Page 110 of Canyon of Deceit

“You are the one who requested a meeting.” Rurik headed toward shutdown mode. “Jurg is capable of the worst of crimes.”

I held up my hand. “You’re right. My apologies.”

He stared at the many books in his floor-to-ceiling bookcase, looking but not seeing while intensity flowed from his eyes. “Daria has a close friend. They spent a lot of time together. On the day of Alina’s abduction, I called this woman. She said Daria hadn’t talked to her in a couple of days. While I doubt Daria confided in anyone about her affair, she might have mentioned something.”

I typed into my phone. Later I’d review the conversation. Why hadn’t he told me or those investigating Daria’s disappearance about this friend? The man poured acid on my ulcer. When the dust settled, Rurik and I would have a long talk. “Name and phone number? Address?”

“Zoya Basin.” Rurik continued with her number and address. “They were friends back home. Did everything together—enjoyed weekend trips—” He stopped himself. “Those weekends might have been with Jurg. Daria always said how time with Zoya refreshed her, made her think of home in Russia.”

I entered in Zoya’s number, and she answered on the first ring.I pressed speaker and introduced myself. “We’re investigating Daria Ivanov’s disappearance. We understand the two of you were good friends in Russia and here.”

“Yes. She loved life. Everyone loved her. I have no idea who would want her dead.”

Someone did. Violently. “Had she spoken to you about her marriage and Alina?”

“She and Rurik were very happy. She adored Alina and often wished the little girl would call her Mommy. But Rurik forbade it.”

Rurik listened, not flinching or moving. Truth was a costly commodity. “What can you tell me about her affair with Jurg Falin?”

“Mr. Gardner, Daria ended the relationship before she and Rurik were married. Sir, I’ll say this once, and I’ll deny it later.” She sighed. “Both men are capable of murder. It’s second nature to them.”

I thanked her and squeezed the phone in my hands. I hated the process of sorting out lies.

“She’s a liar,” Rurik said. “Daria kept her distance from Alina, just as I told you.”

“You’ve lied to me in the past, and you’re still withholding truth. Why? Isn’t your daughter’s life worth more than empty words?”

Rurik cocked his arm, fist clenched. I bolted from the chair and stopped his punch.

I gripped his fist. “Try to hit me again and I’m outta here. You’ll be alone to deal with Daria’s and Alina’s murder charges. Is that your choice?”

“Jurg has vowed I will never see Alina again.”

“Unless you comply with his demands. What are they, Rurik? Time is running out. The police will arrest you tomorrow morning, then how will you secure her release?”

SIXTY-SIX

THERESE

I woke to angry voices coming from Jurg’s room. Two distinct male voices slashed through the darkness, at times low and other times the harsh tones increased. Alina stirred, and I lightly pressed my finger to her lips.

I crept from the sofa and pressed my ear to the adjoining door. The words spoken in Russian confused me. Alina joined me and wrapped her arm around my waist. She shook. Would she relay their words?

I listened to calculate the depth of anger, praying Jurg and the other man settled their heated differences. Alina released me and stepped backward while her attention stayed fixed on the door. She covered her mouth and yanked me back.

“On the floor. On the other side of the bed,” she whispered.

I grabbed her hand, and we huddled together on the carpet farthest from the adjoining room.

“A man is very mad at my uncle,” Alina whispered.

“What about?” I said in the same hushed tone.

“The other man ordered my uncle to kill me, you, and the Texas Ranger. My uncle told him he gave the orders.”

A crack pierced the air, not loud, telling me the shooter had used a silencer. A door slammed.

Who stood alive on the other side?