Page 93 of Canyon of Deceit

“You’re right. You sold your soul, and the cartel will dig out your heart and serve it to the buzzards at their next barbecue.”

“Alina means everything to me, and I want her home. Blane requests a meeting with you, a public place but somewhere quiet. You name the location.”

“And he brings backup to arrest me? I’m not a fool.”

“Hold on while I step outside the room.” Rurik opened and shut the door but stayed within his office. “Jurg, I’ve done my part and will follow through on our plans. Gardner knows nothing about other things, only that you abducted Alina for money.”

“You expect me to believe that? How have you explained Daria?”

“Told the FBI we had an argument, and she left. A woman’s burned body was found in her car. Only time stands between confirming the remains are Daria’s.”

“She’s gone, Rurik. Nothing will bring her back.”

“I’d like to give her a proper burial.” Rurik drew in a breath. “Please, I’m under investigation for her and Alina’s murders.”

“I listen to the news.” Falin swore. “About time they made an arrest.”

“Look, you will be out of the country before the police file charges against me. I want Alina returned, and I have the money.”

“Unless you’re arrested, you and Alina will be on a flight to Russia.”

“Right.”

“A private plane and an extra three mil?... And the police suspect you killed Daria and Alina. I find that ironic, don’t you? First, I need to validate a few things, then give you a time and location to meet up with Gardner.”

“All right. Anything else you want me to do?”

“Go back on your word or set me up, and Alina is dead. We have a deal, and I expect you to keep your end.”

“I understand.”

What had Rurik agreed to do?

The call ended, and the agents indicated they had located the cell phone—a restaurant in the downtown area. The origination of the call did little good. Security cams might show Falin at the restaurant, except the video failed to show any signs of his men, Alina, or where he’d gone after leaving there.

Rurik handed an agent the burner. “I must be told if a call or text comes through.”

I waited until the agent left the room. “What have you agreed to do?”

“To keep him informed. Nothing new.”

I offered my best serious look. “Double-cross me, and you double-cross the US government.”

“And if Jurg learns I’ve set a trap, I lose my daughter, my reason for living.”

My core reaction slammed against my worst suspicions. Rurik had committed to helping the ROC pull off more crimes. But in what capacity?

FIFTY-FOUR

THERESE

Blane returned to the hotel, and I wanted a detailed update. I’d slept most of the day, eaten chicken noodle soup from a can, and I was ready to muscle up my return to life. Normally I’d be miffed that he moved ahead without me, but I was like the rental car—totaled and worthless. Doubtful the black market had any use for my body parts. I’d admit the truth to myself but not anyone else.

In the privacy of my room, Blane explained his findings. “Falin agreed to meet tomorrow night at ten. He’ll text the address to Rurik sometime during the day.”

With my head pounding like a bass drum in a marching band, I processed what Blane had told me. “Every day cuts into keeping Alina and the Baranovs alive.”

“Unless Falin refuses to meet, it’s the best option we’ve got. Doesn’t mean the FBI and I are not thinking and looking at other angles.”