Page 75 of Canyon of Deceit
A tap on the window captured my attention—Major Montoya. I touched Blane’s shoulder, and he immediately popped awake and opened the passenger door on his side.
“Rusty, you’ve been to the dark side of purgatory and back,” Major Montoya said. “Both of you.”
Blane attempted to scoot out of the car, but the major stopped him. “Stay put. I don’t want to see you fall. Might break your other arm.”
“Very funny.”
“No, it’s not. I fell out of a tree as a kid and broke my leg in two places. Even the memory hurts.”
“Appreciate your empathy.” Blane attempted a laugh, but it fell flat. “You didn’t need to come out tonight.”
“Right. And answer to my mother? You are her favorite, and the dear saint texts me hourly about your condition.”
Blane shook his head. “Love that woman.”
“That goes both ways,” the major said. “The house has been cleared so Therese can pick up items for the next few days. The team needs ten more minutes.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll hurry. Blane needs to pack too.”
“Nope. I got you covered,” the major said. “I’ve been to his place and have a to-go bag in my truck.”
Blane nodded. “You’re better than a brother.”
“You’d have done the same to help me. Already have. Hey, I heard about the conversation you two had with Rurik. Your lives are a tad on the worthless side. The task force has dug deeper into what’s going on with the ROC, and it looks like the crimes are mounting with thecontract out on Edik Baranov and whatever Rurik is hiding about the laser chips in the cave.”
“Two separate issues?” Blane said.
“Depends if Rurik knew about the cave. Keep it to yourself.”
“We’ll do our best.”
“I agree both of you have a rapport with him. Tread lightly. Until we understand the scope of the ROC’s operation, trust comes with a price. I’ll arrange a video interview for tomorrow late morning. That’s the closest he’s getting to a face-to-face. Does the time work?”
“Sure,” Blane said. “We’re open to talk again tonight.”
“Not on my watch. Neither of you have the brain power to fight your way out of a wet paper bag.”
“You might be right,” Blane said. “Is Baranov and his family safe?”
Major Montoya held up his hand. “It’s confidential for security reasons.”
“I’m aware of my limitations. But I already have my answer. Speculating here, but if Baranov is making his way to the US, then his arrival must look like his own idea without the aid of our government.”
“No comment.”
Blane had made an accurate conclusion.
“Another speculation is whose side Rurik is on,” Blane said. “Or maybe he’s playing both.”
The major had the stoic thing down to a science.
“Or maybe you and the suits are working both assumptions until the truth sails in.” Blane blew out frustration. “I saw your twitch.”
Major Montoya frowned. “Nothing’s easy. If it were, we’d be in another line of work.”
His words hung in the air, sobering. We’d lost friends, friends absent from our lives forever, and how many more would shed blood and give their all?
“I’m in this for the long haul,” Blane said.
