Witness on the Run

“Trauma to the brain. I banged my head when I hit the ground. They say it’s a miracle I didn’t sustain more serious injuries.”

“No kidding.” Jenn went into the closet and pulled out Robin’s briefcase. “You want to…” She held the briefcase out to Robin.

“No, you go ahead.”

Jenn rested it on the bed, dug around and pulled out a file folder. “This should have Ruth’s home number. I’ll give her a call. Oh, and it looks like you printed out the sign-up sheets. Want me to get those to her?”

“That would be wonderful.”

“No problem. It’s a bummer you lost your phone.”

“Yeah.” It probably had all her information, names and contact information, special dates and deadlines, and even personal information. She nibbled her lower lip. If she’d dropped it at the scene, the killer probably had it, which meant he might know everything about her.

“Hey, it’ll be okay,” Jenn said, sensing Robin’s trepidation. “Here.” Jenn pulled a small notepad out of the briefcase, wrote something down and handed it to Robin. “My contact info if you need something or remember anything and want to talk it out. Whatever.”

Robin smiled as she eyed the notepaper. Jenn had written down her name, address and phone number, with the message, Call me anytime!

“If you want, I can stop by your apartment and bring back some things.” Jenn said. “Stuff that’ll make you feel better.”

And help you remember. Robin heard the inference.

“Thanks,” Robin said. “My keys should be in the briefcase.”

Jenn dug them out just as a tall, serious-looking man with a crew cut stepped into the room. A scar ran across his right eyebrow. Did Robin know him?

“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” the guy said to Jenn.

“Who are you?” Jenn asked.

And where was Jake? Robin wondered.

“Detective Monroe, Seattle P.D.” He flashed his badge.

A cop, an ally. Not a threat. Robin relaxed a little.

“Okay.” Jenn glanced at Robin. “I’ll be back later.” Jenn smiled and left.

Narrowing his eyes, the detective took a step closer to her bed. Robin felt small and cornered.

“You can fool the rest of them with your amnesia ploy, but I know what’s really going on.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What’d you do, promise Cole a lead on a case?”

“I didn’t promise anything, and I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Why Cole? Huh? Was he onto something, so they sent you to lure him in?” He clenched his jaw as if he was about to snap.

“You’d better leave,” she said, her voice trembling.

“Not until you give me something.” He grabbed her wrist and cuffed it to the edge of the bed.

“What are you doing?” Her heart slammed against her chest.

“Making sure you stay put until I can get answers.” He stalked around to the other side of the bed and poured her water. “Maybe this will help.”

“I can’t remember! Let me go!” She pulled on the handcuffs.

Caught. Snared. Stalked. About to be…killed?

She repeatedly pushed the nurse call button.

He closed in on her. No matter how far she leaned away, she couldn’t escape his stale coffee breath or the look of hatred in his eyes. “Cut the nonsense, lady.”

“Get away from her!”

Jake grabbed Detective Monroe’s arm and yanked him away from Robin. Anger arced through Jake’s chest at the look in her eyes. Terror didn’t begin to describe what he saw there.

Monroe glared at Jake. “You’re interfering with an ongoing investigation.”

“And you’re bullying a witness. This woman is a victim, not your perp.”

“I’m not so sure.” He eyed Robin.

She pulled on the handcuffs.

“She nearly died in the E.R.,” Jake said. “Uncuff her and get out.”

“Not until she answers some questions,” Monroe said.

“I don’t know anything!” she cried.

A young nurse rushed into the room. “What’s going on in here?”

“Police, ma’am.” Monroe flashed his badge. “I’ve been ordered to ask Miss Strand questions.”

“She’s not ready to answer your questions,” Jake said.

Monroe glared at him. “You’re a doctor now, Walters?”

“Stop it,” the nurse ordered. “She’s not up for visitors or interrogation. Now remove these cuffs and leave. Both of you.”

Monroe fisted his hand, and Jake realized the guy was dangerously close to doing something he’d regret. There were few things worse than losing a brother in blue. Jake understood the man’s emotional state but didn’t condone it.

“Let’s call Detective Beck,” Jake said.

“You do that.” But he didn’t move to uncuff Robin.