Page 18 of Canyon of Deceit
The nickname fit Blane’s hair color. The two men must go back a long way.
Major Montoya’s phone rang. He frowned and held up his palm. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the call.” He pocketed his phone and peered at Blane, then me. “That was Houston’s FBI special agent in charge. I have confidential info about Edik Baranov. What I’m about to say stays right here. Baranov not only stole military secrets, but he also hacked into the Russians’ security system and stole intel regarding a critical strategic move by their military. He’s made a deal for US asylum for him and his family. The Baranovs are making their way to safety. The date or the means is classified. Just keep your eyes and ears open.”
—
Blane and I talked behind his closed office door. Adrenaline flowed between us like a high school football team an hour before the big game. We both gulped strong, black coffee like our bodies needed to keep up with the task before us.
“How long have you known Major Montoya?” I said.
Blane grinned. “Since college days. His mother calls memi hijo. Great family.”
My son.Now I understood why Blane insisted on seeking permission from Major Montoya—personal and professional reasons. “Did he give you the nickname Rusty?”
“That came from his dad who called me the Spanish version—Oxidado. Believe me, I’m not sure how this gringo snuck his way into a close-knit Mexican family. I think they pitied the kid who struggled to stay out of trouble and academically stay in college. Sergio and his dad tutored me in math all four years.”
“I love math,” I said. “It’s the only discipline that shows order in the world.”
“My go-to is anything related to human behavior... and guns.”
I laughed. “And you have the credentials for both.”
His gaze swept around his office. “What should we get settled to leave tonight?”
“I’ll meet you at the airport. I need to pack and tie up a few projects.”
“Me too. One call is to make arrangements at the kennel.”
My longing to own a dog nibbled at my curiosity. “What kind?”
“A bit of shepherd, collie, and rottweiler.”
“Name?”
He laughed. “You’ve shown more interest in me in the last sixty seconds than during our three dates.” He grinned. “Don’t worry. Not going there. In answer to your question, his name is Scully. If you’re nice to me, I’ll let you meet him one day.” Blane yanked his phone from his pocket and showed me Scully’s pic.
“He’s beautiful. Look at those huge brown eyes. In the future, I plan to have a dog or two.” The seriousness of what lay ahead blinded me with resolve, and I shook off the daydreaming. “Will Major Montoya keep you informed about his conversation with the FBI?”
“I made the request, and I’m sure he’ll honor it unless the FBI puts a lid on it. The complications bother me more than the remote location.”
“Don’t underestimate the location, Blane. It’s off-grid and hard to get to.”
I scrolled through my phone for a map of Dog Canyon with its trails and landmarks. “Here’s a glimpse of the area where we’re going. It’s in the northern part of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The contour lines indicate the elevation.”
“Would you send me the link?”
I agreed and met his thanks. “Google Earth will give you the topography. I’ll give you a hard copy tonight. The terrain, according to the elevation, is a mix of forests, some grassland, and the cactus-type vegetation of the high desert. The area we’re heading to will be a strenuous hike and rugged.” I pointed to the map on my phone. “Initially, I have off-trail places to check. If we’re lucky, we’ll find the kidnappers or evidence of where they’re camped.”
“And you have no doubts about what’s ahead?” Blane said. “The more we learn, the more dangerous this looks.”
“Are you thinking Alina is dead?”
“I’m concerned about what we might find.”
“I’ve experienced tragedies.” If I refused an attempt to rescue Alina, I’d lose a piece of myself. I needed to save her when I failed with Kate. And if I backed out, an old wound would open its mouth and devour me. “I gave my word, and I will not let Rurik down.”
“I had to make sure. These guys play Russian roulette for kicks.”
“I have five hundred thousand dollars cash from Rurik to barter with while he’s putting together the rest of the ransom. The money’s in my backpack, a little extra weight.” I breathed in and out to clear my head. “Although the caller told Rurik he’d contact him with instructions where to direct deposit all the money, Rurik insisted I take it.”
