Border Breach

by Darlene L. Turner

  She fingered the cat’s paw and then released her to the floor. “Probably not. I can’t imagine who did this.”

  “Can you think of anyone who has a grudge against you?”

  She rubbed her eyes. She needed sleep soon or she’d collapse. “No. It has to be related to this task force. The threatening texts started after it was formed.”

  Another Windsor police officer knocked on the open door and entered. “Constable, we spotted a suspect running. He matched your description but he got away. He ducked into a nearby bar and blended in with the crowd. Must have slipped out the back.”

  “Did you put a BOLO out on him?” Hudson asked.

  “Yes, although we didn’t get the best look at him, so there’s not much to go on.” He turned to Kaylin. “He hurt you, miss?”

  “No, I locked myself in the bathroom and waited for the police.” Some strong officer she turned out to be.

  “You did the smart thing.” The officer’s radio crackled, announcing another call across the city. “You contact Forensics, Constable?”

  “Yes, they should be here any moment.”

  A knock sounded at the door and Bianca poked her head in. “Good evening.” She and the Forensics team walked in. Paramedics followed and attended to the injured officer.

  “That was fast,” Hudson told Bianca.

  “We were just finishing up at a nearby call. My shift is almost over. What happened here?”

  Hudson recalled their encounter with the suspect as the other officer took Kaylin’s statement.

  Two hours later, the officer left and said they’d contact her if anything came up. He promised to tell Hudson if they got a lead from the BOLO. Paramedics transported the injured officer to the hospital.

  Bianca and the team finished their investigation, telling her it was okay to move around her apartment. The substance on the bear was nothing more than ketchup, but the intent was clear.

  Kaylin was in danger.

  She glanced at the mess. Did she really want to clean this up now? No. Instead, she called Diane and asked if she could stay with her tonight. Just until she could change the locks and get a better security system. Diane agreed to take her and Sassme in.

  Kaylin put her cat into a carrying cage and collected some personal items and a clean uniform, along with her gun. Then she turned to Hudson. “Ready? I’ll take you back to the hospital.”

  “I’ll get another officer to follow us and ensure we’re okay. He’ll then tag along to where you’re staying. I want you to be safe.” He played with one of her curls and his fingers grazed her cheeks.

  At the contact, she felt herself flush. The spark between them was undeniable, and she wanted to lean in closer to his touch. Till she remembered the call from Rebecca on his cell phone. No, he was off-limits, and Kaylin wouldn’t open her heart again.

  “I’ll be okay at Diane’s. She has a great alarm system.”

  “I’m not taking any chances. Especially after tonight.” He called the Windsor police and made arrangements for an escort. “They’ll be here soon.”

  The cruiser arrived ten minutes later. She grabbed her cat and her bag. “Let’s go.”

  They left the building and Kaylin unlocked her Honda Civic and pulled out of the parking lot with their protection in tow. She eyed Hudson beside her.

  He rested his head against the back of the seat and shut his eyes.

  She touched his arm. “Your head still bad?”

  “It’s throbbing again. Guess I need more painkillers. The nurse at the hospital is going to give me a lashing for leaving.”

  “You shouldn’t have come.” She shouldn’t have called. It was her fault.

  He turned his head and smiled. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. I needed to be sure you were okay.”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed.

  Her face flushed again and she snapped her gaze back to the road. She couldn’t let him see the effect he had on her. Where was this coming from? She’d vowed to stay clear of men after Jake had broken her heart. She couldn’t let Hudson chip away at her armor.

  And, of course, he was engaged.

  “Tell me about Rebecca. Where did you meet?” She took a right at the intersection and glanced in the rearview mirror. The cruiser followed, but there were no signs of any other tails. They were safe. For now.

  He grunted. “At a church picnic. Kind of ironic after how she treated me.”

  “What do you mean? I thought you were engaged.” Was there hope for her?

  Stop it, Kaylin. He’s off-limits.

  “Not anymore. She lied. We broke up a year ago. I have no idea why she told you that.” He wrung his hands together and his eyes tightened. “She cheated on me with two men.”

  Kaylin whistled. No wonder he’d had such a lousy attitude back when they’d first started working together on Jake’s case. What man would trust any woman after that? “She dated three men at once?”

  “I know, right? Unbelievable.” He looked out the passenger-side window. “I was in love with her and she broke my heart. That’s hard to get over.”

  Thoughts of Jake filled her mind. She’d fallen fast for him but then paid the ultimate price. Diane told her she needed to forgive him for the pain he’d caused, but she couldn’t do it. Even if he did claim he’d turned over a new leaf. Hardly. She’d believed him once and taken him back, only to find out he was dealing drugs. She’d vowed to help put him away. She couldn’t have another dealer on the streets. Not after what had happened to her brother.

  “You don’t think people can change?” Not that she did, either, but he claimed to be a Christian. Surely he believed in redemption?

  “Of course, but I don’t trust her. I will not let anyone in my heart who holds secrets. Never again.”

  Kaylin’s breath hitched.

  She had plenty of secrets and ones she vowed to keep to herself.

  * * *

  Kaylin arrived at Diane’s at midnight. She parked the car and waved to the officer across the street. She shook her head. This shouldn’t be happening. Who could be targeting her? She racked her brain for any past arrests she’d made at the CBSA, but no one stood out.

  The front light illuminated the three-bedroom bungalow. The stars twinkled, and the muggy air had cleared. If it wasn’t so late, she would take a long walk. However, after what had transpired in the past couple of days, she didn’t feel safe even in this friendly neighborhood. Kaylin picked up her bag and Sassme’s carrier before bounding up the steps. She glanced around the yard to see if anyone else was in sight. Satisfied only the crickets lingered, she inserted her key into the lock. She’d lived here for quite a few years and it still felt like home base. Diane was her shelter through all her storms.

  She stepped inside expecting silence, but Diane sat at the kitchen table, drinking tea.

  “Hey, love.” She jumped up and embraced her.

  The tiny woman’s hugs personified love. Her embrace felt like a haven.

  “What are you doing up, Diane? You should be in bed.” Kaylin opened the cage and Sassme scurried into the next room.

  “You gave me a fright and I had to see you. Are you okay?” Diane sat back down and took a sip.

  Kaylin moved to the cupboard and pulled out a cup. She needed some tea to calm her frayed nerves. She turned the kettle on. “I’m fine. Now. It was a bit scary at first when I didn’t know if the suspect would bust down the bathroom door or not. Thankfully, the police and Hudson showed up when they did.”

  “Hudson?”

  “Constable Hudson Steeves.”

  Diane’s eyes sparkled in the dim lighting. “Sounds interesting. What does he look like?”

  She crossed her arms. “Now you sound like Hannah. I’ll admit he’s gorgeous, but nothing is going to happen between us. He’s a Christian and doesn’t like someone with s
ecrets, and I can’t tell him my story.”

  “Why, love? He’ll understand.”

  Kaylin unwrapped a bag of chamomile tea, dropped it in her cup and added hot water. Hopefully it would calm her nerves so she could sleep. “I can’t take that chance. Besides, it’s none of his business.” She wrapped her hands around the warm mug, letting its heat quiet her. If only it would ease her troubled mind.

  Diane tilted her head. “It would be good to have a handsome police officer in your court.”

  “Stop.”

  “You need to forgive and let God heal your broken heart. You’ve been through so much with your father and Jake.”

  Kaylin drank her tea. The flowery flavor tingled her tongue and soothed her dry throat. “I don’t need another lecture on God. I’m tired and edgy.”

  “I wish you could see His love for you.”

  “Who could love a girl who’s lived her life wrapped in so many secrets? I’m not worthy.” Any hope she thought she had with Hudson was gone.

  Diane clucked her tongue. “Your father ingrained that into your brain. His lies still reach you after all these years. I thought he’d changed.”

  Was it true? Did she believe she wasn’t worthy of love? First her father and then Jake. No way could she open up to Hudson. Her frail heart couldn’t take it.

  Or to a God she couldn’t see.

  Kaylin remained silent. She didn’t want to talk about her father. Even though she was concerned for his safety.

  Diane put her cup in the sink. “I’m heading to bed. Your room is ready.”

  “Thanks. See you in the morning.”

  Diane kissed the top of Kaylin’s head. “God loves you and so do I.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Diane blew her a kiss and left the room.

  Kaylin finished her tea and took the cup to the sink. She breathed in the familiar vanilla scent of this three-bedroom bungalow she’d lived in years ago. She was home. Her shoulders relaxed.

  Her cell phone chimed.

  She grabbed it from her pocket and swiped the screen.

  I saw u with Constable Steeves. Stay away from him.

  U’re mine. XO.

  How did they get her new number so quickly? Kaylin turned the GPS off on her phone and threw it on the counter, her muscles tensing. No way would she sleep tonight. She dashed to the window and pulled the drapes.

  Was this person watching her right now?

  TEN

  Kaylin’s cell phone buzzed and she rolled over, glancing at the clock. 7:30 a.m. She’d overslept, even after the threatening text from last night. She checked the caller. Her boss. She sat up quickly. Sassme leaped off the bed and scrambled under it. What happened to warrant a call from her leader so early?

  “Morning, Superintendent Thompkins.” Her voice did little to hide her morning grogginess. She cleared her throat.

  “You sleep in, Poirier?” His rough tone revealed his cranky mood.

  Great. Just what I need.

  “I had an interesting evening last night.”

  “I heard about the bombing. Why didn’t you call me? Had to hear it from Steeves’s boss.”

  She winced. “Sorry, too much going on. What’s up?” She twirled a strand of hair between her fingers, dreading the words about to come from his mouth.

  “You and Constable Steeves need to get down here right away. We’ve detained another DJ’s Florist van and sequestered the driver.”

  She jumped out of bed and grabbed her clothes. “Understood. Be there as soon as I can.”

  “You better. We need to wrap up this case soon.” He hung up.

  “Ugh.” She threw the cell phone on the bed and ran to the bathroom. First her father and now her boss. Why couldn’t they trust in her abilities?

  Then again, could she?

  Forty-five minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of the CBSA office at the Windsor-Detroit border. She called Hudson on the way and found out the doctor had released him. He’d be there as soon as he could.

  Kaylin spotted the florist van out front as she entered the building. She wanted to get the lowdown from her boss first, so she made her way directly to his office and knocked.

  “Come in.” His voice boomed through the door.

  She steeled her jaw and entered. “Morning, Superintendent Thompkins.”

  “’Bout time you got here. Where’s Steeves?”

  “On his way. He just got released from the hospital.”

  Her boss pulled out a sheet of paper. “Got the police report on the bombing. Says here it was a remote detonation.”

  “Yes, someone was watching us.”

  “You know this for sure?”

  “I’ve had an attempted abduction, plus threatening texts.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

  She sat facing his desk. “Sorry. I should have.” She hoped he wouldn’t let this be the reason to take her off the case. She needed to see this through no matter the cost. She didn’t abandon cases. “What time did the florist van come through?”

  “Four a.m.”

  “Why did the security officer stop it?”

  “Too much of a coincidence since the shooting a couple days ago. The driver says he’s only doing his job, but we need to be sure it’s legit.” He clicked his computer and leaned in. “Driver’s passport is showing Bart Hardy. Has all the right certificate papers.”

  “Same as the other van. Coincidence?”

  “I don’t believe in those and that’s why you’re here. You and Steeves questioned the other driver. You should question this one. He’s getting antsy, though, since he’s been here a few hours.” He sat back in his chair. “Find some answers. Hardy is in interrogation room one. If you don’t wrap this case up soon, I’ll have to replace you.” He steepled his fingers. “Even if your father is the chief of police.”

  Kaylin stood. She was good at what she did, but her boss never seemed to notice. “We’ll get something out of him.”

  “You’ll need these.” He handed her the keys to the van.

  She rushed out the door and collided with Hudson, falling into his arms. At his touch ripples of pleasure surged up her spine. She imagined what it would be like to stay in his embrace.

  Snap out of it, Kaylin. Remember your secrets.

  She gulped and stepped back. “Morning. You got here fast.”

  He smiled, his eyes grinning back at her. “We have work to do.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  He rubbed his head. “Little sore, but okay. Did you sleep?”

  “Some.” She pulled her cell phone out. “Got this text last night.”

  He whistled. “Let me take your phone to have it checked out. Perhaps our team can trace the text’s origin.”

  “I turned off the GPS. Should have done it sooner.” She handed it to him. “I doubt you’ll find anything. This person is too smart for that.”

  “It’s worth a try.” He nodded over his shoulder. “I saw the florist van outside. Have you checked it out?”

  She shook her head. “Do you want to do that before we interrogate the driver?”

  Hudson opened the door for her. “Shall we?”

  She nodded and pulled gloves out of her pocket.

  She stepped outside and the stifling hot air greeted her, robbing her breath. She hated the summer. Too muggy for her liking. Even in June. Fall was her favorite. The colors brought her joy every year. She wiped the perspiration forming on her brow and walked toward the florist van. Using the keys, she unlocked the driver’s-side door. “Let’s start in the front.”

  “How many were in the van?”

  “Only a driver this time. Not sure why.” She opened the glove box and rummaged through the contents. Flashlight, set of pocket-size screwdrivers and vehi
cle registration papers. She reached in deeper and pulled out another object buried at the back.

  A gun.

  She held it up, dangling it by the trigger guard. “Look what I found. Seems as if this driver isn’t as innocent as he’s saying.”

  Hudson held open a plastic bag and she dumped it inside. “Anything else?”

  “I’ll check under the seats.” She pulled out her flashlight, knelt and shone the light. Nothing stood out to her. She rummaged under the cushion, her hand catching the edge of an item taped to the underside of the seat. She tugged at it, pulling out photos clipped together in a plastic bag.

  “What do we have here?” She opened it.

  Hudson leaned in. “What is it?”

  She caught a whiff of his woodsy scent and inhaled.

  I could get used to his closeness.

  She rubbed her nose to clear the smell and concentrated on the job before her. “Looks like pictures.” She thumbed through them and stumbled backward. Pictures of her, Hudson, her father and Diane, with some type of ransom figure written on the back. “What could this mean?”

  “Looks like they’re targeting the task force and anyone close to them. Good thing we have a protective detail on Diane’s house.”

  Kaylin cringed. She hated that she’d now put her friend in danger. How far would this gang go to disband their task force? She put the photos back in the bag and reached in behind the seat, feeling her way around, but came up empty. She pulled a screwdriver from her pocket and removed the door’s side panel, examining it carefully, as it was a common place where drugs were stashed. She walked around to the other side and did the same to that door. Nothing.

  Hudson moved to the rear of the van. “Time to check out what’s inside.”

  She unlocked the back and opened the double doors.

  Buckets of flowers lined every inch of the floor as well as side shelves.

  “Okay, this is normal for a florist van. Flowers.” The overpowering perfume smell tickled her nose.

  “Pull some out. I want to look at them closer.”