Border Breach

by Darlene L. Turner

  With three bodies.

  She sent up a prayer of thanks that they’d come out of this alive.

  Then she heard Hudson moan and remembered his injury.

  Racing back to his side, she pulled him into a hug. “Stay with me. An ambulance will be here soon.”

  “I’m not leaving you. Ever.”

  What was he saying? Did he really want a relationship with her? Even after everything she’d shared with him?

  He touched her cheek. “You’re beautiful.”

  “And you’re delirious.”

  “I’m more in focus than I’ve ever been.” His gaze locked with hers, his eyes dancing. “Will you be my girl?”

  She smiled. Could she trust another man? This man?

  She didn’t have to decide long. She knew her answer. “Yes.”

  He leaned in, eyeing her lips.

  She inched closer. She swallowed the lump in her throat, anticipation overtaking her entire being.

  When he kissed her, her heart fluttered.

  The sun broke through the darkened clouds, beaming into the cabin.

  Time stood still and a thought wedged in her mind.

  God is good. All the time.

  Four months later

  Kaylin sat on the park bench next to the pier. Not that far from where Hudson had saved her life. She marveled at all God had done for her in such a short time. He’d not only given her a new start, but an amazing man to share it with. And a renewed relationship with her father. The waves crashed against the shoreline, reminding her of God’s peace.

  She smiled. God had given her forgiveness in her heart. Now only peace remained.

  She volunteered along with Hudson at the local mission. She knew within her heart it was what God wanted her to do. After all, He’d kept her safe on the streets and she wanted to give back to the community. Perhaps even help keep kids from turning to drugs. It was the least she could do after all she’d learned.

  David Rossiter’s daughter had taken her father’s death hard and sobbed at the funeral. After all, she’d lost both her brother and dad. All in one swoop. Charlotte now lived with her aunt. Kaylin vowed to help Charlotte wherever she could. She wouldn’t let the young girl pay for her father’s sins.

  Bianca was charged with multiple first-degree murders and sentenced to life imprisonment. They had shut down the drug ring across the country and Michigan. The evidence on the flash drive had helped bring it to its knees.

  Hudson had healed from his wound and was back solving crimes. His nephew, having recovered, had vowed to help other teens stay away from drugs. Just like his uncle.

  Right now, Hudson sat beside her. His stillness was comforting. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.

  She leaned into him, laying her head on his shoulder. It was the only place she wanted to be.

  Birds chirped nearby and the fresh autumn breeze flowed through her hair. She breathed in the welcome smell of fallen leaves. “I love this time of year.”

  “Me, too.” He reached behind him and pulled something from his work briefcase.

  He stood and turned toward her, holding out a fresh bouquet of flowers. Not deadly ones like they’d confiscated at the border, but gerbera daisies arranged with yellow roses. Her favorite.

  “They’re beautiful.” She brought them to her nose, taking in their sweet scent. “You’re the best.”

  He reached into his pocket and bent on one knee, bringing out a small box.

  “Kaylin Poirier, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”

  She sprang up from the bench, hauling him up with her. “Yes!”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “I love you, too, Hudson Steeves.”

  He brought her closer, their soft kiss sealing the deal.

  Yes, God had given her not only her life back but an amazing man to share it with.

  Her forever love.

  * * *

  Uncover the truth in thrilling stories of faith in the face of crime from Love Inspired Suspense.

  Look for six new releases every month, available wherever Love Inspired Suspense books and ebooks are sold.

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Copycat Killer by Laura Scott.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed reading Kaylin and Hudson’s story as much as I loved crafting it. It was fun to create their world and delve into their lives. Living in Canada, I’ve always been fascinated by Canadian law enforcement and the Canada Border Services Agency. I knew I needed to write them both into a story because they often work together. Plus, who doesn’t love a handsome constable?

  I felt it was important to give them everyday struggles because it’s reality, right? There are times we need to move forward and forgive so we don’t become bitter. It makes us stronger.

  I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for my newsletter, to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways. Thanks for reading my story.

  God bless,

  Darlene L. Turner

  WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM

  Courage. Danger. Faith.

  Find strength and determination in stories of faith and love in the face of danger.

  6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!

  Copycat Killer

  by Laura Scott

  ONE

  Willow Emery approached her brother and sister-in-law’s two-story home in Brooklyn, New York, with a deep sense of foreboding. The white paint on the front door of the yellow brick building was cracked and peeling, the windows covered with grime. A short decorative black iron fence surrounded the small front yard, revealing empty food wrappers and cigarette butts strewn across the tiny lawn. She swallowed hard, hating that her three-year-old niece, Lucy, lived in such deplorable conditions.

  Steeling her resolve, she straightened her shoulders. This time, she wouldn’t be dissuaded so easily. Her older brother, Alex, and his wife, Debra, had to agree that Lucy deserved better.

  Squeak. Squeak. The rusty gate moving in the breeze caused a chill to ripple through her. Why was it open? She hurried forward and her stomach knotted when she found the front door hanging ajar. The tiny hairs on the back of her neck lifted in alarm and a shiver rippled down her spine.

  Something was wrong. Very wrong.

  Thunk. The loud sound startled her. Was that a door closing? Or something worse? Her heart pounded in her chest and her mouth went dry. Following her gut instincts, Willow quickly pushed the front door open and crossed the threshold. The assault of sour milk mixed with awful bodily odors hit hard. Bile rose in her throat as she strained to listen. “Alex? Lucy?”

  There was no answer, only the echo of soft, hiccuping sobs.

  “Lucy!” Hurrying now, she followed the sound through the kitchen, briefly taking note of the dozens of empty liquor bottles and overflowing dirty dishes in the sink. Reaching the living room, she stumbled to an abrupt halt, her feet seemingly glued to the floor. Lucy was kneeling near her mother, crying. Alex and Debra were lying facedown, unmoving and not breathing, blood seeping out from beneath them.

  Were those bullet holes between their shoulder blades? Her brother’s head was turned to the side, his eyes vacant and staring. No! Alex! A wave of nausea had her placing a hand over her stomach.

  She locked her gaze on her niece. “Lucy?”

  The girl lifted her head. Her tearstained face tugged at her heart. “Aunt Willow, Mommy and Daddy won’t wake up,” she sobbed.

  “Lucy, sweetie, it’s okay. Come with me, baby.” Hands shaking, Willow stepped carefully, avoiding the large pool of blood, until she was close enough to lift Lucy up and into her arms.

  Lucy didn’t stop crying, but curled her arms around her neck, clinging tigh
tly. Willow pressed a hand to her niece’s wavy blond hair, holding her close for a long moment. Then she shifted the girl to her hip, bent down and pressed her fingers against her brother’s neck, searching for a pulse.

  Nothing.

  A sob rose in her throat, but she fought it back. With trembling fingers, she checked Debra, too. Still nothing. Should she try CPR?

  Remembering the thud gave her pause. She glanced furtively over her shoulder toward the single bedroom on the main floor. The door was closed. What if the gunman was still here? Waiting? Hiding?

  The terrifying possibility had her spinning away and retracing her steps through the disgusting kitchen and out the front door. She stumbled through the lawn, kicking something that crinkled beneath her foot out of the way, until she reached the sidewalk.

  Fumbling for her phone with her right hand, she tried to understand what had just happened. Who had shot Alex and Debra? And why? What caused the thudding noise?

  What had her older brother gotten himself into?

  She pulled herself together, knowing she needed to call the police, to get help.

  She dialed 911 and pressed the phone to her ear, one arm still securely wrapped around Lucy.

  “This is the operator. What’s the nature of your emergency?”

  “My brother and his wife have been shot. Please send the police right away!”

  “Are you safe, ma’am?”

  Good question. The back of her neck tingled with fear and she whipped around, frantically searching for something, anything, out of place. She wished for a place to hide. There was a small tree nearby, and she instinctively made her way toward it, cowering beneath the branches that were just now budding leaves, pressing her back against the slim trunk. “I—I don’t know.”

  “What’s the address?”

  She rattled off the number of the house on Thirty-Fifth Street. “It’s off Linden Boulevard in East Flatbush. Please hurry!”

  “I’m calling the closest officer to your location. Please stay on the line.”

  “Just get here, soon!” Willow didn’t want to stay on the line; she needed both of her arms to hold Lucy. Leaving the phone on speaker, she tucked it into the back pocket of her jeans. She held her niece, stroking a soothing hand down Lucy’s back, murmuring reassuringly in her ear. Vehicles moved up and down Linden Boulevard, yet Willow still felt vulnerable. Exposed. What if they were still in danger?

  What if the gunman was out there, watching her?

  She swept her gaze over the area again, but still didn’t see anything suspicious. Yet she couldn’t shake the itchy feeling of being watched. The narrow tree offered little protection. Where should she go? What should she do? She momentarily closed her eyes, fighting panic.

  Dear Lord, keep us safe in Your care!

  The whispered prayer helped to calm her irrational need to run far, far away. Her apartment was in Bay Ridge, too far to walk, let alone run. Not to mention the bloodstains on Lucy’s clothes would draw attention to them. Willow took several deep breaths, knowing she needed to relax so Lucy wouldn’t pick up on her fear.

  “It’s okay, Lucy. We’re fine. We’re going to be just fine.”

  Lucy’s crying slowly quieted, but the little girl didn’t release her deathlike grip, as if afraid of being left behind.

  A white SUV with the blue NYPD K-9 logo along the side and a red flashing light on its dashboard came barreling down the street toward them, abruptly pulling over to the curb. A tall, lean blond officer dressed in a black uniform came out from behind the wheel, weapon held ready. Moving quickly, he opened his hatch, letting a beautiful yellow Lab wearing a K9 vest out of the back.

  “Stay where you are,” the officer said when she moved from the relative safety of the tree to head toward him. His gaze raked the area as he hurried over. His name tag identified his last name as Detective Slater. “What happened? Are you both okay?”

  “Yes. But I found my brother and his wife d—” She glanced at Lucy and amended what she’d been about to say. “Um, hurt. Both the gate and the front door were hanging ajar when I arrived.” She shivered, the reality of it all just starting to sink in. “The bedroom door was closed. I’m afraid someone is still inside.”

  He nodded but didn’t move away. He spoke into his radio, asking for an ETA of his backup. She couldn’t deny the overwhelming relief she and Lucy were no longer alone.

  “I need you to both wait inside my SUV.” He took her elbow and urged her toward the police vehicle just as his backup arrived. “Stay inside. I’ll be back soon.”

  She didn’t argue, feeling much safer inside the car. She continued to hold Lucy on her lap as she watched Detective Slater and two uniformed cops go inside the house with their weapons up in a two-handed grip.

  The seconds went by with excruciating slowness and she buried her face against Lucy’s hair, still grappling with what had happened.

  A sharp rap against the window startled her. She relaxed when she saw Detective Slater standing there. He opened the door and she slid out, standing to face him. She had to look up at him, which was unusual as she was taller than most women. His expression was kind, but grim. “I’m sorry for your loss. The house is clear. There’s no one inside.”

  Sorry for your loss. She momentarily closed her eyes and rested her cheek on Lucy’s head. She’d known her brother and his wife were dead.

  Murdered.

  Why? She couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to kill her brother and his wife. And what about Lucy?

  Was the little girl in danger, too?

  * * *

  Nate Slater kept his gaze on the tall, pretty woman holding the cute little girl, fearing she might collapse under the weight of the bad news.

  He tucked a hand beneath her elbow to hold her steady. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  She shook her head, but then nodded. Shrugged. “I have to be.”

  He understood where she was coming from. The poor woman and the little girl had witnessed the result of violence that most only read about. Going through an ordeal like this couldn’t be easy for either of them.

  As part of the newly established Brooklyn K-9 Unit, an offshoot of the original NYC K-9 Command Unit that was still located in Queens, he and his four-legged partner, Murphy, had been dealing with another issue close by when he’d gotten the call to come to this location. The Brooklyn K-9 Unit responded to calls across all five boroughs of New York City, the canine partners’ specializations aiding the officers in investigating crimes and tracking down perpetrators. Nate’s dog was cross-trained in a variety of skills. “I need to ask a few questions, Ms....”

  “Willow. Willow Emery. This is my niece, Lucy Emery.” She raised her chin and the stubborn flash in her light brown eyes was surprisingly reassuring. “I’ll tell you whatever you need to know.”

  “You mentioned the front door wasn’t closed all the way. Did your brother normally keep the place locked up?”

  “Yes. Always. That’s why the noise was so jarring.”

  “Noise?” His interest was piqued.

  She nodded. “A thud, like a door banging closed.”

  “Or the sound of gunfire?”

  Her eyes rounded in horror. “No!”

  The timing seemed off, but he continued. “Okay, and normally the back door would also be locked?” He’d noticed the back door had been closed, but not locked. It appeared the intruder may have been let in from the front, maybe someone the victims had known. Something must have gone wrong, and they’d been shot in the back, the killer escaping out the back door.

  “I think so, yes. Unless they were outside. The back patio has a little fence around it, similar to the one in the front.”

  Yeah, he’d noticed the fence, more for decoration than anything else, and not very high, so any able-bodied person could easily climb over.

  He felt certai
n the perp had escaped that way and itched to begin searching. But he needed more information, something to go on.

  “Lucy?” He waited for the little girl to look up at him. “Did you see anything?”

  She didn’t answer, and Willow lightly stroked her hair.

  “It’s okay, tell the policeman what you saw.”

  “Bad clown.”

  Lucy’s whisper gave him pause. Nate leaned closer, trying to appear nonthreatening. “What did you say?”

  Lucy immediately ducked her head, hiding her face against Willow’s neck.

  He caught Willow’s gaze, silently pleading. He needed to question the little girl further.

  “Lucy, you’re safe here with me and Detective Slater. But we really need to know, did you see someone hurt your mommy and daddy?” Willow’s tone was soft, gentle.

  There was a momentary hesitation, then the little girl gave a tentative nod.

  Nate’s pulse spiked with adrenaline. A possible witness, albeit a very young one. But maybe old enough to provide something for them to go on. “Can you tell me what you saw?”

  Lucy hunched her shoulders without responding. Long seconds ticked by before the child finally said, “The bad clown weared black.”

  Bad clown wearing black? Nate still didn’t quite get it, but now they had a description to go on. The two uniformed officers who’d helped him clear the house crossed over to join him, as another K-9 officer from his unit, Vivienne Armstrong, and her black-and-white border collie partner, Hank, arrived. Hank’s specialty was search and rescue, and Nate was glad to have the excellent tracker on the hunt.

  “Nate? What’s going on?” Vivienne asked.

  He stepped back from Willow and Lucy, instinctively taking charge of the scene. “Two DOAs inside, house has been cleared but it’s possible the perp went out the back. I need one NYPD officer to stay here with Willow and Lucy. The rest of us need to fan out and search for the killer, likely dressed in black and possibly wearing a mask.” He couldn’t be certain what Lucy meant by clown and thought the perp could be wearing something plastic over his or her face.