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

Gabe and threw her arms around him. “We’ve got you, bud.” She guided him to the oversize plaid couch. “Tell us about Noel.”

“Gabe, are you sure it’s him?” Layke sat on the opposite side and put the photo he’d taken from the table in front of Gabe.

“Yes, but he looks better in this picture.”

Murray knelt in front of them. “What do you mean, son?”

“He looks happy. He’s sad now.”

Natalie fell to the floor and sobbed. Her husband rushed over and took her into his arms, rocking her.

Hannah’s chest tightened and she clutched her abdomen. This mother obviously ached for her son’s return as Hannah longed for a child of her own. She couldn’t have one, but resolution snapped her into a straightened position. She would find Noel and the other kids if it claimed her own life. Lord, give us insight and guidance.

“Sport, what else can you tell us?” Layke’s softened voice and contorted face revealed his own determination to find Noel.

The fire snapped as they waited for Gabe’s answer.

“He cries a lot. One of the men touched his arm to try and get him out of bed, and Noel screamed and kicked.” Gabe wrung his hands together. “The bad men came and took him away. I think to another room. I haven’t seen him since.”

“How long ago?” Layke asked.

“The day before I left. We need to get him help.” Gabe jumped up. “Why does he cry all the time?”

Murray guided his wife to a wooden rocking chair and stood beside her. “He has autism.”

“What’s that?”

“A disorder where Noel has a hard time being with other people.” Hannah pulled him back onto the couch.

Gabe wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t like to see him cry.”

Natalie sobbed.

“Sport, how did you get away?” Layke asked.

“I snuck out when the lady wasn’t looking.”

“The one you mentioned before?”

Gabe nodded. “She went to get a book to read to me and I ran out the door. I wanted to see if I could get help for my friends. For Noel.”

“Why didn’t you grab a coat?” Hannah asked.

“The bad men were coming down the hall and I didn’t have time. I ran.” He sniffed.

Hannah pulled out a tissue from a box on the coffee table and handed it to him. “Where were the rest of the boys?”

“Still at the cave. I pretended I was sick, so I could stay at the ranch.”

“Where were you?” Murray put another log on the fire and used the poker to move the coals around.

Layke stood. “They blindfolded the boys, but we know they’re at a ranch somewhere close as Gabe escaped and ran to the CBSA station in Beaver Creek.”

Murray’s eyes flashed. “Why aren’t you and the local authorities searching the area then?”

Layke shoved his hands in his pockets. “Other constables are. The gang is after Gabe and Hannah, so we needed to hide.”

“Why are they after them?” Natalie said in between sobs.

Hannah got up and took Natalie’s hands in hers. “We both can identify one of them. I promise we’ll find Noel.”

Layke cleared his throat.

She glanced at him and noted his tightened expression directed at her. The rules man once again emerged. He wouldn’t promise anything, but she had to give this mother hope. “We will do everything within our power to bring this gang to their knees.”

Natalie bit her lip.

An idea formed. Something that would hopefully make her feel useful. “Natalie, could you take Gabe and get him cleaned up? He’s been in these dirty clothes for who knows how long and could use something fresh. Is Noel the same size?”

Natalie stood. “Close. I will also find you both something to wear.”

“Thank you.”

Natalie reached for Gabe’s hand. “Come with me, and maybe later we’ll take you out and play with the dogs.”

Gabe’s expression brightened, and he hopped alongside her as they left the room.

Murray plunked himself into the rocker. “Thank you for doing that. The distraction will do her good. I’m sorry for my harsh reaction earlier. We’re just sick with worry. Noel needs his parents to help calm him. I should never have sent him on that trip. What kind of father am I?” He buried his head in his hands.

Layke walked over and squeezed his shoulder. “You can’t think like that, man.”

“I know, but it’s hard not to.”

Layke sat in the chair beside him. “Question. Where was Noel’s retreat located?”

“Near Anchorage, Alaska. Why?”

“So, not in Canada? Interesting.” He turned to Hannah. “Seems to be the kidnapper’s MO. Abduct the kids in Alaska and smuggle them across the border. Probably all in fish trucks, too.”

“I wonder why they’d risk getting caught coming back into Canada? Why not grab them here?”

Layke tapped his chin. “Too protected. They’re exposed more at a campout. Easier access.”

“Those poor kids. Makes me so angry.” Hannah’s cell phone buzzed in her pocket. She fished it out and glanced at the screen. Doyle. She got up. “I need to take this. My boss could have news.”

She stepped out into the hall and went around the corner. She found herself in a kitchen. The decor matched the rest of the house with wood-covered counters and matching tabletops. The chairs legs were made out of logs. She pulled one out and sat. “Doyle, do you have news?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. We’re fine. Have any of the other stations had leads?”

“Still working on it.”

She sighed and fingered the wooden fruit bowl in front of her. “We need to find these kids. Layke’s nephew has autism and isn’t coping away from his parents.”

“Sorry to hear that. Mike from Little Gold Creek may have a lead soon. Just waiting to hear back from him. Where are you?”

“Murly’s Wild West Adventures.” She explained their location and about Layke’s family. “Please keep that under your hat. We’re still not sure how the gang keeps finding us.”

“Will do.”

“Any word on the fishing trucks? I can’t believe that’s how the boys were smuggled across the border.” She clenched her fist. “They must have put them among fish. This is outrageous.”

“I know, little one. I’m waiting