He looked away.
“Help us save these children and the judge might be lenient on your sentencing.” She hoped not but wouldn’t utter those words to him.
“Do I have your guarantee?”
“We’ll tell the judge you cooperated,” Layke said.
That was all they could promise.
Rob shifted in his chair. “I don’t know much. I only watch the boys while they’re at the ranch.”
“Which is where?” Hannah asked.
Silence.
“What are they mining in the cave? Gold?” Layke pulled out a notebook from his back jeans pocket.
Rob shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care. I just get paid to watch them.”
This wasn’t helping. “Who’s the guy with spiked hair?”
“Cash.”
How was that a name? “Cash what?”
“No idea.”
Layke wrote a note. “Who’s the leader of the gang?”
“I only know him as Broderick.”
Obviously not his real name. “Tell us more. How do you pick the boys?”
“No idea.”
Layke pulled up a chair and straddled it. “How do you smuggle them across the borders?”
“No idea.”
Was that his answer for everything? They were getting nowhere fast. Hannah grabbed a wad of her curls and scrunched them as she paced the small room. Her motherly instinct wanted to do everything to protect these boys, but how could she do that if they couldn’t find them. Wait. She spun around. “Answer my earlier question. Where is this ranch?”
Layke’s cell phone buzzed. He stood and pulled it out of his pocket. “I need to take this.” He stepped outside.
“Tell me, gorgeous, you have a boyfriend?”
Really? “None of your concern. For the third time, where is the ranch?” Her words came out through gritted teeth.
“I only—”
Layke came back into the room. “We gotta roll.” He walked over to Rob, removed the cuffs, and hauled him from the chair. “You’re going with the constables for a ride.”
“What about my deal?”
“Take it up with them. Let’s go.” Layke pushed him out the door.
Hannah followed them outside.
The paramedics put the doctor into the back of an ambulance and raced out of the parking lot, sirens blaring. The nurse had been dismissed by the officers after they’d taken her statement. She leaned against the building talking on her cell phone.
Constable Taylor walked over and took Rob’s arm. “We’ll take it from here.” He put the suspect into their cruiser. Hopefully, the constables would get the location of the ranch out of the suspect. Her hopes just raised a notch. Perhaps this ordeal was almost over.
The two constables turned around before getting into the vehicle. “Where will you go next?” Constable Brooks asked.
“Just got a call that the forensic artist is en route to see Gabe. It’s a bit of a drive and we need to get back there.”
“Good. Stay safe. See you—”
Boom!
The cruiser exploded, sending it crashing into a parked car.
TEN
The fiery blast slammed Layke hard onto the snow-plowed parking lot. The cruiser’s nonstop piercing siren throbbed in his ears. His heart jackhammered as pain coursed down his legs from the impact. He drew in a ragged breath in an attempt to stop the trepidation overtaking him. Hannah? He bolted into a seated position. Dizziness plagued him and he fought to bring it under control. Where was she? Was she hurt?
Layke finally spotted her a few feet away. She sat on the ground, leaning against the Jeep with her head between her hands.
“Hannah?” Layke eased himself up and took a shaky step. He stumbled over to where she sat and knelt. “Are you hurt?”
Her breathing was erratic.
He grabbed her hands and pulled them away from her face. “Look at me.”
Her eyes darted back and forth, not focusing on any one thing. Blood trickled out from a cut on her temple.
“Talk to me.”
“Can’t breathe. Wind. Knocked. Out.”
“Take a big breath. In and out. Through your mouth. Then suck in your stomach. That should help.”
She obeyed, doing it a couple of times.
The constables ran over.
“Is she okay?” Constable Taylor asked.
“Got the wind knocked out of her. How about you both?”
“Just a few cuts and probably some bruises.” He pointed toward the cruiser. “Rob wasn’t so fortunate. Do you think he was the target?”
Layke scratched his head. “That’s my guess. Not sure how they knew where we were. Maybe he contacted them before we got here?”
“Possibly. We’ve called the volunteer fire department for this zone and another ambulance. They should be here soon. We’ll check the area for evidence and your vehicle for any tracking devices.” They walked away.
Layke refocused his attention on Hannah. “Can you breathe now?”
“Yes.”
He pulled a tissue from his pocket and brushed a curl off her face as he wiped the blood from her temple.
She let out a soft gasp.
Had he really just done that? Had he broken another one of his rules... Never get close to someone during an intense situation? He had to stop breaking these or it would cost him dearly. He pulled his hand away. “There, you’re good now. Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“No. How are you? You’ve been through a lot today.”
“I’m fine.” Not really, but he wouldn’t tell her that. They needed to remain focused.
Ten minutes later, an ambulance roared into the parking lot, and a male paramedic jumped out. He grabbed a bag and headed toward them. “Where are you hurt?”
Layke stood. “I’m okay. She has a cut on her temple.” He helped Hannah stand.
“I’m fine,” she said.
The paramedic guided her toward the ambulance. “I need to check you just to be safe.”
She turned back to Layke. “But I have—”
“It’s okay. I’ve got this.” Layke waved her off.
A firetruck raced into the lot with its siren screaming and lights flashing. The firemen jumped down and quickly moved in syncopation to extinguish the blaze. Great teamwork. These volunteer firefighters knew what they were doing.
Constable Taylor approached him, holding his notebook. “We’ve called for the local coroner to come. We didn’t find any devices on your vehicle.” He glanced toward the charred cruiser. “Such a waste. Did you get any information from him?”
“Not a lot. Just the names Broderick and Cash. Hopefully, the forensic artist can get a good enough sketch from Gabe’s description so we can put out a BOLO.”
“We’ve got this covered. You can head out as soon as Hannah is done with the paramedic.”
Layke held out his hand. “Thanks. Keep me updated on any information you receive?”
He returned the gesture. “Will do. Same goes for you.”
They exchanged business cards.
Layke nodded and walked over to the ambulance.
The paramedic was finishing up with Hannah as he approached. “You good to go, or are they taking you to the hospital?”
“I’m fine. We need to get back to Gabe.”
“Agreed.”
She hopped down from the back of the ambulance. “Are we able to get any evidence from inside the health center?”
“The constables are securing the scene and will interview local residents. It’s protocol.”
“Good. How do you think they found us?”
“He must have called them when we arrived. I wish we could have gotten more information from him.”
They walked toward her Jee
p. “Yah, Broderick and Cash isn’t a lot to go on. Can you check your CPIC database?”
He was impressed by her knowledge of the Canadian Police Information Centre that gives the police authorities details on crimes and offenders—a wealth of information. However, without last names, he doubted they’d find anything. “I will check on the way back to Murray’s.” He handed her the keys. “Do you want to drive?”
“Sure.” She unlocked the vehicle and climbed in.
He pulled the police-issued laptop Elias lent him from the back seat as she maneuvered the Jeep out the side roads and onto the main highway. He peered at the sky. Dark clouds had smothered the sun and now created an ominous display. The earlier cold temperatures had warmed in a flash. Were they in for more snow or something else? He shook his head. He wasn’t sure he could handle another storm after yesterday’s.
Layke set the thought aside and typed the name Broderick into the CPIC search engine and waited. He glanced at Hannah’s profile.
Her wavy light red locks sat just below her shoulders. He liked her hair down instead of in a ponytail, enhancing her already beautiful features. What was her story? “So, tell me. You seeing anyone?”
Her head snapped to the right and her jaw dropped. Her squinted eyes revealed her confusion at his question.
He gritted his teeth. What was wrong with him? Why did he even care? He glanced back to his screen and the circling cursor as it searched the database. The weak signal slowed his inquiry. “Sorry, none of my business.”
“It’s okay. I’m not seeing anyone. You?”
He stole a peek at her.
She looked back at the road.
What game were they playing? Layke, don’t get involved. You promised yourself you wouldn’t. However, something about her intrigued him. What?
“No time.” His laptop dinged. His search brought nothing on Broderick. “No matches on the ring leader.” He typed in Cash.
“I’m not surprised. Let’s ask Gabe if he heard the names at either the cave or the ranch.”
“Good idea. What if—”
A black SUV bolted onto the highway from a side road and rammed their bumper, spinning them around as freezing rain began pounding the windshield.
* * *
Hannah fought to maintain control of the Jeep. The tires hit a patch of ice and the vehicle careened toward oncoming traffic. She took her foot off the gas and kept the tires straight as she’d been taught but still couldn’t gain control. She eased into the direction of the skid and held her breath, tension tightening her neck muscles. A moment later, she pulled the Jeep back to the right side. She stole a quick peek in the rearview mirror and noted the black SUV once again approached them at a crazy speed for the icy conditions. She prepared for impact but kept her eyes on the slippery highway. “Brace! They’re coming back.” She held the steering wheel in a tight grip and uttered a desperate prayer.
Layke spoke into his radio, requesting assistance and gave them their location.
But would someone make it in time to save them from the perpetrators? She pressed on the accelerator. They needed to outrun them, which, on these dangerous roads, would probably be impossible.
Her console lit up, announcing a call coming in through her Bluetooth. Unknown caller. She glanced at Layke.
“It may be about Gabe.”
Right. She hit the Answer icon. “Morgan here.”
“Give up the boy and we might let you live.” The husky voice personified malicious plans.
“We have no intentions of doing that,” Layke said. “We will find you.”
“I wish you the best in making that happen. You’ve been warned. Now you and your families will pay.” Click.
“How did they get your number?”
Sirens and flashing lights appeared in the distance. The cavalry was here. Thank You, Lord.
“No idea.” She checked her rearview mirror. The SUV decreased its speed and did a U-turn. “They’re retreating.”
“They know they’re surrounded. Did you notice the license plate?”
“No! I was too busy trying to keep the Jeep on the road.” Ouch. Her tone came out a bit too harsh, but her heightened anxiety had bubbled to the surface with this recent attack. How did this gang know where they were constantly? “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take my frustration out on you. My nerves are on edge.”
He touched her arm. “It’s okay. I understand. I didn’t get the plate either. Pull over and let’s talk to the constable.”
She guided the Jeep to the edge of the highway and put her four-way hazards on. The cruiser pulled in behind them and the officer approached their vehicle. She turned off the ignition and hit the button to roll down her window.
The constable tipped his hat. It was a different officer than the ones they’d met earlier. He leaned on the window frame and glanced into the vehicle at eye level. “Good day. Are you both okay?”
Layke pulled out his badge and flashed it toward him. “I’m Constable Layke Jackson and this is border patrol officer Hannah Morgan. We’re working together on a joint task force to apprehend a child-smuggling ring. We obviously are getting too close and they came after us. We didn’t get the license plate number, but it was a black SUV.”
The officer introduced himself. “Nice to meet you both. I heard about the task force, and our detachment is helping in whatever way we can.”
Hannah smiled. “We appreciate that. This gang needs to be found before more kids are abducted.”
“How can I help today?”
Layke pointed in the direction the SUV escaped. “They did a U-turn and went that way. Perhaps you can find them. We need to get back to one of the abducted boys we have in protective custody.”
“I heard about Gabe. Where are you hiding him?”
Hannah glanced at Layke and bit her lip, hoping he’d catch her concern.
Layke gave a slight nod and returned his attention to the officer. “We’re under strict guidelines to keep the location a secret. You understand. It’s for the boy’s protection.”
And theirs.
The constable’s expression contorted. “But we could help protect both you and the boy.”
Clearly they had offended the willowy officer.
Hannah gripped the armrest. “We appreciate your good intentions, Constable. However, the boy is in danger and we can’t risk that.” Would he back down?
“Of course,” the officer said, straightening and revealing his height. “I’ll let you go and see if I can locate the SUV. I’ll radio you if I find them. Stay safe.” He patted the door frame.
“Will do.” Layke pocketed his credentials.
She rolled the window back up and pulled away. “Thanks for catching my reaction to his question. My gut tells me we need to keep our location under the radar. Someone must be leaking information because who else knows where we are?”
“Agreed.” His cell phone dinged and he glanced at the text. “Elias said the forensic artist is about forty-five minutes away from Murray’s. That should put us both there around the same time.”
“Perfect.” She concentrated on the road conditions. The freezing rain had let up slightly, but the darkened clouds threatened more of the dangerous ice pellets.
Once Hannah reached Murray’s ranch, the tension in her shoulders relaxed and her breathing returned to normal, although her chest was still heavy from the slam to the pavement she’d suffered after the blast. She pulled the Jeep into the driveway as a cruiser parked beside her. “Well, that was good timing.”
Layke’s eyes twinkled. “Great driving today.”
Her breath hitched. She could get used to seeing those baby blues and that smile. It made her heart flutter uncontrollably. Stop, Hannah. Remember what you have to offer. Nothing. The word stuck in her throat like a fly to a sticky trap. It wouldn’t let go. She forced a smil
e and opened her door. She had to somehow distance herself from this man and her growing feelings for him.
He climbed out of the Jeep and made his way over to the female constable. They shook hands and the woman glanced in Hannah’s direction. The pretty raven-haired officer put her attention back on Layke and giggled at something he said, grabbing his arm. It was clear Layke’s charm had wormed its way into the woman.
A pang stabbed Hannah’s heart. How could she be jealous of someone she hadn’t even met yet?
A text pinged and she pulled out her cell phone. Doyle. Leads on local fisheries came up empty. No trucks had been dispatched recently. She sighed. Another dead end. Really? How was that possible? Gabe was so sure of the fishy smell. Odd.
The front door opened and Gabe came running. He threw his arms around her legs and squeezed. “I missed you, Miss Hannah.”
Tears welled and she swallowed to keep the lump from forming. How would she ever be able to say goodbye to this precious child when this case was concluded? God, what are You doing? Throwing a child at me after the news of my condition? You know my heart’s desires.
She rubbed the boy’s arms. “Hey, bud. I missed you, too, but you need to put a coat on when you go outside. Let’s get you back indoors.” She glanced toward Layke to get his attention, but he was engrossed in a conversation with the constable.
Hannah ignored the ugly seed of jealousy creeping into her heart and guided Gabe up the stairs to the front door. “What did you do while we were gone?”
“I played with the dogs. They are so much fun.” The boy’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree at a tree-lighting event. “I love Saje the best.”
“The one with the different colored eyes?”
“Yes! She’s so funny.”
Hannah giggled. “I’ll have to go visit the dogs later, but right now we have a lady here who needs to talk to you about the man you saw.”
His smile faded as panic contorted his tiny face. “I can’t.” He opened the door and stomped into the entryway, his wiry curls bouncing.
She followed him and removed her outerwear. “He can’t hurt you here, Gabe. Mr. Layke and I won’t let him.”
“I don’t want to talk to her.” He ran into the living room.
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