BY NOON, Princess Gharam was resting comfortably in intensive care. Her vitals had improved, and she assured her family she’d not give up. Prince Omar confided in Kord that his father had encouraged her to hurry home.
“Father knows she won’t survive the hospital,” Prince Omar said. “I respect his supporting her.”
“Do me a favor?” Kord said.
“Depends.”
“Change clothes with me for the ride back.”
“Have you been notified of danger?”
“It stalks you.”
He breathed out a ragged sigh. “I suppose.”
“And take the second limo.”
He raised a brow. “You ask much, my friend.”
“As I said, danger stalks you.”
The prince agreed and rode in the limo with Monica.
The press conference at the Saud home would take place at two o’clock. Security bounded the grounds like a linked fence.
Shortly before the hour, hand-selected reporters arrived and were led to the natatorium, where a catered display of exquisite Middle Eastern food awaited them. Prince Omar arrived at the appointed time, smiling and shaking hands while Kord zeroed in on every person in the crowd. The other bodyguards took their stances in strategic spots, doing what they did best. A quick glance across the room showed Monica entrenched in her job. He’d seen something earlier in her eyes, an interest that he’d felt more than once. His attraction was serious, and it gave him a jolt of fear. Never believed he’d think seriously about the future with a woman, and in a few days, he’d done exactly what he claimed would not happen. At the end of this assignment, if she was willing, he wanted to spend time finding what made Operative Monica Alden choose a covert role while swearing allegiance to God.
Why kid himself? He had lots of questions for and about her.
The prince made his way to a seating area for a brief speech followed by a Q&A. Cameras videoed for the early evening news, and reporters snapped pics. Prince Omar welcomed the press and thanked them for their attendance.
“Saudi Arabia is on a sixteen-year plan to economically change our country to rely less on crude oil. We are striving to enhance our culture, attract tourists, develop more educational opportunities, and increase the power of the military.
“Our universities are seeing more Saudi Arabian females graduating, and we’re in turn adding women to our workforce. My goal is to broaden relations between our countries by proposing programs that add growth to our economies.”
A reporter stood to pose a question. “Over a year ago, Dennis Rose wrote in the Washington Post, ‘Skeptics have questioned whether Saudi Arabia can fulfill these goals, either because of a traditional culture that limits women too much, a workforce lacking key educational skills, or resistance from the conservative religious establishment.’ What are your thoughts?”
“I am committed to improving our country’s position in the world.”
Another reporter secured the prince’s attention. “What does this mean for the oil and gas industry?”
“Saudi Arabia is not an enemy of the US oil and gas industry. We strive for higher oil prices that stimulate enough investment to keep up with the oil demand. We will continue to work together to raise our economies and meet the needs of all our people.”
“Does your policy mean Saudi Arabia is abandoning its current market share in regards to oil?”
“We’ve always said we are willing to cooperate with other producers, but we won’t do it alone. We need the cooperation of strong allies.”
A third reporter stood and tucked her hair behind her ears. “What practical steps is your country taking in regards to curbing violent extremism and radical Islamic terrorism?”
“We are working with the US and other allies in doing all we can to combat terrorism, perhaps most importantly state-sponsored terrorism.”
The reporter thanked him and another indicated readiness to ask a question. “Since you’ve arrived, an assassination attempt against you was foiled, and a bodyguard as well as Americans have been killed. What can you tell us about these incidents?”
“My American friends have successfully thwarted my assassination attempt while working to solve the other two deaths. We have determined the origin, and I’m confident in the security provided by US authorities.”
“So the killers are in custody?”
Prince Omar nodded as though pleased. “In addition, our enemies are globally being questioned.”
Kord swallowed at the thought of how the prince’s response would be interpreted by the media.
The press conference continued for an additional thirty minutes. A reporter asked about Princess Gharam’s condition, and the prince said MD Anderson had provided excellent accommodations and treatments. He concluded with an announcement of his returning to Houston for the Offshore Technology Conference in May. “I’m looking forward to sharing knowledge for offshore resources and learning how to improve environmental matters.”
In Kord’s opinion, the press conference was a sound beginning for Prince Omar to show his sincerity in contributing to his country’s growth and interest in world affairs. He’d spoken from his heart, just as he’d done the evening in his office when he expressed how he wanted to contribute to the success of Saudi Arabia. Fortunately today, he hadn’t mentioned the leasing of Saudi oil reserves.
Investigators hadn’t found a connection between Parvin Shah and the core terrorist group targeting Prince Omar. Who’d recruited and trained her? Who’d funded the attempts? Like Monica, Kord longed to be in the thick of the investigation.
The uncertainty wasn’t over, and all Prince Omar’s goodwill intentions meant nothing if he was killed on American soil.