Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Dana Mentink (novels to improve english txt) 📗

“Counting this one? Probably four or five, but we don’t know how far they reach.”

Hannah’s mouth dropped open and she gazed at Gabe. The boy had fallen asleep under the cozy blankets. Questions filled her mind. How long had he been held captive? How many other children had this ruthless gang taken? Realization punched her in the gut. She couldn’t have children of her own, but she needed to find these young ones. Their innocence had been stolen, and she’d do everything she could to bring them back to their families. She turned to the men. “I want on this task force, Doyle.”

Doyle’s mustache twitched as he frowned.

Although he treated her like a daughter, she wouldn’t let that stand in her way. He had trained her well. She could do this.

She had to do this.

“You know I’m capable,” she said.

He raked his fingers through his hair. “I know, but I want you to be safe. These men have already proved they’re dangerous. You were almost shot earlier.”

Layke pointed to Gabe. “And they won’t stop until the boy is back with them.”

“I can do this. Stopping smugglers is what I’m trained to do. Plus, I’m top at the shooting range. We need border patrol officers on this force,” Hannah said.

Doyle sighed. “She’s right and she has a heart for children.” He stepped closer to her and took his hands in hers. “You’ll make a great mother one day.”

She snapped backward, his words sucking the life out of her. If he only knew. She’d not only lost her hope for a child but her identity. God, who am I if I’m not who I want to be the most in this life? A mother.

His softened eyes showed concern. “What is it, little one?”

His term of endearment.

She wasn’t ready to share. “I just want these kids to be safe.”

“Fine. The chief of operations has approved me to release an officer to work with the police. I choose you.” He took her hands in his again. “Please promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Of course. You trained me well.”

Doyle turned to Layke, poking him in the chest. “And you best keep her safe.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll take good care of her.”

Hannah tilted her head. “I can take care of myself. How else do you think I’ve survived in this rough terrain? Yukon is not for the faint of heart.”

Layke shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t mean—”

His radio crackled. “Constable Jackson, this is Constable Antoine.” The man’s voice came through the speaker. “We’ve secured the perimeter. No sign of the assailants.”

“Copy that,” Layke said. “Meet us at your detachment. We’ll transport the boy there. It’s safer. This place is too out in the open.”

“Agreed.”

Hannah eyed Gabe. As he slept, his contorted face told her bad dreams plagued him. A wave of anguish washed over her as determination rose throughout her body. She couldn’t let him out of her sight. She would protect him at all costs. She turned to Layke. “You’re not going to give him over to the gang, are you?”

Layke’s eyes clouded. “Of course not. I can’t trade one life for another even if it is my nephew. We need to find out more from Gabe. Maybe he can lead us to where they’re being held.”

“Yes. Perhaps this can be over quickly.” Did she really believe that? Nothing to do with crime was ever simple. “I’m going with you.”

“Superintendent Walsh, can you release her to the task force now?” Layke asked.

Doyle pulled out his cell phone. “Yes. I will man the station until I can call in a replacement. Now, can you tell us what we’re up against? Do you know anything about the Yukon gang?”

“Not a lot yet. If they’re like the others I’ve investigated, they’ll be ruthless.”

“What do these gangs want with them?” Hannah asked.

“Child labor.”

Doyle texted and shoved the phone back into his pocket. “What type?”

“Clothing sweat shops, shoe assembly, farm work. Probably others.”

Hannah’s stomach roiled as tightness settled in her chest. These gangs must be stopped. Many children’s lives were at stake. “Do we know where they’re getting these kids?”

“Each gang is different. We don’t know anything about the Yukon one yet.”

“So you don’t have anything other than Gabe to go on?” Doyle peered out the window.

“No, this is our first lead.”

The station’s phone rang, stilling the conversation.

Hannah raced to pick it up before it woke Gabe. Her muscles tensed. Could it be the same caller again? “Beaver Creek Station.”

“This is Cynthia Simon from child services. I hear you have a young boy in custody.”

She sucked in a breath. How did they find out about Gabe so quickly?

“Yes. What can I do for you?”

“He needs to be released to us. Now.” Her curt voice held authority.

Hannah stumbled backward.

She couldn’t let him go.

Not with his life on the line.

* * *

Layke rushed to Hannah’s side and caught her before she fell. Their gaze locked for a brief second. Her widened eyes revealed fear. Why? He grabbed the phone from her hand. Could it be the same caller again? “This is Constable Jackson. Who’s calling?”

“Cynthia Simon from child services. We need to pick up the boy you have there.”

Was it possible this woman was somehow linked to the gang? How else would she know Gabe was there? He would not let the boy go that easily. “Ma’am, he’s in police custody and needs to be questioned. Can I ask how you know about this child?”

She cleared her throat. “An anonymous tip from a concerned citizen.”

What citizens were around this secluded station? He wasn’t buying it. Did the gang think it would be easier to abduct the boy again if Gabe was in the custody of child services? They knew Layke wouldn’t turn him over, so they called in the tip.

Hannah pulled at his sleeve, her eyes wild.

“I need to put you on hold, Ms. Simon.” He pushed the hold button. “What is it, Hannah?”

“We can’t release him. He’ll only be safe with us. We need to convince her