Page 73 of Canyon of Deceit
Exhaustion plowed into her delicate features. “True. They have no idea what has happened over the past few days.”
We walked to the rear of her house. “I need to phone Sergio.”
“Should I step away?”
“Not at all.” I called Sergio and gave him the details.
“Can’t even get you two home in one piece. Hold on, Rusty, got a call from the FBI coming in.”
I waited and stared at the aftermath of innocent people gawking at the bloodbath. Curiosity had a way of shoving people into the way of trained professionals, and I understood Therese’s indignation. I was right there with her—and not the first time. Did they have any idea how quickly someone’s life could be snuffed out? I wanted them to voluntarily go back to their homes. Love on their families and be thankful no one else was hurt.
Sergio clicked back on the line. “Two FBI agents will escort you and Therese to an extended-stay hotel. They are assigned protective detail. Therese is not to enter her house without the FBI clearing it first. One more thing, the guests at the Russian dinner party cleared.”
“Got it.” I secured her attention. “She’s standing beside me. Her safety is a priority.” I repeated what Sergio ordered and she nodded. “Anything else you can tell me?”
“Not yet. Have the shooters been identified?” Sergio said.
“I’ll confirm names and text you.”
Therese raised a finger before I ended the call. “Falin couldn’t have ordered the hit. He had the opportunity to kill me in Dog Canyon and spared me.”
“I heard what she said,” Sergio said. “His boss must have sent theshooters, which means we could also be dealing with rivalry within the ROC. Get back to me with any IDs.”
I pocketed my phone and approached the paramedics loading one shooter’s body onto a gurney, the man I’d shot. “I’m a Texas Ranger.” I displayed my ID. “I want to check the deceased men for identification.”
A female paramedic pointed to the crowd. “A police officer asked for their wallets.”
A fraud. “That’s tampering with evidence. Illegal.”
“Which is why he didn’t get them. I asked him to wait while I verified his ID with another officer. Odd, he didn’t stick around.”
I didn’t find it odd, rather a smart tactic. “Can you identify him?”
“Yes, sir.”
I requested a Ranger handle the report while I accessed the bodies. I pulled wallets from each man’s pocket and examined their IDs. Both Russian.
I texted Sergio the two men’s info and the incident with the paramedic. He immediately responded.
No surprise the ROC have their men out. The two deceased are on our watch lists. Both suspected ROC members and wanted for questioning.
I assume a task force has been initiated with the FBI, Rangers, and HPD?
Yes. The same day you and Therese landed at Hobbs.
I shared the texts with Therese. We kept our silence... too consumed with the tragedies and few answers.
Two men walked up the driveway and handed me their creds—both FBI. I validated each one. “The rest of our team is on its way. We’re to clear this home before the owner enters,” one man said and directed his attention to Therese. “Are you Therese Palmer?”
“Yes, sir. My ID is in the car parked in the driveway.”
The second agent offered to retrieve it and thanked us for our patience.
“We’ve been briefed on the crime activity here,” the first agent said and stuck out his hand. “Agent Blackburn. Sorry this happened to you. We’re dealing with a determined bunch, and it looks like the two of you have contracts on your lives.” His relational demeanor toldme he was a good, seasoned man. A lot had to be said for the wisdom of salt and pepper.
“I have no idea who or what is inside,” Therese said.
“Do you suspect a bomb?”
