Page 66 of Canyon of Deceit

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BLANE

Rurik needed over twenty minutes to recover from the blow of Daria and Falin’s affair. His clenched fists and red face told me he’d been emotionally double punched.

“Daria’s dislike for Jurg was a cover-up.” Rurik ceased his pacing. “Why didn’t I see the obvious? My wife and my best friend betrayed me.” He said a phrase in Russian. I had no idea the meaning, but I made a good guess.

“Think back over a conversation with either Daria or Jurg. Anything could lead to Alina.”

Rurik stiffened. “I’m so angry I can’t think.

All the times she ranted about him like he was a parasite.

Jurg never said one thing derogatory about Daria.

.. encouraged me to have patience, and he’d win her over.

The few times before her ultimatum, he visited our home and complimented her cooking, how she dressed, the furnishings, everything in a respectful manner. ”

The range of passion, fury to grief, continued to wash over Rurik.

I didn’t blame him, but other urgent matters took precedence.

“Take a deep breath. We will unravel Daria and Jurg’s relationship later.

Focus on Jurg and where he might have taken Alina and Therese.

How was he with your daughter? How did he treat her? ”

Rurik sunk onto a chair and placed his head in his hands. “Friendly. Gentle. He asked about school and appeared genuine in how she spent her days.” He glanced up at me. “If he killed Daria, then he’ll kill Alina.”

“I understand. That’s why I need you to think about your conversations with him. Where did he frequent in the ship channel area or any favorite spots?”

“Only the DimLight where you met with him. He conducted business there.”

“Do you have connections with the owner or employees? Someone who might nail where he’s at?”

Rurik shook his head. “He has informants working at the bar. Too dangerous.”

“Why am I now finding out about his informants?” Was the FBI’s informant aware of this or assumed someone watched her back?

“You are the one who requested a meeting.” Rurik headed toward shutdown mode. “Jurg is capable of the worst of crimes.”

I held up my hand. “You’re right. My apologies.”

He stared at the many books in his floor-to-ceiling bookcase, looking but not seeing while intensity flowed from his eyes.

“Daria has a close friend. They spent a lot of time together. On the day of Alina’s abduction, I called this woman.

She said Daria hadn’t talked to her in a couple of days.

While I doubt Daria confided in anyone about her affair, she might have mentioned something. ”

I typed into my phone. Later I’d review the conversation. Why hadn’t he told me or those investigating Daria’s disappearance about this friend? The man poured acid on my ulcer. When the dust settled, Rurik and I would have a long talk. “Name and phone number? Address?”

“Zoya Basin.” Rurik continued with her number and address. “They were friends back home. Did everything together—enjoyed weekend trips—” He stopped himself. “Those weekends might have been with Jurg. Daria always said how time with Zoya refreshed her, made her think of home in Russia.”

I entered in Zoya’s number, and she answered on the first ring. I pressed speaker and introduced myself. “We’re investigating Daria Ivanov’s disappearance. We understand the two of you were good friends in Russia and here.”

“Yes. She loved life. Everyone loved her. I have no idea who would want her dead.”

Someone did. Violently. “Had she spoken to you about her marriage and Alina?”

“She and Rurik were very happy. She adored Alina and often wished the little girl would call her Mommy. But Rurik forbade it.”

Rurik listened, not flinching or moving. Truth was a costly commodity. “What can you tell me about her affair with Jurg Falin?”

“Mr. Gardner, Daria ended the relationship before she and Rurik were married. Sir, I’ll say this once, and I’ll deny it later.” She sighed. “Both men are capable of murder. It’s second nature to them.”

I thanked her and squeezed the phone in my hands. I hated the process of sorting out lies.

“She’s a liar,” Rurik said. “Daria kept her distance from Alina, just as I told you.”

“You’ve lied to me in the past, and you’re still withholding truth. Why? Isn’t your daughter’s life worth more than empty words?”

Rurik cocked his arm, fist clenched. I bolted from the chair and stopped his punch.

I gripped his fist. “Try to hit me again and I’m outta here. You’ll be alone to deal with Daria’s and Alina’s murder charges. Is that your choice?”

“Jurg has vowed I will never see Alina again.”

“Unless you comply with his demands. What are they, Rurik? Time is running out. The police will arrest you tomorrow morning, then how will you secure her release?”