Page 23 of Elusive Promise

"He could have given that lead to the police or to the bureau—why didn't he?"

"I don't know. And I probably have no right to ask this of you, Damon, but could you keep his name off this lead until we know who Jared is? If he does work with another agency, we could suddenly find ourselves tied up in red tape and territorial fighting. That will only slow down the search for Jasmine."

"I can do that for now. I'll start digging into everything you gave me."

"Great. I'm going to talk to Anika and Kenisha today. Call me if you find out anything."

"You do the same, and watch your back, Parisa. You're still a very loose end."

"I know." As she ended the call, the apartment door opened. She was relieved to see Jared, although that seemed like a foolish thought. He could be as dangerous as anyone.

"Any news?" he asked, a curious gleam in his green eyes.

She slid her phone into the pocket of her coat. "Not really. What about you?"

"Same."

"Well, we're not getting too far too fast," she said dryly, quite sure he'd gotten an update from someone.

He gave her a smile that sent an unwelcome wave of heat through her body. She couldn't remember the last time a man's smile had had such an effect on her. She reminded herself it was a smile she couldn't trust and to think otherwise would be foolish.

"Something wrong?" he asked with a quirk of his brow, as his gaze swept her face. "You seem a little on edge."

"I'm debating my next move."

"I didn't realize translators had moves," he quipped.

"I'm feeling more like a detective at the moment. I want to do everything I can to help find my friend. The Kumars are staying at the Clairmont Hotel. I'd like to check in on them."

"Good idea. I'll drive you."

"Fine, but you're not coming inside. I can't bring a stranger into their midst. Not now. Not after everything that has happened."

"I understand, but perhaps you can find out if they've been in touch with Ben or the Langdons."

"I can probably work that into the conversation."

"How did you find out they're staying in a hotel?"

She shrugged. "A friend told me that while Mr. Kumar is at the consulate with several law enforcement officials, the vents in the building are still being cleaned, so family and staff are staying in the hotel." She paused. "Where did you go?"

"I had to check in with one of my friends," he said, deliberately using her word.

"Did yourfriendhave anything to say?"

"Unfortunately, no."

She wondered if that were true, or if Jared was holding out on her, but she was going to concentrate on what she needed to do next.

"Are you ready to go now?" Jared asked.

"Actually, I'd like to take a shower and change clothes first, if that's all right."

"The bedroom and bath are yours," he said, with a wave of his hand. "And the bedroom door locks, in case you were wondering."

"Good. But I'm not afraid of you."

"Why not?" he challenged.

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