Page 31 of Canyon of Deceit
“Thatisin my DNA. I come from a family of law enforcement—my dad, uncle, two brothers, and my mom retired from HoustonPD.”
“Competitive, tough. Family get-togethers must be interesting.”
“My mom is the only exception. She’s quiet, likes to cook, garden, and paint. Hard to think of her working violent crimes.”
“Do they ever relax, other than your mom?”
“Sure. We’re just regular people who regard the law and keep people safe. Your turn. What’s your life purpose?”
“You’re looking at it. Showing others how to survive in the wilderness and rescuing those who have allowed nature to gain the upper hand.”
“Dreams of a family one day?”
“Maybe. Depends if the right man comes along.”
“I’m working on it.”
I gave him my best glare. “We are polar opposites.”
“But opposites attract and make the best long-term partners.”
I shook my head. “We’ll talk about it this time next year.”
“It’s on the calendar.”
We hiked on. The diversion worked... at least for the present. I set my dread of Chandler aside, and we explored an area a quarter mile wide. Not a thing caught Blane’s or my attention, and he had good instincts.
Had I lost all thought of logic in thinking we’d find Alina today?
I bent to the ground to examine three-inch-wide animal tracks.
“What did you find?” Blane said.
“Mountain lion tracks.” He joined me and I showed him the distinctive markings. “I’m sure you’ve seen these before, but this is one large cat. See the three lobes at the bottom of the pad and the teardrop-shaped toes? Fortunately, these cats avoid humans unless they feel threatened.”
“I came across one near Lubbock. I yelled, and the cat took off—” His satellite phone sounded, and he answered.
The call lasted a few minutes, and Blane’s responses were comprised of mostly “yes,” “how long?” and “thank you.” He stuffed his phone back into a zippered pants pocket, and I eyed him about the caller. “Sergio?”
“Yep. It’s not good, Therese.”
My pulse sped. Rurik? Alina? “I’m ready.”
“The sheriff’s department found the remains of a woman west of Houston in a burned car that was identified as Daria’s—what was left of it. At this point, the body hasn’t been identified, but it makes sense it’s her. The victim had a bullet hole in the chest, a 9mm. Badly burned, and her teeth had been pulled, which means confirming theID will take a while. The body’s condition buys the killers time to accomplish their plan.”
I shivered. “Poor Rurik. Not sure how he’s holding on to his sanity. You encouraged him to ask a friend to help him through this, and he claimed not to need anyone.” I glanced out into the wild.
“He has a sister in St. Petersburg. Parents are deceased. The Russian community in Houston or colleagues would offer support too. But he doesn’t trust anyone.”
“He trusts us to find Alina.” So many times I’d asked why evil and injustice exist. But if I had the answers, God wouldn’t be God.
“That was before deputies found his wife’s car and a body.” Blane leaned on one leg and nodded. “He’ll agree to whatever the ROC demands.”
I grimaced. “I don’t see how a ransom of three million dollars is worth the crimes stacking up against the bad guys. It seems low. Unless it’s additional payoff or more dollars in the pot to pay expenses.”
“There’s more motivating their activities than money. And speculating scares the—”
“We’re both nervous.” I covered my mouth as though saying more might release unspeakable crimes. “Normally my patience level is good, but not today.”
