Page 19 of Canyon of Deceit
“And what if they demand more than the original amount?”
“What choice do I have? He said the cash would show his sincerity.”
“Hear me out,” Blane said. “We bring part of the ransom and ID whoever is behind this, what’s to stop them from putting bullets in our heads?” His tone lowered. “You and I will do whatever it takesto bring the little girl home. I hope your loaded backpack doesn’t backfire on us.”
I blinked. “I—”
“You can’t control their trigger fingers.”
Those words of wisdom popped up in some form whenever I faced a dangerous mission, but they’d never stopped me from battling nature, and they wouldn’t stop me from kidnappers. “I can try.”
Blane gave me a tight-lipped smile, my guess to reassure me. I wanted to burst with the rage inside me for Alina, but anger solved nothing, and unfairness had existed since the beginning of time.
“Do you have a few minutes to give me an idea of what else to expect on the trail?” he said.
“Sure, and I’ll fill you in more on the flight to Hobbs. I’ve hiked the Guadalupe Mountains many times, and I can assure you the kidnappers aren’t camped on the trail. They’ve diverted to where they believe no one can find them. I have a few ideas where those spots might be, but searching without being spotted will be a challenge. No doubt they have someone glued to binoculars.”
“I expect them to be packing high-powered firearms right along with those binoculars,” he said. “Desperate people take desperate measures. I’m thinking at least two men, possibly three, and I’m trying to be positive, Therese. We must be prepared for anything to go wrong. You and I have walked into snake pits of trouble before. We can pack and plan, but two things we can’t take lightly—one is greedy men who believe money trumps everything. I’ve seen enough of those types to understand their depravity. Alina’s life is nothing more than collateral damage to them. The second is in your department—the vagaries of nature.”
“Nature can be a predator too. Loose rock, a gust of wind, mountain lion, black bear, or an unsuspecting snake can be deadly.” Blane had a lean and muscular body for his average height, which would be to his advantage. “Do you have experience hiking in the high desert?”
“Hiking, yes. But not high desert. I’m not a pro, so hiker terms are foreign to me. Just an FYI, I aced a wilderness-survival course taught by a seasoned professional.”
I bit back a laugh. “Your lighthearted attitude will help over the next few days.”
“I’ll try to hold in the reins and keep it under control during our hike.”
I needed survival tools to keep my attraction to Blane at arm’s length. His calm, brown eyes reminded me of a walk through the woods. Oh, and his thick red hair and scruffy beard added to his rugged appeal.Back to business, Therese.
“Do you have medical issues like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a condition requiring medication?”
“Nope. I’m healthy. What about Alina?”
“Rurik says she’s in excellent health. He’s given me a change of clothes for her, a jacket, and gloves.” I pointed to the phone map. “Our flight takes us to Hobbs, New Mexico. Can’t get to Dog Canyon from the Texas side. It’s about a four-hour-total drive time north to Carlsbad, then on to the Pine Springs Visitor Center, and Dog Canyon Campground. The temperatures will be chilly at night and windier the higher we climb.”
“Are you saying, we’ll share a sleeping bag to stay warm?”
I lifted my shoulders and narrowed my gaze. “Not on your life.”
Blane grinned. “Prepare yourself, we’ll need to sleep in shifts. I don’t want a two-legged killer creeping into our campsite.”
NINE
Blane’s bulging backpack was propped against a corner of his office. A good brand and design to distribute the weight, and it contained a hydration bladder.
“What have you packed?” I said.
He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “I have the survival list you gave in class. And I’ve stuck to the base weight you recommended of around eighteen pounds. I’ve read the Guadalupe backpacking guidelines. It states there are no water sources except what we can carry from the Dog Canyon Ranger Station. They recommend a gallon of water a day per person. Sounds like we need a couple of mules and more hydration packs.”
“Mules require water too. The best way to carry water is to store it in different places on us.” I pointed to his backpack. “It’s not my intention to insult you, but can I see what you’ve packed?”
“Go for it.” He handed me his bag. “I’ve read all the suggestions, and I’d welcome your opinion. You want to start by searching me first?”
I rolled my eyes. “Just what you’re carrying on your shoulders. You’re responsible for yourself.”
He laughed. His innuendos were funny, but why encourage him? I couldn’t help myself, and this might be a huge mistake.
We scooted our nearly empty coffee mugs aside, and I unloaded his backpack on the table. True to his word, he’d packed everything we needed.
