Page 38 of Chasing the Past

“What was McDowell using the building in Kunduz for?” Eli asked.

“There’s no record that I’ve been able to locate that tells us what it was used for.”

“Still, if McDowell had gone to the effort to hide his ownership it had to be bad.”

“I’ll keep looking into it, but McDowell appears to be secretive about his business practices. How are things there?”

Eli’s attention returned to the weather. “It’s getting nasty out. It won’t be long before we’re shut off from the rest of the island. That concerns me.”

“Yeah, it’s bad here as well. I spoke to the rest of the team. Everyone’s doing okay, just hoping there’s not much damage. I’m glad we still have cell service.”

Eli was as well. “I’m going to check in with Will. I sure hope he has something useful on the DNA.”

“Me, too. Give me a call if you need anything. Meanwhile, I’ll keep working.”

“Thanks, Declan.” Eli disconnected and listened for any sounds coming from upstairs. Nothing but silence. His reaction to Asal worried him. She wasn’t Sashi and he couldn’t transfer his feelings to her. It wasn’t fair. He had to find a way to keep a certain amount of distance otherwise, he was vulnerable in protecting her.

He called Will.

“How are things going there?” Will asked.

“Okay.” Eli updated him on what Declan had uncovered.

“Strange. I don’t see the tie-in to what’s happening but I’d say McDowell is certainly up to something bad.” Seconds ticked by. “Anyway, I was getting ready to call you because we have a match to the DNA found at the house.”

Eli’s heart went ballistic. “What’s Omar’s real name?”

“Mustafa Rafiq. There’s no record of him being associated with any terrorist groups.”

And just as quickly as he had hope, Eli lost it. “Still, why use an alias if he was legit and how did he pop on your DNA records if he isn’t a wanted man?”

“He’s the son of a diplomat from Turkey.”

Eli felt the disappointment course through his limbs. “And DNA of family members of diplomats are on file.”

“Exactly,” Will said with a sigh. “There’s been no new sightings of Rafiq on the island, and I have his name and alias out to all police agencies around the East Coast. My guess is he’s found someplace to hole up and has someone else doing his running around.”

Eli had a thought. “Were there others who came in with Rafiq and Asal?”

“They flew in on Egyptair. I’ll see if I can find out more about their fellow passengers.”

“Thanks, Will.” The wind slammed snow and sleet against the window where Eli stood. He took a step backward.

“Any further news from your CIA friend?”

“Nothing yet. I really hope we can get something useful from the thumb drive.”

“Me, too. I’ll call when I have news. Stay safe, Eli. Protect her. I have a feeling this is far from over.”

Eli believed the same thing. He ended the call and shoved the phone back into his pocket. A sound behind him had him turning.

Asal descended the stairs.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, because she looked as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders.

“I’m okay. I just couldn’t sleep.” Her attention skimmed over him and shifted to the darkness outside the window. “It’s getting worse, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Want some coffee?”

---