Page 120 of Canyon of Deceit

The firefight played out like watching a brutal action movie. Seconds poured into minutes.

A shooter held up his hands. Then another.

I watched the US take control. Breathing relief came easy. Breathing thanks to God followed. But the inability to assist slammed against my ego. Shooters were cuffed, the wounded treated and loaded into ambulances, and Edik Baranov and his family were again retrieved from the water along with others. In freeing Alina and with the Baranovs safe on US soil, the impossible had happened.

I pressed in Rurik’s number, silently urging him to pick up.

“Blane, I’m sorry. I refused to stand by and do nothing while Jurg controlled my daughter’s life. I’ve—”

“Rurik, Alina’s safe. So are the Baranovs. The ROC failed in their operation.”

He sobbed. “Thank you. Thank you for everything. Therese is unharmed?”

“Yes. Where are you?”

“Driving to talk to Jurg.”

“He’s been shot and is at a hospital. No idea who shot him or if he’ll live.”

“Where is Alina?”

“In the same building with me and Therese. I need your wordthat you’ll drive home and stay there. Providing the FBI gives me permission, I’ll bring Alina to you.”

“I can drive to the hospital.”

“Not a good idea with what’s happened.”

“All right. I’m driving home. Since this is over, the FBI will reveal more of what is going on with Edik and his family. You’ll get many answers to your questions. Tell Alina I love her and tell Therese thank you.”

“Sure. It’s over, Rurik.”

“I’ll believe it when Alina is in my arms.”

—

I hurried back to the kitchen to find Therese and alert her that the US had retrieved the Baranovs. I’d let her tell Alina that her father lived, and he anxiously awaited his little girl. The moment I opened the door, the attention of seven hotel employees flew my way—and not in a good way. Three grabbed knives, and one picked up a skillet like a ball bat. All women.

A man shouted at one of the women, “He’s a good guy.”

“The situation is neutralized,” I said. “I’m sure the FBI will give you the all-clear soon.”

Gasps of relief swirled around the room along with questions of what had caused the problem. I assured them the FBI would provide an explanation.

Therese and Alina flanked me, and I grew seven feet tall. I whispered to Therese that I’d spoken with Rurik, and he assured me of heading home. She knelt and captured Alina’s attention at eye level.

“Brave girl, you are safe. No one is out to hurt you. Your uncle is at the hospital, and I have great news. Wonderful news.” She tilted her head with sweet curiosity, and Therese continued. “Mr. Blane just talked to your daddy. He’s fine. Not hurt at all.”

Alina wrapped her arms around Therese’s neck and cried. “Daddy is alive? No bad people hurt him?”

“Right,” Therese said. “And he’s excited to see you.”

Alina pulled back and frowned. “But Uncle Jurg said—”

Therese clasped Alina’s shoulders. “Your uncle made a mistake. He feared something bad might happen to you.”

“Alina, I told your dad I’d bring you home as soon as I learn we can leave here,” I said. “Is that okay?”

“Yes, but I don’t believe you. I have to see my daddy first. Is Daria there too?”