Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Dana Mentink (e books free to read TXT) 📖

Doyle stepped forward. “Can we do that? Don’t we have to let him go?”

Could they hold Gabe? What was the protocol for something like this? He was a stickler for the rules. “We probably can’t legally hold him.”

Hannah sank into a chair. “You have to convince them. I don’t care what the proper chain of command is. We need to protect this boy, and my gut is telling me he won’t be safe with child services. Please?”

Her gut? He prided himself on following guidelines and not relying on his instincts, as he’d been burned before. Images flooded his mind of a female victim. A woman who not only betrayed him but died under his watch.

One case where he’d trusted his so-called gut. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

He pushed the picture from his mind and concentrated on the conversation.

“Please, Layke. Listen to her,” Doyle said. “I trust Hannah.”

Layke was outnumbered, and it wasn’t that he didn’t want the boy safe. He just needed to do things by the book. “Fine.”

He clicked back on the call. “Ms. Simon, this boy needs to stay in police protection. His life is in danger and you can’t guarantee he’ll be safe with you.”

Silence.

He caught her attention.

A sigh sailed through the phone. “Okay, Constable. I’ll let my superiors know this is the case. He can stay with you. For now.”

He winced. They might have a fight on their hands later if they didn’t find this gang soon. “Thank you.”

“We’ll be in touch.” She hung up.

He lowered the receiver into the cradle. “She’s letting us keep Gabe. We need to get him to the detachment though. He’s not secure here.” He eyed the sleeping boy. He appeared so peaceful. Could Layke disturb him? He had to get him out of here.

Hannah jumped up and peered out the window. “Is it safe out there? From the phone call you received from the gang, it sounded like they were watching.”

“The constables did a thorough sweep of the perimeter. We’ll be fine.” Even though he hoped so, he would still take all precautions when moving the boy to his cruiser.

The border patrol officers were trained in firearms, so Layke could rely on their protection. However, he would check out the surroundings before moving the boy. “Stay here. I’ll canvass the area around the building before moving Gabe. Hannah, maybe you can get him ready.”

She nodded.

He stepped outside the station and into the biting wind. He zipped his jacket closer to his chin and edged toward the side of the building. One remaining streetlight still shone as a beacon in the darkness. Relentless snow continued to hammer the region. Living in Calgary accustomed him to snowy winters, but the shortened daylight in the Yukon, along with the deep cold, only added to his dislike of this season. How did people do it around here?

He pulled out his Maglite, shrugged off thoughts of the frigid weather and moved around the station, shining the beam toward the woods. Stillness greeted him. He circled the building to ensure no one lurked in the shadows, and came up empty. Satisfied they were alone, he pulled out his cell phone, called the Beaver Creek detachment and asked for Constable Antoine.

“How can I help you, Constable Jackson?” His tone conveyed irritation.

What had he done to get on the man’s bad side?

“We’re bringing the boy in and need a room to keep him safe. Can you get one ready? Something that won’t make him feel uncomfortable?”

“We’ll arrange it with our corporal.”

The snow pellets blinded Layke and he tugged his hat farther down. “Corporal Bakker?”

“Yes, you’ve met?”

“Not officially, but the sergeant in Whitehorse put me in touch with him.”

“Good. You leaving now?”

A rustling from the trees interrupted the night’s serenity. Layke stiffened and shone his light in the direction of the sound. Movement caught his attention as a chill tingled his spine.

Was someone still watching them?

Seconds later, two beady eyes appeared through the tree line.

A coyote skulked from the woods.

Layke released the breath he’d been holding and chastised himself for being jumpy. He opened the station’s door and stepped inside, brushing the snow off his jacket with his free hand. “Yes, just secured the perimeter again and going to get him into the cruiser along with the CBSA officer who helped him. He seems to trust her.”

“See you soon.” He hung up.

Layke shoved his cell phone back into his pocket and moved toward Hannah. “Everything is quiet outside. Is Gabe all set?”

She wrapped another blanket around the boy. “Ready to go see a police station, Gabe?”

He rubbed his sleepy eyes. “Really?”

Layke squatted to be at the boy’s level. “Yes. I have more officers I want to introduce you to.”

“Cool. Will there be bad guys there?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.” He hoped any prisoners at the detachment would be locked behind bars so they wouldn’t scare Gabe. He stood and turned to Doyle. “Can you stay close to us on our way to the cruiser?”

“Sure.” He pulled out his gun. “Let’s go.”

“Stay behind me, Hannah.” Layke removed his 9 mm but kept it at his side. No need to alarm the boy. “Head to the Suburban quickly.”

“Will do.” Hannah grabbed Gabe’s hand and moved into position.

The group stepped outside into the night and rushed to the vehicle.

Doyle stood close, flanking them.

Layke opened the passenger side and back doors. He pulled Gabe from Hannah’s hold and sat him in the front. “How would you like to ride shotgun in a police car?”

The boy’s eyes widened. “Yippee!”

“Just don’t touch any buttons, okay, sport?”

Gabe tucked his hands under his legs. “Yup.”

Hannah chuckled from the back seat, tugging at Layke’s heart. He could get used to that sound. Where had that thought come from? He’d vowed not to allow a woman to get close to him again.

Not after what his mother had done to him. His trust factor was low when it came to women. Especially after one he’d been interested in tried to discredit him