Page 45 of Defenders of Jawhara

“Yes. It seems that I am to become an uncle.”

“Erin’s pregnant? That’s why she hasn’t been feeling well?” Shira was at once relieved and concerned. “But what will happen now? And why is Kamal having her brought to Jawhara?”

“Shira, think about it. Your cousin is carrying the future ruler of Jawhara in her belly. Do you honestly think, having spent time getting to know my brother, that he would allow the mother of his child to raise his child alone or without his input?”

“No…but doesn’t Erin get a say in all of this?”

“Of course she does. I’m sure Kamal will politely ask her to become his bride.”

“And if she says no?”

“What do you think?” Kale asked with a grin on his lips.

Shira shook her head, glad that she was on this side of the world. Erin liked her independence, and Shira imagined having it taken away would involve a lot of fireworks and tension. “I think your brother doesn’t know how stubborn my cousin can be.”

“About that. I suspect Kamal may want us to return sooner…”

“Than six weeks? No,” Shira said. “That’s not possible. My uncle and aunt won’t even be back yet. I have to see them!”

“All will be taken care of. I will fly Erin’s parents to Jawhara if I need to. But we will be going back to Jawhara, and anything we don’t finish can be handled by someone else.”

Shira nodded, automatically rearranging her to-do list and wondering how on earth she was going to get everything accomplished in such a short amount of time.

17

KALE

When Kale received another call from his brother several days later, he knew Shira wasn’t going to like the news. It seemed that Kamal had decreed he and Erin would be marrying before the month was out, and Kamal had charged Kale and Shira with packing up Erin’s belongings as well.

Not only did they have more to do, but they had to do it faster. Kamal was now requesting they return in less than two weeks. He had gone so far as to send a private jet to Brisbane to intercept her uncle and aunt and have them brought to Jawhara for the wedding.

Shira was stressed at how quickly she needed to wrap up her life here in the States, and Kale reminded her that she would be returning on occasion for work, and they could also come on vacation. That seemed to appease her, and she got to work packing up her and Erin’s personal effects while Kale left to have a talk with the property manager.

He found the man getting ready to leave for the day, and he informed him quickly that the condo would be empty and he would be hiring a real estate agent to get it sold as quickly as possible. With his DC contacts, it would be a smooth process. On his way back, he called his brother, who appeared to be in better spirits.

When he returned to the condo, he let her know the property manager would keep an eye on the unit and be available for any showings. Any paperwork could be handled long distance, since both Erin and Shira were listed as owners. She didn’t need any more stress in her life with the accelerated time line. When he told her that he’d spoken to his brother, she brightened up immediately.

“Is Erin feeling better?” Shira inquired, taping up the last box of books.

Kale took the box from her and placed it with the others along the living room wall. “Yes. The doctor has provided her with vitamins and a special diet that will hopefully help with her morning sickness.”

“Poor thing. No wonder she was so sick.”

Kale agreed. “Kamal was in better spirits, so everything must be going better.”

“Good. Erin is one of those people who rarely gets sick, and I can’t imagine that she’s handling it all that well.”

“She is being well cared for. Kam did mention that she had some personal items at her office that she would like you to pick up for her.”

Shira nodded. “That’s fine. I need a break from packing anyway.”

“Good.” Before Kale could escort her from the condo, his phone rang again. This time it was Slade, his old college roommate and head of the security firm that already had private contractors in Jawhara helping to bolster their security.

Holding his phone up, he told Shira that he would take the call outside while she finished up what she wanted to do today. Nodding, she waved him off, and Kale shut the door behind him.

“Slade, it is good to hear from you.”

“You too, man. I spoke with Kamal a few minutes ago and told him I would contact you. Two of the contractors I sent over to Jawhara picked up some intel a few hours ago. There’s a leak in the palace.”

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