Page 76 of Canyon of Deceit
“Count me in,” I said. “Sir, do you have any idea where Falin has taken Alina?”
“No, and neither has anyone contacted Rurik.”
I ventured further. “Has forensics identified the woman’s body as Daria Ivanov?”
“No, but we have no reason not to believe it’s her. No one’s reported a missing woman. Daria’s neighbors haven’t heard from her either.”
Blane sighed, and it wasn’t from pain. “Providing Rurik didn’t have a hand in her murder, confirmation of Daria’s body would give him closure. Burying her remains also allows the healing to begin. Outwardly, his emotions are spent, and I suspect a breakdown. Finding Alina’s body would push him over the edge.” He paused. “Unless his emotions are fear of being charged with two murders.”
I had my own opinion about Rurik. “I think you’re wrong to suspect him. He’s a good man. I mean, how many losses can one man handle?”
Blane studied me. “If he’s innocent, he needs strength to accept the tragedy and move on with his life.”
“If?” I said.
“I want to believe he’s a victim. But if he’s as guilty as Jurg Falin with blood on his hands, Rurik deserves whatever a judge and jury toss his way.”
“He might have already chosen his country over his family,” Major Montoya said. “Time will tell, and remorse doesn’t bring lives back from the dead.”
How well I comprehended the grim reality of remorse. I inhaled a retort. Rurik hadn’t killed Daria. I was sure of it.
Major Montoya checked his watch. “Therese, you can enter your home. I suggest expediting your packing. The hotel has laundry facilities since we have no idea how long you’ll be there. You two are to stay put. I’ll keep you updated.”
I released Blane’s hand and grasped the door handle on my side.
“One more thing,” the major said. “It’s obvious you two are together. I’m glad, really glad, but be careful. Emotions can cause mistakes. Deadly ones.”
FORTY-FOUR
BLANE
At 12:15 a.m., I lowered my beat-up body onto a bed in a hotel, located on the southeast part of Houston, not far from Pasadena. Why there? I had no clue, but I’d take a bed and figure it out once I slept. The two agents assigned to protect Therese and me took turns sleeping on the couch. Therese had a room on the opposite side of the hallway, and I detested how she must feel physically and emotionally. Sergio had warned us about our newfound relationship. Hard to hide anything from a friend who stuck closer than a brother.
How many times had I cautioned Rangers to leave their emotions for their families and loved ones separate from their jobs? A worse situation occurred when two Rangers were dating and involved in a dangerous mission. Apprehension for Therese over the past few days had consumed me, and I’m sure it wasn’t about to go away with the snap of my fingers. But... God had her safely in His hands. Alina too. Such an odd observation from me. Didn’t stop me from worrying, but I had to put my newfound faith in action.
I’d swallowed a pain pill despite my resolve to stay coherent and sensed the meds relieving the agony and moving me toward sleep. Tomorrow we’d talk to Rurik. Tomorrow we’d investigate thedestination of the chips. Tomorrow we’d work on Alina’s location. Tomorrow I’d be one more day closer to finding answers. All tomorrow.
—
Last night the hotel could have burned to the ground, and I’d have slept on and wakened in a pile of ashes. I blamed the pain meds. Normally my eyes snapped open when the house creaked, pipes shifted, or the AC kicked on. This morning light flooded the room, and I found it impossible to pry open my eyes. This man was getting old.
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
The sweet voice rivaled the gates of paradise. I opened my eyes. Therese sat in an upholstered chair scrolling through her phone. I liked the way she swept her honey-colored hair back in a ponytail, making her seem younger than her thirty-three years. No makeup but a smile guaranteed to melt granite. A red plaid shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes showed me she dressed to relax today. I moistened my lips, dry like the high desert.
“How long have you been here?”
“Not sure.” She held up a mug of coffee. “I brought this in for you and drank it while you slept. But there’s more.”
“Great. I need a whole pot.”
She pushed herself up from the chair, but I motioned for her to sit. “I’ll get it. Talk to me, and I’ll inhale the caffeinated air.”
“You must be feeling better. How’s the head and arm?”
“Ready to wrestle a mountain cat.” I moved and a bolt of pain leveled my eyes shut. “Training starts tomorrow.”
She giggled, and I’d not heard the sound from her before. There were a whole lot of things about Therese Palmer I wanted to learn. “Any new developments?”
