Her Desert Protector, page 15
“Is there something else?” Malik clasped his brother on the shoulder.
“It’s nothing.” He’d never told his family about what had happened during training with the UK special forces, and he never would. It was his burden to bear.
“I think Ryan’s idea has merit.” Malik stared at his brother. “I won’t make it an order, but please look into it. I know you want to keep everyone safe.”
Khalid nodded and left Malik’s office to go find Ryan.
“I’m sorry, Khalid, I thought you would have discussed it,” Ryan said.
He wanted to be angry with Ryan but couldn’t. The man was the best at what he did, and he was only doing his job. “It’s fine. Let’s go over the men you picked out and see if we can make a decision.”
Because regardless of whether he agreed or not, Malik was right. He wanted to keep everyone safe. A couple of sharpshooters at the parade would cover areas he wouldn’t be able to.
“I need a night away from the palace and all the craziness,” Catherine said three nights later.
Zoey grinned. Even she was getting a little stir-crazy. Since she had shown the pictures of Kalif to Malik and Khalid, they’d been even more restrictive on the women. She understood they wanted them safe, but something had to give. The last event had been held last night; now there was only the parade in two days.
“You and me both,” Sara commented.
“Is there any reason we can’t go out?” Zoey asked.
Bobbie laughed. “Four very stubborn brothers.”
“They are just trying to keep us safe. We’ve been targets before,” Catherine said.
“Yeah, but yours was a crazy minister, mine was a deranged brother, and Bobbie’s ... well, that was directly tied to Kalif,” Sara said.
“That’s all true.” Catherine let out a little laugh. “Seriously, I need a girls’ night out.”
“You know they are not going to allow that,” Zoey said.
“True.” Sara rubbed her forehead. “Honestly, our bodyguards take us out during the daytime. Maybe if we talk to our men and explain we really need this night out, they’ll listen.”
“If we can get Malik to say yes, he might be able to bring the rest of them around,” Catherine said.
“Ladies, is this a good idea?” While Zoey was feeling hemmed in like the rest of them, security of the royal family had to come first.
“We can go to Wafi’s,” Bobbie said. “Our security knows that place inside and out. It’s a family place; no one would bother us there.”
Zoey shook her head. When these three got an idea into their heads ... She had to smile, though. They were their own women, strong fighters.
“Let’s go face the lion in his den,” Catherine said, jumping up and leading the way to Malik’s office.
Malik frowned when he saw the four women enter his office. Zoey stayed off to the side, but Catherine marched up to her husband. “We need a girls’ night out.”
“No,” Malik said, crossing his arms.
“Malik,” Catherine started.
“No, sweetheart. It’s too dangerous.”
“Malik, we’ll each have our bodyguards, and we only want to go to Wafi’s restaurant. We’ll be safe,” Sara said.
“Wafi will see to it,” Bobbie added.
Zoey could see Malik wavering. If they convinced him, then the other brothers would fall in line, all except Khalid. He wasn’t going to risk the women’s safety.
“Let me talk to my brothers. I’m making no promises.”
Catherine’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek.
“I haven’t said yes, yet.”
“You’re a reasonable man.” Catherine led the women out of the office.
Zoey paced around her sitting room. It had been over an hour and nothing from the men. Was the silence a good thing or a bad thing? She was going crazy. A knock sounded on her door, and Khalid entered.
“I see you’re as bad as my sisters-in-law. They’re pacing as well.”
“I’m sorry. I really don’t want to make your job harder, nor do I want anyone to worry about any of us. It’s ... ” She shrugged her shoulders and kept pacing. She needed to work off this nervous energy.
“I agree with Catherine, you all need a night out.”
Zoey stopped pacing and stared at Khalid. “You do?”
He laughed. “Yes. All of you will need to stay as normal as possible, and I’ll make sure there are security provisions.”
“Are you sure? I feel like this is a trivial matter.”
“It’s not.” He crossed over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I know being cooped up these last few days has been hard on you and the other women. And I suspect you’re feeling a little trapped.”
His insight melted her heart. “A bit. I’m used to coming and going as I please.”
“I know.” He lowered his forehead to rest on hers. “You have been in worse situations than this one, and I’m aware you can take care of yourself.”
“You are a special man.” She slipped her arms around his waist as a sheen of tears filled her eyes. He understood. Understood more than any other person in her life ever had.
“I do, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some restrictions.”
“Whatever you say.” She grinned. “Wait. You got your brothers to agree?”
“I was the last holdout, and when I saw how the others were acting, I knew something had to be done. Let’s go downstairs while I brief everyone on the procedures that will take place.”
“I can’t believe they put trackers on us,” Catherine commented when she and Zoey piled into the first SUV with their bodyguards. Sara and Bobbie were in the second SUV with their bodyguards.
“Me either.” That had been a little bit of shock. Khalid explained they were new and this way they were able to keep track of the women. It was just a precaution, but it made all the men feel better about letting the women go out.
Zoey promised Khalid she’d stay safe and make sure the other women did too. She admired these women. They’d promised to behave themselves. Dinner and a few drinks at Wafi’s, and then they’d be home.
Khalid had called Wafi, advising him of what was happening, and Wafi agreed to make sure the women would be safe in his establishment.
Wafi greeted them at the door. Habib and Hamaz stayed outside. Wafi took the women to a table, but Samir and Najah stood close to the entrance to the restaurant.
“I will have food and drink sent over. Please enjoy,” Wafi said.
“I can’t believe they let us go out,” Bobbie said, popping a rice ball into her mouth.
“Me either,” Sara commented.
“I think Zoey helped,” Catherine said.
“I really didn’t do anything.” Zoey smiled at the women. “I think they realized we really needed to escape for a while.”
“Maybe,” Catherine said. “Malik commented that my pacing was making him nervous.”
Sara laughed. “Hassan was ready to pull his hair out.”
“Rafi threatened to take me over his knee if I didn’t stop. I told him if he did then he’d be sleeping on the sofa for a month.” Everyone laughed.
“It’s just nice to get out of the palace without a formal function to go to,” Catherine said.
“It is.” Zoey had to agree.
The women toasted each other, ate, and drank some more. Wafi made sure they never ran out of fruit juice and food. When musicians came out to set up, Zoey wished she’d brought her camera.
She’d taken pictures a few weeks ago when Wafi’s was closed, including some of the entertainers. Zoey frowned. These were different guys. Wafi had told her the musicians had been with him for years, and he never hired anyone else. The hair on the back of her neck stood up.
“Ladies, I suggest we make a quick trip to the bathroom before they start.” The bathrooms were near the back. This way they didn’t disturb the rest of the customers and didn’t call attention to themselves. They could slip out the back door, Najah and Samir would follow.
“Sounds good.” The women stood up.
As they made it to the hallway, a commotion had Zoey turning. Samir and Najah were fighting with three men, and the musicians were headed toward her and the other women.
“Damn,” Zoey muttered. She hated when her instincts were right. “Catherine, Sara, Bobbie, out the back door and get back to the palace.” Zoey pushed the three women toward the emergency exit as she turned to face the men.
She didn’t know where Hamaz and Habib were, but she had confidence they would be there as soon as they could. Zoey would protect the other three women until they got away.
“Zoey,” Catherine called.
“Go!” Zoey yelled. “Get to safety.” She prepared herself. It wasn’t going to be a fair fight, but she’d use everything she’d learned to give the women time to escape.
The first man came at her, and she slammed the palm of her hand upward to his nose. There was a cracking sound and a blunt pain in her hand. He cried out, fell back, and grabbed at his gushing nose. She couldn’t see Samir or Najah.
“Hellcat,” one man said in Arabic.
Zoey wanted to say yes, but kept her mouth shut. It might be to her advantage if they didn’t realize she knew Arabic.
Two more men came at her. Zoey kept them back until someone grabbed her from behind. He must have been hiding or waiting out in the emergency exit. Her heart dropped. She’d sent the others out that exit. God, she hoped Catherine, Sara, and Bobbie had listened to her and got away.
“We go, now,” the man said, pulling her backward with the other two following. Zoey fought, but he held her tight.
A black van waited, but Zoey was glad to see it was empty. The other women had listened and escaped. At least she hoped so. The man half dragged her and half carried her to a waiting vehicle. Zoey was thrown inside, and they took off.
Zoey reached for the door, but the man grabbed her and tied her hands together with rough rope. She shivered. The men talked quietly, but Zoey picked up several words. The one that bothered her the most was Kalif. Oh, Lord, let Catherine, Bobbie, and Sara all be safe in the palace. She wasn’t worth anything to Kalif.
Khalid was going over the parade route with Ryan and the other three sharpshooters when they heard the alarm go off. It was an alarm he’d hoped never to hear, from Malik’s office. He took off running for the palace, along with Ryan and several other men. When he got there, the palace was fully lit up, and Malik stood at the door.
“We have a situation.” His face was drawn. “Ryan, a taxi will be arriving shortly.” Ryan nodded. “Khalid, come inside. The rest of you stay out here.”
Khalid followed his brother into his office, where Hassan and Rafi waited, both men with worried looks on their faces.
“What is going on? Why did you sound the alarm?” Khalid asked.
“Wafi’s was attacked,” Malik said.
Khalid rocked back on his heels. “Attacked? What about the guards? The women?”
Hassan shook his head.
“We don’t know.” Rafi clasped him on the shoulder. “We just got the information.”
“Who is arriving in the taxi?” Khalid asked. Malik had sent Ryan to deal with it. He started for the door.
“Khalid,” Malik shouted his name. He stopped and looked back at his brother.
“I’m not sure who is in the taxi. Wafi called and said they’d been attacked, and to expect a taxi.”
“That was all he said?” Khalid’s heart pounded. What about Zoey? Catherine? Sara and Bobbie? Were they okay? Were they in the car? If so, why didn’t Wafi say that? “Their bodyguards?”
“We’ve lost communication with them,” Malik said. Then his phone rang. Malik snatched up the receiver, listened, and then hung up.
“Well?” Three sets of eyes focused in on him.
“Door, now.” That was all he said before they all ran for the front door.
The door burst open as they got there. Catherine, Sara, and Bobbie tumbled in. Tears and voices filled the air. Khalid looked around.
“Where the hell is Zoey?” he yelled.
“I’m so sorry, Khalid,” Bobbie said, trying to stop crying.
“Family room, now.” Malik pulled Catherine with him.
Khalid followed, along with the others. Stay calm, he reminded himself. Yeah, right, the woman he cared about wasn’t here where she was safe. His hands clenched at his sides. Getting upset at his sisters-in-law wouldn’t accomplish anything.
“This is all my fault,” Catherine said as Malik pulled her into his lap.
“No, it’s not,” Sara said, cuddling up to Hassan.
Rafi held Bobbie close, but they remained standing.
“Zoey?” Khalid asked, again trying to keep from yelling at the top of his lungs.
“We don’t know,” Bobbie answered.
“You don’t know.” Khalid couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re here, but Zoey isn’t.”
Ryan burst into the room. “The bodyguards have arrived. Wafi’s was attacked by Kalif’s men.”
Khalid’s heart stopped. “He has Zoey,” he whispered.
“Yes,” Ryan said.
“Oh, my God, this is horrible. I’m to blame.” Catherine started crying again.
Khalid walked over to Catherine and Malik and knelt. “You are not at fault, sister.” He kept his voice soft. As angry as he was, Catherine wasn’t to blame. He was. “I allowed you all to be put in danger. Kalif is a maniac, and he’ll stop at nothing to get to us.” He kicked himself for allowing his feelings to dictate his actions.
“I was the one who planted the idea. I’m responsible.”
Malik shook his head, trying to comfort Catherine.
“If anyone is to blame, it is me,” Khalid said. “I’m in charge of security.” He’d been lulled into lowering his defenses. He’d let his guard down. That wouldn’t happen again. Once he got Zoey back, and he would get her back, no matter what, Kalif had to be dealt with. They couldn’t afford to let him continue to terrorize everyone. The bodyguards came into the room.
All were battered and bruised, but still standing. Samir stepped forward. “We interrogated one of the musicians. When Kalif heard the women were at Wafi’s, he got some of his men to infiltrate the restaurant as musicians.”
Khalid stared at Samir. “So it wasn’t planned.” He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. He was barely keeping his emotions in check. Zoey needed him to be strong, and he would do it for her.
“No, sir. It seemed to be a spur-of-the-moment kidnapping.” Samir rubbed his bruised cheek. “Hamaz and Habib were outside, Najah and myself inside. They attacked outside first.”
Habib stepped forward, rubbing the back of his head. “We didn’t even see them coming. One minute everything was fine, the next I was on the ground.” Hamaz nodded.
“When they got inside, we fought them,” Samir continued.
“I saw Lady Zoey pushed the women toward the hallway,” Najah said.
“She pushed us down the hallway to the emergency exit and told us to get out of there,” Sara said.
“Why didn’t Zoey follow?” Hassan asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sara said. “She just yelled at us to get to safety.”
Because she’d promised him to keep the others safe. Khalid clenched his teeth. He kicked himself for even letting his guard down for a second and only sending the women with their bodyguards. Yes, the bodyguards were trained, but if a full security force had been there, then Zoey would be safe.
“The musicians,” Catherine said. “I remember seeing one of them as we left. Zoey hit him.”
“Ryan,” Malik yelled.
“I’m already on it.”
“What else?” Khalid asked, reining in his impatience.
“The last thing I saw was Zoey standing at the entrance to the hallway,” Bobbie said.
“We were so scared. Zoey was so insistent we leave and get to safety. Somehow we found ourselves at the side of the building, and a taxi was at the end of the building. We ran to it and got inside,” Sara said.
“You did the right thing,” Rafi said.
“Did we?” Catherine asked. “What about Zoey? We shouldn’t have left her.”
Malik tightened his arms around his wife.
“Convenient the taxi was there. Ryan, is someone interviewing the driver?”
“Yes, Khalid. We’re talking to him now to see if he saw anything.”
Khalid touched Catherine’s arm. He hated seeing her upset. None of this was her fault. “Catherine, my sister, my queen. Had you stayed, you would have been taken too. You did the right thing.” In his heart he knew this, even as his head bounced around different scenarios.
“What do we do now?” Catherine asked.
“We wait. Kalif will contact us,” Khalid said. It would happen sooner or later, and while they waited he would gather all the information he could.
“I’m going to contact all the tribal leaders and get them together. More eyes out there will help,” Malik said.
Khalid looked at Ryan. “I’ll go to Wafi’s and gather what I can,” Ryan said.
“I will go with you,” Samir said. “I can show you what I saw.”
“You three.” Hassan pointed to each woman. “Will go up to your rooms. I’ll be by shortly with something to help you rest,” Hassan said.
The women began to argue, and Malik stood. “This is not negotiable. Do as Hassan says. That is an order.”
Catherine looked mutinous but didn’t argue. The women filed out of the room. “Najah, Hamaz, and Habib, do you need a doctor?” Hassan asked.
“No, sir,” they answered.
“Good,” Malik said. “Go clean up, and we’ll let you know the minute we have anything.”
The men nodded and left. “Let’s go into my office and start planning to rescue Zoey,” Malik said.
Zoey grunted as she was shoved into a small tent. “There will be a guard at the entrance. You cannot escape.” The man spoke in broken English as he untied her hands and then left.
