Page 109 of Canyon of Deceit

Rurik scrubbed his hand over his face. “Yes.”

I lowered my voice. “How?”

He leaned back in his chair. “Upon his direction, I arranged for him to leave Russia under another name. Once here, we’d request Witness Protection to protect our families. I never anticipated Jurg would suspect me, demand I assist the ROC in the assassination with information, then kill my wife and kidnap Alina to ensure my cooperation.”

Compassion pulsed into my tone. “Rurik, the information I’m about to tell you won’t be easy to accept. Intel shows Jurg had an ongoing affair with Daria since the move to Houston and possibly while in Russia.”

Rurik blanched, and his jaw dropped like a dead man giving in to death’s call.

SIXTY-FOUR

THERESE

Late afternoon, a knock at the adjoining door interrupted the two of us coloring flowers in a coloring book. Alina listened to Jurg’s voice and unbolted the door.

“It’s party time.” Jurg pushed a cart into the room, loaded with food under metal canopies, a birthday cake, an iced container that I assumed contained ice cream, and a dozen red roses. Even balloons decorated the cart.

“This is wonderful. Thank you.” I wanted to gag on the words.

“Birthdays are special,” he said. “Even in times of grave danger for my dear Alina, kindness must not pass our attention.” He smiled at the little girl. “I will call you Larisa until we are home, then we can call each other our correct names.”

Would his expression of kindness keep me alive? Doubtful.

“Can Therese come with us to Russia?” The innocence in her eyes reflected naivety.

“We’ll see.” He cupped her chin. “Thank you for thinking of our guest.”

“I made Therese something for her birthday.” Alina gathered up her handmade card from the desktop and handed it to him.

Jurg admired her colorful sketch of a mountain with lots of trees and flowers. She signed it,Love, Larisa.

How twisted were these people that their children easily accepted deceit?

SIXTY-FIVE

BLANE

Rurik needed over twenty minutes to recover from the blow of Daria and Falin’s affair. His clenched fists and red face told me he’d been emotionally double punched.

“Daria’s dislike for Jurg was a cover-up.” Rurik ceased his pacing. “Why didn’t I see the obvious? My wife and my best friend betrayed me.” He said a phrase in Russian. I had no idea the meaning, but I made a good guess.

“Think back over a conversation with either Daria or Jurg. Anything could lead to Alina.”

Rurik stiffened. “I’m so angry I can’t think. All the times she ranted about him like he was a parasite. Jurg never said one thing derogatory about Daria... encouraged me to have patience, and he’d win her over. The few times before her ultimatum, he visited our home and complimented her cooking, how she dressed, the furnishings, everything in a respectful manner.”

The range of passion, fury to grief, continued to wash over Rurik. I didn’t blame him, but other urgent matters took precedence. “Take a deep breath. We will unravel Daria and Jurg’s relationship later. Focus on Jurg and where he might have taken Alina and Therese. How was he with your daughter? How did he treat her?”

Rurik sunk onto a chair and placed his head in his hands. “Friendly. Gentle. He asked about school and appeared genuine in how she spent her days.” He glanced up at me. “If he killed Daria, then he’ll kill Alina.”

“I understand. That’s why I need you to think about your conversations with him. Where did he frequent in the ship channel area or any favorite spots?”

“Only the DimLight where you met with him. He conducted business there.”

“Do you have connections with the owner or employees? Someone who might nail where he’s at?”

Rurik shook his head. “He has informants working at the bar. Too dangerous.”

“Why am I now finding out about his informants?” Was the FBI’s informant aware of this or assumed someone watched her back?