Page 10 of Canyon of Deceit
“Thank you. You’re a Texas Ranger with negotiating skills, right? A captain, I believe?”
I dipped my chin in a nod. “The western dress makes me a little hard to miss.” I allowed a moment to settle between us, to study the man for any signs of deceit and how to gain his confidence. “I’m sorry for the loss of your wife and the kidnapping of your daughter. I see the pain in your eyes. Our conversation is about determining if I can be of assistance in rescuing your daughter. That may include the arrest of those responsible. I have some tough but necessary questions. Some will sound insensitive.”
“I... I understand the importance of your questions and the accuracy of my answers.”
“Whenever a life is at risk, stakes are high. Have you reported your wife or daughter missing to the police?”
“No. I must obey the kidnappers. Anything else endangers my daughter. Against my better judgment, I am talking to you.” Ivanov choked back a sob. “I’m sorry. This is a risk, but I must do more than pay a ransom.”
“No need to hide your grief from us. Local and federal agencies have the manpower and knowledge to bring justice to an otherwise unpredictable outcome. It’s in your best interest to contact them with what’s happened to your family.” I kept my voice low. “I am required to report crimes, and it’s against the law to conceal illegal activities.”
I let silence sink into my words. “Sir, I want to offer you the same credible advice that I’d share with a friend. I have no proof of a crime being committed and haven’t contacted my superior at this point.”
“Are you insinuating this is a hoax?”
“No, sir. The opposite. I’m alerting you that the police will discover your wife and child are missing, and they will demand answers. Far better you explain the circumstances now than after they are notified of violent crimes. Anything you tell me is important to making arrests and finding your daughter. You’ve shared what happened with Therese, but I’d like to hear it in your words.”
A bead of sweat formed on Ivanov’s upper lip. “Please promise me the information will be shared with only those who can keep the crimes private.”
“You have my word. If the situation changes, I will contact you immediately.”
“This all makes it difficult to think sensibly or trust anyone, but I will do my best. I’m a professor at Leonard University. Yesterday afternoon...” He gripped his white knuckles on the table and stated what Therese had told me. “I haven’t heard anything since. The helplessness... anger... and sorrow are unexplainable.”
“I’d expect no less from a husband and father who is grieving. When your daughter is safe, I encourage you to seek counseling for you and Alina. In the meantime, confiding in someone you trust will help ease the stress. This isn’t a load to carry alone. I want to do everything possible to locate and return your daughter, even if it means informing others who are better equipped, and I step back.”
“I have no one I can trust within my circle of friends. Daria and I were very close. We told each other everything, and now she’s gone.”
“Did the man who called you have an accent?”
“No. Unless he hid it well.”
“Have other Russians living in Houston experienced the same trauma?”
“I’ve not heard anything. If it’s the same man, he’d have warned them not to talk.”
“How long have you lived in the US?”
“Five years in Houston. Why does that matter?” His high-pitched tone demonstrated he walked close to a breakdown.
“Everything is important concerning your daughter.”
Therese touched Ivanov’s arm. “I’m praying for you and Alina.”
His gaze bore into her eyes. “I’m not a man of faith, but I value your prayers.”
“Professor Ivanov,” I said, “do you have a suspect or suspects? Were you threatened in Russia or since you’ve moved to the US?”
“Nothing. I am a peaceful man.”
“And you haven’t spoken to anyone at the Russian embassy?”
“What if one of them is involved?”
A strange response. “Have you upset anyone in Russia? Has—?”
“I am loyal to my country. Check my background. It is spotless.” He leaned back against the cushioned seat.
Did he fear his own country had turned against him? Why? “Professor, I’m not the enemy. Those are the ones who’ve committed these crimes against your family.”
