by Dana Mentink
Elias approached with Doyle. “Someone planned this out perfectly.”
“But who?” Doyle asked.
“We don’t have time to figure that out right now.” Layke pointed to the men running through the field. “They’re almost here.”
Elias pulled out his keys. “Let’s take the back roads into the detachment in Beaver Creek. We can beat them there.”
A shot rang out and they dove for cover. Who had fired? Most of the men haven’t reached them yet. Layke lifted his head and spotted a lone figure skulking behind a tree a few yards away. “Look at your five o’clock. Must have been a scout, checking the area. I have a plan.” Layke quickly shared his intentions.
Doyle grabbed Hannah’s hand. “Let’s go.”
Layke and Elias raised their guns, firing into the night.
Doyle and Hannah raced to the cruiser and climbed inside.
Elias fired as Layke crouched low and circled around the flattened building toward the nearby trees, positioning himself behind the shooter. As discussed, Elias stopped shooting. Hopefully, he too had reached the cruiser. Layke raised his weapon and snuck behind the man.
A branch snapped beneath his boot. He stopped.
The man turned.
Layke plowed into him, knocking the suspect to the ground.
He shoved his gun into the man’s chest. “Stand down.”
The cruiser pulled up beside them and Elias opened the passenger door. “Get in!”
Layke hauled the suspect up and grabbed the rifle from his hand before pushing him into the back seat beside Doyle.
Doyle pointed his gun at the man. “Don’t try anything.” He pulled off the assailant’s mask.
Elias sped along the back roads with Hannah directing him to the detachment.
They rushed into the building as Constable Antoine pulled in behind them.
Where had he come from? Suspicion crept into Layke’s bones as hairs danced at the back of his neck. He only trusted Hannah. No one else.
The constable approached. “Hey, what’s going on?”
“Didn’t you hear the explosions at the border?”
“No. I just came on shift. What happened?” He pointed to the man they had in custody. “Who’s that?”
“Hopefully, information in stopping this gang.”
“Okay, I’ll get the interrogation room ready for you. Bring him this way.” He walked away, followed by Doyle and Elias. Martha waved to them from the reception area.
Hannah rubbed her bottom lip. “What are you thinking?”
“That was too convenient. He’s just coming on shift now? Odd timing.”
“Maybe he had an appointment or something.”
Layke harrumphed and crossed his arms. “Possibly.” He gestured toward the room. “Shall we find out what we can from this guy?”
“I’ll be there in a minute. I want to check on Gabe.” She grabbed her cell phone and moved down the hall.
Layke walked into the interrogation room.
Doyle had the suspect shoved against the wall.
“Whoa. What’s going on?” Layke pulled Doyle off the man. “We need information from him. What are you doing?”
“He tried to kill my girl.”
“Your girl? You mean your employee.” Why did this superintendent irk Layke so much?
“I’ve known her much longer than you, Constable.”
Elias raised his hands. “Guys, this isn’t getting us anywhere.” He shoved the man back into the chair and cuffed his hands to the metal bar. “There. Stay put.”
Layke reeled in his anger and pulled up a chair. “Tell us your name.”
“I’d rather not.” He jiggled the cuffs. “Let me go, or they will come after me and kill all of you.”
Elias sat. “Who are they?”
Hannah walked in and leaned against the wall.
The man eyed her. “I’ll only talk to her and you, Constable Jackson.”
“Why?”
“Don’t trust anyone but you.”
“And why do you trust us?” Hannah asked.
“I have my reasons.” He jiggled the cuffs again. “What do you say?”
Layke huffed and sat back. “Guys, can you give us the room?”
Doyle and Elias left.
Layke shoved a chair toward Hannah. “You need to sit. You’re white.”
“You feeling better from your hospital visit, Officer Morgan?” The man smirked.
Layke’s face heated as anger threatened to bubble to the surface. He counted in his head slowly to ward it off. After reaching ten, he pulled out a notebook. “Tell us your name.”
“Smitty.”
“Smitty? That’s it?” Hannah asked.
“Yup. What else do you want to know?”
“Tell us about Broderick.” Layke positioned his pen.
“Don’t know much. He’s the head of the ring. Takes kids from various events to help him mine for diamonds.”
“How does he pick the boys?”
“He usually grabs them when they’re on retreats. You know. Scouts, church outings, campfires, etc.”
Layke rubbed the knot forming in his shoulder muscles at the news of how the operation grabbed the children. He needed to save these boys and stop the child labor. And fast. “So he doesn’t just pick orphans?”
“No. Any boys that meet his height criteria.”
Layke glanced at Hannah. Her normally pleasant face had shifted into one of pain and anger. It was clear she had a heart for children. He focused back on Smitty. “So, the right height to fit into the cave?”
“Correct.”
“To mine for diamonds.”
“Correct.”
Could he not provide more than one-word answers? Layke gritted his teeth. “Tell us what’s going on with the Martell mafia. Are they connected to your ring?”
Smitty’s eyes widened and he bit his lip.
Something scared him.
“What is it?” Hannah leaned forward. “You can trust us.”
“They’re bad news. Word on the street is they’re out for blood for Broderick getting into the diamond mining business.”
“Why?” Layke asked.
“The head of the Martells doesn’t like anyone taking over his precious mining monopoly. He’s worked hard to build his empire.”
“You mean Perry Martell. The politician? His business is diamond smuggling?”
Smitty nodded. “But you didn’t hear that from me. He’d put a hit on me if he knew I told you. He tries to portray a good image, but everyone knows he’s bad news.”
“Can you provide us with the location of Broderick’s diamond mine?” Layke asked.
Smitty raised a brow. “What will you give me in exchange?”
Layke glanced at Hannah. He hated to give a criminal a promise, but they needed to find these kids. “We’ll see what we can do. Perhaps the judge will lighten your sentence if he knew you cooperated and helped us bring down both gangs.”
“As long as you keep my name out of the news.”
“We will.”
“Get me a map of the area and I’ll show you.”
Hannah stood. “I’ll go brief Doyle and Elias and get a map.” She left the room.
“Can you tell me the location of the ranch where Broderick is keeping the kids?” Layke fingered his pen.
“Never been there, but I did hear some of the others talking about it. I can give you a radius but not an actual location.”
That’s more than they had before. Layke would take it.
Moments later, Hannah returned with a map. She spread it out on the table. “Okay, show us.” She handed him a marker.
Smitty jiggled the cuffs. “Can’t with these on.”
Layke stood and pulled out his k
eys. “Don’t try anything.”
“You think I’d want to be on the street now that I told you all this? Not a chance. I’ll take prison over being on Broderick or the Martell’s radar.”
Layke removed the cuffs but kept his hand on his weapon.
Smitty circled a spot on the map. “Here’s the diamond mine. The road only goes a kilometer into the location. You will need to walk through rough terrain to get to the cave. It’s due north.” He then circled a bigger radius. “The ranch is somewhere here. It’s pretty remote.”
“Anything else you can tell us?” Hannah asked.
Smitty’s eyes darkened. “Yes. Watch your back and don’t trust anyone. Not even those on the force.”
Layke flinched.
Hannah fell back into her chair.
They both got the message.
Trust no one.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Layke tightened his Kevlar vest and checked the MP5 submachine gun while other task force members locked and loaded supplies in preparation of their takedown at the diamond mine. It wasn’t far from their current location, so at least they had that in their favor. He stuffed several pieces of equipment, ammunition and a personal locator beacon in the duffel bag. Always be prepared. The motto his sergeant had instilled in his brain. Elias and Doyle left to scope out the area, taking other officers with them. Constables Antoine and Yellowhead would drive in the lead cruiser, followed by Hannah and Layke.
He glanced at Hannah. Her ashen face told him pain still plagued her body. Could she really withstand the stress of this takedown?
Layke touched her arm. “You should sit this one out. Let us handle it.” He added a gun to an ankle holster. This case had proved to him that he needed the added protection. Just in case.
“No! I need to be there if the kids are in the mine.”
“It’s six o’clock. Do you really think they’ll be there at this hour in the dark?”
She shrugged. “I can’t take the chance. I’m fine. Just a bit of pain.”
“You look like you’re ready to drop.”
She took a sip of her coffee and held up the cup. “Nothing a little caffeine won’t rectify.”
He pursed his lips. “I don’t like it, Hannah.”
“You don’t have a choice. I will not let these kids down.”
“You’ll make a great mother one day.”
She stared at the floor before glancing back at him with dull eyes. Something had saddened her, but what? Didn’t she want to be a mother?
“What is it, Hannah?”
She cleared her throat and pulled out her weapon. “It’s nothing.” She checked her chamber and slammed it shut. “We need to get the troops rolling. Kids’ lives are depending on us.”
“Fine.” He grabbed his coat as his cell phone rang. Unknown caller. “Constable Jackson here.”
“Constable, this is Donald Crawford calling back.”
Layke snapped his fingers to get Hannah’s attention. “Mr. Crawford, I’m going to put you on speakerphone.” He pressed the button and held the phone between them. “Officer Morgan is here with me. What can we do for you?”
The man cleared his throat. “I know you probably did a search on me, so I wanted to call you back. I did not kidnap that child. I promise. I lost my temper with a news reporter and hit her in the leg with a stick. She charged me, but I got off with community service.”
“Okay, so can you tell me if you received a ransom call?” Layke said.
“No. Nothing.”
Hannah shifted her stance. “So why not tell us the first time we spoke to you?”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t talk freely. I was in a meeting room and had you on speakerphone when my staff came in.”
Nothing in his tone revealed deceit, but could they trust this man’s word?
Layke wondered if they’d ever get a break. Hopefully, the cave search would be valuable to the case. “Thanks for calling us back. Let us know if you do hear from anyone.”
“I will. Please find my boy.”
“We’re doing our best.” Layke clicked off the call. “Well, that answers our questions about him.”
“Yup. Did you hear anything back from Trooper Allard?”
“Just that there were no further developments. Cash’s apartment was wiped clean.”
“Figures. More dead ends. We gotta roll.” She put on a Kevlar vest but struggled with the straps.
“Let me help you with that.” He fastened it around her waist, gazing into her eyes at the same time. “Hannah, about earlier. You can trust me.” He caressed her cheek and pulled her closer to him.
She let out a soft sigh. “I know. It’s not you.” She backed away, picked up her parka and scurried out of the room.
What was he doing? He would not start something.
His head told him that, but his heart had already fallen. Hard.
He sighed and walked out the door.
Thirty minutes later, Hannah and Layke pulled in behind other law enforcement vehicles. The area was flooded with activity. They would need to walk the rest of the way. Half a kilometer in rough terrain…according to Smitty. Each officer was equipped with the necessary tools to search the darkened area.
“You ready?” Layke asked.
“Yes.” She stepped from the vehicle.
The group made their way through the densely wooded area and hilly ground. Local officers led the pack, with Hannah and Layke holding up the rear. Thankfully, they all wore night goggles or they wouldn’t be able to see anything.
Ahead of him, Hannah stumbled and teetered. He rushed forward and caught her before she fell. “Got you.”
“Thanks.” She regained her footing and kept walking.
God, keep us safe. Give Hannah strength.
Wait—what? He was praying now? Hannah must be a good influence on him. Could he trust God with his life?
He flinched. He wasn’t ready to surrender. Would he ever? He needed to control every situation in his life and couldn’t trust his circumstances with someone he couldn’t see.
An officer ahead of them whistled.
Their clue to say they were there and to be ready for anything.
Layke tensed and lifted his weapon, preparing for an assault.
The group positioned themselves behind trees around the entrance to the small cave. They almost didn’t see it, but Smitty had told them what to look for. An opening in the side of the mountain covered with cut brush. The gang’s way of hiding it every night.
Hannah stood behind a snow-laden Douglas fir with her weapon raised. A wind rose, picking up her curls and thrusting them into array. She pulled her tuque down farther on her head.
He ignored the feelings rising and took a position beside her. He wouldn’t stray far from her side, his protective senses on high alert. No way would he make the same mistake he’d made with Amber. She had tried to discredit his policing abilities and make him look bad, so he’d pulled back on a mission and left her side for a brief moment, ignoring his rule to never leave a fellow officer. It had been enough time for the perpetrator to act, and she’d paid the price for his stupidity. She hadn’t deserved death even though she had betrayed him. Images of her open, lifeless eyes flooded his mind, but he pushed it aside. He had to concentrate on this mission.
They waited for movement.
None came.
Constable Antoine signaled for them to advance.
Someone lit the portable flood light.
“Police! Come out with your hands up,” Constable Antoine yelled.
They were greeted with the howl of a coyote. Then another. Otherwise, the area remained silent.
“Move in!” Constable Antoine rushed forward and moved the branches away from the mouth of the cave.
Hannah and Layke stepped out from their hiding pl
ace. Once they knew the area was clear, they holstered their weapons.
“Okay, who wants to crawl into the cave?” Layke asked.
No one volunteered.
Really?
“Fine, I will.” Layke moved forward, knelt in front of the opening and pulled out his Maglite.
Hannah crouched beside him. “You’re not going alone. We’re partners, remember?”
He nodded and crawled in.
He shone his light and whistled. “No wonder they needed children.” His face flushed as the thought brought a rush of anger. The low ceiling sparkled with the promise of rewards beyond anyone’s imagination.
Short-handled pics and shovels lay in different spots around them. Tunnels snaked off in various directions. He pointed. “Those probably lead to more mining caves.” He moved closer in an attempt to get a better look.
“I can’t believe they made children do their dirty work. All for a quick buck.”
“I know. Maddening.” Innocent children stolen from their loved ones for one man’s greed. Why?
“What now?” Hannah flattened herself as she made her way around the juts in the ceiling.
“We need to get forensics in here and—”
A flashing light illuminating one of the tunnels caught his attention. “Shh.”
Tick. Tick. Tick.
That sound could only mean one thing. Their arrival had been anticipated. “Get out! Now!”
They shimmied their way back through the entrance and bolted upright.
“Bomb! Everyone get back!” Layke grabbed Hannah’s hand and propelled her forward.
The explosion rocked the mountainside.
Debris rained in every direction.
Layke tackled Hannah, throwing himself on top of her.
She yelped.
He knew he’d hurt her shoulder, but he needed to shield the woman of the dreams he never thought he wanted.
A rumble sounded in the distance.
Not good.
He shone his light toward the sound and gasped.
“Avalanche!”
* * *
Hannah ignored the pain exploding through her shoulder and raced through the woods, branches smacking her face. She ignored the sting and kept running. They only had a matter of minutes to get out of the avalanche’s deadly path. How would they make it back to their vehicles without being smothered with tons of snow? Lord, give us haste and make us light-footed. Protect us. Would God answer her rushed prayer after her doubts the past few days? Trust. There was that word again. She hadn’t stopped loving God, despite struggling with not only His sovereignty but her identity in Him.