Page 59 of Elusive Promise

"Then why is he hiding out somewhere? Why won't he come home?"

"He's just upset."

"I know you're trying to protect your son, but telling the truth is the best way you can help him. I'm not going to be the only one looking for Ben, Elizabeth. If I go to the police with my suspicions—"

"What suspicions? What did Jasmine tell you?"

At the question, Parisa wondered if Ben had told Jasmine something about the Paris attack. Deciding to improvise, she said, "Jasmine told me that Ben was in trouble, that something bad had happened in Paris, and it wasn't just about a failed romance. She told him he needed to talk to the police, to tell them what he knew, that he might be able to save lives. I'm fairly certain she was speaking about that bomb that went off."

The blood drained from Elizabeth's face. "That's not true. Ben couldn't have had anything to do with that."

"But he knows someone who did—his girlfriend."

Elizabeth started shaking her head. "Please leave. I don't know why you're trying to hurt me, Parisa. Neil saved your life as a teenager. How can you come at our family like this?"

"I'm trying to help Ben. He's in trouble. He's afraid. And the longer he's out in this city alone, the more danger he could be in."

"You think Jasmine was kidnapped because of something Ben did? That's impossible."

Despite her defensive words, it was clear Elizabeth had doubts.

"You're thinking the same thing," she told her. "I know you are. That's why you're worried. You need to tell me where Ben is, or I'll pass my suspicions along to the FBI. They won't take your silence for an answer, and Ben will end up in a lot more trouble."

Elizabeth grabbed the chain around her neck and ran it nervously back and forth between her fingers. "Ben said some people are threatening to kill him and us. He needs to hide. I promised to get him some money."

"What people—Jasmine's kidnappers?"

"I don't know…maybe."

"Does Neil know about this threat?"

"Yes. He spoke to Ben early this morning, and he left in a fury an hour ago. He said he had to get some air. I don't know where he went. He didn't go to Ben. Ben was afraid to tell him where he was."

"But he told you, so you could get him some money, and he could disappear."

"He's a victim in all this. I know my son. He's not a bad person."

"Where is he, Elizabeth?" she pressed.

"You'll hurt him."

"I won't. I'll try to help him."

"How can you help him?"

"My stepfather still has connections in law enforcement," she lied. "I know he'll use those if Ben will come clean. It's his only chance. You know that." She was pulling out all the stops, probably destroying whatever relationship she'd ever had with the Langdons, but she had no other choice. Clearly, Ben knew something.

"You really believe Harry will help Ben?"

"I know he will. You have to trust someone."

"I haven't seen you in years, Parisa."

"Fine. I'll just call the police. I'll be honest, I came here this morning not just because of the book of poetry, but because of the concern Jasmine expressed about Ben. Jasmine loves your son as much as you do."

"Which is why he would never hurt her."

"I believe that, but we both know he's caught up in something, and if people are threatening to kill him and you and Neil that you can't handle this by yourself."

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