Border Breach

by Darlene L. Turner

  It was evident they were taking up the man’s valuable time.

  Hudson knew the type. A father who needed complete control of his kids.

  Principal Normand pointed toward them. “Benji, these officers are here to talk to you. I suggest you cooperate. You’re already under suspension. Don’t make me kick you out of school.”

  The father rushed forward, standing toe-to-toe with the principal. “You wouldn’t dare. My son will not be treated this way.”

  Hudson stepped between them and extended his hand. “I’m Constable Steeves. You are?”

  “David Rossiter.” He kept his arms glued to his side. “Constable, you better be careful on how you treat this situation or I won’t hesitate to sue your department.”

  Great. If that happened, he’d never hear the end of it from his boss. And it’d be just what he needed. Another strike against him. “We want to get to the bottom of what happened here, sir. I hope you will cooperate.”

  The man said nothing; he just stared at Hudson, whose own gaze didn’t waver.

  Then, finally, David Rossiter stood aside.

  Hudson pulled up a chair next to the boy and straddled it. He held up the bag. “Benji, is this yours?”

  “Nope.”

  “Why was it found in your locker?”

  The boy shrugged.

  Kaylin stepped closer and stood in the boy’s personal space. “Be honest with us and we may let you off easy. Where did you get the doda?”

  Hudson waited for a response, but the boy said nothing.

  The teacher stood. “Benji, cooperate with them.”

  Silence filled the stuffy room. The teen studied the floor, remaining mute.

  “Come on, Benji, give us something. We want the dealer.” Hudson’s cell phone played his sister’s ringtone. He stood. “I need to take this.”

  As soon as he stepped into the hall, he asked, “Ally, what’s wrong?” She didn’t normally call during his work shift. Something had happened.

  She sniffed. “Matty has slipped into a coma.” Her voice quivered.

  He stiffened and gripped his phone tighter. “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

  “Find the monsters who did this to my boy.”

  Ally hadn’t believed her son had taken the overdose. She’d insisted he’d been forced. But she couldn’t say why. “I will. I’m working on a lead right now. I promise I’ll find them.” Could he really? Lord, make it so. “Keep me updated. Love you.”

  “You, too.” She clicked off.

  Hudson rammed his phone back into his pocket and stormed through the classroom door. “Do you know Matthew Wilson?” he shouted at Benji.

  David rushed to his son’s side. “Lay off, Constable, or I will talk to your superiors.” His icy tone revealed he meant business.

  Hudson didn’t flinch and kept his gaze on the teen. He wouldn’t let this father get in the way of the investigation. “I repeat. Do you know Matthew Wilson?”

  Benji met his gaze. “Yes. Why?”

  “He’s in a coma thanks to a drug overdose. Do you know what’s special about this version of doda?”

  “He’ll kill me,” Benji whispered.

  “What? Who will kill you? What are you talking about?”

  David put a hand on Benji’s shoulder. “Son, be careful what you say.”

  Benji recoiled from his father’s touch. “He told me if I said anything he would come after me and my family. You know, like this.” He motioned a knife being slid across his neck.

  “We can protect you. We just want this drug off the streets.” Hudson pulled a notebook from his pocket. “Tell us what you know.”

  “I don’t know his name. Only how to get in touch with them.”

  “How?” Kaylin asked.

  Benji bit his fingernails. “I text a number. They tell me where to meet.”

  Kaylin sat at the desk next to the teenager. “So, you know what he looks like?”

  “It’s a different person each time.”

  Hudson frowned. The drug dealer used his thugs to make the drop in order to conceal his identity. How far did this ring spread?

  He knew what he had to do. It was their best shot to get the dealer out of hiding. “Let’s text the number, shall we? Tell them you need more drugs and you’ll only meet at the school parking lot at six tonight.”

  The boy shook his head. “They won’t go for that.”

  “Try it. What do you have to lose?”

  Benji rubbed his temples. “My life.”

  David Rossiter slammed his hand on the desk. “You will not put my son’s life at risk. I forbid it.”

  Kaylin leaned forward. “We’ll protect him. Put a wire on him.”

  The man leaned in closer to Kaylin, his eyes never wavering. “Use someone else’s kid. Mine isn’t available.”

  Benji lifted his chin. “Dad, I can handle it.”

  The man’s nostrils flared. “Can you guarantee my son’s protection?”

  Nothing was absolute, but Hudson would try. “We will be there with him every step of the way. As soon as the dealer emerges and offers more drugs to Benji, we’ll move in.”

  The teen fished his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’m doing it, Dad.” He typed a message.

  They waited.

  Would the dealer take the bait?

  Hudson kept his anticipation under control, though he knew this could be the break they were looking for. The clock on the wall ticked, the only sound in the classroom. He eyed Kaylin. She bit her lip, something he’d already learned was a nervous habit. He knew she was as anxious as he was to find this ring.

  A couple minutes later the boy’s cell phone dinged.

  “What did they say?” Kaylin asked.

  “After a few swear words, they agreed.” Benji threw his phone down. “What do we do now?”

  Hudson gestured toward the door. “You’re coming with us to the station. We have paperwork to do and then we have to get you wired.” He glanced at his watch. Twelve thirty. They had a few hours to get ready for this exchange. “Please, sir, we need to know if we have your permission. Time is running out.”

  David poked his finger into Hudson’s chest. “Fine, but if something happens to Benji, I’m holding you personally responsible.”

  Hudson rubbed his neck, massaging the forming knots.

  No pressure.

  * * *

  Kaylin’s heart pounded in anticipation of the upcoming meet. The thought of putting a boy’s life in danger ate away at her like a mouse gnawing on a box of tissues. But what choice did they have? They needed to catch this ring and she would do everything in her power to make that happen. After all, her father counted on her to get the job done. This would be one ring gone off the never-ending list of drug smugglers. Plus, she needed to take the target off her back.

  She scrolled through her texts to pass the time and calm her pulsating nerves. They had everything in place. Benji sat in the cruiser’s back seat as they parked two blocks down from the school’s lot, hidden by a row of cedar trees. At the station, Hudson had prepped Benji on what to say and do, and the boy ran through it again, his knee bouncing nervously. The constable had shared the news of his nephew’s coma and it was clear from his agitated state that he was concerned. For obvious reasons he wanted this case solved as fast as possible.

  She glanced out the window. She couldn’t see them but she knew other officers were strategically placed around the school, keeping watch.

  Her cell phone vibrated and she swiped to check the newest text. It was from Diane Smith, her long-time friend who’d taken her in when she’d needed to get away from her father. Kaylin pictured the elderly woman rocking while knitting a scarf for the local mission. She was the only person Kaylin could count on.

  Praying 4 u 2day.

  How did the wom
an do it? She always seemed to know when something of significance was happening in Kaylin’s life.

  Appreciate it, but not sure if God is here.

  Why did Diane always have to bring God into everything? Even after all these years, she still trusted in someone she couldn’t see or touch. Not Kaylin. She needed proof of God’s existence. She just couldn’t believe in an entity who supposedly watched over her. Where had He been when her father had ridiculed her at every turn? When Kaylin had lived on the street? God had been nowhere to be seen or heard.

  He’s always there. U just have 2 believe.

  I can’t.

  Keep looking up. Luv u.

  U 2. XO

  Kaylin checked the clock on her phone. 5:52 p.m. She turned to Hudson. “It’s time to get into place. You ready, Benji?”

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  They piled out of the cruiser and Hudson checked the wire once more. “You’re good to go. We’ll be around the building, watching and ready to take action. Just get him to offer you the drugs. Then we’ll move in and make the arrest.”

  The boy nodded. His hands shook as he buttoned his shirt closed.

  Kaylin squeezed his arm. “You’ll be okay. Trust us.”

  Hudson nudged him forward. “Go ahead. We’ll follow and get in position.”

  Benji shuffled toward the school parking lot.

  “This better work,” Kaylin said.

  “It’s in God’s hands.”

  Not him, too. She patted her weapon. “No, it’s up to us to keep that boy safe.” She couldn’t believe in an invisible God. “Let’s take our places around the corner before the dealer arrives. Benji is counting on us.”

  Hudson scowled and gestured for her to take the lead. “After you.”

  Why had she just been rude to this man? She knew better than that. Talk of God always put her in a foul mood.

  Concentrate. You need to help solve the case to prove to your father you’re worthy of this job. She remembered how Hudson had taken over the previous investigation they worked on together. She would not let that happen again.

  They reached the corner of the school and Hudson pulled out his binoculars, focusing them in Benji’s direction.

  Kaylin crouched behind a massive flowerpot and peeked out.

  Still no sign of the dealer. She checked her watch. It was 6:05 p.m. She tapped her finger on the side of her leg. Patience was never her strongest virtue. “He’s not coming.”

  Hudson pointed the binoculars to the left, then right. “Give him time. He’s not that—”

  Tires screeched around the corner and a dented Chevy Impala pulled into the school parking lot, burning rubber. The foul smell lingered in the air.

  Kaylin wrinkled her nose and adjusted her earpiece. “Here we go.”

  A lanky man stepped out of the car and approached Benji.

  “Didn’t we just give you some drugs?” His deep voice crackled through Kaylin’s ear.

  “I sold it all.” Benji’s broken words revealed his nervousness.

  Calm down, kid. You’ve got this.

  “That fast? Trying to make employee of the month?”

  Benji shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Do you have the goods or not?” His voice steady.

  Good save.

  Kaylin grabbed Hudson’s binoculars. Her fingers grazed his, tingling from the electricity surging through. What was that? They’d had a moment earlier when they bumped into each other and she caught something in his gaze. Admiration? She had sworn off men, so why the sudden interest in him? Concentrate, Kaylin! You have a job to do.

  She studied the suspect. The man slouched over and reached into his car. His shoulder-length curly hair swung forward, hiding his face. He tucked it behind his ear and passed Benji a package, revealing his tattooed arm. He snatched it back, eyes narrowing. “You get it when you give me money. Your rich father footing the bill?”

  “That’s none of your business.” Benji pulled out a wad of cash.

  The lanky man reached for it.

  Hudson pulled out his weapon. “That’s it. Move in.”

  Kaylin stood from her position, holding her gun in front of her body.

  They rushed around the corner and across the parking lot.

  “Stop, police!” Hudson raised his Smith & Wesson. “Turn around and place your hands on the hood.”

  The drug dealer dropped the package and grabbed Benji. He pulled out a gun and held it to the boy’s temple. “Don’t come any closer or I swear I’ll shoot.”

  Hudson and Kaylin froze in their tracks.

  “Give it up, man.” Hudson took a step forward. “You’re surrounded.”

  Officers emerged from their stakeout locations and circled the suspect with their weapons raised.

  The lanky man squeezed Benji harder. “Is this boy’s life worth the risk?”

  “Is yours?” Kaylin hated attitudes like this one. Did he really think he could get away from them? He’d be shot if he fired his weapon.

  He pushed the boy aside, raising his hands and gun. “I surrender. It’s not me you want anyway. I’m just a small piece of the big pie.”

  Hudson rushed the man and grabbed the Glock out of his hand, stuffing it into the back of his pants. He spun him around and slammed him against the car’s hood. “Who do you work for?” He cuffed him.

  “I ain’t saying nothing until I call my lawyer.”

  Hudson’s cell phone dinged. He checked his text message, then relayed it to Kaylin. “Finally, a break. We caught the van’s driver from this morning.”

  “Excellent. Maybe he can lead us to whoever is behind all this. Too many small fish in the big pond.” Kaylin holstered her weapon.

  Hudson shoved the lanky man forward to another officer. “Book him.”

  “Yes, sir.” The constable led the suspect away.

  Hudson patted Benji on the back. “Great job, man. You held up under the pressure. The authorities will take what you’ve done here into consideration. We’ll drop you off at the station. Your father is waiting.”

  Benji’s eyes clouded and his gaze shifted to the pavement.

  Kaylin picked up on his actions. Obviously, something about his father unnerved him.

  She placed a hand on Benji’s arm. “You okay?”

  His gaze snapped to hers. “I’m fine.” His tone was curt.

  Did this boy have trouble with his father? She flexed her fingers. Just because you had father issues doesn’t mean everyone does.

  The boy slouched his shoulders and headed to the vehicle.

  Clearly there was more to his story.

  And Kaylin desperately wanted to know. She couldn’t save herself from past heartache, but could she help a troubled teen?

  Her cell phone rang and she glanced at the number. Speaking of fathers. She gritted her teeth before answering. “What’s up?”

  “Is that how you greet your father?”

  “I’m busy, Dad. We’re working on a lead.” Did she have to justify everything to him?

  His exaggerated sigh passed through the cell phone. “Listen, there’s been a development.”

  “What?”

  “I just received a disturbing picture a moment ago. I’m sending it to you now.”

  Kaylin held her breath. Him, too?

  “I’m pulling you off this case.”

  How could she convince him that she needed to stop the drug smugglers? Even if it meant putting her own life in jeopardy. “No, you’re not.”

  “Look at the picture, Kaylin. You need to be careful.”

  She pulled the phone down to check it out.

  It was a picture of her standing with Benji and Hudson at the school. Her face had an X through it with a caption below it.

  Stop this task force or your daughter
will die.

  * * *

  Hudson scratched on his notepad while waiting for the driver of the florist van to be brought into the interrogation room. He wanted to record what went down at the meet. They couldn’t miss a beat in this investigation. Kaylin sat across from him, checking her cell phone. She had shared the latest picture with him and the conversation she’d had with her father. It seemed they’d stepped on an anthill and now smugglers were exploding onto the scene, targeting the task force. He was more determined than ever to stop them.

  They’d dropped Benji off to his father and even though the teen had seemed reluctant to go, his father had insisted they leave right away. He’d also promised to sue the department if his son had any lasting nightmares over this incident. Didn’t seem to matter that Benji had scored a victory with this takedown and would probably get off with just community service. David Rossiter had practically dragged his son down the hall and out the door.

  “There’s something about Benji’s father I don’t trust.” Kaylin tossed her cell phone onto the table and stood. “Benji didn’t seem to want to go with him. Did you get that impression, too?”

  “Perhaps an overprotective father?”

  She shook her head. “There’s more to it. I can sense it.”

  How could she possibly know, he wondered. “What makes you say that?”

  “The way Benji acted around his father. He’s almost scared of him.”

  Hudson ran his hand along the metal table. Its coolness soothed his sweaty fingers. “You think he’ll hurt him or something?”

  “I know the signs.” Her eyes darkened.

  Instinctively he knew there was a story behind her sullen expression. “How do you know?”

  She stood up and paced the tiny room. “I just do.”

  Clearly, he wouldn’t get more out of her, but he sure wanted to know what she was hiding.

  The door opened, and a guard ushered in the van driver, pushing him into the chair. He cuffed his hands to the metal bar fastened to the table. “No more trouble out of you, mister.” The guard threw a folder in front of Hudson.