Page 80 of Canyon of Deceit

“The tragedies you’ve experienced would send most men over the edge. We want to help, we really do. Please, tell us what we need to do our job.”

“Five years ago, Jurg invited me to join the ROC. I didn’t know he was already deeply involved.” Rurik huffed. “I refused due to my objection of violent takeovers or anything resembling it. Neither would I endanger the lives of my wife and daughter. He said he respected my position as a friend, but I’d go down with the Americans. I didn’t tell Daria. Her emotions have always been fragile. Over the years, he repeated the same invitation. Each time I worked hard to convince him otherwise... He promised a lot of money and prestige when my family returned to Russia. I always declined. He asked me again about six months ago. My answer was the same.”

“Did you think he’d respect your family connection and resign from the organization?”

“An illusion on my part. In my first wife’s honor, I didn’t tell anyone. That’s why I told you he was a friend from Russia, which was the truth. He’d been more than a friend to me, even if we disagreed about politics.” Rurik shrugged. “Had he sent the prowler that night to... to persuade me? Later I asked and he denied it. He also said his sister loved Russia, and if I ever loved her, I would agree to his demands.”

“Were you trained in espionage in Russia?”

Not even a twitch on Rurik’s face. “I refuse to answer.”

“You just did,” Blane said. “I want to hear the rest of your story.”

“I overheard more from Jurg the night of the dinner than I originally claimed.”

Silence. I wanted him to get on with it while impatience surged through my veins. Rurik should be thrilled I wasn’t the one questioning him.

“I’ll compose myself.” Rurik lifted his chin. “I will tell you everything. Your government might have already discovered this, but that doesn’t matter. I need to be honest with you and Therese.”

My head pounded. How could one man not see the evil going on around him?

Rurik cleared his throat. “I value the United States, the culture, and its people. Not perfect, if any place on earth held such a distinction, but it’s a welcome change from the oppressive Russian regime. Beyond any country, my number one priority has always been my family. With Daria’s death and Alina caught in the middle of politics and power, I admit I’m a fool, and I am prepared to face the punishment your government issues.”

Had Rurik set up more innocent people to die?

“This is the rest of the conversation I overheard. Edik Baranov is on a cargo ship scheduled to enter the Houston Ship Channel in fifteen days.” He held his breath. “Edik is my cousin. At one time, the three of us were close. Edik chose the army. I chose education, and Jurg chose accounting. We were young, idealistic. Ready to take on the world. Jurg opposed Edik’s uncle, who is Russia’s prime minister, who encouraged him to move up the ranks of the army. Jurg claimed Edik lacked the ability to lead, but I think he was envious.

“Jurg broke away from the three of us. I maintained contact with both men. The assassination is critical, but it masked securing a laser chip needed for a recent arms purchase to advance the ROC in Houston. Jurg wanted both missions to occur at the same time.”

“Sounds like Jurg is motivated by rivalry and greed,” Blane said.

Rurik nodded. “Assassinating Edik was Jurg’s opportunity to make a name for himself and the Houston ROC. The killing would occur when Edik and his family left the ship. Jurg believed Russia would call them heroes for devising and implementing the plan.”

I calculated seven days remained until Baranov and his family entered the ship channel. How had all this chaos happened in just over one week?

Blane snatched his phone. “I need to alert Major Montoya.” He stepped into the hallway.

I wanted to give Rurik a generous piece of my worst thoughts, but once I got started, I might murder him.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

I waited in silence.

Blane returned. “I spoke to Major Montoya and told the agents they should talk to their superiors about an update.”

Rurik sighed. “I offer full cooperation. My fear is by informing you, my daughter will pay the supreme price.”

“What’s changed?” I said, breaking my silence.

“My deceit has cost lives and Alina is still missing.” He rushed to his feet and paced.

Blane pointed to the chair. “Rurik, sit down and finish.”

Blane maintained control while my fingernails dug into my palms.

Rurik seated himself. “I assure both of you, from this moment on, I will be honest.”

“I’m counting on your word being your integrity,” Blane said.