Page 25 of Promise Maker

“My mother encouraged you to comehere?Interesting.” He sinks beside me and rests his headagainst the tree.

I start to feel nervous. “What are you doing?”

“Keeping you company,” he says. “The answer isyes. You’ll survive.”

I cluck my tongue. “What I want is to callJazmine. You said you’d give me a phone.”

“All right.” He slides a cell phone from hispocket and hands it to me.

A speck of delight fills my chest.

“One minute,” Domenico states firmly.

“What the hell?” I sputter.

He huffs. “It’s disposable, but people can stilltrace the call if you’re not careful.”

Taking the phone, I push to my feet and pressJazmine’s number on the keypad.

“Don’t tell her where you are,” Domenico warns,straightening as well.

“Fine.”

“Hello?” My best friend’s voice fills the line andwarms my heart.

“Jaz…”

“Oh my god, Sol! Are you okay? Where are you? Yourdad…” She sniffles. “When I heard, I thought you were dead, too. But the copssaid they couldn’t find you. I thought the murderers kidnapped you.”

“No, I’m okay. Not kidnapped.Soyou can tell them that.”

“Where are you?” she asks again. “How come youdisappeared?”

“I’m—” I stare at Domenico. He flashes a look ofwarning. “I’m with a friend. I’m safe. I had to leave.”

He glances at his Rolex watch as if to indicate mytime is running out.

Jazmine sniffs, voice breaking when she speaksagain. “I’m so sorry, Sol. I know how much your dad meant to you, and to losehim like that….” She sobs. “The cops don’t have any suspects. Do you know whodid it? Did you see their faces?”

“No.” Tears trickle down my cheeks. “My dad madesure I got out.”

“Sol, I’m worried about you. You should stay withme. Where are you? Malcolm and I will get you.”

“No, I’m fine where I am. I don’t want to involveyou. It’s not safe.”

“Sol…”

“Time,” Domenico deadpans.

“Jaz, I have to go. I love you.”

“Wait, Sol—”

He plucks the phone from my hand, powers it off,and sticks it in his pocket.

“She’s right. I should go back.”

“No,” he refutes sternly.

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