Page 42 of Chasing the Past

“Landon McDowell. He owns One World Aide. The company that flew you out of Kabul.”

She took the phone from him and stared at Landon McDowell. “So, he knew Omar. They were working together.”

“Probably.”

“What is going on?” She handed him back the phone and tried to make sense of it. What would Omar have to do with a businessman from the US? Another dreadful thought occurred. What if McDowell was involved in what was happening here? Is it the reason why Omar had come to the country?

Eli’s phone rang. “It’s Gavin.” He answered the call and put it on speaker. “Gavin, I have you on speaker and I’m here with Asal. Do you have any news?”

“Nothing new. Whatever Fatima had of Sashi’s, her killer must have taken it with him.”

Eli updated Gavin on what Asal remembered about McDowell. “Is intelligence alerted to McDowell having terrorist affiliations or an association with Rafiq?”

“Not that I’m aware of, but I can do some checking.” Gavin said something that came out garbled and Eli asked him to repeat.

“I’m on my way to Langley now. We’re on high alert. With Rafiq being identified as being in the US, security is heightened. I’ll do my best to keep you updated as I’m allowed.”

“Stay safe. How’s the weather there?” Eli asked.

“Getting uglier by the minute. Take care of yourselves.” The call dropped.

“I’m glad we still have cell service,” Eli said. “Although I’m not sure for how much longer. I’m going to check the locks on the doors and windows. Why don’t you stay here where it’s warm?”

“No.” Hearing that the man she believed loved her was a known terrorist and that the plane that flew her out of Kabul was owned by one of Omar’s associates was terrifying. “I really don’t want to be alone.”

Eli smiled gently. “Then come with me. I can use your help.”

She rose and waited while he checked the windows in the kitchen.

“We’re good here.”

They moved to the dining room where everything was secure.

As they moved through the lower level of the house, only a few windows had been left unlocked. In the living room, the brunt of the storm was reflected through the windows.

“I sure hope they hold,” Eli said, his concern visible on his face.

Asal peered through the storm and saw something. She grabbed Eli’s arm. “Is that a light?” As soon as the words were out the storm swallowed up the light. “It’s gone.”

Eli moved close to the window and kept his attention on the place where she’d indicated. “Maybe it was someone who got stranded in their car and they’re trying to find a place to get out of the weather.”

It made sense. According to Eli, most people around here knew each other and would no doubt be willing to help a neighbor in need. “Is the bridge kept open in this type of weather?”

Eli turned away from the window. “No. It’ll be shut down. No one’s getting onto the island.”

Or off. The thought swirled around her head.

“Whatever it was, it’s gone now,” Eli said. “Let’s finish checking the windows.”

She forced herself to leave the window. She and Eli finished checking the rest of the house and securing everything.

“Help me bring up some more wood from the basement.”

She turned his way.

“We’re safe here, Asal. With the weather, it’s even more secure. Rafiq is probably miles away by now.”

“Planning whatever they’re planning.” If she’d been more aware of who Omar . . . or Rafiq really was then she might have paid more attention. She could have done something to stop this from happening.

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