Page 98 of Canyon of Deceit

“He’s either working as a Russian spy and guilty of Daria’s death and Alina’s abduction or blackmailed into assisting the ROC. We’re not going to find out tonight.”

“Or something to do with Edik Baranov. Tomorrow?” I said.

He cupped my chin, a kind smile playing on his lips. “Wishful thinking, but I’ll go with it.” He stepped back. “We need sleep.”

“Who told you about Rurik talking to someone associated with the Russian government?”

“Sergio, and his info came from someone high up at the FBI.”

“Do they have evidence he’s a spy?” I said, not really wanting to hear the answer when my concentration stayed fixed on Alina.

“Strong contender. I’ve read his tells and done my best to be objective.” He exhaled. “Whatever the truth, Alina deserves a chance at life. I’m not giving up on negotiating for her freedom.”

“This is bigger than both of us. Are you opening a can of worms with what you learned tonight? Think about all that has gone wrong.”

“Do I detect a bit of concern?” He purposely widened his eyes, but I wasn’t amused.

“And if I am?” I feigned irritation, but I did have a backpack full of worry and what he might do to compensate for his broken arm.

“There are trained people who thrive on responsibility, challenges, and danger. I’m one of them. If—”

A gunshot shattered the stillness.

“Stay back!” an agent shouted from the other room. “Active shooters.”

Blane yanked his SIG from his back waistband. “Therese, call for help. Get flat on the floor. The walls are thin.” The door slammed shut behind him.

I grabbed my phone with trembling fingers. Major Montoya had given me his number, and I did my best to sound calm amid the gunfire.

He answered before the first ring ended. “Don’t leave your room. You’ll make it harder for Blane and the agents to do their jobs. Those agents have backup on the way at the first sign of trouble. And I’ll be there in a few.”

I gripped my phone and wished it had a trigger. But this wasn’t the first time I’d fought a battle on my knees or, in this case, on my stomach.

“We followed her here,” a muffled male voice said. “Give us the Palmer woman, and we’ll leave.”

Gunfire erupted again. “That’s your answer,” Blane said.

What did Falin and the ROC want with me? Had Rurik led them to believe I knew their plans?

A cry rang out.Please help the three people protecting me. No injuries. Or worse. I beg of You.

Flashes of those who’d bled and died in Dog Canyon sickened me.Wasted life. These were people with families, dreams, and hopes for the future. All the suffering. Why? Was it a stand for justice?

“Hear those sirens?” Blane said. “You’re about to be dead men.”

The sirens grew louder, reminding me of an orchestra reaching a crescendo.

“Like those agents, you’re out of time, cowboy.”

Gunfire cracked.

FIFTY-SEVEN

BLANE

I’ve always liked blue, and the police officers bursting through the hotel room door wore it well. Two shooters were sprawled out on the floor in their own blood. Neither one I recognized, and neither one breathed. One of the agents, a woman, struggled with a stomach wound. She was conscious, able to speak. The other agent might not make it. He had an upper chest wound on the left side. Blood trickled down his shirt to the floor. Paramedics streamed in—focused on the wounded.

I stood there without a scratch. Why? I should have been the easiest one to stop. My gaze swept around the small room where the stench of death stained the carpeted floor, walls, and sofa.