Derek stepped into the office. You made it easy, really, trusting me with so much access. Derek, what are you doing? Elena's voice carried just the right note of confusion, still playing her part. What I should have done two years ago when they first approached me, Derek moved closer.
You were never supposed to run this company, Elena. Your father knew it. The board knew it. Everyone knew except you. So stubborn, so convinced you could prove everyone wrong.
His voice turned bitter. And you did, which made everything so much more complicated. Who approached you? Elena asked. Marcus heard the calculation in her voice.
Keep him talking. Buy time for security to arrive. People who understand that innovation shouldn't be controlled by legacy and nepotism. People who could actually use Hart Technologies to change the industry instead of protecting market share and shareholder profits. Derek moved closer.
Marcus shifted to maintain his position between them. They offered me a real future, chief technology officer of a combined entity that would dominate the market. All I had to do was remove the obstacle. You mean kill me? Elena said flatly.
Remove. Derek repeated the word like it tasted good. The stage light was supposed to be clean. Tragic accident company and mourning. Smooth transition to new leadership.
His voice hardened. But you had to have him. The gun gestured toward Marcus. Your watchdog, your maintenance hero ruined everything. So now we do this the hard way.
Security is already coming, Marcus said. His voice was steady despite his racing heart. Building's on lockdown. You won't make it out. "I don't need to make it out."
Derek's tone was almost conversational. I just need her dead. They'll extract me after. New identity, new life. But only if I finish the job.
The gun rose, pointing directly at Elena. Marcus saw Derek's finger tighten on the trigger. He didn't think, didn't calculate odds or consider consequences. He lunged sideways, slamming into Derek with all his weight, driving them both into the wall beside the door. The gun discharged deafeningly loud in the enclosed space.
The muzzle flash illuminated the office in stark white light. Marcus felt the bullet pass so close to his head the air pressure made his ear ring, but he was already moving. Grabbing for Derek's wrist, trying to control the weapon, they crashed into furniture, struggled in near darkness. Derek was stronger than he looked, desperate enough to fight with everything he had. "Run!"