Page 77 of Canyon of Deceit

“None. You’d hear updates first.” She examined the coffee mug as though she’d never seen it. “I’m eager to talk to Rurik.”

“We need to insist on an in-person interview. I appreciate the FBI protection, except a phone or video-chat online solution defeats the purpose of drawing out the truth.”

“What will the agents do if we walk away?”

I lifted a brow. “Might not welcome us back to their hotel.” I let reality settle. “I don’t blame you if you want to bow out. I’d feel better if you did. No one looks forward to a death sentence.”

“I think we already crossed that bridge.”

“Therese, you can stay right here until arrests are made.”

“Why would I cower and hide? I gave Rurik my word to find Alina—”

“You did and were nearly killed.”

Her face reddened. “I held his little girl. I witnessed her bravery when most adults would be basket cases. I’m not giving up or hiding until she is rescued.” She rose from the chair and set the empty coffee mug on a small veneer dresser. “Doesn’t matter what Rurik has done. Alina deserves a chance to live her life.”

“All right,” I said barely above a whisper. “I assumed you were in this for the long haul, but I had to be sure you were aware of the risks. By refusing protection, Falin and his thugs will be on to us real quick.”

“I understand, and I also understand Major Montoya’s warning about our emotions potentially causing a deadly mistake.”

“What does his caution mean to you?”

She eased back onto the chair, her features drawn. “If I’m worried you’re in trouble or the other way around and I react out of emotion, then we jeopardize the mission and both of us might end up dead.”

“Exactly. The job comes first. Period. No heroics.” Could I heed my own instructions?

“Okay.” She inhaled deeply. “It was easier hauling you up steep rock.”

I widened my eyes. “Maybe for you.”

“All right, Ranger Gardner, what’s the plan?”

“I’ll contact Sergio to arrange a rental vehicle. We want to avoid any tails. I’ll figure out how to get it here and talk down his objections. Adding we’re in this together will look like we ganged up against him.” He hesitated. “Guess that’s true. I’ll call Rurik and arrange a time to meet. In my estimation, the sooner the better.”

“You’ll handle the conversation?”

“Sounds like a plan unless he’s more comfortable with you.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Good. I’m not trained in gentle persuasion or reading the innuendos of body language beyond the basics.”

“He’s been trained well.”

Therese rubbed the back of her neck. “Not sure what I’ll do if I find out he was involved in Daria’s death, and Alina is nothing but a pawn. His first wife died of cancer, right?”

“Yes, natural causes. But the ruling on paper might not be accurate. We trust no one without credible evidence.”

“I’m putting the negotiations out of my mind for now.”

“Good idea,” I said. “Be prepared but not trigger-happy.”

“I got it. How about I whip up some bacon and eggs while you talk to Major Montoya and get dressed.”

“Perfect... and a whole lot of coffee.”

She walked to the door, then faced me. “What are our chances, and I mean with all those involved, of rescuing Alina?”

“I won’t speculate. The maelstrom keeps building. The stakes are high, and I doubt any of those on the bad guy’s side care about an innocent child’s life.”