“I’m more comfortable with numbers, but I’ve been known to crack a good book now and then.”

“Too bad for Volkov.”

“Yes. Too bad.”

“Though I refuse to feel sorry for him. He was only considering taking your deal after you threw me into the pot. It was that blasted car that sealed the deal for him.”

Tanner smiled. “The man clearly has no taste. But you have to remember that he intended to have it all anyway.” The smile faded as he opened the door for her. “We’ll have to tread carefully out here. This isn’t over yet. We’re keeping Volkov busy, but I’d judge he’s almost ready to explode. I think it’s time we got a little head start before Volkov decides to take off after us.” He took her elbow and started to run toward the Mercedes across the road. “We’ll jump on this road that connects to the interstate. Then we’ll double back and circle until we reach the ridge road that leads to the canyon. I’ll drive this time. Unless you can tell me that you’ve had experience driving in the mountains. Those roads can get pretty rough.”

“You can drive. I don’t have that much experience with mountains, and I’ve watched you drive at Sandrino Place.” She slid into the passenger seat. “Where in the mountains? I thought you said something about snipers.”

“So I did, but I think we’ll be able to avoid them.” He tore out onto the road. “We’re going in another direction.” He reached for his phone. “But just in case we can’t…” He dialed Rennell. “We’re on the move. I’ll be heading up the mountain toward the ridge. You might have to run interference. The card game went splendidly, which means that Volkov is in a very foul mood and might want to castrate me.”

“If it wasn’t Volkov, I’d empathize,” Rennell said. “I’ve felt like that about you many, many times even when my mood was just fine. How close are they?”

“I’m doubling back now and heading up the mountain. I don’t want to go too fast. I want them to be able to see the headlights to follow me. No sign of them leaving the casino yet.”

“Then call me when you have to worry. I’m busy right now.”

“I’ll do that. Are the charges set?”

“We probably had the ones on the upper ridge set before you were halfway through your poker game. The lower ones required more time and thought, but we’re getting there. I just wanted to orchestrate something more interesting in case we got a visit from Volkov. I didn’t want him to feel that we didn’t appreciate him.”

“We? I thought you were handling the charges alone. Who did you pull in to help?”