Page 35 of Canyon of Deceit

THIRTY-FOUR

Chandler ranted the entire time he untied the knots that imprisoned Falin inside the cave. “You are one stupid Russian. I leave you alone one hour, and you jeopardize our deal. And where’s my money?”

One curse word followed another. The grim set of Falin’s jaw showed the seething anger. His neck and face reddened. He said nothing... No need. Chandler had pushed Falin to the brink of uncontrollable rage, and Chandler always had control.

Falin approached me. He smacked me across the cheek and sent me flying backward. He kicked me in the kidney, the sides of my abdomen screaming out in torment. I’d underestimated his murderous streak.

Chandler chuckled. “The Russian has a temper.”

“Maybe.” Falin’s tone bordered on venomous.

Falin snatched his backpack from Chandler and pulled out a .357 Magnum. He examined it in his hand. “There are a few things in this life I refuse to walk away from.” He lifted his chin and eyed Chandler. “Palmer here used wit to get the best of me. I underestimated her, but I admire her moxie.”

“Me too. But don’t deny me the pleasure of killing her. Put the gun away or you’ll upset me. Not smart. We need to talk money.”

“I hear you. But no one calls me stupid and gets away with it.”

This wasn’t going to end well. I held my breath and motioned for Alina to join me.

I hid her face against me.

She shuddered and stifled her sobs.

Falin raised his weapon and pulled the trigger at Chandler’s face.

“I killed him too.” The blast echoed around the cave.

Pieces of blood-covered flesh and brains splattered everywhere.

He examined the gun in his hand. “Those hollow points are messier than I remember.” He peered at me through a treacherous glint.

“You are not stupid,” I said. “I see a brilliant man with a brilliant plan.”

“Trying to keep yourself alive?”

“Specifically, Alina.”

His phone rang and he responded. “I’m on it. I have what we need.”

A faint whirl of helicopter blades met my ears.

With his gun trained on me, Falin swung my backpack and Chandler’s over his shoulder. He fired into the locked metal box and lifted the lid to expose the contents. “Ah, my chips.” He pointed to the cave’s entrance. “Outside.” He frowned. “That’s not the Airbus. What’s going on?”

I’d find an opportunity to take him down and prayed for a means to escape.