Page 53 of Canyon of Deceit

FIFTY-TWO

BLANE

Back at my hotel room, I logged in to a computer and accessed secure updates.

The unbearable waiting made me cranky, and my personality insisted on having answers or control of situations.

Enter God, but eliminating old habits teetered on the impossible side.

During a negotiation case, I viewed waiting on answers as a challenge, part of the process of my job, but this was different.

Too many lives were at stake for me to do nothing.

Secure sites told me nothing new. Neither the Texas Rangers nor the FBI were talking about escorting Edik Baranov and his family off the cargo ship—and the US stayed mute about the defection. Hackers would have a field day going public with a covert operation.

I wanted in on it... like Therese had said yesterday in the ambulance.

Six days to stop an assassination.

Six days to trap Falin and the ROC.

Six days to draw the truth out of Rurik.

Six days to find Alina alive.

I phoned Sergio. “What are the next steps in recovering Alina?”

“Out of your hands, Rusty.”

“I’m in this with both hands and feet. My one-arm fighting ability is limited, but my brain power works like the latest technology. Who’s checking security cams around the ship channel?”

“We’re on it. Don’t tell me how to do my job.”

Remorse hit me hard. “My apologies. I’m edgy and want this ended. I need something to do. I assume techs are checking credit cards and all the obvious. Any action with the tracker?”

He blew out his exasperation. “What do you think? Have you learned about any arrests?”

“I have an idea—”

“Forget it. You and Therese are finished with this case.”

I envisioned Sergio setting his jaw. Again, mule met mule.

“Hear me out. Whoever is targeting Therese thinks she is recuperating at a hotel where you’ve enabled surveillance.

Most likely that person will send some lowlife perps to take her out.

They’ll either have no clue who paid them, or whoever is behind this will make sure they’re dead once they’ve completed the job. He won’t risk capture himself.”

“I’m listening, but that’s all.”

“I admit my track record stinks, and I don’t want to endanger Therese’s or Alina’s lives.

Neither do I want anyone else killed. The FBI is pursuing the activation chip, so I can focus on finding Alina.

What if I drove to see Rurik? Instructed him to contact Falin on the burner phone Falin provided.

Tell Falin I’m willing to negotiate Alina’s release, and I can meet him at a private location of his choosing, just the two of us.

No mention of Edik Baranov, only money and Alina. ”

“Are you loco? Look where your attempts have gotten you? Why would he be interested?”

“Greed. He used Alina as a means of ensuring Rurik followed orders, especially after Daria’s death.

A media leak that Rurik is under investigation for his missing wife and daughter would help convince him he’s not a suspect in Alina’s kidnapping.

Falin isn’t about to cancel Baranov’s assassination.

He has an opportunity to win big with the Russian government.

More likely he agreed to the deal and planned to leave the country before the assassination, which would exonerate him from directing the plot. ”

“He’ll probably want more money.” Sergio’s tone indicated his sarcasm. “Too risky.”

I inhaled deeply. “If Falin and I agreed to a public place like a bar, you have the resource to plant someone ahead of time. Wiring me is a mistake, but someone else makes sense.”

Silence ensued as Sergio was processing.

“It might work,” Sergio said. “Arresting Falin doesn’t free Alina or stop the assassination attempt. He’d have his men watching every move inside and outside the meeting place. That means a solo effort on your part.”

“Right. When should I talk to Rurik?”

“I’m regretting this already. When this is over, you will owe me big time. I need a few hours to work out details on my end. I’ll send a Ranger to pick you up, and we’ll discuss this more in detail. Rurik is to know nothing about our conversation.”

“I’ll make sure he understands that unless he helps me meet with Falin, Alina will never be free.”

Late afternoon, while Therese dozed, I left the hotel for the Ranger office.

Good thing she slept, or she’d have attempted to crawl out of bed and join me.

I left her a note about meeting with Sergio, and I’d explain later.

Probably deal with her aggravation and a taste of her fury.

Those who knew me accepted my determination, like breaking in a horse and not giving up no matter how many times I got bucked off.

At the Ranger office, Sergio and I talked behind closed doors. I chose not to phone Rurik about a visit—preferred to catch him off guard. Then I readied myself to leave.

“You will either expose crimes or die trying.” Sergio shook my hand and drew me into a hug. “I’m always afraid this will be our last time to meet, Bro.”

I offered a smile. “Hey, the difference now is I’m sure where I’m spending eternity. I’ll call later.”

In the pitiful hobble to my car, I realized I’d soon find out the real Rurik Ivanov and hoped I lived to tell about it.

—

Inside Rurik’s home, I knocked on his office door. He responded wearing the same jeans and wrinkled shirt from yesterday. Lines, like plow blades, dug into the edges of his eyes. Or he gave a good show.

“Blane, I’m surprised to see you.” He peered around me. “Therese isn’t with you?”

“She’s recuperating from a car accident. I want Falin stopped.”

“You’re sure he’s responsible?”

“Who else? Why is he after Therese?”

Rurik frowned. “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything to me. Is she in the hospital?”

“No, a hotel room with a protection detail.”

He gestured for me to sit. “Not sure I want to hear what happened, but you’re here.”

“We left here yesterday and...” I omitted the plan to scout out where Alina’s necklace had been found and the ship channel area. “The vehicle and the driver are at large. Therese received a concussion and additional bruising.”

“I’m devastated. Give her my best.”

I inhaled, allowing him time to read me and me to read him. Most likely false from him, but I’d play along. “Falin and his thugs tailed us from the time we left your house.”

He gripped the arms of his chair. “Surely you aren’t thinking I am responsible.”

“Of course not, Rurik. You’ve convinced me and Therese of your honesty. I have an idea, and I’m here to discuss it with you.”

“To find Alina and make arrests?”

“That’s the plan.”

“What can I do?”

“The agents protecting you have your burner phone. Would you call Falin and ask if he and I can meet to negotiate Alina’s release?” I filled him in on the plan.

“But what about Edik Baranov and his family?”

“Does Falin know what you’ve told us?”

“No. But the money isn’t enough.”

“What if I toss in a get-out-of-the-US-free card?”

Rurik stared beyond me. His features stoic. No twitches under his eyes or body movements to show deceit.

“I’m afraid for Alina... If he’d hurt her. Or take her with him.” His impassive look remained in place. “I’ll make the call. How do I introduce you?”

“He’s aware I’m a Texas Ranger. Tell him I’m a negotiator and a friend.”

“You’re taking a massive risk.”

“Is Alina’s life worth it?” My concern for the child and Therese escalated with each passing moment.

Rurik swallowed hard. “Please ask the agents for my phone, and I’ll make contact.”