Page 121 of Canyon of Deceit

“No, just your dad.” This child had already seen too much of the world’s ugly reality to relay more. I’d brief Therese privately.

“Maybe she’ll be home later. Can we go now?” Alina’s tone lightened... Poor little girl, she’d been through one traumatic moment after another.

“Give me a moment to make a call.” I yanked my phone from my jeans pocket, but Therese stopped me.

“Blane, before you talk to Major Montoya or anyone else, I must tell you what Alina and I experienced. I know the source of the laser-activation chips. That’s a surprise, huh?”

I stared at Therese as though I’d discovered gold. “Incredible news.”

She nodded. “The company’s name is Hilltop Defense Distributors in Utah. The box Jurg took from the cave had the name stamped on the side.”

I kissed her. Nothing else mattered. I pressed in Sergio’s number. “Therese gave me a name for the source of the laser chips.”

“I’ll get men on it,” he said. “Tell her thanks. And I owe her big-time. Might make her an honorary Texas Ranger. Give me a few minutes to check with the FBI to make sure they agree in returning Alina.”

I explained the short delay to the girls, and with permission from Agent Blackburn, the room emptied into the dining area. We slid into a booth, and Alina curled up next to Therese. Wasn’t five minutes until the little girl’s eyes grew heavy and closed. Therese stroked her cheek, no doubt forming the right words to explain her ordeal.

“I never had any illusions about Jurg’s plans for me, but he planned to take Alina to Russia.” She paused and made sure Alinaslept. “Vengeance for his sister led his motives with the kidnapping. Jurg had two objectives—take Alina and ensure the ROC succeed in their mission.”

“Any mention about Daria?”

“No. Except he hated her.”

I shared in quiet tones that the body burned in Daria’s car was a woman from Dallas. “Did Jurg mention a boss, someone in control of the ROC?”

“I assumed he held that role. Then he was shot, but I have no idea who pulled the trigger.”

She filled me in about the doctor and cleanup crew.

“A spiderweb of connections,” I said. “To think, Houston is a large group, but it’s one of many all over the world.”

She stroked my hand. “Teaching wilderness-survival skills and tracking down those who are missing is a lot easier than what you and others do.”

“I’m sure you’ve wondered if my faith is real,” I whispered. “It is, and I will show you a changed man. Thank you for not giving up on me.”

A text flew into my phone from Sergio.You and Therese have permission to take Alina home. FBI is good. Keep Rurik there. I’ll explain later. Let Therese drive and you keep watch, just as a precaution. I need to make a call, then I’ll bring Rangers by the house to talk to Rurik. FBI will be en route then too.

I replied,Is Rurik under arrest?

Not unless the FBI discovers crimes to charge him.

SEVENTY-TWO

THERESE

Major Montoya had requested I drive Alina home. Uneasiness crawled in and refused to leave. Maybe he’d hit the overreaction button with the awkwardness of Blane behind the wheel nursing a concussion and a broken arm. That must be it.

According to the major, Jurg was in surgery. It would be hours before the surgeon offered a report.

Alina had no words from the back seat. She distrusted us and believed her dad might truly be dead. Her emotionless face in the rearview mirror sickened me. Would she ever get past this?

“Are you frightened?” I said to her.

“A little. I want to believe Daddy is fine, but I don’t want to be tricked.”

No amount of persuading would convince Alina until she wrapped her arms around Rurik’s neck. I’d feel the same.

Blane texted Rurik and gave him an approximate time of our arrival. This promised to be a tearful reunion. I touched Blane’s hand. We had much to talk about, much to be thankful for, and I needed to tell him something special. Why wait? Recovering Alina and the Baranov family facing freedom were reasons to celebrate life.