Page 49 of No Escape

They hung back, observing the scene from a distance. As they watched, an officer escorted a handcuffed Alex Murphy out of the house. Alex’s face was a mix of anger and defiance, his eyes scanning the crowd of reporters as if daring them to say something.

From Will’s perspective, the scene was chaotic and frustrating. He watched as the arresting officer led Alex Murphy toward a waiting police car, the handcuffs around his wrists reflecting the flashing lights from the news cameras.

Charlie took the lead, flashing his badge and approaching the arresting officer. “Agent Charlie Carlson, FBI. We need to have a few moments alone with Alex Murphy. It’s a matter of urgency in trying to catch John Murphy.”

The officer raised an eyebrow but ultimately relented. “Be my guest. He assaulted one of the reporters, but between you and me I feel like doing that myself sometimes.”

Will ignored the comment and stood by Charlie.

“Alex, come with me,” Charlie said.

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.”

With that, Will and Charlie started to guide Alex back toward his house, the reporters swarming around them like vultures. Their questions were a cacophony of noise, but Will and Charlie remained focused on their task.

As they reached the front door, Will couldn’t help but feel a surge of relief that at least one of John Murphy’s relatives was still unscathed. They needed this chance to speak with Alex Murphy privately, away from the prying eyes and ears of the press.

Once inside, they closed the door, muffling the sounds of the reporters outside. Will turned to Alex, his eyes searching the man’s face for any hint of information that could lead them to John Murphy.

“Alex, we need your help. We’re trying to find your brother John before he hurts anyone else. We believe you might have some information that can help us track him down.”

Alex’s expression was a mix of defiance and wariness. “Why should I help you? I’ve got nothing to do with my brother’s crimes.”

Will leaned in, his voice low and urgent. “Because lives are at stake, and we’re running out of time. We need any information you can give us about John, anything that might help us understand why he’s doing this and where he might be headed next.”

The room was filled with tension as Alex weighed his options, considering whether or not to help the agents who had barged into his home.

“I’ll tell you what I know if you can get me out of these,” he said, moving his shoulder and intimating that he wanted the cuffs off.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Charlie said. “But why did you assault one of the reporters?”

“Damned vultures,” he said in reply. “I hate them. Buzzing around here, wanting to know my business.”

“Your business or your family’s?” Will asked, an eyebrow raised.

“What’s the difference?”

That was all Will had to hear. The man was being defensive because of something to do with the family. Something he didn’t want the press to know.

“Tell me,” Will said. “Why do you think John Murphy wants you and your other family members dead?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Because he’s a sicko.”

“Even ‘sickos’ can have reasons,” Charlie said, sternly.

“You’re as bad as that other one,” Alex said.

Will and Charlie looked at each other with surprise. “Other one?” Charlie said.

“Yeah,” Alex said abruptly. “That Valerie Law woman.”

“She was here?!” Will asked.

“Yeah.” He looked at Will as if he were now the one trying to read Will’s emotions. “Oh, I see.”

“See what?” Charlie asked.

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