Page 57 of Canyon of Deceit
FIFTY-SIX
THERESE
I dozed on the hard hotel sofa until Blane returned from his meeting with Jurg Falin. If I went to bed, he wouldn’t wake me with what happened tonight. At times my kidney made me nauseous or gave me muscle spasms. Nothing I needed right now.
The two agents watched a cop show, remarking how Hollywood never got it right. At least in movies, the good guys always won. I needed to shove aside the cynicism and remember God had this. Lately my display of faith needed reinforcement... I sounded like Blane.
A Ranger dropped Blane off after midnight. He’d left his truck in another part of town, not a secret to Falin since he had the license plate number. Blane asked to talk in my temporary bedroom, where he explained the negotiations with Falin and how the wired waitress had recorded the conversation.
“I phoned Sergio en route to meeting the FBI agent. I learned the DimLight has been under FBI surveillance for the past several months.”
“Did they already have someone inside?”
“Yes, and Falin had talked to her in the past. FBI also confirmed listening devices as part of their surveillance.”
“Why does Falin want the exchange on Monday?” I said. “He’s a part of the Baranov assassination on Wednesday. Doesn’t he want credit from Mother Russia? What am I missing?”
“His innocence in the event Rurik spills the truth. The second thing is the ROC is well informed about who put the plot together.”
“And he gets the credit if they are successful.” I pondered what I’d said. “But he’d also get the blame if his plans are foiled.”
“True, but my guess is he has someone lined up to take the fall. I’d say Rurik or one of his henchmen.”
“Poor Alina. Rurik’s request to adopt her makes sense.”
Blane hesitated, as though choosing his words with care. “Rurik’s life is on the wrong end of a death sentence, and he knows it. He refused to cooperate with the ROC and has been blackmailed, and if the courts find him guilty, he’ll pay the highest price.”
“Makes me wish Texas permitted a polygraph test as valid evidence. Then I’d feel better about my allegiance. Or lack of.”
“I trust Rurik’s allegiance about as far as I can spit.
But we’ll find out. I received an update on the way here.
Rurik’s been in contact with someone associated with the Russian government long before Alina’s abduction.
Looks like constant communication until a month ago.
How many burners has he stashed away, and why haven’t they been located? ”
“In the beginning I wanted the US to offer Alina and him a new beginning, but my only concern now is Alina.”
“He’s either working as a Russian spy and guilty of Daria’s death and Alina’s abduction or blackmailed into assisting the ROC. We’re not going to find out tonight.”
“Or something to do with Edik Baranov. Tomorrow?” I said.
He cupped my chin, a kind smile playing on his lips. “Wishful thinking, but I’ll go with it.” He stepped back. “We need sleep.”
“Who told you about Rurik talking to someone associated with the Russian government?”
“Sergio, and his info came from someone high up at the FBI.”
“Do they have evidence he’s a spy?” I said, not really wanting to hear the answer when my concentration stayed fixed on Alina.
“Strong contender. I’ve read his tells and done my best to be objective.” He exhaled. “Whatever the truth, Alina deserves a chance at life. I’m not giving up on negotiating for her freedom.”
“This is bigger than both of us. Are you opening a can of worms with what you learned tonight? Think about all that has gone wrong.”
“Do I detect a bit of concern?” He purposely widened his eyes, but I wasn’t amused.
“And if I am?” I feigned irritation, but I did have a backpack full of worry and what he might do to compensate for his broken arm.
“There are trained people who thrive on responsibility, challenges, and danger. I’m one of them. If—”
A gunshot shattered the stillness.
“Stay back!” an agent shouted from the other room. “Active shooters.”
Blane yanked his SIG from his back waistband. “Therese, call for help. Get flat on the floor. The walls are thin.” The door slammed shut behind him.
I grabbed my phone with trembling fingers. Major Montoya had given me his number, and I did my best to sound calm amid the gunfire.
He answered before the first ring ended. “Don’t leave your room. You’ll make it harder for Blane and the agents to do their jobs. Those agents have backup on the way at the first sign of trouble. And I’ll be there in a few.”
I gripped my phone and wished it had a trigger. But this wasn’t the first time I’d fought a battle on my knees or, in this case, on my stomach.
“We followed her here,” a muffled male voice said. “Give us the Palmer woman, and we’ll leave.”
Gunfire erupted again. “That’s your answer,” Blane said.
What did Falin and the ROC want with me? Had Rurik led them to believe I knew their plans?
A cry rang out. Please help the three people protecting me. No injuries. Or worse. I beg of You .
Flashes of those who’d bled and died in Dog Canyon sickened me. Wasted life. These were people with families, dreams, and hopes for the future. All the suffering. Why? Was it a stand for justice?
“Hear those sirens?” Blane said. “You’re about to be dead men.”
The sirens grew louder, reminding me of an orchestra reaching a crescendo.
“Like those agents, you’re out of time, cowboy.”
Gunfire cracked.