Page 24 of Canyon of Deceit
“How—?” I swerved the Jeep to miss a male deer leaping across the road.
Blane whistled. “He has a huge set of racks. Anyway, you were about to say something.”
I righted the vehicle. “How did Rurik handle the FBI?”
“Not well, but we expected his protest.”
“Is the FBI hands-off with what we’re doing?”
“Depends on how long it takes us and what we find. Whatever they uncover on their end could influence our path forward.”
“What have you learned about Jurg Falin?”
“Nothing more. He might be with Alina.” Blane gulped his coffee. Silence fell between us for a moment. “Why do you risk your life on dangerous ventures?”
Memories haunted me of my little sister, but I’d keep that to myself. “A deep conviction to help others survive physical challenges.”
“Sounds more like you belong in the medical field.”
“Hmm.” I stared at the road ahead. “Above rescue and teaching survival skills, I consider myself a guide for a person to achieve greater things, to instill confidence, inspire, encourage, and find a relationship with God.”
“That’s admirable, Therese.”
I tossed a sideways glance his way. Sarcasm?
“I’m serious. You’re bigger than life. In the little time I’ve spent with you, I’ve seen you demonstrate inner strength. You’re fearless.”
I slid a grin at him. “Am I living up to the Davina Crockett legend?”
“You got wind of that?”
“Yep. And I haven’t wrestled any bears. Yet.”
“Where did the story come from?”
“I taught a private group wilderness-survival skills. One of the sessions focused on staying alive by eating bugs. So I proved it to them. Never swam in crocodile-infested waters, but I once dove into a Florida swamp to save a drowning woman who’d fallen out of a boat.” I shrugged. “Between the alligator and the water moccasin, I got a bit too close to their open mouths for my comfort.”
“Wow. I’m impressed.”
“Just needed to set the story straight. Seriously, I try to build my clients’ self-esteem through physical activity.” I paused. “Thanks for risking your life and reputation to find Alina.”
“I’m ready to bring a little girl home, like you are.”
“This mutual-admiration moment might shatter with what’s ahead.”
“Neither of us want a partner who doesn’t contribute their thoughts and expertise. Together, we’ll tackle the job and face the trials.”
Blane’s professional preparedness had my attention. I’d read about his background, and I had seen his leadership in action, but I didn’t know he had expertise about hiking over rugged terrain.
“Excitement is racing through me, just like you said last night,” Blane said. “We can’t get there fast enough.”
“Would you like for me to speed things up?”
He huffed. “We’re already flying faster than sound. What’s the one thing you can tell me about the high desert other than staying hydrated?”
I focused on the gray highway. “I’d say get used to scorpions and centipedes. They aren’t your friends—neither are they good sleeping companions.”
“Thanks for the tip. If we’re looking at only two men, then one is the kidnapper and the other is a guide who’s skilled in survival techniques, a specialist like you.”
