Page 83 of Elusive Promise

"He knows more, Neil. He knows about an explosion in Paris that's tied to a group called Brothers of the Earth."

"I'm aware of the group. It started as a peaceful group of protesters in Bezikstan, who were working toward changing policies that would be beneficial for the country. Unfortunately, extremists took over and turned it into a terror group. Ben is not a part of that."

"But the girl he was seeing, Sara Pillai—her stepbrother, Isaac Naru, is in the group. And they are both in New York City. They're probably involved in Jasmine's kidnapping, and Ben may know where Sara and Isaac are."

"He doesn't know."

"When I asked about Ben's romance in Paris, you acted like you didn't know, but you do know, don't you?"

"Ben gave me a bit more information after I spoke to you," Neil said. "He told me that Sara had gotten into some trouble, and he might be caught up in it as well."

"That's why he needs to talk to the FBI. There may be some small detail that he knows that can help."

"My lawyer has advised against it."

"Your lawyer?" she echoed. "Why are you letting a lawyer tell you what to do when you already know what's right? You taught me to think for myself, to stand up for what I believe in, to risk everything for a friend. And you didn't just tell me, you showed me, when you saved my life at great peril to your own. Please, Neil, help Jasmine. She doesn't have much time left."

"I want to help her," he said, his voice filled with pain. "But my son—I have to protect him."

"If Ben helps find Jasmine, everything will be easier for him. And I'm pretty sure Ben wants to do the right thing. When I saw him earlier, he was scared, but he was also torn up about Jasmine. He genuinely loves her. And, so do you."

Neil didn't say anything for a moment. "You're very persuasive, Parisa. No wonder Elizabeth told you where Ben was."

"I'm only telling you what you already know. Give your son a chance to prove he's the man you know him to be. Save him the way you saved me."

"I'll think about it," he grumbled. "I have to go."

The call disconnected, and she turned off her phone, feeling like she'd failed. "Well, that's that."

"You might have gotten through to him."

"I doubt it. He can't see past Ben. He's afraid for his son."

"But his son has more to fear than just the FBI."

"I know. Neil said the Brothers of the Earth started out as a group of peaceful protesters. I wonder what turned them from wanting a better life for people in Bezikstan to wanting to end the lives of people they don't even know."

"Greed—and not just for money: for power, for control, for respect."

"I should have asked Neil if he knows any members of the group still in Bezikstan."

"That's a good question for another day. The players we're interested in are already here. We just have to find them."

"I wish we could do that before tomorrow, but I don't see how." She let out a sigh.

"Tired?"

"And frustrated. There are too many missing puzzle pieces." She paused, giving him a speculative look. "Why haven't you checked in with your contact at the CIA?"

"I sent him a text when we were riding back. He hasn't answered yet."

"Interesting that you did that on the sly while I've been putting every call on speaker."

"It was just the easiest way to do it. I promise if I get a text back, I will read it to you."

"Or let me see your phone," she said.

He tipped his head. "Sure."

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