Page 40 of Canyon of Deceit
I shivered with fiery rage. “I don’t want to calm down. I want to kill Chandler with my bare hands.”
“He had the opportunity to do the same to us while we slept. It’s his game, but he hasn’t won. Look at me. Please.”
I gazed into Blane’s calm face and warm eyes. He laid his hands on my shoulders. “Breathe in and out with me.”
“I... can’t.”
“I believe in you, Therese. You’re smart and courageous.” His gentleness lulled me to listen. “Inhale with me.”
I followed his lead.
“Exhale with me.”
I did.
“This time inhale your resolve to free Alina.”
His bidding was easier.
“Exhale your terror and doubt.”
That was harder, but I complied. A deep part of me longed for more of Blane’s strength. I leaned into his strong arms, and he pulled me close. There I took refuge from my emotions.
My fear for Alina.
My suspicion that Rurik had not told us everything. Even lied for selfish reasons.
My foolishness for falling asleep and not hearing Chandler steal our guns.
My sin of not thanking God for saving us. The worry and doubt.
My past laced with sadness and abandonment.
My anger at God for taking my sweet sister, Mom, and Dad.
My longing to stay in Blane’s arms where safety nested.
I cared for him, but he hadforbiddenstamped on his very being. His comfort touched me tenderly. His soft voice and perfect words were part of him. Did he have any idea what his nearness meant to me?
Releasing my personal sentiments about life’s unfairness didn’t discount my responsibility. I had a job to do.
I lifted my head from his chest, wet with my tears. “Thank you. I’m sorry my idiocy and meltdown slowed us.”
“Never apologize for being human.” He brushed the wetness from my cheeks with his thumb, and in his brown eyes I saw what I’d wanted all my life, love that didn’t make demands. Cared about me.
God, why have You made my life so hard, and now I care for a man who doesn’t believe he needs You.
Embarrassment and humiliation spread through my body like a fever. I’d not cried that hard and long since my family’s passing. Normally I pumped control into my emotions, but Chandler’s thievery had attacked me blind.
“We hadn’t fooled Chandler by rerouting our direction,” Blane said. “He won this round.”
I gazed out across the gray-brown rock and vegetation, allowing my attention to rest on a pine tree, the only indication of green. Something in me clicked, as though God was giving me a realitycheck. “Since he’s trailing us, is it possible the kidnapper and Alina are in another location, and Chandler is working solo?”
Blane startled. “Sounds crazy, but the same thing just darted in my head.”
I smiled. “I’d tell you where it came from, but that would be preaching.”
He angled his head and nodded. “You might be right and onto more truth than the absurdity of our thoughts—no matter where they come from. If Chandler tucked the kidnapper and Alina in a hidden place and then followed us, his actions are typical of his behavior. The game is in his playbook. He waits to strike the victim unaware and gains satisfaction in seizing control.”
