Betrayal

By Karen Cogan

Bethany never imagines becoming the target of a hired killer. Her intent is only to clear her roommate of murder and get her out of jail. After a tip from a neighbor about a ski-masked man leaving the apartment and tossing something in a dumpster, Bethany retrieves a pair of bloody gloves and places them in her brief case for safe keeping. On the way to take them to the police station, she is attacked and injected with a fast-acting sedative. In a desperate attempt to protect the evidence, she thrusts the briefcase at the man in front of her. As she tumbles into him, she begs him to keep it safe. When Luke follows his instincts to help her, he is pulled into the intrigue of lies and danger. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: karen Cogan
• Release date: Apr 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393724278

Karen Cogan

Karen enjoys writing all of her historical romance.     

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

BETHANY’S HEART SKITTERED as she hastened along the street. She glanced behind her, unable to escape the feeling she’d been followed. She’d told no one except the detective about the evidence that could prove the innocence of her friend. In two more blocks she would arrive at the police station. She could hand it over and stop worrying.

Someone brushed against her, and she tightened her hold on the satchel. Pedestrians here were working people with a sprinkling of petty thieves. The last thing she needed was to have an opportunist steal what was valuable only as evidence and discard it in a dumpster where it would never be found, and justice would never be done.

She entered the crosswalk with the rest of the throng from southern Staten Island. Half-way across the street she felt a sharp jab beneath her right rib. She grimaced as she stumbled forward, bumping into the broad back of the man striding ahead of her. He turned to study her with striking blue eyes.

Someone touched her hand and whispered, Let go and I’ll let you live.

She jerked her hand away as her vision began to blur. The man she had jostled turned with a frown. Are you all right?

She held on to the satchel. As his face became hazy, she thrust it towards him. Take care of this please. It’s important.

He took it from her grasp as she toppled forward. She heard a buzz of voices as strong arms lifted her, and then, oblivion.

LUKE CARRIED THE LIMP woman across the street and cradled her in his lap while he called 911. A crowd gathered while he checked her quickened pulse. What could have happened to her? His thoughts were interrupted as a man leaned toward him.

She’s prone to fainting spells. I can hold onto the attaché case. I’m her brother.

Luke evaluated the man and made a quick decision. She told me to keep it safe. It’s fine with me, for now.

The man didn’t insist, yet continued to stand by, expressing none of the concern Luke would expect of a brother while Luke focused on the woman, making sure she continued to breathe.

The steady shrieking of an ambulance preceded its arrival at the curb. Luke moved back to allow the attendants to administer to the fallen woman. They took her vitals and loaded her onto a stretcher.

Where will you take her? Luke asked. Not only did he need to know where to deliver the satchel, but he was also curious about why it was important enough to protect.

Mount Sinai.

I’m a friend. Can I come along?

The man nodded. You can ride up front with the driver.

Luke held onto the briefcase as he strode to the passenger door. What possessed him to care about what happened to this stranger? He should send the attaché with her and forget the whole thing.

He glanced into the crowd and saw the man who claimed to be her brother watching from the outskirts of the bystanders. If he had it to bet, Luke guessed the guy knew what was inside that case and had a reason for wanting it. Perhaps he had injured or drugged the victim to steal it. The possibilities ran through his mind as he climbed aboard. He thought about going after the suspect. Yet, he doubted he would catch him, given the distance between them. If he didn’t stay with the victim, it would be harder to locate her and return her property. He shut the door and buckled his seat belt. Whatever the outcome, he was along for the ride.

The driver was a stocky, middle-aged man with thinning hair who asked Luke, Are you her husband?

No. She fell into my arms. I was complimented until I realized she was unconscious. The man nodded. Sounds like my experience with women.

Luke’s curiosity about what was in the case burned as they drove to the hospital. When they arrived, he waited for the paramedics to lift the woman from the ambulance and wheel her into the emergency room.

How’s she doing? Luke asked the small blond attendant who was pushing the cart,"

She’s stable.

Once inside, he was asked her name. I don’t know. We just met. You’ll have to get identification from her purse. Please let me know when she’s able to have a visitor.

The rigid, vinyl chair in the waiting area poked against his shoulder blades. He resigned himself to the discomfort and the television comedy that spewed raucous laughter. His thoughts were on the woman who’d passed out in his arms.

He turned the briefcase over in his lap. If she protected something illegal, he refused to be any part of it. He studied the lock and knew it would be no problem. He fished in his pocket and withdrew the knife set he’d carried all through his stint in the military. With a few quick twists, he had it open. He peered inside the bag to see two bloody gloves staring back. If she didn’t have a good explanation, he was going straight to the police.

BETHANY AWOKE IN A narrow bed. She squinted at the bright ceiling light and struggled to remember why she was hooked to an IV. What had happened? She moved to sit up and her head throbbed. Then, it all came back. He had wanted the gloves. Had he gotten them?

She fumbled for the buzzer as a nurse entered the room. I had an attaché case. Where is it?

The young woman knitted her brow. Don’t be upset. Your things are bagged beside your bed.

I need to see them.

The nurse moved swiftly to her side. Don’t try and get up. I’ll hand it to you.

Bethany knew from the weight of the bag it didn’t contain the attaché case. She fought rising panic. My briefcase is missing. Where is it?

I don’t know. There’s a gentleman in the waiting room who wants to see you. Perhaps he has it.

The woman’s calm manner as she adjusted the fluid bottle agitated Bethany. What happened to me?

You were injected with a powerful sedative. Do you know how?

Bethany shook her head as she tried to remember. I felt a jab in my side. Then, I got dizzy. I assume I passed out.

How awful. People do dreadful things to each other these days.

I’d like to see the man in the waiting room. Since I don’t know him, could you stay in the room?

Sure, if it doesn’t take too long. I have a busy shift.

A few moments later, she opened the door and admitted a tall, dark-haired man. The cotton T-shirt stretched over his shoulders didn’t hide his powerful build. He nodded to Bethany, and then scanned his surroundings before moving closer to the bed. I’m Luke Parker. I caught you when you fell. You asked me to hold on to this

He held up the attaché case.

She felt relieved. He wasn’t the man who’d whispered in her ear. Thanks so much. It has important papers, and I didn’t want to lose it.

She noticed his narrowed gaze. It has more than papers. I looked inside. Bethany stared at him and felt her mouth go dry. It was locked.

I’m very mechanical.

She didn’t blame him for being suspicious. I can explain.

I hope so.

She glanced up at the nurse, trying to appear confident. You can go. I’ll be fine with Mr. Parker.

The sweet-faced woman nodded. Buzz if you need anything.

Bethany nodded. When she was alone with Luke, she said, I was attacked with an injection. Did you see the man walking beside me?

I’d guess he was one who claimed to be your brother. He asked for your satchel.

Anger flashed in her blue eyes. I don’t have a brother. This guy might have killed my roommate’s boyfriend, Jordan. I’m glad you didn’t give it to him.

A brother would have been more worried about you than about what you were carrying. I’d know him if I saw him again. Unfortunately, we’d have no proof he was the one who drugged you.

Bethany shivered at the memory. He did it, all right. He stuck me with the needle, and I passed out. I’m sorry I involved you, but I was desperate.

How did he know you had the gloves?

A neighbor tipped me off this morning that she saw someone in a ski mask toss something into the dumpster on the night of the murder. He must have been watching this morning when I took them out and put them in my briefcase.

Who was murdered?

My roommate’s boyfriend was killed with a knife.

Whose blood is on the gloves?

I’m pretty sure it was Jordan’s Luke frowned. The boyfriend?

Yes. My roommate was arrested because her fingerprints are on the knife that killed him. But if the murderer used gloves, he wouldn’t leave prints. He used a knife that already had her prints.

She paused, out of breath from the exertion of explaining. Collecting herself, she said, I was on the way to meet Detective Reese in the homicide division. I had an appointment to talk to him. I must get the evidence there, but now, I’m scared. I’m not safe until I’m rid of them.

Luke thought over her story. If it were true, the man who’d followed her was probably killer. He might tail her until she could put the gloves in the hands of the police detective. Then they’d

know that if Bethany’s roommate was smart enough to use gloves she would have wiped the knife. At least it would cast reasonable doubt on how the knife already had her prints.

Perhaps she’d cut an apple and left the knife on the counter

I’ll go with you to the station. When will you be dismissed? Luke asked.

She glanced at the clock, appalled to see it had been three hours since she’d set off for the police station. I’m sorry to take up so much of your time. You’re probably missing work.

Luke shrugged. I let my boss know I’ll be late.

What do you do? He was rugged and clean-cut. She’d thought he might own his own business and spend his free time at the gym pumping iron. She wasn’t prepared for his answer.

I’m a short-order cook. I flip burgers, and chop onions and potatoes.

After a moment of silence, Bethany said, I’d be glad to pay you for the time you’re missing to help me.

He shook his head. No need. I’m not hurting for money.

This surprised her since she doubted he made much. Still, she didn’t argue. Her rent was high, and her banker’s salary left little to spare. Perhaps she could treat him to lunch. It was the least she could do to compensate him for escorting her to the station.

In truth, she wanted to learn more about him. He appeared smart and educated. He carried himself with confidence. He probably had an interesting past. Whatever it was, she would feel safer having him with her on the way to the station.

A doctor breezed into the room. Your vitals are looking better. You’re good to go, though I will warn you, another shot of this could kill you.

Bethany bristled. I didn’t do this to myself. I’ve never been a drug user. He cocked his head. Why would someone else inject you?

Attempted robbery. I’m going to the police when I get out of here.

She wasn’t sure he believed her. It didn’t matter. She had bigger worries than convincing the doctor she’d been attacked. She had to get those gloves to the detective and get Julie out of jail. And she had to do it without getting killed.

CHAPTER TWO

LUKE CHASTISED HIMSELF for offering to accompany her. Was it because she looked small and fragile, staring at him with wide, blue eyes too large for her pale face? Her shoulder-length blond hair curled about her countenance, giving her an angelic appearance.

He would have to watch himself. For all he knew, she could be a murderer. Nonetheless, he had an obligation to see that the evidence got to the police. Then, he would forget this woman and her odd story and go back to his life.

Bethany sighed. I want to get out of here. The gloves are a burden. Once I get them to the police station, they’ll have to begin a further investigation. It won’t bring Jordan back, but, at least, I can help Julie deal with her loss. Eventually, our lives might return to normal Thank you for offering to go with me. Since you’ve seen the man and I haven’t, we could be forewarned if he shows up again.

Luke was sorting out what she told him. She believed her roommate had been set up. If so, allowing Bethany to bring in the gloves would get in the way of the killer’s plan. If they’d been followed to the hospital, he could be waiting for her to leave. As much as Luke hated feeling responsible for her safety, he couldn’t look the other way. If someone hurt her, the guilt would eat at him for the rest of his life.

I’ll step out until you’re ready, Luke offered.

Bethany hated to see him go. Though they’d only just met, he was a barrier between her and the unknown danger.

The nurse came in to remove the I.V. Do you feel like you can stand?

Yes. I don’t feel separated from myself anymore. I didn’t like the feeling.

Ketamine can give you strange reactions, the nurse agreed.

Bethany met Luke in the waiting room. He studied her, and asked, Are you steady? We can’t have you falling and banging your head.

I’m fine. In truth, she still felt a little dizzy. The fresh ocean air would do her good.

It would clear her head.

Luke hailed a taxi and told the driver where to take them. Bethany drooped in the back seat. She wasn’t one hundred percent recovered from the drug. Yet, his presence made her feel better.

LUKE STUDIED HER DELICATE face and knew he shouldn’t become involved. He didn’t want the responsibility of protecting anyone ever again, especially someone as vulnerable as Bethany. He doubted she knew the first thing about watching out for herself, whereas, he’d had way too much practice. He’d spent the last five years dodging bullets in war zones. How ironic if he survived, only to die helping a stranger.

They only had to make it to the police station. Then, he would be rid of any responsibility he had for this young woman. He could go back to being a fry cook and forget the dark part of life. Maybe someday, he would heal.

He wondered if she was aware she leaned against his shoulder. He tried to ignore the vanilla fragrance of her feathery hair. The less he knew about her, the easier it would be not to think about what would become of her.

They arrived at the red brick building to see pedestrians jamming the sidewalk on their way to lunch. Bethany scanned the throng and realized the man who’d threatened her could be among them. Hadn’t he been watching when she took the gloves? He’d been there when the ambulance was called. What if he’d followed it to the hospital, waited until she was released, and tailed her? She clutched the case tighter. If he were here she wouldn’t know him.

She paid the cab fare and forced herself to leave its sanctuary and face the bright sunlight of early afternoon. She glanced around, feeling watched. She knew what it was like to be hunted. Hadn’t she and her mother spent years running from her father’s abuse? Their quiet Italian neighborhood had been the perfect haven until now.

Luke glanced at her. You okay?

I’ll feel better once we’re inside. I want to get rid of these gloves and get Julie out of jail.

And if they find her boyfriend’s blood on them, her prints could be on the knife because she’d been cutting tomatoes the day before.

Bethany nodded. That’s what I’m hoping.

They strode inside and Bethany spoke to a gray-haired officer behind the desk. I talked to Detective Reese about the evidence I have regarding a murder. He’s expecting me.

Wait here and I’ll see if he’s in. The officer turned away and made a phone call. He returned to say, He’s coming out to meet you."

Bethany’s heart pounded when a middle-aged man, short, with hair turning silver walked toward them from the back of the room. She wasn’t used to the atmosphere. His solemn expression unnerved her. She wanted to do her part to help them solve the murder, get out of here, and go home.

We can speak in my office. Detective Reese gestured toward a hallway. Follow me.

Bethany and Luke trialed him to an open doorway that led to a well-lit room with a couch, desk, and a wall of file cabinets. Two chairs sat in front of the desk.

Have a seat, please, the detective offered. He studied Bethany. You’re the woman who called. And you’re...?  He sized up Luke.