Deadly Pursuit - Chapter 19
Professor Garland wrapped one arm around Serena’s shoulder as if they were lovers out for a stroll, while the other hand held the gun against her side.
Terror coursed through her body. Ryan and Tyre had said that there would be people watching her at every moment. Now would be a great time for one of those people to appear, but the park looked to be deserted.
“There’s no need for that gun,” she said. “I’ll go wherever you want me to. Where are you taking me?”
“You don’t think I’m stupid enough to think that you came here alone, do you? We’re going to take a little walk where no one can find us.”
“Where is Charley?” Serena pressed again.
“Charley is dead,” Professor Garland growled and gave her a shove forward. “If he had just kept up his end of the bargain, kept his mouth shut and banked his cut of the money, none of this would be happening. Unfortunately, he grew a conscience. I found out about it and he sent that encrypted email to you, just in case he didn’t make it to the authorities.” Professor Garland shook his head as if he was genuinely disappointed in Charley for having finally done the right thing.
“You can’t possibly think you’re going to get away with this. Charley and I aren’t the only people who know about the backdoor now.”
“I just need to buy myself enough time to get away. Finding your body should distract the police and your boyfriend just long enough for me to get out of the state.”
“If you kill me, there won’t be a place on earth where you can hide. Tyre and my friends at West Investigations will see to that.”
“Just keep walking.” He pushed her forward again.
Professor Garland led her away from the picnic area and along the path that she’d seen the joggers and strolling couple use. It was deserted now.
“Look, I won’t tell anyone what you’re doing. Just let me go.”
Professor Garland scoffed and pulled her along the path a little more roughly. “I’m sorry. Neither one of us believes that. I had suggested pulling you in on this when I hired Charley, but he said there’s no way you’d go for it.”
“He was right.” Serena tried to put a little more distance between them, but he held onto her tightly. “I would never steal from innocent people the way you and Charley have done. I’m ashamed you were able to manipulate a program I helped write in order to do it.”
Professor Garland shook his head sadly. “You see, this is why I can’t just let you go.”
“You can and you will.” The deep voice came from the trees to the right of the path they stood on.
Tyre stepped out of the darkness, his gun pointed in front of him.