Page 89 of Canyon of Deceit
“Sounds better than crying.” I swallowed liquid emotion before it streamed down my face. “Are you okay?”
“No new problems. In case you need a dose of optimism, our survival story is a bit miraculous.”
I could easily fall in love with this man. “Tell... tell me what happened. I... I simply have no recollection.”
“Do you want a pain pill first?”
“Not until I hear every detail.”
“All right. We talked to Rurik and drove to where Alina’s necklace had been found. I picked up a truck tailing us... And we were taken to this safe house.”
“God’s sure got His hand on us. The two boys—Gabriel and Michael—do you have last names?” I said.
“No. They left the scene once the sheriff’s department had their statements. I’ll find out.”
“Good. I want to express my thanks too. I’m... ready for that pain pill. Sleeping sounds better than enduring how I feel.”
Blane popped the lid to a bottle, and I lifted my head. A lightning bolt seared me.
“Let me help.” He cradled the back of my head with his hand.
I willingly chased down the pain med with water, then I remembered. “Who has the tracker?”
“Long story.”
My marshmallow mind needed a poke of reason. “You didn’t destroy it?”
“Sergio and I discussed using the transponder to draw out Falin. Currently it’s in a separate hotel with Rangers inside and a surveillance team outside.”
“Is the FBI aware?”
“I assume so. But I’m not sure what they’ve learned or their position at this point.”
Talking hurt. My face must have taken more of a beating than I thought. “Do you have a mirror?”
“You’re beautiful.”
“I wear black and blue well. Guess I’ll find out soon enough ifI’m ready to enter a beauty contest. Anything else? The sleep meds are gaining traction.”
Blane chuckled. “You were talkative at the hospital. Rather entertaining.”
“What did I say?”
“I’m saving it for my future benefit.”
Had I told him he was hot or something crazy I’d never say? “Blackmail is against the law.”
“I’ll be cautious.”
Alina entered my concerns. “Is Falin holding Alina near the ship channel? Is he considering her release?”
“I wish, but other explanations are more likely, such as that the location is easier to manage the assassination’s logistics. The waterway provides an escape route either by boat or a helicopter landing.” He planted a kiss on my forehead. “Rurik is still holding out on us.”
I closed my eyes. “Getting the truth out of him is like scraping plaque off dirty teeth.”
“Great simile. My guess is Falin believes we have details about the assassination attempt and got the info from Rurik.”
“Why is Rurik alive? Why not toss a bomb into his house?”
