Page 14 of Canyon of Deceit
He glared, then softened. “I need an answer soon. Please, I’m begging you to help me save what’s left of my family.”
From the core of my gut, I wanted to say yes but not without investigating more of Rurik’s story and digging deeper into his background. “Give me a few hours.”
“All right. I’m going to the bank from here and wait until they open. I’ll withdraw money from my account.”
“How much is needed?”
“Three million dollars.”
“On a professor’s salary, that’s a hunk of money.”
Rurik shrugged. “Some here. Some overseas.”
“I advise against it. The kidnappers will take what you give them and ask for more.”
“If Alina were your daughter, what would you do?”
“I’d feel the same. You’re suffering and the kidnappers know you’ll do anything for her safe return.”
“What are you suggesting? That I wait on their next call?”
“Put yourself in the kidnappers’ shoes. What is their goal? Why are they desperate for your money? Why kill your wife and take your daughter to an off-grid location? Who are your enemies? Do your political views offend your government? Where does Edik Baranov fit in their scheme?” I paused when he inhaled sharply. “Panic solves nothing. Only a clear mind and logic will help us rectify the situation.”
“I admit, it’s hard to focus.”
“A word of caution here. Once the authorities discover your wife and daughter are missing, they will be at your front door. You didn’t inform them of what has happened, which will make you a person of interest in one, possibly two, murders.”
He glared, then shook his head. “You’re right. It will look like I covered up atrocious crimes. But I’d rather be arrested for crimes I didn’t commit than have Alina killed. Those men have taken Daria’sbody where no one will find her.” He rubbed his temples. “I’ve imagined several vile ways they might destroy her body, like a chemical vat, the ocean. The waiting is dreadful.”
Therese touched the top of Rurik’s fisted hand. Her silent support increased my admiration for her.
Rurik’s cell phone sounded, and he pulled his device closer. “The number is blocked.”
“Answer it in case it’s the kidnapper,” I said. “Don’t give the caller your location or reveal who you’re with.”
He held the phone to his ear. “Yes, this is Rurik.” He stared at me, and from his stiffened features, I’d made a correct assumption. “I’m working on getting the money. Where is Daria’s body?” Rurik’s features froze. “Yes, sir. Can I talk to Alina?”
Rurik laid his phone on the table and clicked a link to play a video of a dirty-faced, frightened little girl against a black background. She wore her navy-blue school uniform. “Please, Daddy, I want to come home. I’m scared. The man said you have something he needs.”
The video stopped.
Rurik grabbed his phone and attempted to replay the video of Alina. “Like yesterday, the video is gone.” His voice cracked, and he handed me his device.
I confirmed the link to the video as invalid and returned his phone. “What were the man’s demands?”
“He’d give me a number to wire the three million dollars tomorrow. If I failed or went to the police, I’d receive a video of him killing Alina, like he’d done with Daria. After I wire the money, he will tell me where to find my wife’s body and Alina will be returned to me.”
“Did you recognize the voice?”
“The same man as yesterday.” Rurik stood from the booth and stuffed his phone in his jacket pocket.
“What did Alina mean by you having something they need?”
“Money—”
“Sir.” Our server garnered Rurik’s attention. “Are you Professor Ivanov?”
“Yes. Why?”
