Abducted in Alaska

by Darlene L. Turner

  She hurried into Gabe’s room and shook him awake. “Bud, we have to leave.”

  He blinked open his eyes. “Huh?”

  She pulled off the covers. “We have to go.”

  “But I don’t want to. I like it here.” He whimpered.

  Hannah coughed. Hard. The fumes were getting worse, and she’d used the final inhale from her puffer last night. She needed to get out of the cabin. Now.

  “Come on, bud.” She eased him from the bed so he wouldn’t get dizzy like she did. “Mr. Layke is waiting for us.” She ushered him down the hall where Layke had the front door open and was waiting with the boy’s oversize jacket.

  “Hurry, it’s getting unbearable.” He shoved a glove into Gabe’s hand. “Put this over your mouth, sport.” Layke wrapped the parka around the boy and lifted him.

  The winds whirled into the entryway, chilling them.

  Strong fumes hissed from the stove. Had someone cut the line? How had they gotten into the cabin undetected? She glanced around her friend’s oasis and prayed it would be saved.

  Layke nudged her toward the door. “Come on!”

  She snatched her parka from the coat hook and raced into the night. The light above the door illuminated their way through the darkness.

  Frigid temperatures sliced through her attire and she scrambled to get her jacket on. “Where will—”

  An explosion cut off her words and rocked the cabin’s structure, propelling the trio off the front porch. They fell into a mound of snow.

  Layke jumped up and dragged her and Gabe farther down the laneway. “We need to move. That was the propane tank and—”

  A second blast turned the cabin into a fireball and slammed a gush of heat in their direction as debris pelted them. Pieces of split timber flew into the air.

  Layke shoved Gabe toward her and scrambled on top, using his body to shield both of them. His weight constricted her breathing and she struggled for air. She fought to gain control as terror surged through her body. God, help us!

  Gabe cried and squirmed in an attempt to get out from under them.

  Layke jumped up and lifted the boy back into his arms. “Get to the car! Run, Hannah!”

  Her leg stung as she jumped to her feet, but she ignored the pain and raced to the vehicle.

  Layke shoved aside some of the snow around the tires before putting Gabe into the back seat. “Pray we can get out of here.”

  Hannah crawled in beside the boy. “Shouldn’t we stay until the fire trucks come?”

  Layke helped her with the seat belt. “No time. This was no accident and the assailants are probably nearby. As soon as I smelled the leak, I asked Elias to get fire trucks here. We can’t wait. They’re after us and won’t stop looking as soon as they find out we weren’t in the cabin when it exploded.” He circled around the vehicle and hopped in the front seat.

  Gabe sobbed.

  Hannah pulled him closer. “Shh. It’s gonna be okay.”

  She glanced out the rear window at the cabin as Layke backed the Suburban down the driveway. The flames billowed into the sky and blanketed the area with lingering wisps. The inferno smothered its victim with smoke clawing its way to the sky. How could she ever tell her friend her cabin was gone? And that it was all her fault. If only—

  “It’s not your fault, Hannah,” Layke said. “There was no way you could have predicted the assailant’s next move.”

  She turned back around and caught a glimpse of his eyes in the rearview mirror. Even in the dark, his piercing blue eyes spoke volumes. How did he know what thoughts raced through her mind? A tear threatened to fall, and she pinched her eyebrows in an effort to stop it. Now wasn’t the time to let her emotions take over. She needed to stay in control, especially when their lives were in danger.

  “How did they find us?” She had to change the subject.

  “No idea, but we need a place to hide. Ideas?”

  She pulled her cell phone out from her pocket and hit a speed dial number. Her call was answered immediately. “Martha, so sorry to wake you.”

  “Oh, my dear. No sleep for me. Elias and I have been watching the dark web to try and find out who leaked your location.”

  Of course she was helping. The makeshift mayor always looked after her friends. She’d been known to help out with the occasional case. She reminded Hannah of Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote. Always an inquisitive mind. “We need a place to hide.”

  The woman clucked her tongue. “Come here. Our house is off the beaten trail.”

  “Are you sure? We wouldn’t want to impose.”

  “Of course, honey,” Martha replied.

  “You’re the best. We’ll be there in about thirty minutes.” She hung up.

  “I take it you’re friends with the Bakkers,” Layke said.

  “The entire town is. Everybody knows everyone in the small community of Beaver Creek. We need to make—”

  Bang!

  “Flat! Hang on,” Layke yelled.

  The Suburban swerved on the snow-covered road and careened toward the river.

  Hannah pulled Gabe tight against her body as she waited for the tires to hit ice.

  And prayed.

  * * *

  Layke tightened his grip on the wheel as the vehicle lurched into the air across the small ditch. The headlights caught a glimpse of the sparkling frozen river. Not good. If he was a praying man, he would ask God not to part the waters, so to speak. But he doubted God would listen to him after all the negativity Layke had toward Him. Would the ice hold them?

  The Suburban landed with a thud and skidded across the frozen surface. Layke braked and held his breath, waiting for the SUV to finish its deadly path.

  Seconds later, the vehicle stopped several feet from the road. The flattened tires would prevent them from going farther, and now their only option was to walk back.

  Gabe moaned.

  “It’s okay, sport. We’re okay.” Layke opened the door and peered at the surface. “Hannah, how long has this river been frozen?”

  “Probably a few weeks. We’ve had frigid temperatures early this year, so that’s a good thing and will help us.”

  So far the ice held, but they needed to move quickly. Even though the temperatures were well below freezing, he didn’t trust the surface. He rubbed his chilly hands together before putting on his gloves. “I’m going to test it out, sport. I’m coming around to you.”

  Layke stepped onto the frozen river and inched around the vehicle. The tires were flat from debris from the explosion. He opened Gabe’s door, reaching his hand out to him. “It will hold you. Come with me.”

  “I’m scared,” Gabe said.

  “Take Mr. Layke’s hand, bud. He won’t let you go.” Hannah opened her door.

  Gabe obeyed and Layke pulled out the Maglite from his parka pocket, shining it toward the highway. “Hannah, we need help. Call the Bakkers.”

  Hannah’s cell phone rang. She glanced at the screen. “Don’t have to.” She hit a button. “Martha, we need help. We had a flat and—” She paused. “What? When?” Another pause. “Okay, send Doyle two kilometers south of Taryn’s cabin. He knows where it is. You, too.”

  “What is it?” Layke asked.

  “Their house was just hit. We can’t stay there.”

  “Are they okay?”

  “Yes. Elias scared them off by waving his shotgun at them. Doyle is on his way to pick us up.”

  Sirens sounded in the distance.

  “Good, and the fire trucks are on their way. Let’s head slowly toward the road. I’ll shine the beam so we can see.” Layke fumbled with his flashlight and it shot out of his hand, skidding across the ice. He chastised himself for being all thumbs, but his fingers were still chilled from rushing out of the cabin unprepared.

  “You guys stay here. I’ll get it.
” He inched toward the Maglite. He hated this weather. “Almost—”

  Crack!

  The ice splintered apart and broke, separating him from Hannah and Gabe.

  Layke stumbled on the uneven surface and turned back. The Suburban’s front tire slipped under water. He pointed. “Run! Get to the road!”

  “Not without you,” Hannah yelled.

  “Get Gabe to safety. Now!”

  The frozen river continued to separate from the weight of the vehicle. He took a step back toward the road.

  A chunk of ice broke apart beneath him and water gushed to the surface.

  His legs weakened as his heartbeat exploded in his chest. A terror he’d never faced overtook his body just as the ice divided and plunged him into the arctic waters.

  The last thing he heard was Hannah yell his name. Would he ever see her beautiful face again?

  SEVEN

  “No!” Hannah yelled as Layke disappeared beneath the ice. Lord, save him. What do I do? She pulled Gabe into her arms and lifted him. Layke would want her to get the boy to safety first, so she had to choose. Gabe’s life over Layke’s.

  The ice continued to splinter. She had to move. Now.

  She raced across the ice with Gabe’s sobbing body bouncing in her arms. She ignored his cries and kept going. She had to figure out how to save Layke.

  The approaching sirens grew louder, giving her hope and urging her forward. The fire trucks came into view, but they would never see her in the dark. She would have to get to the road and flag them down. She slipped on the ice but regained her steps.

  Seconds later, she made it to the road and set Gabe down. “Stay here. I need to get Mr. Layke help.”

  Hannah stumbled into the street and flailed her arms, jumping up and down. “Stop! Stop!”

  The fire truck’s headlights grew larger and larger.

  Would they see her in time?

  She continued to wave her arms.

  The headlights swerved as the horn blared.

  They’d seen her. Thank You, Lord.

  The fire truck stopped and the volunteer firefighters jumped down.

  A tall man rushed to her. “What’s wrong?”

  She pointed. “Policeman just fell through the ice. Our car had a flat. Went on the river.” Her words came out jumbled. She didn’t have time to explain. “You have to save him! Now!”

  He turned to the others. “Get the gear. James, radio ahead to the other truck en route. Tell them to attend to the fire. We have an ice rescue.” He put his hand on Hannah’s arm. “You okay?”

  Gabe cried out.

  Hannah nodded and raced back to him, gathering the boy into her arms. “The firemen will help us, bud.”

  The firefighters sprang into action, flooding the area with a spotlight. Men carried ropes and other equipment to the river. A team slowly edged their way to the vehicle and then flattened to their stomachs, inching their way to where Layke had gone in.

  Please God. Save him.

  Would she ever get to know the handsome constable?

  Her body trembled as she held Gabe closer. A wave of panic threatened to surface with an asthma coughing fit. She straightened and took several deep breaths. She had to remain calm. She didn’t have her inhaler and Gabe needed her right now. You can do this.

  Another crack echoed into the night, bringing with it a single question.

  Were they too late?

  * * *

  Layke stirred. Someone called his name. Was that Hannah? Why was he so cold? Mumbled voices sounded, reverberating in his ears. He tried to move but his cocoon-like imprisonment prevented any maneuvering. Where was he? Tangled questions oscillated through his mind.

  Then he remembered.

  He’d fallen through the ice. Hannah! Gabe! Were they okay? He moaned and jerked his limbs in an attempt to sit.

  “Stay calm, Layke,” Hannah said in a soothing tone.

  He opened his eyes. “Gabe?”

  “He’s okay and with Doyle right now.”

  “Why can’t I move? Where am I?”

  “You’re wrapped in an aluminum blanket and in the back of an ambulance.”

  He cleared his scratchy throat. “How did you get me out of the ice?”

  “I didn’t. The firefighters rescued you. They were on their way to the cabin fire and I flagged them down. They got you out just in time and revived you.” She rubbed his arm. “I’m so thankful God kept you alive.”

  A memory surfaced. Him treading water, and then he had started to lose consciousness when a feeling embraced him. Like he wasn’t alone. Could that have been God’s presence?

  His unbelieving heart struggled to grasp the truth in that question.

  “Me, too.” His voice squeaked. “I can’t—”

  “How’s our patient?” A paramedic climbed into the ambulance.

  “Tired and cold,” Layke said.

  “That’s to be expected. You’ve been through quite the ordeal.” The younger man pulled out a penlight. “Keep your eyes focused on my finger.”

  Layke followed the paramedic’s finger as he moved it up, down, left and right. “What’s your name?”

  “Michael. Good, your pupils are fine.” Michael pulled Layke’s arm out from under the blanket and felt for a pulse. “Steady. You’re one fortunate man, Constable. Someone up there was looking out after you.”

  Not him, too.

  But, for some reason, the thought calmed him. Was his hardened heart softening?

  Michael placed the back of his hand on Layke’s forehead. “You’re starting to feel normal again.”

  “How long was I out?” He glanced at Hannah.

  Her jaw tightened. “Long enough. You scared me.”

  “What time is it?” Layke asked.

  Hannah glanced at her watch. “Almost six o’clock.”

  Layke wiggled out of the blanket and sat up, immediately regretted it and clutched his dizzy head. “They’re still out there. We need to get somewhere safe.”

  Michael placed his hand on Layke’s shoulders. “You’re not going anywhere but to a hospital.”

  Layke grimaced. “No can do. We’re being hunted by killers. I need to keep Hannah and Gabe safe.” He turned to her. “We need to roll. Suggestions on where?”

  She put her hand on her chest and wheezed. “We can get Doyle to take us to my place. I need to pick up another inhaler and we can get my Jeep. Your cruiser is now at the bottom of the river.”

  “Your place could be compromised, but we could scope it out first.” Layke moved the blanket and set his feet on the ambulance floor.

  Michael stood and grabbed some spare clothing from a compartment. “I have gear you can have.” He set them on the gurney. “Here you go.”

  Hannah and Michael exited the ambulance, giving him privacy.

  Fifteen minutes later, Layke stepped down from the vehicle. He leaned against the side to steady his wobbly legs.

  Hannah rushed over and took him by the arm. “Maybe you should go to a hospital or clinic.”

  “No time. I need to reconnect with Elias.”

  Doyle and Gabe rushed over and Gabe hugged his legs. “Mr. Layke, you’re okay. I prayed to Jesus and asked Him to help you.”

  A lump formed in Layke’s throat. He’d only known this boy for a day and he’d already captured his heart. Layke squatted and pulled Gabe into his arms. “Thanks, Gabe.”

  A rustling in the nearby trees spooked Layke, reminding him of the continued danger facing them. “Time to go. Doyle, can we make a stop at the police detachment? I lost everything in the water and need to borrow a weapon and laptop. Then to Hannah’s.”

  The superintendent pulled his key fob from his pocket. “Let’s go.”

  Ninety minutes later, after stopping at the detachment for supplies and a repl
acement weapon, they turned onto a small side road in Beaver Creek. Layke glanced over his shoulder. “So far, so good. No tail.” Thankfully, it was Saturday so kids would be home safe and sound. Too bad the kidnapped kids weren’t. An urgency crept up his neck. He needed to concentrate on the case.

  He rubbed his still chilled arms. “Hannah, how long have you lived in Beaver Creek?”

  “Two years. I used to live in Whitehorse, but Doyle had me transferred here to help out with staff changes. I love the small-town atmosphere and I’m content to stay.”

  Doyle? How close was she to the superintendent? Surely not...no, none of his business. Layke glanced at the superintendent’s profile. He had to be at least fifteen years older than her. “How did you guys meet?”

  “We met on duty at the Whitehorse International Airport, right, little one?” Doyle said as he flicked on his signal light.

  “Yes, you immediately gave me a hard time. I had just graduated from the CBSA and taken the Whitehorse assignment. I got it easily since not too many of the BSOs wanted to move here.”

  “What’s a BSO?” Gabe asked.

  Layke turned from the front seat to see how she’d respond.

  Hannah straightened the boy’s jacket and pinched his nose.

  It was obvious how much she loved kids.

  Something they didn’t have in common.

  “It’s a border services officer,” she said. “That’s what I am.”

  “What do you do?”

  “I watch people come across the border and make sure they don’t bring anything into Canada they shouldn’t.”

  “Like me,” he said in a soft voice.

  What? Layke stole a quick glance. Gabe lowered his head. “What do you mean, sport? I thought you lived at the group home near here.”

  “I do, but we were in Alaska for our retreat.”

  Layke eyed Hannah. Her taut expression revealed her anger.

  The boys had been kidnapped and smuggled across her border. On her watch.

  Doyle stiffened in the driver’s seat. “Gabe, do you remember how they got you back into Canada?”