Betrayed (A CORE Sector Novel Book 1) Read online

  As they approached, he raised the gun and aimed it at Bryce. He pulled the trigger before he could think about it and change his mind.

  The bullet caught Bryce in the shoulder. He hit the ground. Alec quickened his pace and ran to his side. Frank and Jon both bolted towards Gavin at the same time. Gavin started firing wildly. The bullets zinged past Frank's ears, but he and Jon kept charging forward.

  A bullet grazed Jon's leg, he hit the ground and rolled, but was up again before Gavin knew what to do next. Frank plunged into Gavin at full force, slamming him against the railing of the dock. With little breath, Gavin knew this was the moment. He struggled to get loose, struggled to pull some air into his lungs. If he could get Frank over the railing, he'd still have three men to fight. He saw Jon approaching with a limp, he pulled the gun up to fire at him. Aim for his chest dammit! The voice in his head screamed at him.

  He got a shot off, nearly busting Frank's ear drum, the ringing was intense, but it wasn't the first time a gun had been fired close to his head. He was trained to keep going. He pounded Gavin in the head and reached for the gun before he could fire again. Another shot rang out. He knocked the gun free. Gavin bent to try and catch it just as Frank brought his knee up into the man's face. Gavin fell backwards towards the rails, blood pouring from his nose. He lunged forward again, trying to get to the gun. Frank grabbed him from behind and slung him like a rag doll. He went over the railing. Frank heard a thud as Gavin hit the rocks below. He turned to see if Jon had been shot. Jon lay on the ground. Frank ran to him, one of the other bullets had grazed his arm. Alec had tied his tie around Bryce's leg. they both walked to the rail and looked over. Gavin lay on the river bank, dead.

  Frank looked at them. "Where did he take Charlotte? We have to find her!"

  CHARLOTTE AWOKE IN A COLD, dark place and wiggled around to figure out where she was. Space was limited as she felt around in the darkness but she could hear the sound of an engine. A feeling of nausea washed over her from the swaying. The motion of her surroundings indicated she must be in a boat, perhaps in a storage area of a small craft. She felt around for some tools. She found a small box, her fingers gliding over it looking for a latch. She opened the box and felt inside. Her hand grasped a screwdriver.

  She tried to find the latch area of the compartment she was in and started jabbing it with the screwdriver, hoping it would open and she'd be free. She fought hard. She couldn't get enough air. Finally, she took one last plunge at the latch and it popped free. She flipped open the lid, thankful to be alive and stuck her head out sucking in the night air. The drugs from earlier had made her woozy and weak. The boat rocked with each movement making her more ill by the second. She tried to stand and crawl out of the small storage space. Ill feelings washed over her. She finally pulled herself out and made it to the edge of the boat to look around and see where she was. She heard gunfire, and then another and another. Oh my god, she thought, Gavin is killing Frank. She had to save Frank.

  Pulling herself out of the boat was difficult, the urge to throw up kept washing over her but she kept forcing it back down. After a few moments, she managed to pull herself out and rolled onto the dock. She headed towards the sound of men yelling. As she made her way up the pier, she saw two men on the ground and Frank was struggling with Gavin near the abandoned building. Please don't let Frank fall, she prayed. Her strength gave out as she watched Gavin fly over the railing. She held onto the railing, gasping for breath, thankful the nightmare was over.

  34

  ALVA STARED QUIETLY out the window as Charlotte told her what happened. A single tear formed and ran down her cheek. She gripped the tea towel she was holding, began to twist and wring it, her back to Charlotte. This changed her plan, but she composed herself before turning around, "Well dear, I knew he was up to something, but I had no idea how far he would go or what it was related to. I know this may be inappropriate, but I was about to have afternoon tea. Would you like a cup? I find it calms my nerves in times like these."

  "I'd love a cup, Alva. You've always made excellent tea and after the week I've had, I could sure use a good cup. You and Gavin have been so good to me. I just can't imagine what happened to him."

  "Well dear, sometimes the mind just snaps. I guess the dear boy got money hungry and felt like he wasn't getting his fair share in life. I've seen money do strange things to people." Alva turned and wheeled herself into the kitchen. She sat the tray with her best tea set, placed biscuits on the beautiful china serving plate, poured the tea she'd made earlier into Charlotte's cup. It wasn't quite how she'd planned it, but it would work. The authorities would simply think Charlotte had caved under the pressure and had a heart attack, just like they would have thought about Gavin. Now she didn't have to worry about taking care of Gavin.

  SHE RETURNED to the living room with the tray on her lap. Charlotte stood, "Oh Alva, I'm sorry. Let me help you with that." She took the tray from Alva and sat it on the table. Alva reached out and grabbed a cup and saucer of tea, making sure she grabbed the right one. She placed some tea biscuits on Charlotte's saucer next to her cup.

  Alva watched as Charlotte sat down and took the first sip. She held her own cup in her hand but didn't drink. Just a few more sips and she'd be rid of the red-headed woman for good.

  The sound of wood splitting made them both jump as two men burst through the door, "Charlotte!"

  It was Frank's voice. Charlotte set her tea down. "In here Frank. What's wrong?" she asked as she stood and walked towards the doorway.

  "Alva is behind all of it."

  Charlotte felt dizzy and almost fell into Frank's arms. "Oh my god. Did she give you anything?"

  "Tea."

  Frank looked across the room and saw Alva standing with a gun in her hand. He threw Charlotte to the floor. Alec saw the gun and ran towards Alva. A shot rang out. Alec made a dive for the old woman, knocking her back through the large glass window. The bullet had barely missed him.

  He stood up and looked outside. Her body lay in the rose bushes, glass and blood covered her. A large piece had gone through her back and was sticking out of her stomach.

  Frank and Charlotte walked over, Charlotte still uneasy on her feet. "I think she put something in the tea." Frank held onto her as they both looked at the dead woman.

  Charlotte turned and buried her head into Frank's shoulder. He pulled her in closer and whispered in her ear. "It's all over. You're safe now."

  "I can't believe all of this has happened. Why did it happen, Frank? What happened to these people. They were always so nice to me."

  "They were sick and twisted. I think they've been that way a long time. It all just started crashing down around them."

  Charlotte started to slump in Frank's arms. "Charlotte! Don't you die on me now, dammit!" He laid her on the couch.

  Alec came up beside him. "The ambulance is on its way."

  "Thank God," Frank said as he patted Charlotte's hand. "Keep talking to me. Charlotte, you can't go to sleep yet."

  35

  FRANK STOPPED by the hospital to check on Jon and Bryce. Both had received minor wounds, but the doctor wanted them to stay for a few hours. That would give Frank time to visit Charlotte one last time before they left. He didn't want to say goodbye. Truth be known, he didn't want to leave. His feelings for her had grown more than he'd ever believed they could. When she was missing, his heart wrenched. He hadn't cared for or been that concerned for anyone since his wife died. He knew he could finally move on now. He wanted to move on with Charlotte, but how could a long distance relationship work? He couldn't very well invite himself into her life either. He had no clue how she felt. After everything she'd been through, he wouldn't blame her for hating men and never wanting to have a relationship. But, they had formed a bond and a friendship. He could live with that if it's all she offered.

  He walked into Jon's room. Sharon was sitting in the chair next to him holding his hand. They'd never admitted to having a relationship, but after the last few d
ays with them, Frank knew. They were in love. It was against the department's regulations, but he suspected they didn't care. If worse came to worse, one of them could change departments. They belonged together. He watched them before they realized he'd entered the room. They looked at each other the way he wanted him and Charlotte to look at one another.

  Sharon looked up. "Hey, Frank. How's Charlotte?"

  Frank walked on in. "She's good. She didn't drink enough poison to do any harm. They gave her something to counteract it and let her go home."

  "Really?"

  "Yes. She has to come back in for a check up, but she hadn't seen her home in so long, they made an exception and let her go." He walked closer and sat in a chair. "I dropped her off and came by to check on this beat up old cop." He pointed at Jon.

  "Hey now, I did pretty good."

  "Yes, you did. I owe you again."

  "No, you don't Frank. This isn't a contest. You and I both know we'll always be there for one another and neither of us needs to keep score."

  "I agree. I really appreciate you sticking your neck out. Think you'll have a job to go back to?"

  "Pfft. I was on vacation."

  They all laughed. Jon looked at Frank, "So, what about you and Charlotte?"

  Frank shuffled in the chair. "I don't know. I'm going back by there when I leave here, to check on her and say our goodbyes."

  "Do you think it'll be goodbye?" Sharon asked.

  "I hope not, but either way, I have to get back and take care of some things."

  Jon looked up quickly, "Gabe is still on the loose. He's probably holed up waiting for you to get back."

  "I know. I'll deal with it."

  "No, we'll deal with it. You're not in that alone either."

  "Jon, you've been shot. You need to rest."

  "This isn't the first time I've been shot. Hell, I work best when I'm in agonizing pain." He grinned. "But, I'm glad you're ready to face that and deal with it. I was starting to worry about you."

  "I know. I appreciate that."

  FRANK CHECKED IN ON BRYCE. He still had questions about the man but felt like they could be good friends if things were different. This man had risked his life. Frank knew it was more for their organization, but he respected the man for doing it.

  He quietly walked into the room, but the man instantly knew he was there. "Frank," he said with a smile. "Come in, come in. I was hoping you'd stop by."

  "I came by to thank you for all you've done. I don't think we'd have figured any of this out if you hadn't stepped in."

  "My pleasure, mate."

  Frank stood there, unsure of what to say next.

  Bryce broke the silence. "Is there any chance you'll be returning to England? Maybe to court a beautiful maiden?"

  Frank felt the blush rise in his cheeks. "Is it that obvious?" He asked with a chuckle.

  "It is my friend. I've only seen one other man lose himself over a woman...and I'm still married to her." He sat up straighter in the bed and motioned for Frank to sit in the chair. "I'm hoping you will consider returning and maybe doing a little side work for our organization."

  Concern rose in Frank's body. What kind of job would this man possibly want him to do? "What kind of side work?"

  Bryce noted the look of concern, "Oh it's nothing too serious or dangerous. Just a little spy work."

  "A spy? That sounds dangerous."

  "Well, you're a cop. You've been in danger before. But I assure you, it's just small jobs."

  "But, I'm a novelist now."

  "Yes, and that's the perfect ruse for what I have in mind."

  "I don't even know if Charlotte wants me to come back. I can't very well just move over here and hope everything will work out."

  "You're right. I shouldn't have jumped the gun on my offer, but it's on the table and if you ever decide to take me up on it, you'll always be welcome here."

  "Thank you."

  After a few more minutes of idle chatter, Frank excused himself and left the hospital to hail a cab. He had a few hours before Jon would be released to catch their flight that evening. He hoped to spend those hours with Charlotte.

  36

  THE CAB PULLED onto Frank's street. It was quiet, almost ominously so. Frank looked over at the house that Charlotte had occupied the last nine months. He smiled, knowing he would be seeing her again. Jon paused before getting out of the cab when it pulled into Frank's driveway. "You ready, in case Lawler is holed up inside?"

  They both stepped out of the car. "I'm ready," Frank said as he paid the cabby. They waited for him to drive off before he pulled his firearm out of its concealed shoulder holster.

  Frank headed one way around the house and Jon the other to see if any doors or windows had been visibly jimmied with. Afterward, they'd go inside and do a sweep of the house. A good lock pick wouldn't leave any visible signs and neither had any clue if Gabe could pick a lock or not.

  As Jon rounded a corner he noticed someone in the backyard. He ducked back behind the corner, hoping he wasn't seen. He heard voices and glanced around the corner. He saw Frank speaking to someone, but couldn't see the other person. Frank turned and looked at Jon, waving him over.

  "I forgot it was yard day. This is the kid who works on my lawn and rakes the leaves. He hasn't seen anyone around here all week."

  Jon let out a sigh of relief. "That's good news. It's a good thing he's started on the leaves," he said as he pointed to a large pile, "it woulda been hell trying to sneak with crunching leaves underfoot."

  They headed to the side door that led into Frank's kitchen. Frank fished the key out of his pocket and quietly slipped it into the keyhole. He turned the lock, trying to keep it from making any clicking noises.

  Jon put his hand on the knob and turned it cautiously as Frank unlocked the deadbolt. He pushed gently on the door, letting it swing open in a slow movement as they stood back. Peering inside, they saw no movement or shadows. They entered and checked the house.

  FRANK STARTED a pot of coffee and grabbed them each a shot of whiskey. Just as he set the glass down, the phone began to ring. He walked off, picked it up off the table and said hello.

  He couldn't place the muffled voice on the other end. Was it Lawler? He couldn't tell. It instructed him to meet at an old abandoned warehouse and to come alone. The line went dead.

  Jon watched Frank as he stood with the receiver to his ear. When Frank put it back into its cradle, he had an odd look. "Who was it?"

  "I'm not sure, but I'm supposed to go to an old warehouse...alone."

  "The hell you are. You're not going anywhere without me."

  "I know. I couldn't tell if it was Lawler or not. The voice was too distorted."

  "Well, I'll hide in the back seat and try to sneak out when I get a chance. Maybe get the drop on him."

  "That's what I was thinking," Frank said as he turned to head into his bedroom. Jon got up off the bar stool and followed him.

  Frank opened his closet and pulled out a couple of shotguns. He handed one to Jon, "We might need these. Doesn't hurt to go in with some extra firepower."

  THEY HAD five minutes to spare when they approached the warehouse. Frank cased the buildings around it, taking note of all the places a sniper could hide. He doubted there would be any, this was just a small criminal, who probably didn't know any snipers, but it didn't hurt to assess the environment. He relayed the scene to Jon who laid in the back seat. He tried to use as little movement as possible when speaking, in case someone was watching him with binoculars. They'd gotten good at "puppet-talk" over the years, but he was out of practice.

  Frank slowly drove towards the warehouse straight ahead, the big bay door was open. He knew it was a trap, but what else could he do? He told Jon they were close.

  The bright sunlight disappeared as Frank's car entered the warehouse. It took time for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He couldn't see any obvious movements or shadows. Several crates were stacked around the room. Plenty of places for someone to h
ide.

  Frank put the car in park and killed the engine.

  "Do not get out of this car," Jon said from the backseat.

  "I have to. Gabe isn't going to show himself until I do."

  He opened the door and got out. He walked in front of the car, looking down a corridor between crates. "Okay Lawler, I'm here. Come out and let's settle this thing."

  Someone stepped out from behind the wooden boxes and walked towards him with a gun pointed directly at him. "Hate to disappoint you, but I'm not Lawler."

  Frank looked at the woman standing before him. He couldn't place her. "Do I know you?"

  "Probably not. I'm Lawler's girlfriend. You destroyed our lives chasing after him."

  "He was dealing drugs. It was my job to put him away."

  "Well, it was my job to destroy you. You couldn't just go away after the death of your wife."

  "What do you know of my wife's death?"

  "Know? I know all about it. I'm the one who ran her off the damned road."

  Knots grew in Frank's stomach.

  "I am sorry about your kids, but hey, that's all part of the price you pay isn't it, for ruining someone else's life."

  Frank felt like he was going to puke. All these years he knew it couldn't be an accident, but he didn't expect it to be at the hands of some low-life bimbo like this woman.

  She stepped closer. He noticed her hand shaking and hoped she didn't have a hairpin trigger on the thing. One little twitch and he'd be dead. He started thinking back and remembered Gabe had some crazy girlfriend. Yea, she was sent to the state mental hospital. If this was her and she was still pissed, there'd be no talking her down. The best he could hope for was to rush her and pray the bullet that hit him didn't kill him. He had a new life to start with Charlotte.