Page 13 of Chasing the Past

She had lost all color in her face. “Then what am I supposed to do? I can’t go back to Cairo. Omar owns my business. I-I have nothing.”

Eli leaned over and clasped her hand. “We’ll figure it out. You aren’t alone. I promise you’re not alone.”

She blew out a sigh that seemed to come from down in her soul. The haunting look on her face reminded him of the last time he’d seen Sashi. She’d worn that same expression when she’d promised she would meet him at his apartment in Kunduz. But soon, everything they’d gone through at the hands of the Panther would be nothing but a distant memory.

Chapter Six

Last week, her life had been so simple. She was happy to design her flower arrangements for customers. She had a small flat above the shop. Although Omar wasn’t the most affectionate person, he kept close tabs on her during the day. They shared a meal several days a week. He told her he worried about her being alone too long. If she had a seizure, no one would be there to help.

Though they never talked about their wedding, she assumed they would marry one day.

She’d never believed him to be a monster . . . until now.

“With your permission, I’d like to bring in my team to investigate what Omar is up to.”

Her troubled gaze searched his face. “You think this has nothing to do with the antiques Omar ships?”

Eli didn’t mince words. “He’s not who he says he is, Asal. He’s responsible for hundreds of lost lives and he’s here in the US for a reason.”

The man who she believed saved her life was a terrorist. Asal couldn’t wrap her head around the idea.

“It’s almost midnight. I’ll reach out to my people first thing in the morning.” He paused and searched her face. “When was the last time you’ve eaten?”

Asal tried to recall. “Not since this morning. I was too upset to eat anything after I returned.” The look on Omar’s face had been frightening.

“Then I’ll make you something. Stay here and rest.” Eli stepped away without her answering.

If she hadn’t gotten away when she did, Asal had no doubt Omar would have killed her at the request of the man who appeared to be in charge of whatever was going on.

The unknown man had been angered to learn Asal was alive.

Why was she still alive?

How had he known about the explosion unless . . . Omar told him or he was part of it somehow.

She knows things.

What did Omar think she knew that could hurt him?

“I heated up some chowder from the Mariner’s Bistro.”

She jumped at the sound of Eli’s voice while her hand flew to her chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s okay. I guess I’m just a bit jumpy after what happened.”

Eli smiled genuinely and there was something about it that sparked another fragmented memory. She closed her eyes and desperately tried to hold onto it. She’d seen that smile before. Directed at her. But how? Why?

Her forehead furrowed as she tried to remember but couldn’t.

“You okay?” Eli asked, his deep husky voice washing over her was familiar and not just because of what they’d experienced today.

She shivered and tried to recapture the calm she’d had before this day began. “Yes, I’m fine.”

He placed a tray on her lap that held a bowl full of chowder and some crackers. “Eat up. It’s one of my favorite dishes at The Bistro.”

Asal tasted a spoonful. “It’s delicious. You’re not having any?”

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