Page 44 of Canyon of Deceit
FORTY-THREE
THERESE
The answer must originate with what Falin believed Rurik had told me or what I might have seen in the cave. Whatever the expectation, Falin viewed losing men, murder charges, and kidnapping worth the risk to seal his plans. I shuddered at the bloodshed of terrorist activity on US soil.
Blane’s soft snores caught my attention.
He’d leaned back in the seat and finally found a reprieve from the intense pain—or his exhaustion outweighed the agony in his body.
I’d wake him on the hour. I’d drifted off and on since we’d been escorted to the FBI vehicle, but I continued to jolt awake.
My own bed sounded heavenly, but the closest I’d get would be tossing a few pieces of clothing atop it while packing my backpack for the extended-stay hotel.
In the shadows, Blane’s hand wrapped around mine, resting between us.
Was I selfish to call our longing to pursue a relationship a blessing amid the violent crimes?
His newfound faith testified to answered prayer—after Alina’s rescue, after the killers were stopped, after the answers to why I’d been targeted, then Blane.
But I had to be sure his faith lasted in the days ahead.
I needed to see his hope in Jesus, not just hear it.
I must guard my heart above all things. And pray.
A tap on the window captured my attention—Major Montoya. I touched Blane’s shoulder, and he immediately popped awake and opened the passenger door on his side.
“Rusty, you’ve been to the dark side of purgatory and back,” Major Montoya said. “Both of you.”
Blane attempted to scoot out of the car, but the major stopped him. “Stay put. I don’t want to see you fall. Might break your other arm.”
“Very funny.”
“No, it’s not. I fell out of a tree as a kid and broke my leg in two places. Even the memory hurts.”
“Appreciate your empathy.” Blane attempted a laugh, but it fell flat. “You didn’t need to come out tonight.”
“Right. And answer to my mother? You are her favorite, and the dear saint texts me hourly about your condition.”
Blane shook his head. “Love that woman.”
“That goes both ways,” the major said. “The house has been cleared so Therese can pick up items for the next few days. The team needs ten more minutes.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll hurry. Blane needs to pack too.”
“Nope. I got you covered,” the major said. “I’ve been to his place and have a to-go bag in my truck.”
Blane nodded. “You’re better than a brother.”
“You’d have done the same to help me. Already have.
Hey, I heard about the conversation you two had with Rurik.
Your lives are a tad on the worthless side.
The task force has dug deeper into what’s going on with the ROC, and it looks like the crimes are mounting with the contract out on Edik Baranov and whatever Rurik is hiding about the laser chips in the cave. ”
“Two separate issues?” Blane said.
“Depends if Rurik knew about the cave. Keep it to yourself.”
“We’ll do our best.”
“I agree both of you have a rapport with him. Tread lightly. Until we understand the scope of the ROC’s operation, trust comes with a price. I’ll arrange a video interview for tomorrow late morning. That’s the closest he’s getting to a face-to-face. Does the time work?”
“Sure,” Blane said. “We’re open to talk again tonight.”
“Not on my watch. Neither of you have the brain power to fight your way out of a wet paper bag.”
“You might be right,” Blane said. “Is Baranov and his family safe?”
Major Montoya held up his hand. “It’s confidential for security reasons.”
“I’m aware of my limitations. But I already have my answer. Speculating here, but if Baranov is making his way to the US, then his arrival must look like his own idea without the aid of our government.”
“No comment.”
Blane had made an accurate conclusion.
“Another speculation is whose side Rurik is on,” Blane said. “Or maybe he’s playing both.”
The major had the stoic thing down to a science.
“Or maybe you and the suits are working both assumptions until the truth sails in.” Blane blew out frustration. “I saw your twitch.”
Major Montoya frowned. “Nothing’s easy. If it were, we’d be in another line of work.”
His words hung in the air, sobering. We’d lost friends, friends absent from our lives forever, and how many more would shed blood and give their all?
“I’m in this for the long haul,” Blane said.
“Count me in,” I said. “Sir, do you have any idea where Falin has taken Alina?”
“No, and neither has anyone contacted Rurik.”
I ventured further. “Has forensics identified the woman’s body as Daria Ivanov?”
“No, but we have no reason not to believe it’s her. No one’s reported a missing woman. Daria’s neighbors haven’t heard from her either.”
Blane sighed, and it wasn’t from pain. “Providing Rurik didn’t have a hand in her murder, confirmation of Daria’s body would give him closure.
Burying her remains also allows the healing to begin.
Outwardly, his emotions are spent, and I suspect a breakdown.
Finding Alina’s body would push him over the edge.
” He paused. “Unless his emotions are fear of being charged with two murders.”
I had my own opinion about Rurik. “I think you’re wrong to suspect him. He’s a good man. I mean, how many losses can one man handle?”
Blane studied me. “If he’s innocent, he needs strength to accept the tragedy and move on with his life.”
“If?” I said.
“I want to believe he’s a victim. But if he’s as guilty as Jurg Falin with blood on his hands, Rurik deserves whatever a judge and jury toss his way.”
“He might have already chosen his country over his family,” Major Montoya said. “Time will tell, and remorse doesn’t bring lives back from the dead.”
How well I comprehended the grim reality of remorse. I inhaled a retort. Rurik hadn’t killed Daria. I was sure of it.
Major Montoya checked his watch. “Therese, you can enter your home. I suggest expediting your packing. The hotel has laundry facilities since we have no idea how long you’ll be there. You two are to stay put. I’ll keep you updated.”
I released Blane’s hand and grasped the door handle on my side.
“One more thing,” the major said. “It’s obvious you two are together. I’m glad, really glad, but be careful. Emotions can cause mistakes. Deadly ones.”