Page 61 of Canyon of Deceit
I shoved control into my body and aimed at his face again. “What’s it going to be?”
He slowly nodded.
“On your belly.” He complied with a few Russian words whose meaning I guessed. I kneed him in the back while I bound his hands. His pocket held a knife, one I’d need. I yanked it from him. “Get up and back to the cave. Not one word.”
Inside the cave. I tied his ankles and freed Alina. She said nothing. Grabbing water bottles and my backpack, minus five hundred thousand dollars, I stuffed in energy bars from a shelf and grabbed my own gun.
“We must hurry,” I said. “Remember what I told you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I held her hand, and we rushed out to freedom. I scrambled down the sharp incline first. Alina started her descent and slid into my arms. I bent low and we ran together.
I heard the crack of a rifle, and a bullet zinged past my shoulder.
“Stop.”
Chandler.
“One more step, and the kid’s dead.”
We stopped. His low voice grated against my ears. I turned slowly and stared at the monster.
“Toss the gun and the backpack in front of you.”
I obeyed. Alina whimpered, and I squeezed her hand.
He nodded back in the direction of the cave, our prison.
THIRTY-FOUR
Chandler ranted the entire time he untied the knots that imprisoned Falin inside the cave. “You are one stupid Russian. I leave you alone one hour, and you jeopardize our deal. And where’s my money?”
One curse word followed another. The grim set of Falin’s jaw showed the seething anger. His neck and face reddened. He said nothing... No need. Chandler had pushed Falin to the brink of uncontrollable rage, and Chandleralwayshad control.
Falin approached me. He smacked me across the cheek and sent me flying backward. He kicked me in the kidney, the sides of my abdomen screaming out in torment. I’d underestimated his murderous streak.
Chandler chuckled. “The Russian has a temper.”
“Maybe.” Falin’s tone bordered on venomous.
Falin snatched his backpack from Chandler and pulled out a .357 Magnum. He examined it in his hand. “There are a few things in this life I refuse to walk away from.” He lifted his chin and eyed Chandler. “Palmer here used wit to get the best of me. I underestimated her, but I admire her moxie.”
“Me too. But don’t deny me the pleasure of killing her. Put the gun away or you’ll upset me. Not smart. We need to talk money.”
“I hear you. But no one calls me stupid and gets away with it.”
This wasn’t going to end well. I held my breath and motioned for Alina to join me.
I hid her face against me.
She shuddered and stifled her sobs.
Falin raised his weapon and pulled the trigger at Chandler’s face. “I killed him too.” The blast echoed around the cave. Pieces of blood-covered flesh and brains splattered everywhere. He examined the gun in his hand. “Those hollow points are messier than I remember.” He peered at me through a treacherous glint.
“You are not stupid,” I said. “I see a brilliant man with a brilliant plan.”
“Trying to keep yourself alive?”
