Page 8 of Chasing the Past

“I should go. He’ll be home soon.” She rose quickly.

Eli stood as well. “It’s not safe for you there with him Asal. If this man is who I believe he is, he’s a murderer as well as a terrorist.”

Her fear was obvious. “That can’t be. Omar owns an antique business. He ships them around the world.”

A good cover for what he was probably really exporting. “Why is he here in the US?” And more importantly, here on Hope Island.

“Omar wants to relocate his business here in the US. He’s looking at several different possible locations. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles . . . I must go.”

“Okay, but if you get frightened, if something happens, will you call me?”

She stopped on her way to the door. “I can’t. I don’t have a cell phone. Omar doesn’t believe in them.”

Then how did he keep up with business? Surely in this modern world where people were accessible twenty-four-seven, not having a cell phone would cost dearly.

Eli didn’t voice his concerns. “I have a burner phone you can use.” She looked at him as if she had no idea what he was saying, and Eli added, “It’s a prepaid phone which means it can’t be traced. In our line of work it’s sometimes necessary. Wait here.” Eli went to his office and retrieved one of the burners he kept and brought it to Asal.

He put in his cell phone number as well as the one to the business. “Here you go. Call me if you need me and I’ll be there. Where are you staying?”

She told him and he nodded. “I know the place. It’s close. I’ll give you a ride.”

She immediately rejected the idea. “No. If he sees you . . .”

Her fear of the man who was supposed to love her was setting off all sorts of warnings in Eli’s head. “Asal, you’re clearly afraid of him. Stay here. I can protect you.” All he could think about was how he hadn’t been able to protect Sashi.

“I-I don’t know why he scares me. He tells me he cares about me. He’s never hurt me.”

Not exactly a glowing recommendation.

“Alright. Keep the phone hidden and if you’re fearful, please call me.”

He walked her to the door and remembered the photo he had of Sashi on his phone. “Wait, I want to show you something.” He brought up Sashi’s smiling face. “This is Sashi.” He turned the phone to Asal.

She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “She looks just like me.” She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off the photo.

“Omar, or whatever his name really is, killed her and probably her husband and who knows how many others. He’s dangerous, Asal. Please, be careful.”

She swallowed nervously. “I will be careful.” She tucked the burner phone into her pocket.

Eli stepped out with her. There were so many things he wanted to say to her and yet the words wouldn’t come. She said she wasn’t Sashi and yet the emotions she’d stirred up inside were like someone slashing his heart to shreds.

She searched his face before heading quickly away.

Eli watched her leave and was amazed at how closely she resembled Sashi. Was it possible Sashi had a sister that she’d never mentioned before?

After Asal turned the corner out of sight Eli reluctantly went back inside.

“Was that the same woman from before?” Janine was gathering her jacket and preparing to leave for the day. Since her daughter’s birth, she worked shorter days.

“Yes, it was.”

Janine searched his face. “What did she want?”

“She’s afraid, but not ready for help yet.”

Janine touched his arm. “You can’t help her if she doesn’t want your help.”

He knew this. “Still, I have questions that I need answered.” He went back to his office and grabbed a plastic bag and then returned to the conference room where Asal’s water bottle was on the table.

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