Border Breach

by Darlene L. Turner

  “The man didn’t tell me his name, but I told him I wasn’t interested. When he wasn’t looking, I snapped a picture of him with my phone.” He turned his head toward his mom.

  She nodded and he continued.

  “The next thing I knew, I felt a poke. I thought I’d been stung by a bee. I didn’t know it was a needle. The man must have come up behind me.” He rubbed his arm where the IV needle was now inserted. “A half hour later, I felt funny in my math class. Thought I was going to puke. Didn’t know where I was. That was the last thing I remember.”

  “Do you still have the picture of this man?” Hudson asked.

  Matthew reached his arm out. “Mom, hand me my phone.”

  She pulled it out of her purse and gave it to him. “You need rest, son.”

  “I will. I need to show Uncle Hudson.” He put in his password and swiped through to the pictures. Then held it up. “This is him.”

  A bearded man in his midthirties, with dark hair and sunglasses on, appeared on the screen.

  Kaylin hissed in a ragged breath. This man looked familiar. Could he be Valentino? Blaine?

  “Send it to me and we’ll put him through facial recognition.” Hudson stood. “You did good, Matty. Now you need to rest.”

  His cell phone chimed and he read a text. He turned to Kaylin. “Mrs. Oliver passed away, but Mr. Oliver is awake. Time to go see him.”

  Hudson said his goodbyes and told Matthew he’d be back when he could.

  His silence and furrowed brow told her he was concerned for his nephew’s safety.

  She touched Hudson’s arm as the elevator climbed floors. “He’ll be okay. God’s got this.” The statement rolled out of her mouth so easily now. Did she finally believe it?

  He pursed his lips. “I know. I just hate that teens are being pushed to sell drugs. We need to put a stop to it.”

  “My father will see to it.” And she would, too. She’d gladly put her life in jeopardy if it meant stopping drug smugglers. It was part of her job. Stepping into the line of fire.

  The doors opened and they rushed down the corridor to the room where Lyle Oliver was. Kaylin knocked.

  “Come in,” a faint voice said.

  She stepped inside with Hudson at her heels.

  The florist was sitting up in his bed but was hooked up to an IV and heart monitor. His eyes widened at the sight of them.

  “Mr. Oliver, how are you feeling?” Kaylin sat beside him.

  “How do you think?” His voice was still raspy from the smoke he’d inhaled. “What do you want?”

  Hudson stood on the other side of the bed. “Your shop was set on fire. What kind of trouble are you in?”

  Lyle’s eyes darkened. “My wife just died and you ask me that? How dare you.”

  Kaylin had to convince him they were on his side. “We’re very sorry for your loss, but don’t you want to help us find out who did this?”

  He sipped his water. “I suppose, but I don’t know anything.”

  Hudson crossed his arms. “Don’t lie to us. We found your ledger and all the shipment transactions. What were you involved in?”

  Lyle cussed. “You don’t understand. He’ll kill me. The fire proved that.” His softened voice revealed his fear.

  Hudson inched forward. “Who? We can protect you.”

  “Not from him, you can’t.”

  “Who is he?” Hudson asked.

  “Blaine Ridley, but he’s not the big boss.”

  “Valentino’s the boss?”

  Lyle nodded.

  Kaylin grabbed his hand. “Give us the truth. Was your wife in on this, too?”

  Tears formed in the man’s tired eyes. “We did everything together.”

  “Tell us about your operation.” Kaylin released his hand. “How did you do it?”

  He crumpled the bed sheet, gripping it tight. “Blaine contacted us to see if we would ship dried poppies in our bouquets. Said the reward would be worth the risk of getting caught.”

  “How much did they offer?”

  “Two hundred thousand per shipment.”

  Hudson whistled. “And you were able to get the necessary papers to get it across the border. How did you do that so easily?”

  “We had someone on the inside forging the phytosanitary certificates.”

  No wonder they’d evaded getting caught until now. They had help from the Department of Agriculture. Kaylin needed to get her boss in on this right away. “Can you give us names?”

  “Nope. Blaine arranged for all of it. Said the less we knew the better.”

  Hudson looked visibly disappointed but continued the questioning. “What did you do after you received the shipment? Your ledger has you handing them off a week after they came in.”

  “We hung them in the back to complete the drying process.”

  Kaylin began a text to her boss as she asked, “Who did you hand them off to?”

  “Blaine’s men.”

  “Where did they take them?” Hudson asked.

  He shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”

  Kaylin stopped texting. “You don’t care that this drug is out on the streets because of the help you gave the smugglers? Teenagers are dying.”

  Lyle stared out the window. “Not my fault. I didn’t push it on them.”

  Hudson scowled. “Anything else you can tell us?”

  He fidgeted with the blanket wrapped around him. “That’s all I know. Be careful.”

  “Why do you say that?” Kaylin finished her text and sent it off to her boss to get started with the Department of Agriculture.

  “Because Valentino’s tentacles reach far and wide. If he knows you’re onto him, you’re dead. Mark my words.” More tears formed in his eyes. “He killed my wife.”

  Hudson pulled out his phone and held it in front of Lyle. “One more question. Do you recognize this man?”

  Lyle’s eyes widened. “Yes, that’s Blaine.”

  Hudson turned the phone in Kaylin’s direction to show her the picture Matthew had supplied.

  At least they now had a positive ID.

  * * *

  “We’ve identified Blaine Ridley through a photo my nephew took. Mr. Oliver confirmed his identity.” Hudson spoke to his boss on his cell phone outside the hospital room. “Now we need to catch him. He’ll lead us to Valentino.”

  “We need a smoking gun,” Miller said. “Something tying him together with this gang.”

  “Agreed. Any word on the shell casing found near the pier?”

  His boss swore. “Not yet. Bianca is working hard at it, though. Listen, I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the day. If you need anything, call Bianca. I won’t be available.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “None of your concern. Stay on track.” He clicked off, the forceful tone in his voice telling Hudson his boss was definitely hiding something.

  But what?

  He clamped his mouth shut. No, his boss probably just had a medical appointment. That was all. But why did Hudson’s instincts tell him something different?

  His eyes followed Kaylin to the nurses station. Her shoulders slumped and she rubbed her head. Not good. Her earlier accident was beginning to take its toll on her. He needed to get her home soon. He checked his watch. Two o’clock. Would she consider a late dinner if she rested for a few hours? He didn’t want his time with her to end for the day. Or was that selfish of him?

  He shoved the phone back into his pocket and approached Kaylin. “Hey, you need to rest for a bit. You look tired.”

  “But I want to keep going. Talk out the case so we might get some ideas of who’s behind this.”

  “How about I take you home for a rest and pick you up at six? We could go for dinner.”

  Her eyes widened. “You mean a date?”


  He hesitated. Did she want it to be a date? Did he? Yes, but it couldn’t be. “A chance to talk over the case. Dot our i’s and cross our t’s. Maybe we’ll come across something we’re missing.”

  “A tête-à-tête.”

  “Exactly. I’ve been wanting to try out that restaurant on Ouellette Avenue.”

  She nodded. “The Bunker?”

  “You’ve heard of it? It’s supposed to be awesome.”

  “My coworkers say it is. Sure, sounds like a plan to me.”

  He cupped his hand on her elbow, liking how it felt to be so close to her. “Let’s go. To your place or Diane’s?”

  “Mine, but can we get Sassme from Diane’s on the way?”

  After picking up her cat and taking her home, he returned to the station to finish the day’s paperwork and turn in his cruiser. Then he jumped into his Honda CRV and headed toward Kaylin’s apartment. He’d returned home for a few minutes and taken a shower and changed into navy dress pants, a white shirt and a dark jacket. He hoped he wasn’t too dressed up, but he wanted to look nice for Kaylin.

  Would she notice or even care? Sure, they’d had a moment down on the beach, but how did she feel toward him? Did she consider him a friend?

  The thought hit him hard. He wanted more. No doubt about it.

  Remember Rebecca.

  Memories of his ex’s betrayal flooded his mind. The moment he caught her having a cozy dinner with another man, he knew she had deceived him. It wasn’t until he found out she was cheating on him with two men that he realized the depth of it.

  Was Kaylin like Rebecca?

  No, he refused to believe it.

  But he’d been wrong once before. Surely a cop could see through a woman’s deceit?

  He shook his head, trying to remove any further thoughts of Rebecca and Kaylin. Tonight was about the case. Not a date.

  At least that was what he told himself.

  Hudson parked in front of Kaylin’s apartment building and exited his vehicle. He punched the buzzer beside Kaylin’s name on the apartment listing in the lobby.

  “Hey there.”

  His heart played leapfrog at the sound of her voice. He breathed in deeply to slow it down. “I’m here.”

  “Be right there.”

  He tapped his toe, leaning on the railing. He had to calm himself, but the thought of seeing her again made the hairs on his arms dance.

  Where was this excitement coming from? he asked himself. But he had no answer.

  The door opened and Kaylin stepped through.

  His jaw dropped.

  She wore a white sundress with red flowers and dropped shoulders. The bottom scooped up in the front, stopping at her knees.

  His heart jackknifed to his throat and words escaped him. He played with his keys to occupy his mind and shake off his momentary lapse.

  “Hey there, Constable.”

  His pulse jump-started again.

  She looked even more beautiful than she usually did.

  He shoved his hands into his pockets. Come on, Hudson. Use your words. “You...you look lovely.” Man, now she would think him a stuttering fool.

  “And you, fine sir, look dashing. Shall we?”

  He opened the passenger-side door. “Your chariot awaits.”

  She giggled like a schoolgirl.

  A sound he loved.

  Ten minutes later, they walked into The Bunker. The darkened establishment played Michael Bublé and overflowed with patrons sitting at their tables under candlelight. Good thing he’d made reservations. The place was bustling. He approached the hostess. “Dinner for two under Steeves.”

  “Good evening, Mr. Steeves.” She grabbed two menus. “Right this way.”

  They followed her among rows of tables and booths strategically placed to offer privacy, but close enough to get a good crowd in the dining room.

  The hostess walked to a booth in the corner. “Here you go. Enjoy your dinner.”

  “Thanks so much.” He gestured for Kaylin to sit. Her lilac-scented perfume tickled his nose and he breathed in. He loved the freshness.

  Hudson, remember why you’re here. The case.

  Right. He opened his menu and peeked over the top.

  Her hair fell in soft curls past her shoulders. He imagined himself scooping it up and burying his nose in it. He could get lost there.

  She looked up from her menu and raised her brow. “What?”

  Busted. He glanced back down. “Nothing. See anything you like? My treat.”

  “You don’t have to do that. I can pay my own way.”

  “Not after the day you had. I want to. Think of it as a celebration of coming to God.”

  Her smile lit up her face, suffusing it with a delightful beauty.

  Wow.

  The waitress approached, interrupting his thoughts of Kaylin. “Can I get you both a drink?”

  “I’ll have an iced tea, please,” Kaylin said.

  “Me, too.”

  The waitress named off the specials and left.

  Kaylin set her menu down and pointed. “I like the sound of their rainbow trout.”

  “I think I’ll stick to land and get their Angus beef.”

  “Funny.” She closed her menu. “So tell me how you got into law enforcement.”

  “I met an officer while I worked at the shelter one day. He told me how he helped the homeless by trying to get crime off the streets. He wanted to keep them safe. His story resonated with me, so I enrolled that fall.”

  “You have a heart for the homeless?” Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

  “I do, and that’s where I met my best friend, Layke. He and I were on dish duty at the mission and we hit it off.”

  “He lives in Windsor?”

  “Calgary. He’s also a constable.”

  The waitress appeared with their drinks and they placed their orders.

  Hudson took Kaylin’s hand. “I wanted to tell you that you’re making a difference at the CBSA.”

  She pulled away. “That’s not how my father sees it. I need to solve this case and prove to him I’m a capable officer.”

  Sounded to him like she needed to prove it to herself first. How could he get across to her that she was worth so much more than just her job, that she had to believe in herself? “You’re made in God’s image and He’s perfect.”

  She twisted her face. “I’m far from it. You don’t know what I’ve done in my life.”

  “Tell me.”

  She looked away. “I can’t,” she whispered.

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ll abandon me like everyone else in my life.”

  What was she referring to? Surely it couldn’t be that bad. Once again, he grabbed her hand. “Look at me, Kaylin.”

  She shook her head.

  “Please.”

  She turned her gaze back to his.

  “I would never do that to you. You’ve wiggled your way into my heart.” Did he just admit that out loud? “I want us to get to know each other better. Could you—”

  “Hudson, there you are.” A shrill voice interrupted their conversation. One he remembered.

  Rebecca.

  * * *

  Kaylin narrowed her eyes at the interruption, her stomach churning. The beautiful redhead wore a designer coral dress with stilettos and wormed her way onto the bench next to Hudson. Kaylin recoiled, releasing her hand from Hudson’s grip.

  The woman stuck out her manicured hand. “I’m Rebecca. Hudson’s fiancée. You are?”

  Hudson squirmed. “You’re not my fiancée.”

  She kissed his cheek, leaving a bright coral set of lips next to his mouth. She turned back to Kaylin and smirked, still holding out her hand.

  She was stunning.

  I can’
t compete with her.

  Like she had a chance with Hudson anyway. He’d never go for her after he knew the truth. She lifted her chin and shook Rebecca’s hand. “I’m Kaylin. I work with Hudson.”

  “Good to hear. I wouldn’t want any woman moving in on my territory.”

  Hudson shook his head. “That’s enough, Rebecca. Can you leave?”

  “But I just got here.”

  He wiped the lipstick away with his napkin. “How did you know where to find me?”

  She tsked at him. “I’ll never give away my secrets. I want you back in my life.” She ran her long neon-orange nail across his chin. “We’re meant for each other.”

  Awkward. Kaylin studied the centerpiece. Anything to get out of this moment. The woman had nerve—that was evident.

  Hudson nudged Rebecca toward the edge of the seat, gently elbowing her off. “I’ll never get back with you. You proved your true self when you cheated on me with two men.”

  Her chin quivered. “That’s in the past, darling. I’ve changed.”

  “I don’t care. Leave, or I’ll have the owner throw you out.” Hudson’s nostrils flared as his darkened eyes held the woman’s gaze.

  She stomped away, heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

  He slid back onto the bench. “Sorry about that.”

  “She’s sure determined to get you back. You don’t have any feelings for her?” Kaylin held her breath as she awaited his reply.

  “Hardly. Besides, I have better people in my life now.” He winked.

  She exhaled. Could he mean he wanted more than friendship?

  Impossible. She knew his philosophy on anyone holding secrets. He’d never forgive her after he found out the truth.

  Time to change the subject and forget about any possibility of romance with him. “We need to discuss the case.”

  His brows furrowed as he leaned back in his seat.

  Had she offended him?

  She couldn’t help it. She had to guard her heart. He chipped away at her armor and she had to stop it. Now.

  She pulled her notebook from her purse and flipped to a page with questions on it. “First, we have Akio telling us about Blaine, whom we can’t find. Percy confirmed Blaine was Valentino’s right-hand man and Matthew provided us with a photo of him. Lyle told us someone within the Department of Agriculture in the States is helping them get the flowers across the border. Seems this ring is bigger than we thought. We don’t know who Valentino is, but he’s the head of the gang.”