KORD SPOKE TO PRINCE OMAR away from his men while Ali blocked the doorway of Princess Gharam’s room. “You believe your men are loyal, but there’s no other explanation for today. What happened outside the hospital confirms what my informant said —a mole is among your trusted men.” His gaze drilled into the prince’s dark eyes. “I refuse to watch you die. Does the killer have your mother’s death planned too? What about your sisters?”
The prince jutted his chin. “How do you propose we find this mole? Offer a reward? Replace all my men?”
“Force him into the open. Loyalty is your ally. Demand we check every man’s cell phone now.”
The prince stared at those who’d vowed to sacrifice their lives for him. Long moments passed.
“Someone close to you has plotted your assassination. Ignoring it has deadly implications.”
“You’re right,” the prince said barely above a whisper. “The plan is cleverly constructed, but we are smarter. I too am concerned about my mother’s and sisters’ safety.” He turned to the men. “Each one of you is to bring his phone to me now. You are not permitted to use them until they are checked.”
Kord inwardly sighed. Prince Omar either suspected one of them or wanted to prove his men’s loyalty.
“Kord,” the prince began, “if the killer would attempt an abduction and possibly the life of Consul General al-Fakeeh, then he’d surely find access to others. Since he’s failed with me, who’s next on his list?”
“Your family’s the easiest target.” His sisters needed to be sent home, but the prince knew the danger.
“I understand. We will talk later.”
The bodyguards laid their phones on a side table near the prince and Kord.
“Have you received intel that can help?” Kord said.
“Nothing more than what I’ve told you. Conduct the investigation to the best of your ability. Keep me informed of every development. Nothing is too small. Details will help us find him. My friend, you have my cooperation. Find the man and stop whoever is conspiring with him.”
Kord shook Prince Omar’s hand. “Thank you.”
“I assume your assistant is already at work?”
“Yes, for as much as she can accomplish without interviewing each man.”
Prince Omar glanced her way. “You will pose the questions.”
“Yes, Amir.” No need to explain the procedure to Monica.
The elevator opened and two HPD officers exited —men Kord recognized. He greeted them and conducted introductions. “These officers will escort Consul General al-Fakeeh to his office.”
The consul general focused on Kord. “What about my bodyguards?”
“They’ll be released once their interviews are completed,” Kord said.
Further background checks would happen next. Once the officers and consul general left, Monica and Kord arranged furniture in a corner for private interviews.
“All requests have been made to my handler, and you’ll receive the same report,” she said.
“Good.”
“Am I to be submissive?”
He stared at her and tried to hide a grin. “What do you think? But use your best judgment.”
“Tell me why Inman has a scar.”
“He fell as a boy.”
“Are you positive of his commitment?”
Kord reserved his opinion until he saw the intel on every man there.
Prince Omar walked their way. “Is it possible someone could retrieve my cell phone from my car? I remember taking a call and leaving it on the armrest.”
Monica touched Kord’s arm. “Ali could get it.”
“Okay.” Kord made his way to Ali. “Prince Omar needs his phone. Would you and Wasi mind getting it from the limo?”
As Ali left the area, Kord sensed the prince studying him. “I’d trust those two men with my sons.”
“I want to have the same conviction,” Kord said. “You changed your mind about accompanying Consul General al-Fakeeh after you were notified of Dr. Carlson’s request for a meeting. How were you contacted?”
“When I couldn’t be reached, the doctor phoned Malik.”
“The decision saved your life.”
Within fifteen minutes, Ali and Wasi returned with the prince’s phone and handed it to the prince. Kord saw little reason to doubt Ali, not when he had an opportunity to escape if guilty.
The prince and Dr. Carlson held a private meeting in Princess Gharam’s room. In the meantime, Kord questioned each man for formalities and Monica took notes. The real intel would be revealed later on today.
All seven men were seen in the presence of others.
None of the men had witnessed anything suspicious.
Each man willingly handed over his mobile phone. No texts or calls to follow up.
The men followed Wahhabism.
Body language raised few questions, but those who objected to questioning did so respectfully. Except Ali.
“This is an insult,” Ali said. “Loyalty is earned by service, not by ridiculous interrogation.” He blew out his anger. “For the prince, I will answer you.”
None of his responses caused concern, but Ali remained hostile. Kord couldn’t blame Ali for grieving Zain’s death. Every man handled sorrow differently. As long as his method didn’t involve more deaths.
When the interviews were completed, Kord and Monica discussed their vague findings beyond earshot of others. Someone who’d been trained in deceit was among them.
“The consul general wanted to discuss another matter, but we were interrupted when his office called,” Kord said.
“Call him.”
He pressed in the number and then Speaker. “Consul General al-Fakeeh, has a new driver been assigned to you?”
“Yes. I’m on my way to my office. Do you have a new development?”
“No, sir. We’re working through interviews. You’d mentioned another topic earlier.”
“Prince Omar has a reputation for being a little reckless when it comes to his safety. He likes to take matters into his own hands. I encouraged him to cooperate explicitly with the US regarding Zain’s death and to take heed for another possible assassination attempt. I also asked him to refrain from public appearances. I doubt he’ll take my advice.”
“Thank you.” Kord well understood Prince Omar’s unpredictable behavior. “I’ll remind him of your precautions.”
“Perhaps he’d send his sisters home.”
The thought had entered Kord’s mind. “I’ll do my best.” When the call was completed, he glanced at Monica.
“What’s driving you crazy?” she said.
“Prince Omar forgets his phone, and the situation may have saved his and the consul general’s life, while another man is killed.”
“Picking at me too. Any of his men could have more than one phone. Coincidences are not in my vocabulary.”
“Wondered where you stood with the faith thing.”
“I deal in facts and solid leads. My faith is how I live my life, in obedience to God. The supernatural and chance can weave together, but I’m no expert on the subject.”
He expected her to quote Scripture. Maybe he needed to put aside his stereotypical view on Christians. He’d read the Bible as well as the Quran, Hindu teachings, and Buddhism. None of it made sense. Kord took a quick look around to ensure they maintained privacy. “Why did Prince Omar leave his phone behind?”
She blinked. “Unintentional? Wanted solitude to speak with his mother? A bodyguard picked his pocket?”
“Didn’t want to be interrupted.”
“Interrupted from what? Kord, what are you implying?”
“Not sure, but I intend to find out. If I’m spending too many brain cells with this, I’ll admit it.”
“Boils down to who in his entourage wants him dead.” She folded her arms in front of her. “Let’s discuss this later when you reach your conclusions because I have an opinion.”
“Will I want to hear it?”
“Probably not.”