by Dana Mentink
Struggling for breath, Layke threw his palm upward into the man’s chin. Hard. The assailant released his hold and stumbled backward. It was enough to free Layke and he whipped out his gun. “Stand down!”
The doctor and nurse rushed into the room.
“Quick! He added something to Hannah’s IV!” Even though only seconds had passed, Layke knew enough had probably transferred into her system to do harm.
Dr. Hobbs pulled it from her arm, not caring about the blood appearing from her exposed vein. They needed to get whatever it was out, and fast.
Layke held his gun on the man. “Lay on the floor. Hands behind your head.”
The man smiled and tilted his head as if mocking Layke.
“Now!” Layke raised his gun higher. “I. Will. Shoot.” Well, not really, but he needed to dominate the situation at hand.
The man hesitated but finally obeyed.
Layke reholstered his gun and put his knee on the man’s back, pulling his arms behind him. He turned to the nurse. “Call 911.” He pulled out his cuffs and secured the prisoner. He heaved him up and shoved him in a chair. “What did you put in her IV?”
Once again, the man smirked.
Layke pulled out his weapon. “Don’t tempt me.”
“Only a little cocktail I invented, but mostly ethylene glycol.”
Dr. Hobbs gasped. “What? That will kill her.”
“That’s what they wanted.”
Layke held the gun to the man’s temple. “They?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care. There was a hit on the dark web—$500,000 for her death.”
Layke turned to Dr. Hobbs. “Did any get in her bloodstream?”
“Her blood needs to be tested to know for sure. I’m going to start a fresh IV and give her a shot of fomepizole. That should neutralize it in a few days.”
“Days?”
Dr. Hobbs grabbed the drug from a nearby cabinet and inserted it directly into Hannah’s arm. He then hooked up another IV bag to Hannah’s vein.
“We need to get her back to Canada, Doc.”
“Understood. You must get her blood tested to ensure the poison is gone. I’ll be back in a bit to check on her.”
Layke stole a peek at Hannah. His pulse raced at the sight of the woman arresting his heart.
Lord, if You’re listening. I know I don’t talk to You much, but Hannah loves You. She’s one of Yours. Please save her.
Would God hear his desperate plea?
The man beside him coughed, reminding Layke of his presence.
“Tell me, did the Martells or a man named Broderick hire you?”
“Who? I told you. I don’t know. The ad on the web just posted a picture and the reward for her death.”
“How did you find us?”
“Someone added your location on the dark web.”
What? They were being tracked, but how?
Or…a mole slithered somewhere in their departments.
* * *
Hannah opened her groggy eyes and tried to focus. A white ceiling stared back at her. Where was she? And why did her chest feel like a ten-pound barbell held her down?
The shot!
Right. The last thing she remembered was trying to outrun machine gun fire from men on snowmobiles.
Was Layke okay? The sudden thought of him ripped from her life brought more weight to her chest. She moaned and turned her head to the right.
That’s when she saw him.
Her handsome constable was sleeping sitting up in a chair.
Hers? Hardly.
“Layke?” Her groggy voice squeaked out his name.
He stirred and straightened. “You’re awake.” He took her hand in his. “Hey, beautiful.”
Beautiful was not how she felt. “What happened?”
“Let’s just say you were shot by men on snowmobiles and almost poisoned to death.”
“What?”
He moved a curl off her face. “Yes, it’s been an interesting few hours. Someone put a hit out on your life.”
Gabe’s face popped into her mind and she tried to sit up. “Gabe!”
Layke eased her back against the pillow. “Rest. Gabe is fine. Elias’s wife and Scarlet have organized a unit to protect Murray’s household, including Gabe.”
“Tell me more.” Hannah listened as Layke told her about the attack on her life, Rob’s brother and the mafia ties. “So, what business is this Martell gang in?”
“We’re not entirely sure, but we do know they don’t like whatever this Broderick is mining.”
“Did the young man who attacked me talk?”
Layke shook his head. “Only that a ransom was put out on the dark web. The state troopers took him away an hour ago.”
“Why would anyone want to kill me?”
“You protected Gabe, and they obviously didn’t like that.”
She pursed her lips. “We need to get back to him. I’m worried.”
“We will. Tomorrow morning. Dr. Hobbs said your blood needs to be retested once we arrive at Murray’s. I’ve arranged for a doctor to come there as I don’t trust any other clinics.”
A thought tumbled through her mind. “How do they keep finding us?”
He lifted his chin as his nostrils flared. “I don’t know. That’s been bothering me, too. I’m scared we have a leak in one of our departments.”
“No way! Everyone I work with is trustworthy and like family.”
“Well, I can’t say the same as I don’t know the officers here in the Yukon, but they seem fine.” He held up her cell phone. “Doyle has been calling nonstop. Are you sure he’s not more than just a boss?”
“What? Hardly. He’s too old for me and is more like a father figure. Plus, he’s married. Why? You jealous?”
Layke smiled and sank back into the chair. “Maybe.”
What did he mean? Could he—
She stopped and ran her hand along her stomach. No. She couldn’t fall for this man. She chewed the inside of her mouth.
“What is it? Tell me what’s wrong.”
She turned her head away from him. “I can’t. Just like you can’t tell me your secrets.”
She heard him sigh before she drifted back to sleep.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Hannah woke to dogs barking outside and eased herself up in the comfy queen-size bed. A fire roared in the small fireplace in her bedroom at Murray and Natalie’s—probably Layke’s doing. Ever since they had returned to the ranch two days ago, he’d been attentive to her, ensuring she stay in bed while he worked with Elias and Doyle on the case. She insisted he keep her updated, but so far there were no new developments or intel on Broderick and the Martell mafia. Murray and Natalie’s mood had turned to panic at the thought of their son. The longer he was without them, the harder it would be for him to cope.
The doctor who had visited her at the ranch took her blood to have analyzed. Thankfully, since Layke had acted quickly that day, the poison was now out of her system. She dreaded the thought of what could have happened if he hadn’t have come in when he did. God’s protection over her sent goose bumps racing through her body.
She pulled the homemade plaid quilt off her and eased her feet onto the hardwood floor. She expected it to be cool and was surprised by the cozy feeling. She relaxed at the warmth claiming her toes.
The pitter-patter of approaching feet startled her, and she grabbed the housecoat at the end of the bed. A knock sounded. “Come in.”
Gabe bounded into the room and jumped on her bed. “Miss Hannah, it’s time to get up!” He bounced up and down.
Hannah giggled.
A moment later, Layke tapped on the open door. “Safe to come in?”
“Yes,” she said.
Layke entered carrying a tray of croissants, f
ruit and a mug of steaming hazelnut coffee.
Her favorite. She’d know that aroma anywhere. “What’s this?”
“Breakfast for a special person. It’s been two days and you need a more solid meal plan.” His lips curved into a delightful smile.
Her heart ricocheted and a lump formed in her throat, robbing her of speech. This handsome man had stolen her attention, and she couldn’t stop the feeling bubbling inside her despite her resolution to stay single forever.
God, what are You doing?
“Sport, Miss Hannah needs her rest.” He turned to her. “Back into bed. Time to eat.”
She saluted him and climbed back in bed and patted the spot beside her. “Gabe, join me.”
He crawled under the covers and eyed Layke’s tray. “Can I have some?”
Layke tilted his head. “You already had pancakes.”
Gabe rubbed his tummy. “I’m still hungry.”
Layke placed the tray over Hannah. She picked up a strawberry and handed it to the boy. “Here you go.” She took a sip of coffee. “This is so good.”
“Murray’s special beans, but I made it.” Layke’s eyes grinned back at her.
“You did? Thanks.”
“Anything for you.” His whispered voice could still be heard above the roaring fire.
And it warmed her heart.
“Okay, sport. Let’s leave Miss Hannah to her breakfast. How about we go feed the dogs?”
Gabe jumped out of bed. “Yes!”
Layke winked. “Rest a bit more and come down if you’re able. I need to talk to you about a new development.”
“I’ll be there. I’m feeling much better.”
“How’s the shoulder?”
She rubbed it and readjusted the sling holding it in place. “Coming along.”
A jealous thought raced through her. “Where’s Scarlet?”
“She left yesterday. Had to get back to Whitehorse, but we’re still protected by other officers.”
She rejoiced inwardly with the fact she had him all to herself again.
Well, there was Gabe and all the others.
Two hours later, after getting cleaned up, Hannah made her way gingerly down the wooden staircase. A commotion led her to the dining room area where she found Layke, Doyle and Elias sitting around the table with laptops set up. Seemed like a makeshift command center. “Did you start the party without me?”
Her boss turned at her approach and jumped up. “Little one! I’m glad to see you alive and well.” He pulled her into his arms. “I was so scared when I heard you were shot.” He squeezed harder.
She yelped. “You’re hurting me, Doyle. Still tender.”
He backed away. “I’m so sorry.” He brushed a curl away from her face.
Layke cleared his throat and pulled out a chair for her beside him. “Have a seat and we’ll fill you in.”
She smirked at his obvious overprotectiveness. “Good to have you all here. How’s Martha?”
“Holding down the fort in Beaver Creek. She’s a huge help to us.”
The woman had come from a wealthy family but severed ties when she and Elias fell in love years ago. Her family didn’t approve, and she didn’t care. Hannah longed for a love like that someday.
But now it would never happen. She set the thoughts aside and concentrated on the team. “What have I missed out on?”
Layke turned his computer screen toward her. “First, Gabe finally confessed to knowing what the boys have been mining. Diamonds.”
“What?” She frowned. “How did you get that out of him?”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t coerce him. We just had a friendly chat, and he said he was scared to tell us earlier because he overheard the gang talking about it and they caught him. They warned him that if he said anything, they would hurt his friends.”
“Where is he now?”
“Outside with Murray and Natalie building a fort. Officers are standing guard.”
Her heart ached to be with him. She shoved the thought aside and concentrated on the screen. “So what do we know about these diamonds?”
“Only that diamond mining happens in the Northwest Territories, right, Elias?”
The older gentlemen took a sip from his mug before answering. “Yes, there’s mostly gold mining in the Yukon. I had heard of a rare diamond deposit, but no mining here. I’m shocked this gang discovered some in this cave.”
“And we still don’t know where that is, right?” Hannah asked.
Doyle shuffled some papers. “No, but I did hear again from my informant about another smuggling happening tonight back in Beaver Creek.”
Layke narrowed his eyes. “And you trust him after we were ambushed at the last one?”
He shrugged. “Don’t have a choice, do we? We’re out of leads.”
He had them there.
She stood. “When do we leave?”
Layke bolted out of his chair. “Whoa now. You’re not going anywhere in your condition.”
She crossed her arms. “You’re not stopping me from seeing this through. I’m fine. My strength is back.”
“How can you possibly raise your weapon and shoot?”
“You need me to be there if we find more boys.”
Doyle stood. “We can handle it, little one.”
“Hardly. You need my help with the kids.” She turned to Layke. “I can shoot fine. My right arm wasn’t hurt. Plus, I excelled at the firing range, remember, boss man?”
“She’s right. I’ve seen her shoot,” Doyle said.
Elias gathered his computer. “We need to finish our plan and then roll, so we can make it in time. We have a bit of a drive.”
Layke sighed and pointed in her direction. “Fine, but you’ll stay out of the line of fire. I’ll go tell Murray and the officers we’ll be leaving soon.”
Five hours later after formulating a plan and driving to Beaver Creek, they hunkered down at the CBSA station. They’d secured the crossing with constables and border patrol agents hidden at various points on the highway. Each officer was heavily armed with a variety of weaponry. Doyle appointed her to man the booth as cars approached.
Layke shook his head and crossed his arms. “He’s putting you right in the middle of it.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s my job, Layke. I know what I’m doing, or do you not trust in my abilities?”
“It’s not you I don’t trust.” He eyed Doyle.
“Why don’t you like him?”
“He’s too personal with you and rubs me the wrong way.”
“I told you. He took me under his wing when I first moved to the Yukon. Taught me this job. I don’t know what I’d do without him.” She put on her parka. “It’s time to go. The truck should be crossing at any time now. Remember, Layke. God’s got this.”
His handsome face contorted. “Where was He when you got shot?”
“Right there with me. I could have died.”
Layke opened his mouth to say something and, instead, closed it. He checked the chamber in his Smith & Wesson before slamming it shut and holstering it. He strapped a machine gun over his shoulder. “Let’s go. You stay in the booth.”
Hannah walked out into the cold and around the corner into the booth, which was detached from the station. She knew he meant well and was only being overprotective because she’d been hurt, but she could do this. She had to do this. For all those innocent children.
Layke crouched beside a cruiser with Elias and other constables.
Hannah uttered a desperate prayer. “Father, keep us safe. Help us to end this today. Protect those boys.”
A roaring engine filled the night, but no truck headlights approached. What was that noise?
Ignoring Layke’s order, she stepped outside.
The hum deepened.
Layke and Elias stood.
A light appeared in the sky and brightened as it approached.
“Drone! Get down, Hannah!” Layke yelled.
The drone peppered the area with multiple shots.
Lights bobbled from the distant tree line, indicating that gang members were advancing toward their location at high speed.
The drone reapproached.
She dove back into the booth and winced when she fell onto her wounded shoulder.
The unmanned aerial vehicle fired a missile into the station, exploding the building.
* * *
“Hannah!” Layke fired at the approaching men and raced toward her booth, which was yards away from the now demolished border station. He had to get to her. It was the second time she’d put herself in harm’s way and he didn’t like it. The need to protect her washed over him again, catching him off guard. This woman had stolen his heart in a matter of days.
Along with Gabe. The eight-year-old with the big brown eyes.
The hum returned, announcing the beast’s presence, along with an additional round of shots. It fired another missile at the highway. The pavement exploded into pieces and left behind a massive hole in the road.
Layke raised the MP5 submachine gun and aimed it toward the drone. He waited for the perfect time and pulled the trigger, firing multiple shots.
The drone exploded, lighting the darkened sky. Its pieces shattered to the ground.
Shouts from the field alerted him to the gang’s lethal intentions. They had to get out of there. They were outnumbered and with nowhere to hide. Who had sold them out? The informant?
Layke stepped into the booth. Glass crunched beneath his boots.
Hannah was huddled in the corner, holding her hands over her head. She looked up at him and cried out.
He pulled her into his arms. “You’re okay.” He released her. “We need to move. Now.”
“Doyle?”
“He’s fine. So is Elias, but armed men are approaching from the woods and we don’t have cover. The building is gone. The road is obliterated. No one is getting across the border now.”
Her eyes widened. “What about the other officers?”
“They can’t get to us because the highway is destroyed. We’re on our own.”
