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

He reached over and covered his large hand over Gabe’s small one. “Sport, you can trust us. We won’t let them hurt you ever again.”

Gabe pulled his hand out from under Layke’s. “But can you get my friends out?”

Layke leaned back in his chair. Could he if they didn’t even know where they were? He had also promised Murray he’d get Noel back. His jaw tightened. He needed to stop promising things he couldn’t guarantee. However, he could promise one thing. “Gabe, I will do whatever I can to find them, but you have to help us. Do you remember anything that could lead us to the ranch where you were being held?”

Gabe crossed his hands and let out a heavy sigh. He pressed his lips shut.

Layke moved his chair closer to the boy’s and draped his arm across Gabe’s back. “Any small detail will help.”

Gabe wiggled away from him and jumped up. “I can’t!” He ran into the living room.

Hannah slouched farther into her chair. “You have to stop pressuring him. He’s still frightened.”

“What’s going on with you? You know my nephew is also missing. I need to find him, and Gabe is holding something back.”

She stood. “Nothing is going on and I understand your urgency to find Noel, but pressing Gabe isn’t going to help. He needs to fully trust us.”

Layke’s cell phone rang. He stood and pulled it out. “I need to take this. Excuse me.” He walked down the hall and stepped inside a bedroom. He had tried to hold back his frustration with Hannah, but she was becoming too attached to the boy. It clouded her judgment. He pressed Answer on his phone. “Jackson here.”

“Layke buddy. How are you?”

Layke smiled.

His best bud, Hudson Steeves, always brought a smile to his face. They had met working at a homeless shelter in Windsor, Ontario, and became fast friends—even went to police college together. Layke checked his watch. “Hey, so good to hear your voice. You just finishing shift?”

“No. Did some running around tonight with Kaylin for wedding preparations. Heading home now.”

Hudson’s fiancée, CBSA officer Kaylin Poirier, had recently helped him crack a major drug smuggling ring. They were now engaged and planning their wedding. Interesting how their relationship had started with them being thrust together in a joint task force operation.

There was no way he would start a relationship with someone he worked with. His crush on a fellow officer who’d tried to sabotage his reputation had left him with a bad taste in his mouth when it came to romance. He’d experienced the hurt firsthand. The phrase—been there, done that, not doing it again—raced through his mind. Plus, he’d promised himself he would never have kids. Not after the pain and suffering he’d gone through in his childhood.

He shook off the thought and concentrated on the conversation. “Have you decided on a date yet?”

“That’s why I’m calling. We have. October third and I have a question for you. Will you be my best man?”

“I’d be honored.” At least one of them was happy.

“Sweet. I heard about your case. I’m praying for your protection.”

Right. His bud was a Christian. He was surrounded. “Not sure that will help.”

“Layke, when will you believe?”

He raked a hand through his hair. “Now’s not a good time to talk about God to me, Hudson.”

His friend sighed. “Sorry. I know your mother left a huge hole in your heart. You need to forgive.”

Layke clasped his eyes shut and resisted the urge to throw the phone across the room. He needed to get out of this funk. But how?

Trust.

Why did that word come to his mind so easily when it was something he found hard to do?

“I appreciate your prayers. I do. I’m just not ready.”

“You also know that Amber’s death wasn’t your fault, right?”

More images of his previous partner’s body threatened to overtake him. Another reason he could never let a woman into his life again. He’d paid the price dearly with Amber Maurier’s betrayal. The question remained—why couldn’t he get past it? “Listen, I gotta run. I’m happy for you and can’t wait for your big day.” Would happiness ever be in Layke’s future?

“Chat later, bud. Miss you.” He clicked off.

Layke shoved his cell phone back into his pocket.

“Mr. Layke, marshmallow time!” Gabe yelled from the living room.

Layke snickered. At least this boy knew how to lighten his mood. He opened the door and made his way to the living room.

And stopped in his tracks.

Hannah had changed into lounging pants and a plaid shirt. She was breathtaking.

“What?” Hannah asked.

Oops. She’d caught him staring. He cleared his throat. “Your friend’s clothes?”

“Yes, thankfully we’re the same size. She’s married and her hubby’s clothes may fit you. I put some on the bed of the far bedroom.”

“Thanks.” He walked over and sat by the fire.

Gabe stuffed a marshmallow on a long wire. “Time to roast marshmallows.”

“Where did you get that?” Layke pointed to the metal stick.

“Miss Hannah made it out of a hanger.”

Inventive. “Where did you learn that?”

She pulled an inhaler out of her pocket and took a shot of the medicine. “Seriously? You never roasted marshmallows as a kid?” She took the hanger from Gabe’s hand and sat in front of the fire. “Let me do it.”

“I’m afraid not. My mother would never—” He stopped. He wasn’t ready to share his past.

She looked up. “Never what?”

“Nothing.” Only Hudson knew about his mother and he wanted to keep it that way. “Show me how it’s done.” He knelt beside them.

She stuck the marshmallow over the coals, turning it over and over.

Layke draped his arm around Gabe’s shoulders and peered at Hannah. It was like a family gathering. He could almost get used to this.

Almost.

* * *

Hannah finished roasting and held the marshmallow over to Gabe. “It’s hot. Be careful.” She eyed Layke. His relaxed shoulders told her the constable had given up whatever war he battled for this special moment here at the cabin. How long would it last? Something from