Page 91 of Canyon of Deceit

“He’ll probably want more money.” Sergio’s tone indicated his sarcasm. “Too risky.”

I inhaled deeply. “If Falin and I agreed to a public place like a bar, you have the resource to plant someone ahead of time. Wiring me is a mistake, but someone else makes sense.”

Silence ensued as Sergio was processing.

“It might work,” Sergio said. “Arresting Falin doesn’t free Alina or stop the assassination attempt. He’d have his men watching every move inside and outside the meeting place. That means a solo effort on your part.”

“Right. When should I talk to Rurik?”

“I’m regretting this already. When this is over, you will owe me big time. I need a few hours to work out details on my end. I’ll send a Ranger to pick you up, and we’ll discuss this more in detail. Rurik is to know nothing about our conversation.”

“I’ll make sure he understands that unless he helps me meet with Falin, Alina will never be free.”

Late afternoon, while Therese dozed, I left the hotel for the Ranger office. Good thing she slept, or she’d have attempted to crawl out of bed and join me. I left her a note about meeting with Sergio, and I’d explain later. Probably deal with her aggravation and a taste of her fury. Those who knew me accepted my determination, like breaking in a horse and not giving up no matter how many times I got bucked off.

At the Ranger office, Sergio and I talked behind closed doors. I chose not to phone Rurik about a visit—preferred to catch him off guard. Then I readied myself to leave.

“You will either expose crimes or die trying.” Sergio shook my hand and drew me into a hug. “I’m always afraid this will be our last time to meet, Bro.”

I offered a smile. “Hey, the difference now is I’m sure where I’m spending eternity. I’ll call later.”

In the pitiful hobble to my car, I realized I’d soon find out the real Rurik Ivanov and hoped I lived to tell about it.

—

Inside Rurik’s home, I knocked on his office door. He responded wearing the same jeans and wrinkled shirt from yesterday. Lines, like plow blades, dug into the edges of his eyes. Or he gave a good show.

“Blane, I’m surprised to see you.” He peered around me. “Therese isn’t with you?”

“She’s recuperating from a car accident. I want Falin stopped.”

“You’re sure he’s responsible?”

“Who else? Why is he after Therese?”

Rurik frowned. “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything to me. Is she in the hospital?”

“No, a hotel room with a protection detail.”

He gestured for me to sit. “Not sure I want to hear what happened, but you’re here.”

“We left here yesterday and...” I omitted the plan to scout out where Alina’s necklace had been found and the ship channel area. “The vehicle and the driver are at large. Therese received a concussion and additional bruising.”

“I’m devastated. Give her my best.”

I inhaled, allowing him time to read me and me to read him. Most likely false from him, but I’d play along. “Falin and his thugs tailed us from the time we left your house.”

He gripped the arms of his chair. “Surely you aren’t thinking I am responsible.”

“Of course not, Rurik. You’ve convinced me and Therese of your honesty. I have an idea, and I’m here to discuss it with you.”

“To find Alina and make arrests?”

“That’s the plan.”

“What can I do?”

“The agents protecting you have your burner phone. Would you call Falin and ask if he and I can meet to negotiate Alina’s release?” I filled him in on the plan.