Page 117 of Canyon of Deceit

“I took an oath to save lives, not destroy them.” He sighed. “Aren’t you trained in martial arts?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Thinking through the best way to keep the four of us alive.”

I joined him at Jurg’s side. “What if I overpower you, and then Alina and I escape. Once we’re safe, I’ll call 911 for Jurg. That gives you time to get away.”

“I have a better idea. You punch me in the eye and break a lamp. You and Alina leave—take the stairs. Five minutes after you leave, I’ll call 911. I’ll tell them Jurg phoned me and said he’d been shot and requested medical help. I got here. The door was open, and helay unconscious. I treated him while they were en route. I’ll leave the room when I hear the sirens.”

“Perfect.” I turned to my sweet Alina. “This is a lie, but it keeps all of us alive.”

“And we all can get away from the bad men,” she said.

“Right.” Loved this little girl.

“I’m ready,” the doctor said. “Be careful once you get outside. Something’s going down.”

I asked Alina to wait in the other room while I sent the desk lamp crashing to the floor and gave the doctor a black eye.

“You pack a powerful punch. I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end if you were angry.” He offered a half smile.

“Thanks, I think. I pray this works.”

—

In the hallway, I placed Alina’s hand firmly in mine and inhaled freedom. We rushed to the exit and down four flights of stairs. We stopped at the registration desk. Two armed Customs and Border Patrol agents stood at the glass wall to my left. What kind of crime had happened? But first things first.

“I have an emergency,” I said to the receptionist. “Please, can I use your phone?”

The young woman blanched. “We are locked down due to a dangerous situation.”

“Please.” Desperation laced my voice.

“I’ll get an outside line.” Her lips quivered. “The doors are all locked, and you can’t leave. Neither can anyone get inside without security approving them.”

I didn’t have Blane’s new number memorized, but I could call Major Montoya. I asked the receptionist to help me contact the Texas Rangers, and she agreed.

“Major Montoya, please,” I said.

“He’s out of the office. Can I help you?” a man said.

“Is Blane Gardner available, or can you give me his number? This is an emergency.”

“Hold on while I get Major Montoya on the line.”

“Tell him it’s Therese Palmer.”

Time moved slowly when lives were at stake.

“Therese?” His deep voice gave me a measure of comfort.

“Yes, I have Alina and we’re safe.”

“Where are you?”

“The Waterway Resort.”

“What? I’m here with Blane. Stay inside where it’s safe. Guards are posted at all exits. I’ll send Blane to explain. The property is surrounded by FBI, Border Patrol, and Coast Guard. That hotel is nothing but window walls. Keep away from them.” And he was gone.