodwaters devastating much of Houston.
Shaking off the load of work, she opened her bedroom door to greet Fatima and Yasmine. The aroma of fresh bread and vegetables caused her stomach to rumble. The sisters stared out the same window where she’d stood observing Yasmine with Malik.The younger sister had her arm around the older. Kord had texted her that Prince Omar had requested a meeting with Fatima. Could this be bad news?
“Dinner smells wonderful,” Monica said.
Yasmine gave a sad smile.
“Is everything okay?”
Fatima shook her head and faced Monica with tears streaming down her face. “My brother and father have arranged marriage.”
Dare Monica apologize, soothe, or listen? “I’m sure he has your best interests at heart.”
“He thinks so. Plans are being made.”
Monica had more than once been grateful for living in the US. “I hope you find happiness.”
Fatima sighed. “I will do my best. I’ve known the man since we were children.” She lifted her chin as Monica had seen before. “He’s kind.”
“Sister, your dreams of children will come true,” Yasmine said. “You’ll be a wonderful mother.”
“I’ll try to think of those things.”
“We can begin by having a celebratory dinner,” Yasmine said. “Mother will be pleased.”
“My appetite has vanished.” She took a glance out the window. “Yes, we will eat and chat and laugh. Omar would not have agreed to the arrangement if he did not think the marriage would be good.”
When the meal was over, Monica addressed the sisters. “I need to ask something that’s important to you and your brother’s protection. Both of you have new phones. If the prince requested to see the numbers you’ve called, would there be a problem?”
Fatima rose and walked to her room. Yasmine did the same. Both returned and handed their devices to Monica.
“All female family members, including Mother,” Fatima said.
“So are my contacts and calls,” Yasmine said.
“Yes,” Fatima said. “Above all things we are loyal to our beloved brother.”
Monica slipped into bed before 9:00 p.m. Tomorrow’s demands left no room for error or an exhausted body. She fell asleep and prayed the nightmares about Liam were over.
An incoming text woke her. She reached for her phone on the nightstand and glanced at the time: 1:45. It was Jeff.
Nasim al-Bazzi found shot dead.
