Page 47 of No Escape

For a moment, the mention of his brother seemed to stun Alex into silence. Then his expression darkened even further. “You’re that agent, the one they say is helping him. Why should I listen to anything you have to say?”

Valerie looked him straight in the eye, her voice unwavering. “Because you could be next on John’s killing spree, and I’m trying to stop him. If you don’t listen to me, your life could be in danger.”

Alex sneered at her. “I don’t need protection,” he growled, turning back to the reporter. With one swift move, he smashed the reporter’s camera and microphone. The reporter scrambled to pick up the remains, his face a mixture of shock and fear.

“Alex, stop!” Valerie shouted, rushing forward to intervene. But before she could react, Alex’s fist connected with her face, sending her stumbling backward.

Seeing red, Valerie sprang back into action, landing a punch squarely on Alex’s nose. He yelped in pain, clutching his face as blood poured from his broken nose.

“Enough!” Valerie yelled, her voice thundering through the quiet street. She turned and held up her hand, signaling that Suzie should stay put. Then she returned her gaze to Alex Murphy. “This is not the time for mindless violence. Your brother is out there, and he’s a threat to you and the rest of your family. Now, are you going to listen to me and let me help you, or are you going to keep playing the tough guy while your family is in danger?”

Alex wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand. “The police offered me protection, and I turned it down,” he spat.

Valerie raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I have a gun,” Alex replied defiantly. “I don’t need anyone to protect me. Never have, never will.”

He leaned against a car, kicking the shattered remains of the camera, his voice growing bitter as he continued. “Growing up, I was an outsider because I was the product of my and John’s father having an affair. Later, they included me in family gatherings, but they still treated me like a second-class citizen.”

He shook his head, his eyes hardening. “I’m done with the family. If I see John Murphy, I’ll shoot him before he even gets to open his mouth.”

Valerie studied Alex for a moment, considering her options. She could see the pain and anger behind his words, and she knew that trying to convince him otherwise might be futile. But she also recognized that his determination could be an asset in their fight against John Murphy.

“Alright,” Valerie finally said, her voice firm but understanding. “You don’t have to accept our help, but at least promise me that you’ll stay vigilant and protect yourself. And if you do see John, don’t hesitate to call the police or the FBI. You may be able to handle yourself, but we can’t let him slip away and hurt more people.”

“We?” Alex said incredulously, looking Valerie up and down with skepticism. “Lady, your name and face are all over the papers and the television. I’ve got a newsflash for you, you’re out of a job.”

Valerie’s jaw tightened, but she remained composed. “I may be suspended, but I’m not done fighting,” she replied, her voice steady. “John Murphy is a threat to everyone, not just his family, and I won’t rest until he’s stopped.”

Alex snorted, seemingly unimpressed. “Well, good luck with that. You’re on your own.”

Valerie nodded, knowing there was little she could do to change his mind. “Just remember what I said, Alex. Stay vigilant and protect yourself.”

With that, she turned to walk back to the truck, leaving Alex standing on the sidewalk, his face a mixture of anger and defiance. Suzie reached over and unlocked the driver’s side door for Valerie and watched as she climbed in, her expression somber.

“Well, that didn’t look like it went well. Did you get through to him at all?” Suzie asked, concern lacing her voice.

Valerie sighed, starting the engine. “I don’t know. I hope so. But we can’t force him to accept our help. We just have to hope he stays true to his word and keeps himself safe.”

As they drove away, Valerie pondered out loud, “Maybe we should stake out Alex Murphy’s home in case John turns up.”

Suzie glanced at her, worry evident in her eyes. “What about the other family members? Don’t they need protection, too?”

Valerie considered the question for a moment before responding. “If Alex has been offered protection, it’s probable they all have.” She glanced in the rearview mirror just in time to see a police car pull up to Alex’s house. The officer got out and began speaking with Alex, who pointed in the direction of Valerie’s truck.

“Well, looks like our cover’s been blown,” Valerie muttered as the police car pulled away from the curb, following their truck.

“What do we do now?” Suzie asked, her hands gripping the edges of her seat.

“We keep driving and try to lose them. We can’t afford to be taken in right now. We need to keep an eye on Alex and the other family members,” Valerie said, her determination unwavering.

“We’re almost out of gas!”

Valerie put her foot down, knowing Suzie was right. “Then we need to think of something, sis. Fast!”

Suzie nodded, juddering with the car as it sped over an uneven section of road.

Valerie grimaced at the vibration. They couldn’t allow themselves to be caught, not while John Murphy was still on the loose and hell-bent on killing his family. The stakes were too high, and they had a duty to protect the innocent, even if it meant putting their own careers and lives on the line.

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