Chapter 4 - THE MAN DESMOND TRUSTED
Owen Rusk had worked for Desmond for eleven years.
He knew the codes to the Hale garage.
He knew which mechanics asked questions.
He knew Desmond preferred driving himself when he visited Fairbridge Market.
No chauffeur.
No security car directly behind him.
Desmond enjoyed appearing independent.
Celeste had spent months turning that habit into an opportunity.
She met Owen inside an underground parking structure after midnight.
He leaned against a concrete pillar, arms folded.
“You said the loan would be approved by now.”
“My husband delayed the market deal.”
“That isn’t my problem.”
“It becomes your problem when the audit reaches your invoices.”
Owen’s face hardened.
Celeste had paid him through the stolen community fund to intimidate reluctant vendors and falsify safety reports.
He had used part of the money to cover gambling debts.
If the records became public, both of them faced prison.
Celeste handed him an envelope.
Inside were photographs of Desmond’s black car, the route from Fairbridge Market, and the sharp descending curve above West River.
“You want an accident?”
“I want brake failure.”
Owen looked up.
“Desmond will be inside.”
“That is generally how car accidents work.”
“And after?”
“As his wife, I receive temporary voting authority over his shares.”
“You told me the company trust blocks you.”
“Only if he remains alive and competent.”
Owen studied her.
“What about Linda?”
“She has files.”
“Then take the files.”
“She made copies.”
Celeste’s voice became colder.
“Linda must disappear long enough for the accident to happen and the company systems to be cleaned.”
“What about the kid?”
“He is eight.”
“He follows her everywhere.”
“No one listens to children who already look neglected.”
Owen hesitated.
Celeste stepped closer.
“After Desmond dies, the market sale closes. You receive two million dollars and a position with Cresswell security.”
“And if I refuse?”
She removed a second photograph.
It showed Owen entering an illegal gambling club with a company weapon.
“You won’t.”
The following morning, Desmond asked Owen to inspect his car before Saturday’s trip.
Owen answered without hesitation.
“I’ll handle it personally.”
Desmond thanked him.
Then he called Linda.
It was the first time he had contacted her since firing her.
She almost let the phone ring out.
“Linda,” he said when she answered. “Prescott believes your files are authentic.”
“They are.”
“I should have investigated before dismissing you.”
“Yes.”
The direct answer surprised him.
“I would like you to attend the market meeting.”
“I planned to.”
“Bring everything.”
“I will.”
Desmond paused.
“Are you safe?”
Linda looked across her small living room at Toby repairing the loose ear on his teddy bear.
“I don’t know.”
That evening, she noticed the same dark sedan pass her house three times.
When she called Prescott, he told her to lock the doors and avoid traveling alone.
But Toby had already seen the driver’s face.
It was the same man who often stood beside Desmond at public events.
May you like
👉 Linda now knew she was being watched—but Toby was about to hear the part of Celeste’s plan no adult was supposed to survive.
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