Page 15 of Elusive Promise

"You seem pretty comfortable with a weapon. Was that also part of your self-defense training?"

"It was," she said, ignoring the sarcasm in his voice. "Where did you learn how to fight?"

"I took some martial arts classes."

"More than a few, I'm guessing. Where are we going?"

"There's an all-night diner not far from here. Why don't we get breakfast?"

"You want to eat now?" she asked in surprise.

"I'm hungry. And I'm sure you're going to argue if I try to take you anywhere but a public place."

"Fine. Give me your phone. I need to get someone to take care of the officer."

He handed it over. She couldn't help noticing it was a cheap throwaway phone that didn't even have a lock on it. She punched in Damon's number, which she had memorized.

He answered with a wary, "Yes?"

"It's Parisa."

"What's wrong?"

"I was just attacked at the apartment. I'm all right, but the guy got away."

Damon swore. "What about Briggs?"

"He was knocked out, but he's alive. Can you get someone over there to check on him?"

"Yes. Where are you now?"

"I'm going somewhere else."

"On foot?"

"No, I'm in a car."

"Come to my house."

"That's not a good idea."

"Then go to the FBI office or to the police station."

"I can't. The person who attacked me was wearing a uniform. I don't know if he was an FBI police officer or NYPD, but someone discovered my location. I can't trust anyone. I need to stay out of sight for a while."

"What else can you tell me about your attacker?"

"Not much. It was dark. I saw a uniform and the gleam of a badge. He had dark eyes. I'm assuming his hair was also dark. Beyond that…" She was frustrated with the lack of detail she could provide. "I know it's not much to go on."

"Maybe we can get more from Officer Briggs."

"I doubt it. He was hit on the back of the head. I have to go. Don't call me back on this phone. It's not mine. I'll be in touch with you when I get a chance." She set the phone down on the center console.

Jared gave her a speculative look. "Was that the police or the FBI?"

"Does it matter?"

"They want you to come in. But you can't trust them."

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