“Shouldn’t we warn Ted? They may go after him.”
“He’s only your assistant. They’ll know that hurting him won’t stop the project since you’re the brains behind it. Now come on. We have to get to somewhere safe.”
Kathleen looked like she might argue, but then something in her gave way. She nodded and turned toward the bedroom.
Marise bent down and checked the pulse of the man. Still alive. She dragged him by the shoulders out into the corridor with the other goon. When she was far enough away, she’d let the cops know they were there.
Whatever came next, Kathleen was her responsibility now. They had to find somewhere to hide. Somewhere safe where no one would ever look.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Kathleen came back with her backpack and looked at Veronica. “Where are we going?”
“We can’t stay in Manhattan,” Veronica said, her voice low. “They’ll track us down. Different crew, same objective.”
Kathleen nodded mutely.
“I can get us on a flight out of state by morning. Different names, clean IDs. Somewhere quiet. Vermont, maybe or Montana,” said Veronica.
Kathleen blinked at her. “You want to run?”
“I want you safe,” Veronica said. “That’s not going to happen here.”
“We’d be seen at the airport. Cameras. Passenger logs. You think they won’t have someone watching?”
“I can get around it.”
Kathleen shook her head. “No. I won’t leave the state. I need access to my lab. Ted can hold the fort for a week or two, but I’m not walking away from my research.”
Veronica looked like she wanted to argue, then let the breath go through her nose. “Okay. So not out of state. Asafehouse, somewhere they wouldn’t have a clue about. You know somewhere like that?”
“I do,” Kathleen said.
Veronica turned to her with a raise of her eyebrow.
“It’s on a nature reserve out past Bashakill. It’s a ranger’s station off the grid.”
A flicker of relief crossed Veronica’s face. “What’s there?”
“A small log cabin. One bedroom and a living area, fireplace, rainwater tank and solar power. It’s remote. No one can stumble across it unless they’re seriously lost. The Rangers don’t use it often.”
Veronica nodded. “Good. That’ll do. Is there food there?”
“It’s stocked with canned goods.” Kathleen pulled three grocery bags from the cupboard. “I’ll take everything that’s in the cooler.”
“Good,” said Veronica. “I’ll stop at my unit on the way, and take whatever I have as well. They’ll track us if we go to a shop.”
“You’re sure this is the best move?” asked Kathleen anxiously.
“No,” Veronica said as she helped to pack the food into the bags. “But it’s better than waiting here to be shot. We can plan what we do next in peace once we’re safe.”
“Do you want to take my Bronco Everglades? It’s the best vehicle where we’re going.”
“Nope. They’ll find it. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve put trackers on all your vehicles. These people are pros, Kathleen. We’ll take my rental. I gave a false name so they won’t be looking for it.”
Kathleen glanced at her sideways. “You’re good at this, Veronica.”
Veronica peeled back her lips in a smile but there was no humour in it. “I’ve had plenty of practise. Leave your phone—they’ll be able to track it. I’ll give you a burner phone.”
