Page 7 of Canyon of Deceit

SIX

A negotiator’s sharpest tool in dealing with high stakes was often silence.

Rurik’s ghostly features stared back at me. “I’m terrified about telling you this, but if it helps find Alina...”

“Truth is always the key to unlock fear and doubt,” I said. “I can’t emphasize that enough. Every detail has the potential to help rescue your daughter.”

“And find out who killed my Daria.”

“True. Therese and I are listening. Take your time.”

The professor conducted a few of the inhale-exhale procedures I used to calm myself during hostage negotiations. He’d been trained or counseled by someone.

“Two nights ago, Daria and I were at a dinner hosted by Russian friends. We do this to speak our native language and feel like we’re closer to home. During the evening, I had a headache and excused myself to get fresh air. I left Daria to sip kvass and chat with friends.

“Outside I set my vodka on a poolside table and walked around the pool and landscaped garden into a wooded area. My headache lessened and I lingered there a few minutes. I’m not as social as Daria, and I needed time alone to reenergize.

The low voice of a man engaged in a phone conversation caused me to step away.

But my ears perked at the mention of Edik Baranov, a Russian colonel general who recently fled my country. ”

Rurik’s gaze swung from me to Therese and back again. “The one-sided conversation was disconcerting.”

“I’m familiar with Baranov,” I said. “Your government claims he stole military secrets, and he’s saddled with a death warrant. About two weeks ago, the media reported he’d escaped Russia with his wife and young son. Media has spent cycles trying to figure out where he’s gone.”

Rurik stared at his folded hands. “Since then, he’s been declared one of Russia’s most wanted men. But what shocked me was I recognized the voice of the man speaking.”

“Who?” I said.

“I’m hesitant to give his name... But it is Jurg Falin.

He said they were using a network of people to learn if Baranov was in the US or en route here.

They have a plan to take him and his family out.

Jurg has either declared allegiance to the ROC—Russian organized crime—or he’s simply a patriot who craves accolades from our homeland.

Jurg has never indicated discontent with the US or stated anything radical to cause me concern.

I slipped into the shadows and made my way back inside to the party.

I struggled with what I’d heard and if I should act.

The US has been good to me, and many of its citizens are friends.

Our governments often don’t see eye to eye, and my friends share varying opinions.

But I didn’t want to be responsible for innocent people’s deaths. ”

“Do you believe Baranov is innocent?”

Rurik stiffened. “How would I know? He had access to government and top military secrets, which makes his charges of treason valid. But his wife and son have not broken any laws to deserve death.”

“You and Jurg must be friends.”

“Yes, since we were boys in Russia. Close as brothers.”

“Sometimes people surprise and shock us,” I said. “Did he indicate who he was talking to?”

“No.”

“Is Jurg Falin the kidnapper who called you?”

“That is ridiculous. I would have recognized his voice.” Rurik lifted his chin. “If I had a name, I’d give it to you.”

“I’m sure you would. Continue.” I leaned in.

“Once we arrived home and the babysitter had left—”

“Who is the babysitter?”

“One of my students from the university.”

“I’d like her name for a background check.”

Rurik pulled a small notebook from his jacket and wrote a name and phone number. He ripped the page and handed me the paper.

“Thanks. Go on.”

“I relayed to Daria about what I’d heard from Jurg.

I wanted to contact the FBI, but she panicked.

She feared for my life and asked me to wait until the next day after I finished my classes at the university.

She’d then go with me to ensure our family would receive US protection.

She was extremely upset and insisted I not leave her or Alina that night.

Neither did she want me to call the FBI for fear our phone might be monitored. ”

I held up my finger to get his attention. “Why would your phone be bugged?”

“I have no idea, except Jurg has been to our home on several occasions. In my opinion, Daria made a valid argument, not that I’d ever participated in Russian or American affairs.

One more day wouldn’t matter, so I agreed.

” Rurik’s gaze darted behind him at the restaurant gradually filling with customers.

“Do you recognize anyone?” I said.

“No. Just observing. If I’d followed my instincts the night I heard Jurg’s conversation, none of this would have happened. I blame myself...”

“Sir, we must assume your overhearing an assassination plot and the following day your wife and daughter are missing are linked. Have you spoken to Jurg Falin?”

Rurik glanced at his fists. “He isn’t responding to calls or texts.”

“Is this normal for him?”

“If he’s busy.”

I turned to Therese. “Any more questions?”

“Not right now.” She swiped beneath her eyes.

I handed Rurik my business card. “Call me day or night. I need to talk to my boss and Therese before making a decision.”

He glared, then softened. “I need an answer soon. Please, I’m begging you to help me save what’s left of my family.”

From the core of my gut, I wanted to say yes but not without investigating more of Rurik’s story and digging deeper into his background. “Give me a few hours.”

“All right. I’m going to the bank from here and wait until they open. I’ll withdraw money from my account.”

“How much is needed?”

“Three million dollars.”

“On a professor’s salary, that’s a hunk of money.”

Rurik shrugged. “Some here. Some overseas.”

“I advise against it. The kidnappers will take what you give them and ask for more.”

“If Alina were your daughter, what would you do?”

“I’d feel the same. You’re suffering and the kidnappers know you’ll do anything for her safe return.”

“What are you suggesting? That I wait on their next call?”

“Put yourself in the kidnappers’ shoes. What is their goal?

Why are they desperate for your money? Why kill your wife and take your daughter to an off-grid location?

Who are your enemies? Do your political views offend your government?

Where does Edik Baranov fit in their scheme?

” I paused when he inhaled sharply. “Panic solves nothing. Only a clear mind and logic will help us rectify the situation.”

“I admit, it’s hard to focus.”

“A word of caution here. Once the authorities discover your wife and daughter are missing, they will be at your front door. You didn’t inform them of what has happened, which will make you a person of interest in one, possibly two, murders.”

He glared, then shook his head. “You’re right.

It will look like I covered up atrocious crimes.

But I’d rather be arrested for crimes I didn’t commit than have Alina killed.

Those men have taken Daria’s body where no one will find her.

” He rubbed his temples. “I’ve imagined several vile ways they might destroy her body, like a chemical vat, the ocean. The waiting is dreadful.”

Therese touched the top of Rurik’s fisted hand. Her silent support increased my admiration for her.

Rurik’s cell phone sounded, and he pulled his device closer. “The number is blocked.”

“Answer it in case it’s the kidnapper,” I said. “Don’t give the caller your location or reveal who you’re with.”

He held the phone to his ear. “Yes, this is Rurik.” He stared at me, and from his stiffened features, I’d made a correct assumption. “I’m working on getting the money. Where is Daria’s body?” Rurik’s features froze. “Yes, sir. Can I talk to Alina?”

Rurik laid his phone on the table and clicked a link to play a video of a dirty-faced, frightened little girl against a black background. She wore her navy-blue school uniform. “Please, Daddy, I want to come home. I’m scared. The man said you have something he needs.”

The video stopped.

Rurik grabbed his phone and attempted to replay the video of Alina. “Like yesterday, the video is gone.” His voice cracked, and he handed me his device.

I confirmed the link to the video as invalid and returned his phone. “What were the man’s demands?”

“He’d give me a number to wire the three million dollars tomorrow. If I failed or went to the police, I’d receive a video of him killing Alina, like he’d done with Daria. After I wire the money, he will tell me where to find my wife’s body and Alina will be returned to me.”

“Did you recognize the voice?”

“The same man as yesterday.” Rurik stood from the booth and stuffed his phone in his jacket pocket.

“What did Alina mean by you having something they need?”

“Money—”

“Sir.” Our server garnered Rurik’s attention. “Are you Professor Ivanov?”

“Yes. Why?”

The young woman handed him an envelope. “A man entered the restaurant and asked me to give this to you.”

Rurik opened the envelope, and a lock of white-blonde hair fell onto his palm. He enclosed it in his fist and openly sobbed.

“What did the man look like?” I said to the server.

“Average height. Wore an Astros baseball cap, and from the bulge in the back of it, he had a man-bun. Khaki pants and a light-blue shirt. Said delivering the envelope was important, then he left.”

My gaze flew to the front entrance, and I hurried past customers and on to the parking lot. With no one in sight and rush hour traffic, I had no way of identifying a vehicle. I jogged to the rear of the building with the same empty results.

Rurik and Therese met me outside. They hadn’t seen anyone either, but the security cams would have captured the man’s image.

Rurik held up the envelope. “This is my daughter’s hair.”

—

Rurik left Therese and me alone to sort through what had been said—and what hadn’t. The restaurant manager verified my ID and allowed us to view the security-cam footage—a guy in his early thirties.

“Do you recognize him?” I said to Therese.

“No one I’ve ever seen.”

I sent the footage to Sergio with a note that the man was a person of interest in a crime. We returned to the restaurant booth and ordered more coffee.

“Do you believe Rurik told us everything?” she said. “I probed him more and so did you. Each time, he shared another aspect of the crimes.”

“He’s not been entirely forthright. Fear has a way of crippling our senses and causing us to look at the world irrationally.

Whoever is behind the crimes followed him here.

The person who called Rurik might not have been the one who delivered the envelope.

The timing’s a bit off but not impossible. ”

“Have you heard and seen enough to consider a search for Alina?”

“I’m heading to the Ranger office. As soon as I have an ID from the footage, I’ll update you.” I kept my voice barely above a whisper. “I must share with the major what I’ve learned. He might refuse my participation, claiming this is a Federal case.”

“I’ve been thinking the whole time Rurik talked, and I can’t abandon a child.” The resolve in her eyes left no doubt.

“If you’ve invested empathy for Rurik and his family, you are one strong woman, and your intentions are honorable.

But sympathy could lead you to make a rash or poor decision.

Both are good traits. Empathy in understanding Rurik’s loss and grief is what we both need, but not sympathy unless sharing an experience helps us find Alina. ”

“What do you mean?”

“Just think about it, okay?”

Her shoulders lifted and didn’t budge. “I’m leaving today to find Alina. With or without you.”

“All right. I respect your stand.” We stood, and I walked her to her car, a high-end SUV. I groaned. Her tires had been slashed. Doubtful she had more than one spare. “I’ll call AAA.”

She frowned. “Better check your truck first.”

I’d been left the same calling card. “This just makes me mad.” I cursed. “If the coward thinks he can slice my tires and run me off, he’s messed with the wrong man.”

“And the wrong woman.”