Page 9 of Canyon of Deceit
“I gave you my word that I wouldn’t. But if I’m to accept your request, I will not take this mission on by myself. It’s useless even to contemplate the idea. Surely you see the danger and implications for all concerned.”
“I do, Ms. Palmer—”
“Therese, please. We’re talking about your daughter’s life, and the formalities seem cold.”
“You’re right. I’m Rurik. Who are you recommending? Please, not the FBI.”
“I shared the highlights of the situation with a friend who’s a Texas Ranger. He has no name or information that would jeopardize Alina.”
He scrubbed his hands over his face. “Do you trust him?”
“I’ve dealt with him on a prior occasion, and his record is impeccable. He’s a hostage negotiator and an expert marksman. He refused the mission without more information, so I asked him to join us here at five thirty.” I paused. “I can call him and cancel.”
Rurik stared at me, but I couldn’t read his emotions. “What are you thinking?”
“It’s apparent that you need assistance. Are you proficient with a firearm?”
“Yes, but I’ve never shot anyone.”
He lifted a brow. “The crimes involve more than one man. At leasttwo. One to manage Alina and another to pilot the plane. I suspect a third man as a guide.”
“Makes sense. Would she have fought her kidnappers?”
“I taught her how to show bravery in all circumstances, and I also taught her to use her brain.”
“Then in your opinion, she’d not fight them.”
“Right. She isn’t a whiner and doesn’t cry easily, but I have no idea what her captors have demanded. I want her back safe, to live a child’s life, and forget what she’s experienced... I’m afraid she witnessed my Daria’s murder and might not ever recover from the sight.” Anger narrowed his eyes. “Nothing is guaranteed. Neither life nor death. Alina’s ordeal has the potential to make her strong, invincible... The caller said if I went to law enforcement, he’d kill her. Can you assure me that the kidnappers will not learn I reached out for help?”
“I will do my best.”
“I see no alternative but to risk talking to the Texas Ranger.”
FIVE
BLANE
I spotted Therese sitting at a booth in the rear of the restaurant, her attention intense on the man sitting across from her. She waved at me, and I joined them. A slight-built man with stone-gray hair and narrow shoulders stood with Therese to greet me. Taller than most women, she reached my eye level, and I found that appealing.
“Mornin’, Therese.”
Her loveliness rivaled the dawn, her athletic body clad in jeans and a green plaid button-down shirt. Yeah, green. My favorite color, representing growth, nurturing, healing.
“Hi, Blane. Thanks for meeting us so early on such short notice.” She introduced me to Professor Rurik Ivanov.
I stuck out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
A trembling hand met mine, and I grasped it firmly. His gray eyes clouded with grief. US relations with Russia had its rough edges and many secrets. That didn’t mean two men couldn’t have a civil conversation that focused on a humanitarian need.
“The dire circumstances surrounding our conversation needs strict confidentiality. My daughter’s life is at stake.” Professor Ivanov spoke with a slight Russian accent.
Therese slid over in the booth, and I sat beside her and faced Professor Ivanov. I wanted to offer the professor friendship and establish a foundation of trust from the beginning. I removed my work Stetson to the corner of the table. Therese had already briefed me on his aversion to law enforcement.
I placed my phone in front of me. “I might need this to take notes. Do you object?”
He eyed me. “No, sir.” The professor placed his phone beside him. Was he willing it to ring? Holding on to it like a lifeline? Or... wishing he hadn’t given me permission to use mine?
“Professor Ivanov, your loss is beyond any words.”
