Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Dana Mentink (good fiction books to read .txt) 📕

She smiled at the older man’s concern in his voice. He’d been like a father to her over the past five years. She couldn’t have gotten through her move to the Yukon without his guidance and support.

Her cell phone pinged an alert and she checked the screen. An interoffice CBSA communication with patrol officer Madison Steele’s picture popped on her screen with the caption, “New Brunswick–Maine border patrol officer involved in major bust.” Hannah read more about her friend Madison’s dealings in solving a case where she crippled a deadly smuggling ring. Good for you, Madison.

Ding!

A text from Martha appeared. U OK? Heard about Layke.

Hannah sat in a chair and composed a reply. We’re OK.

Where R U?

Layke’s brother’s ranch. Near the old town of Snag.

Stay safe.

Hannah pocketed her phone and chuckled as she pictured sweet Martha texting with her long manicured nails. The woman surprised everyone with her many talents.

Natalie walked into the kitchen. “Gabe is all washed up and getting dressed.” She put jeans and a yellow-and-black-plaid shirt on the counter. “These are for you. I gave Layke some of Murray’s clothes, although they might be a little big for him.” She giggled.

“You okay if I clean up?”

“Of course. Use the bathroom upstairs. Second door on the right.”

Hannah squeezed the woman’s arm. “Thank you. We really appreciate being able to hide here.”

“It’s the least we can do.” She pulled hot chocolate from the cupboard. “I’m going to make Gabe a treat.”

Natalie knew how to worm her way into the boy’s heart. She couldn’t console her son, so she’d try and lighten Gabe’s load of grief. A loving mother. Something Hannah had longed for all her life.

She steeled her jaw to suppress the sudden wave of emotion, grabbed the clothes and made her way up the hardwood steps to the second level.

Twenty minutes later, she walked back into the living room and drew in a sharp breath.

Layke stood wearing jeans and a blue plaid shirt that matched his eyes.

He held her gaze as his lips curved upward. A smile guaranteed to melt her heart if she wasn’t careful. Then again, who was she kidding? It already had. She shoved the thought aside and plunked herself on the sofa.

Layke’s phone rang. “Jackson here.” He paced. “Constable Antoine. Any news?”

Hannah held her breath.

Murray tugged at his beard.

Layke halted. “What? When? Where is that located?” He paused. “Good, we’re on our way.” He clicked off.

“What is it?” Hannah asked.

“The injured suspect was spotted at a health center nearby. We need to find him. He’s our only lead. Constable Antoine has dispatched local police that will meet us there.” He scooped up his laptop from an end table.

“Go!” Murray yelled. “We’ll keep Gabe safe.”

Layke touched her arm. “I need you for backup. Grab your gun.”

She ignored the tingling from the simple gesture and pulled her Beretta from the back of her jeans. “Right here.” She dangled her keys. “You drive.”

They snatched their coats and raced out into the yard.

She jumped into the passenger seat as the dogs barked in the background. She was thankful for the protective animals. They would defend not only this precious family but the property, too.

Layke reversed the Jeep from the driveway and sped down the road, the ranch disappearing from her vision as a question lodged in her mind.

Would they make it back alive to see Gabe again?

CHAPTER NINE

Layke handed his cell phone to Hannah as he kept his eyes on the road. He gave her the clinic’s address. “Put it into my GPS so we know where we’re going. We don’t have much time.”

“How did we find him?” She tapped the phone.

“Constable Antoine said a nurse from the clinic was in another room when he came in and demanded they treat his wounds. She hid until she felt it safe to sneak out and called 911.”

“When was this?”

“An hour ago. He can’t be hurt too badly to only be seeking medical attention now.”

“He probably knew better not to get treated in Beaver Creek. That the constables would look there first.” She pressed the button.

The directions instructed them to stay on the road for another fifty kilometers.

Their trip would take time. Time they didn’t have. A thought came to him. “Hannah, can you look up the Frontier Group Home? I want to talk to Sister Daphne.”

Hannah typed on the small cell phone keyboard.

He tapped his thumb on the steering wheel. Would the sisters give them answers?

“Here we go.” She dialed the number and waited. “Yes, I would like to speak to Sister Daphne, please.”

She hit the speaker and placed the phone on the middle console for him to hear.

“This is Sister Daphne.”

“This is Constable Layke Jackson and I have border patrol officer Hannah Morgan on the line.”

“How can I help you, officers?”

“We’re investigating the kidnapping of Gabe Stewart and the other boys from your group home.”

A sharp inhale swept through the speaker. “Have you found them?”

“Only Gabe,” Hannah said. “He’s safe, Sister.”

“What about the others?”

“We’re still looking. What can you tell us about Gabe?” Layke swerved around a chunk of ice on the road.

“Sweet boy but shy. Doesn’t open up well and takes a long time for him to make friends. His mother left him on the doorstep as a baby.”

“Has anyone ever inquired about him since that time?” Hannah’s softened voice was strained.

“Not at this home,” the nun said. “He’s been moved around a lot and feels unloved. I’ve tried to convince him otherwise.”

Hannah turned her gaze out the window. “Is there anything you can tell us about him and the other boys who were taken that can help us narrow down why they targeted your organization?”

“No idea. Find them, please.”

Layke gritted his teeth. “We will.” He cringed. There you go again, Jackson. Promising something you can’t guarantee.

“Thank you. I have to go now. It’s time for the children’s classes.”

“We appreciate your help. If you think of anything else, please call.” Layke spieled off his cell phone