Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2

by Dana Mentink

  “Border patrol officer Hannah Morgan.” She pointed to the man on his cell phone. “That’s Superintendent Doyle Walsh. He’s reporting the incident to our superiors.”

  Layke stood and pulled out his notebook. “Can you tell me what happened?”

  Hannah removed her hat, revealing her disheveled red locks. She tugged at the elastic in her hair and repositioned it. “I was performing a sweep of the area at dusk since the traffic was light when I caught movement at the tree line. Gabe here came through the woods without a coat on.”

  No wonder he still shivered. How long had he been out in the cold?

  “I rushed over and put my jacket around him,” Hannah continued. “He barely told me what was going on when I saw a man with a gun emerge from the trees, rushing at us. I grabbed Gabe’s hand and we ran toward the building. The man fired some shots that went wide. Thankfully, God protected us.”

  God? Hardly. He held his tongue and waited for her to continue.

  “My boss heard the shots and came outside. We reached the station and barricaded ourselves in. One of the assailants called us and demanded we release the boy or they’d kill us.”

  “Any recognizable voice traits? Accent?”

  “None, but I won’t forget it. It was deep and chilling.” She rubbed her arms as if warding off the threat.

  “Do you know anything about Gabe?”

  “Only that he’s eight.”

  “Any signs of how long he was out in the cold?”

  “His fingertips are frostbitten. I treated him.”

  Gabe held up his bandaged hands.

  Layke smiled, pulled up a chair beside the boy and tousled his curls. “Can you tell me why you didn’t have a coat on, Gabe?”

  He shrugged. “No time. I ran.”

  “From where?”

  A fat tear surfaced and the boy looked at Hannah.

  She rushed to his side. “It’s okay, Gabe. You can tell Constable Jackson. You’re safe now.”

  “They said they’d kill us.”

  She rubbed the tear away with her thumb. “Who said that?”

  “The bad men.”

  Layke had to get this boy to trust him. He pulled out his badge and handed it to him. “See this, Gabe? I’m a police officer and I will keep you safe. I promise.”

  Could he?

  Hannah reached for the boy’s hand. “We both will.”

  The station’s phone rang, its loud ring booming throughout the small room.

  The boy startled.

  Hannah jumped up and grabbed the receiver. “Beaver Creek Station.” She waited and held it out to Layke. “It’s him again. He wants to talk to you.”

  He stood and walked over to the desk. “Constable Jackson here.”

  “We know who you are,” the baritone voice growled.

  What? Layke tugged at his jacket’s collar in response to the heat from the small room and the unnerving call. How did they know his name?

  “Release the boy or your nephew dies.”

  Layke stiffened.

  Click.

  He peered out the window into the night.

  The kidnappers were still out there and watching.

  Layke’s chest constricted as his pulse thrashed in his head, reminding him of a ticking clock. He needed to solve this case before more innocent children were taken, or worse…

  He would not allow one hair on their heads to be harmed.

  Even if it was the last thing he did.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Hannah noted the color drain from Constable Jackson’s face and his body straighten, his crystal blue eyes widening. The person on the other end of the line had him rattled and she knew why. It was the same caller from earlier and the constable’s expression told her they meant business. Whoever they were.

  She grabbed his arm. “What is it?”

  He dropped the receiver back into its cradle and moved her away from the boy. “They somehow know who I am and they have my nephew. They’re demanding we release Gabe or they’ll kill Noel.” His whispered voice held an urgency to it.

  Superintendent Walsh clicked off his cell phone and moved to the group, extending his hand. “Constable, I’m the head of this station. I’ve just learned of your task force. Can you tell us what’s going on?”

  The constable grasped Doyle’s hand. “Layke Jackson. Have you heard of the child labor smuggling ring happening in your area?” He kept his voice low.

  “Inklings of it. Share with us what you know, Constable.” Doyle removed a notebook from his vest pocket.

  “Call me Layke. I’m stationed in Calgary and have been investigating child-smuggling rings occurring across the country.”

  A lightbulb moment hit Hannah. That’s where she’d seen his face. His reports, along with his picture, had been shared through interagency channels. She’d read his findings and respected his attention to detail on the subject. His communications held ample information on the rings. “I read your reports, but why are you here in the Yukon when there are many rings in other areas?” She had heard rumblings of some abductions a few months ago but nothing recent. She thought the threat had passed. What had changed?

  He shifted his stance and hooked his thumbs into his pant loops. “Honestly? My nephew Noel was kidnapped two days ago.”

  Doyle raised a brow. “So it got personal for you.”

  “Yes. As soon as my half brother called, I had my leader contact Whitehorse’s superintendent and he then got in touch with the corporal here. They agreed to allow me to lead the task force because of my research.”

  “How many rings are there across the country?” Doyle asked.

  “Counting this one? Probably four or five, but we don’t know how far they reach.”

  Hannah’s mouth dropped open and she gazed at Gabe. The boy had fallen asleep under the cozy blankets. Questions filled her mind. How long had he been held captive? How many other children had this ruthless gang taken? Realization punched her in the gut. She couldn’t have children of her own, but she needed to find these young ones. Their innocence had been stolen, and she’d do everything she could to bring them back to their families. She turned to the men. “I want on this task force, Doyle.”

  Doyle’s mustache twitched as he frowned.

  Although he treated her like a daughter, she wouldn’t let that stand in her way. He had trained her well. She could do this.

  She had to do this.

  “You know I’m capable,” she said.

  He raked his fingers through his hair. “I know, but I want you to be safe. These men have already proved they’re dangerous. You were almost shot earlier.”

  Layke pointed to Gabe. “And they won’t stop until the boy is back with them.”

  “I can do this. Stopping smugglers is what I’m trained to do. Plus, I’m top at the shooting range. We need border patrol officers on this force,” Hannah said.

  Doyle sighed. “She’s right and she has a heart for children.” He stepped closer to her and took his hands in hers. “You’ll make a great mother one day.”

  She snapped backward, his words sucking the life out of her. If he only knew. She’d not only lost her hope for a child but her identity. God, who am I if I’m not who I want to be the most in this life? A mother.

  His softened eyes showed concern. “What is it, little one?”

  His term of endearment.

  She wasn’t ready to share. “I just want these kids to be safe.”

  “Fine. The chief of operations has approved me to release an officer to work with the police. I choose you.” He took her hands in his again. “Please promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “Of course. You trained me well.”

  Doyle turned to Layke, poking him in the chest. “And you best keep her safe.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll
take good care of her.”

  Hannah tilted her head. “I can take care of myself. How else do you think I’ve survived in this rough terrain? Yukon is not for the faint of heart.”

  Layke shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t mean—”

  His radio crackled. “Constable Jackson, this is Constable Antoine.” The man’s voice came through the speaker. “We’ve secured the perimeter. No sign of the assailants.”

  “Copy that,” Layke said. “Meet us at your detachment. We’ll transport the boy there. It’s safer. This place is too out in the open.”

  “Agreed.”

  Hannah eyed Gabe. As he slept, his contorted face told her bad dreams plagued him. A wave of anguish washed over her as determination rose throughout her body. She couldn’t let him out of her sight. She would protect him at all costs. She turned to Layke. “You’re not going to give him over to the gang, are you?”

  Layke’s eyes clouded. “Of course not. I can’t trade one life for another even if it is my nephew. We need to find out more from Gabe. Maybe he can lead us to where they’re being held.”

  “Yes. Perhaps this can be over quickly.” Did she really believe that? Nothing to do with crime was ever simple. “I’m going with you.”

  “Superintendent Walsh, can you release her to the task force now?” Layke asked.

  Doyle pulled out his cell phone. “Yes. I will man the station until I can call in a replacement. Now, can you tell us what we’re up against? Do you know anything about the Yukon gang?”

  “Not a lot yet. If they’re like the others I’ve investigated, they’ll be ruthless.”

  “What do these gangs want with them?” Hannah asked.

  “Child labor.”

  Doyle texted and shoved the phone back into his pocket. “What type?”

  “Clothing sweat shops, shoe assembly, farm work. Probably others.”

  Hannah’s stomach roiled as tightness settled in her chest. These gangs must be stopped. Many children’s lives were at stake. “Do we know where they’re getting these kids?”

  “Each gang is different. We don’t know anything about the Yukon one yet.”

  “So you don’t have anything other than Gabe to go on?” Doyle peered out the window.

  “No, this is our first lead.”

  The station’s phone rang, stilling the conversation.

  Hannah raced to pick it up before it woke Gabe. Her muscles tensed. Could it be the same caller again? “Beaver Creek Station.”

  “This is Cynthia Simon from child services. I hear you have a young boy in custody.”

  She sucked in a breath. How did they find out about Gabe so quickly?

  “Yes. What can I do for you?”

  “He needs to be released to us. Now.” Her curt voice held authority.

  Hannah stumbled backward.

  She couldn’t let him go.

  Not with his life on the line.

  * * *

  Layke rushed to Hannah’s side and caught her before she fell. Their gaze locked for a brief second. Her widened eyes revealed fear. Why? He grabbed the phone from her hand. Could it be the same caller again? “This is Constable Jackson. Who’s calling?”

  “Cynthia Simon from child services. We need to pick up the boy you have there.”

  Was it possible this woman was somehow linked to the gang? How else would she know Gabe was there? He would not let the boy go that easily. “Ma’am, he’s in police custody and needs to be questioned. Can I ask how you know about this child?”

  She cleared her throat. “An anonymous tip from a concerned citizen.”

  What citizens were around this secluded station? He wasn’t buying it. Did the gang think it would be easier to abduct the boy again if Gabe was in the custody of child services? They knew Layke wouldn’t turn him over, so they called in the tip.

  Hannah pulled at his sleeve, her eyes wild.

  “I need to put you on hold, Ms. Simon.” He pushed the hold button. “What is it, Hannah?”

  “We can’t release him. He’ll only be safe with us. We need to convince her of that.” She chewed on her lip.

  Doyle stepped forward. “Can we do that? Don’t we have to let him go?”

  Could they hold Gabe? What was the protocol for something like this? He was a stickler for the rules. “We probably can’t legally hold him.”

  Hannah sank into a chair. “You have to convince them. I don’t care what the proper chain of command is. We need to protect this boy, and my gut is telling me he won’t be safe with child services. Please?”

  Her gut? He prided himself on following guidelines and not relying on his instincts, as he’d been burned before. Images flooded his mind of a female victim. A woman who not only betrayed him but died under his watch.

  One case where he’d trusted his so-called gut. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  He pushed the picture from his mind and concentrated on the conversation.

  “Please, Layke. Listen to her,” Doyle said. “I trust Hannah.”

  Layke was outnumbered, and it wasn’t that he didn’t want the boy safe. He just needed to do things by the book. “Fine.”

  He clicked back on the call. “Ms. Simon, this boy needs to stay in police protection. His life is in danger and you can’t guarantee he’ll be safe with you.”

  Silence.

  He caught her attention.

  A sigh sailed through the phone. “Okay, Constable. I’ll let my superiors know this is the case. He can stay with you. For now.”

  He winced. They might have a fight on their hands later if they didn’t find this gang soon. “Thank you.”

  “We’ll be in touch.” She hung up.

  He lowered the receiver into the cradle. “She’s letting us keep Gabe. We need to get him to the detachment though. He’s not secure here.” He eyed the sleeping boy. He appeared so peaceful. Could Layke disturb him? He had to get him out of here.

  Hannah jumped up and peered out the window. “Is it safe out there? From the phone call you received from the gang, it sounded like they were watching.”

  “The constables did a thorough sweep of the perimeter. We’ll be fine.” Even though he hoped so, he would still take all precautions when moving the boy to his cruiser.

  The border patrol officers were trained in firearms, so Layke could rely on their protection. However, he would check out the surroundings before moving the boy. “Stay here. I’ll canvass the area around the building before moving Gabe. Hannah, maybe you can get him ready.”

  She nodded.

  He stepped outside the station and into the biting wind. He zipped his jacket closer to his chin and edged toward the side of the building. One remaining streetlight still shone as a beacon in the darkness. Relentless snow continued to hammer the region. Living in Calgary accustomed him to snowy winters, but the shortened daylight in the Yukon, along with the deep cold, only added to his dislike of this season. How did people do it around here?

  He pulled out his Maglite, shrugged off thoughts of the frigid weather and moved around the station, shining the beam toward the woods. Stillness greeted him. He circled the building to ensure no one lurked in the shadows, and came up empty. Satisfied they were alone, he pulled out his cell phone, called the Beaver Creek detachment and asked for Constable Antoine.

  “How can I help you, Constable Jackson?” His tone conveyed irritation.

  What had he done to get on the man’s bad side?

  “We’re bringing the boy in and need a room to keep him safe. Can you get one ready? Something that won’t make him feel uncomfortable?”

  “We’ll arrange it with our corporal.”

  The snow pellets blinded Layke and he tugged his hat farther down. “Corporal Bakker?”

  “Yes, you’ve met?”

  “Not officially, but
the sergeant in Whitehorse put me in touch with him.”

  “Good. You leaving now?”

  A rustling from the trees interrupted the night’s serenity. Layke stiffened and shone his light in the direction of the sound. Movement caught his attention as a chill tingled his spine.

  Was someone still watching them?

  Seconds later, two beady eyes appeared through the tree line.

  A coyote skulked from the woods.

  Layke released the breath he’d been holding and chastised himself for being jumpy. He opened the station’s door and stepped inside, brushing the snow off his jacket with his free hand. “Yes, just secured the perimeter again and going to get him into the cruiser along with the CBSA officer who helped him. He seems to trust her.”

  “See you soon.” He hung up.

  Layke shoved his cell phone back into his pocket and moved toward Hannah. “Everything is quiet outside. Is Gabe all set?”

  She wrapped another blanket around the boy. “Ready to go see a police station, Gabe?”

  He rubbed his sleepy eyes. “Really?”

  Layke squatted to be at the boy’s level. “Yes. I have more officers I want to introduce you to.”

  “Cool. Will there be bad guys there?”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.” He hoped any prisoners at the detachment would be locked behind bars so they wouldn’t scare Gabe. He stood and turned to Doyle. “Can you stay close to us on our way to the cruiser?”

  “Sure.” He pulled out his gun. “Let’s go.”

  “Stay behind me, Hannah.” Layke removed his 9 mm but kept it at his side. No need to alarm the boy. “Head to the Suburban quickly.”

  “Will do.” Hannah grabbed Gabe’s hand and moved into position.

  The group stepped outside into the night and rushed to the vehicle.

  Doyle stood close, flanking them.

  Layke opened the passenger side and back doors. He pulled Gabe from Hannah’s hold and sat him in the front. “How would you like to ride shotgun in a police car?”

  The boy’s eyes widened. “Yippee!”

  “Just don’t touch any buttons, okay, sport?”

  Gabe tucked his hands under his legs. “Yup.”

  Hannah chuckled from the back seat, tugging at Layke’s heart. He could get used to that sound. Where had that thought come from? He’d vowed not to allow a woman to get close to him again.