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

by Dana Mentink

  “I won’t. Not until you promise me you’ll stop all this nonsense. You can’t save me from this.”

  Save her from what?

  “What’s wrong with her?” Hannah asked.

  Jennifer stepped closer.

  It was then Hannah noticed her pale gray face.

  “I have Lupus. A long-term autoimmune disease that has no cure.”

  Hannah mentally searched the recesses of her mind for more information. The disease affected many people. “I’m sorry you have this. How long ago were you diagnosed?”

  “A few years now, but I hid it well until recently. Good to see you again, Hannah.”

  Jennifer smiled at Gabe. “Hey, Gabe. So glad to see you’re safe.”

  The woman’s gentle demeanor struck Hannah. Why hadn’t she tried to stop Doyle before this?

  “I know what you’re thinking, Hannah. Why didn’t I stop Doyle sooner? You see, he promised a cure and a family of kids. That gave me hope, so I turned a blind eye until they brought Noel here. He’d gone too far this time. That was when I turned my back and let Gabe escape.”

  “You what? It was you?” Doyle’s gruff voice boomed. His men came running.

  “Boss, you okay?”

  Doyle held his hand up. “Go secure the perimeter. We can’t let the mafia get inside.”

  The men rushed off with their rifles at the ready.

  “Babe, why did you do it? You knew we were getting closer to finding a cure.”

  Wait? Doyle did all this to fund research for a cure?

  “But not at the expense of these poor boys. And we need to get Noel back to his parents.” Jennifer turned. “I’ll go get him so Hannah can take him home.”

  Noel! She turned to Doyle. Would it be as easy as Jennifer thought? Hannah knew better and had to talk him down. “You need to let me help him and all the boys. This isn’t you. You are kind and noble.”

  He laughed.

  A laugh that chilled her to the bones.

  This was not the man she knew.

  It was then she realized.

  She’d never be able to talk him down. Not when his wife still carried this terrible disease. His mission was to find a cure and he obviously wouldn’t stop until he found one.

  Lord, help us.

  A whirling sound broke their silence.

  Doyle stiffened and grabbed his radio. “Manny, what’s that?”

  “Helicopter. Search and Rescue, boss.”

  Layke! He’d found them.

  Doyle pulled out a Glock and aimed it at her. “Don’t think your boyfriend is here to save you. He—”

  Gunfire broke up his words.

  Hannah stiffened as the walls seemed to close in and her chest tightened.

  Was that Layke or the Martells?

  * * *

  Layke and his team rappelled down the ropes from the red-and-yellow Search and Rescue helicopter into a small clearing close to the ranch. God had slowed the storm for them and allowed the team to make it to the gang’s hideaway in record time. At least, that’s what Layke believed. It was the only answer. His feet touched the ground and he immediately raised his MP5 submachine gun.

  Gunfire erupted in the distance. Obviously, the mafia had beat them to the location. The muscles in Layke’s shoulders tightened. This changed everything. They would now be battling two enemies vying for territory. Not a good combination.

  “The Martells are here.” Layke motioned the team onward. “Take up your positions, and wait for my signal.”

  They fanned out.

  Layke and Elias moved forward with the medic behind them.

  They ran in a crouch sprint format and hid behind the trees in front of the main ranch house. Muzzle shots lit inside the dimmed establishment. The Martells had breached the premises. Was he too late?

  A scream pierced the night.

  Hannah! He needed to get inside.

  He surveyed the outer area of the log ranch and didn’t see anyone lurking. They had to move in. He reached for his radio. “Take positions around all exits. Wait for my word to breach. Keep your eyes open. We have both Broderick’s men and the Martells fighting over territory. This won’t be pretty.” He turned to Elias. “Let’s go.”

  They ran up the front stairs onto the veranda, and stood on either side of the door. Layke prayed a desperate prayer before grabbing his radio again. “Breach! Breach!”

  Elias opened the screen and kicked in the wooden door.

  They skulked inside.

  Loud voices drew them down the hall.

  Layke motioned for Elias to go right. Layke turned left and moved down a hall before halting at the sight in the enormous living room.

  Hannah, Gabe and another woman were huddled in a corner with an assailant pointing a gun in their direction. Layke stared at the back of the dark-haired man. His stance seemed familiar. Where had he’d seen him before?

  Other men surrounded the group, angling their rifles at the suspect.

  A slender man dressed in a suit stepped forward with henchmen at his side. That had to be Perry Martell.

  This was about to get messy. Too many men. Too many guns.

  “Give it up, Broderick,” Perry said. “Your diamond mining is now closed for business. Let the woman and kids go. You don’t need them any longer.”

  The politician was going to let them go?

  The man turned and Layke caught a glimpse of his face. He drew in a sharp breath.

  What? Doyle was Broderick?

  Layke had never trusted him. Something had always rubbed him the wrong way. Now he knew why. But how had he kept ahead of their every step? He glanced at Hannah just as she looked his way. Her eyes widened.

  He raised his finger to his lips, motioning her to be quiet.

  She gestured her head toward Doyle.

  Layke’s other men crashed through the back of the house. More gunfire erupted.

  Hannah plowed into Doyle, knocking the gun out of his hand.

  Layke rushed into the room. “Police! Stand down.”

  Perry pivoted and raised his gun.

  A shot rang out and the mafia king dropped.

  Elias had made his way around and came through a different entrance. He pointed his weapon at the other men. “Don’t move. It’s over.”

  Constable Antoine rushed in with his weapon raised, Constable Yellowhead behind him.

  Doyle dove for the Glock on the floor. He turned it toward Hannah.

  It was like a movie playing in slow motion.

  “Gun!” Layke pushed forward and fired, hitting Doyle’s arm.

  He dropped the weapon and clutched his limb. He let out a cry and grabbed the woman’s cane, rushing toward Hannah. “You’ll pay for ruining everything.”

  Layke sprinted across the room, catapulting over chairs into the air and threw himself on top of Doyle.

  They crashed to the floor with a thud. Layke’s head cracked on the hard surface. White spots sparkled in his vision like stars twinkling in the night.

  Doyle moaned in pain.

  Hannah rushed over to Layke and pulled him into her arms. “You saved me.”

  He tried to sit, but the room spun and darkness threatened to pull him under. He fell back down.

  “Layke! Stay with me.”

  He inhaled and counted before exhaling. His vision cleared and he eased himself up. “I’m okay.”

  Elias pulled Doyle up and shoved him into a chair, aiming his gun at his head. “Move and you’ll be sorry.”

  Doyle sneered and pointed toward the door. “She might have something to say about that.”

  “Let him go,” boomed a menacing voice.

  They turned.

  Martha Bakker stood with a Glock in her manicured hands.

  * * *

 
Hannah bolted to her feet. “Martha, what are you doing?”

  “Drop the gun, Elias.” Gone was the sweet mother figure everyone in Beaver Creek knew. Or thought they knew.

  Elias let his gun fall to the floor. It clunked on the hardwood. “Why, my love? Didn’t I give you everything?”

  She laughed a heinous laugh.

  It sent chills through Hannah’s body. How had she been deceived by both Doyle and Martha? Their betrayal reached to her core. How would she ever come back from this?

  Then she glanced at Layke. The man she’d fallen for. She had to save him. Save Gabe and the others. But how?

  “I fooled you all.” She stepped farther into the room, stopping beside Elias. She raised the gun to his head. “Especially you.”

  “Why?” Elias’s whispered question was barely audible.

  “My family was right. I never should have married you. I deserved more than just a simple policeman’s salary. I had a lifestyle to uphold. Doyle knew I wasn’t happy and told me about Jennifer’s worsened condition. He shared his plan to make money to find a cure. We came up with my involvement of pretending to work on the books at the detachment to feed them information. No one was the wiser.” She rushed over to Gabe. “And then you got away, you brat.” She hauled him by the collar.

  “No!” Layke yelled before he fell back down.

  “Layke?” Had his hit to the head taken over? She had to act.

  Gabe whimpered.

  Hannah’s motherly instinct emerged as a memory flashed before her. Layke’s ankle gun!

  She dropped to her knees and pulled it out of his holster before whipping it up in Martha’s direction. “Stop, Martha! It’s over.”

  “You really think you can save everyone, dear Hannah? You should have died from the poison I’d arranged.” She raised her Glock. “But you will now.”

  Hannah was able to take a shot before Martha could pull the trigger.

  The woman fell to the floor.

  Elias yelled and rushed over to his dying wife. “Why? Why? Why?” He rocked her in his arms.

  Constable Antoine scrambled to where Doyle sat and pulled him from the chair. “You’re done.” He escorted him out of the room.

  Hannah fell beside Layke. “Don’t leave me.”

  A scurry of activity sounded behind her.

  A man rushed forward with a bag and squatted by them. “I’m a medic. Let me look.” He felt for a pulse. “Good. It’s steady.”

  Relief showered her with hope.

  The medic pulled out a light and opened Layke’s eyes, shining it in. “Pupils look good. I think the fall knocked him out. Probably a concussion. He’ll need to be checked out at a hospital.”

  “Mr. Layke!” Gabe yelled. “Is he going to be okay, Miss Hannah?”

  She pulled the boy into her arms. “God’s got this,” she said, finally believing in His sovereignty. He wouldn’t leave her now. He had a plan for her life. Whether or not it was with Layke, she didn’t know. Yes, she couldn’t have children, but maybe there were other options. She believed. Her identity in Him once again secured. Forever.

  Layke stirred. “Hannah?”

  She let go of Gabe and caressed the constable’s face. “I’m here.”

  Constable Yellowhead held out his hand to Gabe. “Son, how about we go find the rest of the boys? Can you show me where they are?”

  Gabe jumped up. “Let’s go find my friends!”

  The medic helped the crying Jennifer up and they shuffled out behind them, leaving the chaotic room in silence.

  Layke eased himself into a seated position. “I’m sorry about Doyle. I had no idea he was Broderick.”

  “He fooled all of us. Martha, too.” Hannah scooted herself closer to him. “I was so scared I’d lost you.”

  “You didn’t.” He reached up his hand and rubbed her cheek. “How can I leave you when I just found you?”

  “Even when you know my condition?”

  “Hannah, there’s always adoption. I want you in my life.”

  She snickered. “But you’ll hate winter here in the Yukon.”

  “It will grow on me as long as you’re by my side.”

  Their gaze held. “I could get lost in your ocean-blue eyes,” she said.

  He cupped his hand at the back of her head and pulled her closer. “I love you, Hannah Morgan.”

  Her breath hitched as her heart pounded in anticipation of his mouth on hers. She closed her eyes.

  His lips met hers in a tender kiss.

  They ended their embrace but touched forehead to forehead.

  Hannah caressed the stubble on his chin. “I love you, too.”

  Happy tears welled, warmth spreading throughout her body. God had not only confirmed her identity in Him, but gifted her with a love she’d never dreamt possible.

  Until now.

  EPILOGUE

  One year later

  Hannah stood at the back of the church, holding a bouquet of white roses and poinsettias. Her white gown shimmered in the dimly lit room on a cold winter’s night. Candles flickered, their illuminating flames dancing shadows on the walls.

  Everything was perfect.

  Layke stood at the front dressed in his police uniform and looked even more handsome than when she first met him one year ago today. If that was even possible.

  Doyle had been found guilty on all charges and was serving life in prison. Both his and the Martells’ businesses crumbled. Jennifer now lived in a facility with full-time care. Elias had taken his wife’s betrayal and death hard, so when a position opened up at the Whitehorse detachment he transferred.

  And Gabe?

  He stood at the front at Layke’s side.

  The adoption papers would go through any day now. He would be their son. God had given her not only the gift of a husband, but a sweet son. She looked forward to a lifetime of building snowmen with them both.

  Kaylin Steeves settled into her position beside the group in her red gown, her diamond and matching wedding band glistening. Their best friends had made the trip to the Yukon to be their witnesses.

  Music played softly in the background as she made her way to the front. She caught Layke’s gaze. His eyes widened and he winked.

  She walked by a row of family. Layke’s brother Murray, Natalie and their son, Noel. Layke had put in for a transfer and moved to the Yukon six months ago. In the summer. His favorite season.

  Next to Murray’s family sat a woman beaming from ear to ear.

  Layke’s mother. It had taken lots of counseling and letting go, but he’d forgiven her. They now kept in constant contact.

  On the other side of the room, her adoptive family smiled. She vowed to herself to stay more involved in their lives even though distance separated them. Life was too short.

  She reached the front and Layke stepped forward. “You’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you, my handsome constable.”

  He leaned in for a kiss.

  “Whoa now!” the pastor said. “It’s not time for kissing yet.”

  “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” Layke said.

  The crowd chuckled.

  “Dearly beloved. We’re gathered here today on this cold wintery day to join this man and woman in holy matrimony.”

  Fifteen minutes later, they walked down the aisle after being pronounced man and wife.

  Layke leaned in. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “What?”

  “This.” He nodded at Hudson, his best man, and his brother, Murray. They opened the church doors.

  A sled sat at the foot of the steps along with Murray’s dogs.

  It was decorated with a Just Married sign and Christmas garland.

  Saje barked, her brown and blue eyes sparkling.

  Hannah laughed. “For real?” />
  “Yes. Your chariot awaits, my love.”

  The dark sky changed and colors of green, purple and blue shimmered across the area behind the distant tree line.

  The crowd gasped at the sight. Stars twinkled as if showing off for the special occasion.

  A spectacular display added to her already perfect day. Thank You, Lord.

  She pulled her husband closer and kissed him.

  Her handsome prince.

  * * * * *

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking Layke and Hannah’s adventure with me. I enjoyed setting it on the Yukon/Alaskan border for many reasons. I love snow, plaid shirts, mountains and log cabins. Plus, my sweet brother and sister-in-law lived in the Yukon at one point, so I was able to see some amazing scenery while visiting Murray and Natalie. This book is a tribute to him and the legacy he left behind.

  I try to incorporate everyday struggles in my stories, so we can see there’s hope in what we go through and put trust in our sovereign God. This story is about forgiveness and also being thankful for the way God made us—in His image.

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

  God bless,

  Darlene L. Turner

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