Page 92 of Vortex (FBI Thriller 25)

Sherlock said, “Kent Harper believed he was talking to Serena, but it makes no difference. He knew exactly where she was buried and what he said makes sense in every way.” She looked from Alex to Pamela. “I imagine the two of you have been sitting here hand-clasping, praying Kent Harper will die. The newest word? Your very best friend in the whole world, Mr. Kent Harper, is going to live. Do you think he won’t testify against you, Mr. Harrington?”

Alex drew himself up, smoothed out his breathing. “I want to call my lawyer.”

Detective Hoolihan said smoothly, “That’s your right, sir, but you will make your call from the station. I am arresting you for the murder of Serena Winters, human being,” and Hoolihan read him his rights. “Do you understand these rights?”

“Of course I do.” His face turned cold. “I will tell you again. It was an accident. Kent said I was responsible because he was trying to protect himself. You can’t prove otherwise.” He crossed his arms, gave them a full-bodied sneer. “The whole lot of you are vultures, each with your own agenda. Quite a thing to bring down a man only trying to serve this city, destroy a man who could buy and sell all of you, make or break your reputations. And you . . .” He stared at Mia. “You started this. Your whole purpose was to create some tacky rumors, turn them into a front-page investigation, and you picked me to go after.” He shook his head at her. “Pamela’s right. You’re a disgrace. You’re despicable.”

Alex paused, looked at each of them, as if memorizing faces. “When this is over, I will personally destroy all of you.”

He stepped away from the fireplace. “Let’s get this over with, Detective. I imagine the New York Police chief will have something to say.” He turned to Pamela. “Wait here. I’ll be back.”

Hoolihan said smoothly, “Actually, Ms. Barrett will be coming with us.”

Alex took a step back toward him. “There is no reason to force my fiancée into such an unpleasant situation. I don’t want her exposed to the violent scum you deal with.”

Hoolihan said, “Actually, there is every reason.”