Poppy was quiet for a long moment. Then she crossed to the bar and poured herself two fingers of scotch. “About three weeks ago, we intercepted communications between Salim Mahmoud and several known extremists. The chatter suggested something big was being planned. An attack during a high-profile event.”
“What event?” Marielle asked.
“The Canadian Prime Minister is hosting a gala to strengthen ties with other nations committed to international education and research partnerships aimed at lifting people out of poverty.”
“A swanky gala to help people living in poverty. What if, I don’t know, they just send the money to the people instead of spending it on a gala?” Olivia’s snark was on target, but they both looked at her, unamused.
“Focus, Liv.”
“I’m just saying.”
Poppy went on, “Your President is attending, along with several other world leaders, including representatives from Asia, Europe, and South America. It’s next week.”
“Tunisia isn’t participating?”
“My sources say no.”
“But not only is the U.S. President attending, he and the First Lady are staying at the Prime Minister’s residence during their visit.”
“A sleepover?” Marielle arched an eyebrow.
“FLOTUS and the prime minister’s spouse worked together on an early childhood nutrition program a few years back and became fast friends. It’s a bit of a girls’ weekend for them, I guess.”
Marielle felt her stomach drop. “You think Mahmoud is planning an assassination.”
“I think Samuel Ayari is planning something,” Poppy corrected.
“Hanna’s dad? Why?” Olivia asked.
“Mahmoud referenced ‘my daughter’s father’ as arranging the attack. He doesn’t have a daughter.”
“And in Tunisia, the family connection between in-laws is strong, just as strong as blood. So if Hanna’s dad promised her in marriage to Idris, Salim Mahmoud would consider her a daughter.”
“So ‘my daughter’s father would be Samuel Ayari. Got it.” Olivia nodded. “Any mention of what he’s planning?”
Poppy shook her head. “No. We’re fairly confident that the location will be the gala, based on the chatter. But the location for what? It could be anything. An assassination, a bombing, a bioweapon release, or something else entirely. But Hanna worked in her father’s import-export business.”
“And you think she might know about a shipment,” Olivia said.
“I’m hoping she does. Because right now, we’re running out of time and options.”
Marielle worked through the issue aloud. “Hanna’s already at risk. As far as the Mahmouds and her father know, she’s just a runaway bride. Without knowing that she planned to trade her knowledge for a new life, Idris still sent three of his men after her.”
“He’s furious because she embarrassed him in front of Brad. She made him look weak,” Poppy confirmed.
“But VP Hampton knows she was planning to talk to the CIA. If he hasn’t already, he’ll tell Mahmoud and Ayari,” Olivia added.
“And then they’ll really be looking for her. You know, in addition to the commandos Hampton has roaming the French countryside.” Marielle shook her head. “She’s safe where she is, I don’t like the idea of leading them to her.”
“There’s no other option,” Poppy said firmly. “We’ll do it quietly. One meeting.”
“I truly think she would have told us if she knew about an attack,” Olivia protested.
Marielle nodded, then said slowly, “She would have. But she might know something that she doesn’t know she knows. You know?”
Olivia and Poppy stared at her quizzically for a moment before dissolving into laughter.
“I mean, yes, I know what you mean,” Olivia said, wiping her eyes. “But, dang, Elle, that was convoluted.”
