Page 58 of Canyon of Deceit
“Temp 104. BP 160/120,” another man said.
“Call the park ranger at the Dog Canyon Station. We need a helo pickup in the morning to get our guy to the hospital. The ranger there said a helo could land in a canyon about three hours from here. I have the location coordinates. We’ll call at daybreak once we’re on our way,” Dave said. “Blane, sure wish you were able to talk. We’ve got an IV sending meds that will make you feel better and start the healing process. Help you sleep too. Hang in there, buddy. You’re gonna be okay.”
Someone covered me with a blanket while warmth flowed through my body. Had he said Jurg Falin was with Chandler?
“I’m calling Major Montoya,” Dave said. “He wanted to be notified as soon as we found you.”
I wanted to thank him and ask him to give Sergio a message. To tell him I was fine, and God and I were in good shape. Guess I’d tell him later. God had spared me, but for what purpose or why?
“Therese.” Her name came out in a hush.
A hand rested on my arm. “We’ll find her,” Dave said. “And the little Ivanov girl. Which way did Therese go?”
“To... find... you. Alina.”
“The meetup location.”
I tried to nod, humiliated that I was helpless to those who had the manpower and weaponry to keep Therese safe. In my own pitiful, fever-infested state, I confessed my growing feelings. She’d be thrilled I’d found God. Even if facing death had shaken my senses. And the voice.
“Major Montoya, this is FBI Agent Dave Tanner. We found Blane Gardner shortly after 1:00 a.m. He’s alone. Dehydrated. Concussion. Broken arm with infection. Ms. Palmer set it, but she’s not here. Transporting him in the morning by helo to Covenant Health Hospital in Hobbs.” Silence. “Part of the team will head out then to pick up her trail. No sign of Chandler.” Silence again. “Yes, sir. Be glad to.” Dave placed his satellite phone to my ear.
“Blane, this is Sergio. You scared us, bro, and I’ll give you a butt chewin’ real soon. The FBI team have orders to find Therese and Alina. And to arrest Chandler, Falin, and whoever else might be with them. I’ve learned more info about Russian involvement in locating Edik Baranov and the details leading up to the murder of Daria Ivanov plus the kidnapping. Will fill you in later. Right now, let these good men take care of you. I’m catching the next flight to Hobbs.”
“Th... anks.” What info had Sergio uncovered? I hated not having the latest intel. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed the pain to subside. Questions pelted me with no answers. Nothing new. I shoved aside the old habit of control and asked God to keep Therese, Alina, and the rescue team safe. What a switch. Anxiety clung to me like wet dirt, but I grasped the reality that I wasn’t alone. So new to this faith thing. Who’d ever imagine Blane Gardner would become a Christian?
Sleep called my name, and I despised the way my body refused to work. Therese’s welfare chained me.Please keep her safe.Chandler never left a vendetta alone, and neither did he let someone assume power.
“At the crack of sunrise, we’re going to lift you up and carry you down this trail. I won’t lie to you,” Dave said. “This won’t be easy and it’s gonna hurt.”
THIRTY-TWO
The meds dripping into my body numbed the pain and allowed me a couple hours of sleep. I woke with the stirring of men and readied myself for the three-hour ride to meet the helo. I counted six armed, buffed agents. The cavalry had arrived. The same helo from the previous day would bring four Rangers to assist the FBI team, and then transport me to the hospital in Hobbs.
I despised not working alongside the others. Another time. Another mission. Therese had shown me the power of trust, and I clung to it with both hands like the rope she’d used to pull me up from the rock ledge.
Dave knelt beside me. “We’re about to head down to meet the helo. I’ve given you meds to relax you, but—”
“The jarring will be painful.”
Dave exhaled. “Excruciating if one of the men slip.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Your team saved my life. I’ll never forget it.”
He smiled and checked the straps on the stretcher. “You’re welcome, but you were the one who had the foresight to signal for help. By this afternoon, you’ll be in a clean bed with medical personnel taking care of you.”
“I’d stay right here if it meant finding Therese and the little girl quicker.”
He patted my right shoulder. “I’m on your side, buddy. You called out Therese’s name in your sleep. God too. We’re on the same team.”
“I’m new to faith,” I said.
“My dad showed me how to live a godly life.” He held his breath. “My wife died in a car accident four months ago. It’s just me and our six-month-old daughter. Life’s hard, but He’s always there.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” What if I lost Therese?
“Yeah. Me too. You’ll get through this, just don’t let go.”
More confirmation of God’s presence. “You’ll get word to me when Therese and Alina are safe?”
