Page 45 of Elusive Promise

"Why didn't you tell me that before?"

"I'm telling you now."

"Neil told us Ben was out with friends. Maybe he's with Sara."

"If they're together, they're in the shadows. I have no idea where Sara went after she left the airport."

Parisa gave him a troubled look. "Maybe we need to put more eyes on her. I think we should call the FBI."

"The FBI and various other agencies have been looking for Sara since the blast."

"Maybe not in New York City."

"Feel free to share that information, but I'd prefer if you didn't say where you got it."

"Fine. What name did she travel under?"

"Melissa Holmes."

She pulled out her phone and sent a text.

"I assume that the reason you decided to text and not call your friend is because you've already discussed Sara with the FBI?"

"Yes. I mentioned there could be a connection between the blast and the kidnapping, especially since the terror group originated in Bezikstan. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No. I figured you shared the information. I don't have a problem if someone else finds Sara and Isaac before I do. I just want them to be found. As for Ben, I think you have a better shot of getting information out of him than law enforcement."

"Possibly. Who are you working with, Jared?"

"I have someone who helps me with research."

"Is that a woman?"

"No, it's a man. Does that matter?"

"Just curious." She paused. "Do you have a woman in your life? This apartment has some feminine touches but nothing that personal."

"The feminine touches are from the interior designer. And I'm currently single. You?"

"I'm also single. And I'm not unhappy about it. I have plenty of time for whatever else I may want."

"I wasn't going to suggest you're unhappy." He wondered about her defensive tone.

"Good, because I'm not, even though my mother thinks I need a man to complete my life."

"Which you don't."

"Damned right I don't." She got up and took her bowl and his to the sink. "Since you cooked, I'm going to do the dishes."

"You don't have to do that."

"It's not a big deal. And it's not like I don't have time."

He smiled. "We do have a rather long night ahead of us. What do you want to do?"

Her cheeks turned pink. "I don't know. Go to bed. I mean, you can use your bed. I'll sleep on the couch."

"All right."

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