Page 95 of Elusive Promise

He was going to kill them.

Parisa came out of hiding, running across the street. Her presence swung Isaac's attention in her direction.

At the same time, Jared rushed toward Anika and Jasmine.

Isaac fired at her as she jumped behind a tree. Then she got off her own shot. Isaac fell back into the house. She ran toward the structure, but Jared was closer.

"Stay with the women," he yelled, as he ran into the house, with his gun drawn.

Sara had disappeared, so she grabbed the duffel bag and urged Anika and Jasmine to the other side of the car.

As they knelt on the ground, Anika had her arms around a shaking and sobbing Jasmine.

She squatted down next to them, putting a reassuring hand on Jasmine's shoulder. "You're okay, Jasmine. You're safe now."

"Home…I want to go home," Jasmine said, gulping for air.

"I know. Soon."

"Are they gone?" Anika asked, her face white, her dark eyes shocked.

She looked toward the house. It was quiet—too quiet. She silently willed Jared to be okay.

"Parisa?" Anika asked. "Should we leave? Before they come back?"

"One second." She glanced around. No one had come out of their house at the sound of gunshots. It was clearly an area where people weren't home during the day or didn't want to get involved. "We'll stay put," she said decisively. "I can protect you until help comes."

She pulled out her phone and punched in Damon's number. He didn't answer. He was probably on his way to the other drop site.

She sent a text:I've got Jasmine. Westley's drop is a decoy. Call me.

"Parisa," Jared said, as he came out of the house with hurried strides.

She stood up, relieved to see him, but he was furious.

"They're gone," he said. "Isaac must have gone out the back door. I don't know how he got away. He was bleeding."

"He must have had a car somewhere. What about Sara?"

"Didn't see her, either. Dammit!" Anger and frustration ran through his eyes.

"I texted Damon. I haven't heard back yet. I was about to call 911."

"Try Damon again," he advised. "This isn't the end. I found bomb-making materials in the house. But what was more terrifying was what wasn't there—the bombs."

"They were making bombs?" Anika asked, her eyes widening even more.

"Yes. You took a hell of a risk coming here on your own," Jared told her. "What were you thinking?"

"Westley said it was the only way to save Jasmine," Anika replied. "They told him they'd kill her if I didn't bring the money here. I didn't know what to do. If I told anyone, I'd be putting my sister's life on the line."

"Jasmine, do you know anything about the bombs?" Parisa asked.

"I heard them talking about an attack. I don't know where or when."

Her heart went out to Jasmine. More than anything, Parisa wanted to just hold her and hug her, but they needed information.

"We need to get Jasmine to the hospital," Anika said, tightening her arm around her sister.

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