Page 73 of High Treason
IN THE ER WAITING ROOMof Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, Monica texted an update to Kord.I have the woman’s phone. Jeff is aware. FBI will arrange 4 an agent 2 pick it up.
Before HPD had arrived on the crime scene, Monica had slipped into a pair of latex gloves and confiscated the woman’s phone. It was safe inside her bag.
She’d ridden to the hospital with the agent who’d assisted her, and Kord and Ali were within minutes of coming through the door. Saad and Wasi had returned to the Saud home while the nameless woman lay in critical condition. Monica’s reasons for the woman to live were selfish—the investigation needed answers.
HPD officers swarmed the area, and FBI agents were posted near the woman.
A message flew into her phone. She expected it to be Kord, but it was an FBI report. The woman had been identified as Parvin Shah. Authorities were enroute to her apartment.
The moment Monica received her name, she eased into a chair and entered the CIA secure site to gather intel. Parvin Shah had arrived inHouston from Iran in February 2011. Birth date: August 10, 1989. Address in the Montrose area. Parents deceased. Granted citizenship in 2017. Worked at Macy’s. No known terrorist affiliation. But the investigation pointed to an Iranian hired to carry out the assassination.
Monica watched Kord and Ali walk through the ER doors. Kord no longer wore thethobeandghutrabut jeans and a black T-shirt. She greeted both men.
“Is she alive?” Kord said.
“Critical head wound. Hasn’t regained consciousness.”
Kord glanced around. No one stood close enough to listen. “The agents inside the restaurant gave me the story.”
“Never had a clue our killer was a woman.”
“But she was stopped,” Ali said, his voice low. “Thanks to you. I didn’t detect the driver of the food delivery truck was female.”
She hadn’t expected gratitude. “My concern is someone taking her place or if she’s working with a partner. Unless authorities find evidence at her apartment, we have unresolved questions.”
“Remember Agent Richardson from the Frozen Rock?” Kord said. When she nodded, he continued. “He and a team are at Shah’s apartment and will call with updates.”
Impatience stamped onto her mind. She wanted the findings now.
The TV in the seating area flashed with local news and captured her attention. A male reporter sat behind a desk. “We’ve learned a shooting at the Galleria has prevented the would-be assassination of Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal. The FBI has been working with the Saudi security detail since a bodyguard was shot and killed on Tuesday morning. An unidentified woman lies in critical condition at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, shot by an FBI agent. We have an unconfirmed report the woman is an Iranian national. No other details at this time.”
“What are you thinking?” Kord said to her.
“I want to be here and at her apartment.”
“Qualified men are on it.”
She smiled. “They aren’t me, and I have a perfectionist streak that would go around the world. Twice.”
“Right there with you.” His phone alerted him to an incoming text. He read and glanced up. “Richardson wants to talk.” He turned to Ali. “I need to take this call with Monica. Would you get us if there’s any news about Shah?”
“Of course.”
Kord and Monica made their way to a secluded corner, leaving the Saudi bodyguard alone near the nurses’ station. She felt sorry for the women dealing with him.
Kord pressed in a number and then Speaker. A man responded on the first ring. “What do you have?” Kord said.
“Looks like Parvin Shah worked alone. At least that’s what her apartment indicates. We found the makings for a bomb and a suicide vest.”
The potential nightmare swept over Monica in an icy chill. “One bomb or more?”
“Three. I’m also looking at photos of Prince Omar, his sisters, and his mother attached to Shah’s living room wall. Arabic words in black marker written across them. No idea what it says, but I can pull up my phone and translate.”
“No need. We’ll handle it when we get there,” Kord said.
“On a table is a printout titled ‘Prince Omar’s schedule.’ Where did she get it? I’ve already checked and it’s inaccurate. Men’s clothing and various disguises in the closet. And—”
“Hold off bagging evidence as long as possible until Agent Alden and I get there. We’re waiting to hear about Shah’s condition. Shouldn’t be long.”
