Border Breach

Officers moved to examine the booth, combing the area for shell casings, while a paramedic bandaged Hudson’s arm.

“Kaylin.” Another CBSA officer headed in their direction. “Need to speak with you.”

She groaned. “Here he comes.”

“Who?” Hudson squinted to get a better look at the older gentleman.

“My boss. Probably wants to give me an earful for not manning my post efficiently. He seems to have it in for me.”

The Goliath-like officer stepped forward. “Everyone okay?”

“Yes.” She shoved her hands into her pockets. “What’s going on?”

He pointed to Hudson as he spoke to her. “You’ve been reassigned from duty here to work with Constable Steeves on a task force your father has created. You now take orders from the constable.”

Hudson grimaced. How would she react to the chain of command? The last time they’d worked together, she’d had a hard time taking orders from him.

“What about the shooting?” She pointed to the booth.

“We’ll leave that to the local authorities. You’re to work with your father and the police in busting this ring. I’m counting on you to do a good job. You hear?”

Her eyes narrowed and she scowled. “Yes, sir. You can expect nothing but my best. As always.” She folded her arms across her chest, revealing her foul mood.

What had happened for her to get her back up so easily with her boss? Something in their past, or was she known for not doing her job effectively?

Hudson cleared his throat. “Thanks for your help, sir. You can count on us wrapping this up as quickly as possible. I’m sure Officer Poirier is needed back on the team.” He turned to Kaylin and pointed to the officers scouring the area. “Let’s leave this shooting with them and go check out the florist van. Forensics are en route.”

“Whatever you say, Constable.” She flattened her lips.

Great. Not only did he have to deal with a shooting today, but an angry female, as well.

Not a good combination.

Kaylin jumped into the constable’s vehicle and slammed the door. Why did she have to work with him again? When they’d worked together last time, he’d taken over the case, pushing her aside so he could fly solo. He had a problem with authority and only wanted to do things his way. She folded her arms and stared out the window.

Didn’t matter that Hudson Steeves was one of the best-looking men she’d ever met. Those cornflower blue eyes were hard not to get lost in, but she was determined not to get sucked into another man’s good looks. Jake, her ex-fiancé, was incentive enough to steer her away from all men. His tricks had taken the ultimate toll and there was no way she’d open herself up to that kind of pain again.

Hudson pulled onto the highway that would take them to the charred van. “It’s good to be working with you again,” he said, spouting the professional line. “How have you been?”

Despite her resolve to stay close-minded toward him, she snuck a peek at his side profile. His chiseled jaw, covered by a five o’clock shadow, made him even more handsome. Stop, Kaylin. She turned back to the window. The tree line zipped by as they moved in and out of the busy traffic. “Working nonstop,” she replied. “You?” She was working hard, but mostly so she didn’t have time to think about being alone. After all, her experience with the men in her life proved she was better off by herself. Although, if that was the case, why did she have to keep reminding herself of that?

“The same,” he said. “Never a dull moment.”

“For sure. Tell me about this case. How did you stumble onto it?”

He took the next right and maneuvered the cruiser into the heart of downtown Windsor. “Doda—the poor man’s heroin street drug—has been on the rise again. The police staged a siege with the CBSA in Saskatchewan a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the arrest didn’t include the big cheese of the operation. Just a few men from lower on the totem pole. Ever since then we’ve gotten reports of the drug being used in different cities. Toronto’s Asian community seems to be the hardest hit.”

“Interesting that the driver was Asian. Any connection?”

“Possibly.”

“Are they targeting a specific ethnic group?” She plunged herself into getting more information on the case. Anything to direct her away from thoughts of the handsome constable.

“It used to be mostly in the Asian community, but we’re finding more high school and college kids are starting to use the drug.” His knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “We have to stop it before it gets any worse.”

“I’ve heard it’s a hard drug to kick.”

“Yes, that’s true, especially without the help of a doctor.”

Kaylin shook her head. Just the thought of kids taking this drug put her on edge. “When will people learn drugs are not the answer?” Images of her brother popped in her head. She wrung her hands together. She knew firsthand what it was like to have drugs take over a loved one’s life. She had watched it happen bit by bit with her brother.

“You okay?” Hudson’s eyes softened.

Had he changed since they’d last worked together? Interest in him tugged at her emotions, but she turned away to block out his boyish charm. “My brother overdosed on heroin at the age of eighteen, so drugs have always been a sore spot for me.”

“I’m so sorry. How old were you?”

She let out a heavy sigh. “Ten at the time, but I can still picture his lifeless eyes.”

“You found him?”

Tears welled, but she pushed them away. She would not let him see her in a weakened state. “Yes, and my father blamed me for it.”

He pulled into the parking lot of an abandoned warehouse. “The police chief? That’s terrible. How could he have done that?”

“Let’s just say my father blames me for a lot of things.” That was more than she wanted to share. The memories were all in her past and she had to keep them there. For her own sanity.

“Well, it could hardly be your fault. What did your mother say?”

She stared out the window. “She died giving birth to me, so I never knew her. Another thing my father hated me for.”

“Doesn’t sound like the man I’ve met.”

Her father put on a good image for the public, but she knew his secret. Who he really was. “No comment.” She rubbed her temples. She needed to change the subject. “How did you get chosen for this task force?”

A vein twitched in his neck as he jerked the car to the right, where she saw the remains of the charred van. “I asked to be on it.”

“Why?”

“Personal reasons.”

He wasn’t offering much information. Why the secret, she wondered. “Like?” She continued to push.

“My nephew Matthew overdosed after he was targeted by a drug ring. He’s in the hospital.”

“I’m so sorry.” Once again, Todd’s face flashed before her. She could relate to Hudson’s pain.

“I’m determined to stop drug smugglers. I’ve seen what it can do to teens. It has to end.” His taut expression revealed just how much he wanted to catch them.

Her cell phone dinged. She pulled it out and read the text.

Next time you won’t be so fortunate. We’re watching.

A picture popped on her phone. One of her and Hudson standing near her booth at the border.

She swallowed despite her dry mouth. Yes, she agreed with Hudson. These smugglers had to be stopped or someone could be hurt. Or worse.

“What is it?” Hudson parked beside another cruiser and turned off the engine.

“Got a text and this.” She held up the picture on her phone. “They’re watching.”

His eyes narrowed. “This is not good. How did they get your number?”

“No idea.” A tremor rippled through her body, threatening to overpower her. She forced it away and shoved her cell phone into her vest pocket.

“You best report it.” Hudson grabbed gloves from a bag in the back seat and handed her a pair. “Let’s see if we can salvage anything from this wreckage.”

Kaylin put them on and stepped out of the vehicle. Smoke assaulted her nostrils and she pinched her nose. Firemen had doused the van’s smoldering embers. Only a charred shell remained.

“I doubt we’ll find much.” Kaylin stepped forward. “Why do you think they did this?”

“I’m guessing they knew we’d catch up to them at some point, so they decided to get rid of any evidence.” He turned toward another officer at the scene. “James, did we get any leads on what direction they went? It can’t be far.”

The white-haired constable shook his head. “We have officers canvassing the area, but so far it’s like they disappeared.”

“Always one step ahead.” Hudson rubbed the back of his neck.

A lone remaining fireman approached the group. “The flames are out and it’s safe to search the van. It’s all yours now.”

Hudson touched Kaylin gently by the elbow, guiding her toward the vehicle. “We need to wait for our Ident team.”

She trembled at his innocent touch.

They didn’t have long to wait. The forensic unit pulled into the parking lot and two officers rushed forward with their equipment. Another cruiser pulled up beside them and a female constable emerged.

Hudson approached her and held out his hand. “Hey, Bianca. Good to see you again.”

She pointed to the van. “Have you contaminated the crime scene?”

“Wouldn’t think of it,” Hudson said. “This is Kaylin Poirier, CBSA officer. She’s here to help with the investigation. Kaylin, this is Constable Bianca Wills. She works alongside the forensic team and reports back to us.”

“Nice to meet you.” Bianca motioned toward the van. “Shall we take a look?”

Hudson put his gloves on and opened the back doors. The hinges screeched in annoyance.

Kaylin peered closer.

Empty, charred tin plant buckets lay on the floor.

Kaylin pointed to a pot. “What? They torched the van because of flowers? That doesn’t make sense.”

“They had to be some form of illegal flower.” Hudson moved to the front of the vehicle. “Let’s check out the seat.”

Kaylin opened what was left of the driver’s door. Searching cars was part of a CBSA officer’s duty. She could do this. It was her comfort zone. “Do you mind if I take a look here?”

“Go ahead,” Bianca replied. “Just don’t move anything.”

Kaylin reached in and felt around the seats. Nothing. She placed her hand behind the blackened cushion. Something pricked her finger and she snapped back. “I think there’s a knife in here.”

Bianca reached in and pulled out a blade.

Kaylin leaned closer. “I imagine the fire removed any chances of getting a print off it.”

“Probably, but we’ll check to be sure.” Bianca dropped the knife into an evidence bag and handed it to the forensics officer.

Kaylin ran her hand along the inside of the door. “Nothing hidden there. Looks like they kept a clean van.”

Hudson handed Bianca a card. “Can you call me when you hear anything?”

“Sure will.”

“See ya around.” Hudson’s cell phone buzzed. He fished it out of his pocket and swiped the screen.

Kaylin kept her gaze on Hudson. His presence lured her in like a lobster to a trap, ensnaring her so she couldn’t escape.

Hudson’s expression clouded as he read the text. “We gotta roll.”

“What’s going on?” She removed her gloves.

“A suspicious package was found at my nephew’s high school. Could be related to the case.”

The hairs prickled the back of her neck.

What else would this day bring?

THREE

Hudson took the steps two at a time into Matthew’s high school with Kaylin at his heels. He needed to get to the bottom of this doda ring, and fast. Before more kids were enticed. His nephew’s safety depended on it. Lockers lined each side of the sparse halls as their footsteps echoed down the corridor. It was lunchtime, so the halls were empty of students.

He pointed to the right. “The principal’s office is this way.”

“You’ve been here before, I take it?” She grinned.

He stopped, her sassy smile tantalizing him. Wait. What? Where did that come from? She probably still hated him. Not that he blamed her. He’d acted like a jerk on their previous investigation. He’d broken up with his fiancée and was still getting over her betrayal. Rebecca had brought out the worst in him. And Kaylin had paid the price. He’d ended up praying a lot during that time—asking God to forgive him.

Focus on the case.

“Yup, my old high school.”

When they reached the office, Hudson knocked on the door and stepped aside, letting Kaylin enter first. Her floral scent followed and he breathed it in. He adjusted his hat to help him concentrate on the task at hand.

A woman in her late forties sat behind a desk, typing. Piles of paperwork filled the top of her working area. She sipped her drink and glanced up at the interruption.

Hudson pulled out his credentials. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Constable Hudson Steeves.” He pointed to Kaylin. “This is Officer Kaylin Poirier of the CBSA.”

The secretary stood, her glasses slipping to the end of her nose. Her raised brows peeked over her cat-eye spectacles. “You’re here about the drugs, aren’t you?”

Hudson put his badge in his pocket. “Yes. Can we talk to Principal Normand?”

She picked up the phone and buzzed into the inner office. “The officers are here about the package.” She paused. “Will do.” She pointed to the door. “You can go in. He’s expecting you.”

Hudson and Kaylin entered the small office lined with bookshelves on both sides.

The silver-haired man stood. “Good afternoon, Officers. Thanks for coming.”

Hudson stuck out his hand and introduced himself and Kaylin.

“Nice to meet you both.” The principal came out from behind his desk and returned the gesture before pointing to the table. “Here’s the package in question. We received a tip that someone had brought drugs into the school, so we did a locker-by-locker search and found this.”

Hudson opened the bag and sniffed the beige powder. He stuck his finger in and scooped up a trace with his pinkie. “It’s doda all right. Where’s the student? We’d like to talk to him.”

“He’s being detained down the hall by another teacher. His father is also there. He’s madder than a stirred-up hornet’s nest.”

Hudson pulled out a folded evidence bag from his pocket, placed the doda into it and sealed the top. “We’ll take this to the station for processing.” He pointed to the door. “Lead us to the student.”

Hudson turned to exit the room and bumped into Kaylin, almost knocking her over. He caught her by the waist as their gaze locked. He cleared his throat and stepped aside. “After you.”

They followed Principal Normand down the hall to a classroom. A curly-haired teenager slouched in the chair behind a desk. The teacher sat at the front of the room. A sophisticated gentleman in an Armani suit stood in the corner with his arms crossed. He looked at his watch before peering at them with a scowl.

It was evident they were taking up the man’s valuable time.

Hudson knew the type. A father who needed complete control of his kids.

Principal Normand pointed toward them. “Benji, these officers are here to talk to you. I suggest you cooperate. You’re already under suspension. Don’t make me kick you out of school.”

The father rushed forward, standing toe-to-toe with the principal. “You wouldn’t dare. My son will not be treated this way.”

Hudson stepped between them and extended his hand. “I’m Constable Steeves. You are?”

“David Rossiter.” He kept his arms glued to his side. “Constable, you better be careful on how you treat this situation or I won’t hesitate to sue your department.”

Great. If that happened, he’d never hear the end of it from his boss. And it’d be just what he needed. Another strike against him. “We want to get to the bottom of what happened here, sir. I hope you will cooperate.”

The man said nothing; he just stared at Hudson, whose own gaze didn’t waver.

Then, finally, David Rossiter stood aside.

Hudson pulled up a chair next to the boy and straddled it. He held up the bag. “Benji, is this yours?”

“Nope.”

“Why was it found in your locker?”

The boy shrugged.

Kaylin stepped closer and stood in the boy’s personal space. “Be honest with us and we may let you off easy. Where did you get the doda?”

Hudson waited for a response, but the boy said nothing.

The teacher stood. “Benji, cooperate with them.”

Silence filled the stuffy room. The teen studied the floor, remaining mute.

“Come on, Benji, give us something. We want the dealer.” Hudson’s cell phone played his sister’s ringtone. He stood. “I need to take this.”

As soon as he stepped into the hall, he asked, “Ally, what’s wrong?” She didn’t normally call during his work shift. Something had happened.

She sniffed. “Matty has slipped into a coma.” Her voice quivered.

He stiffened and gripped his phone tighter. “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

“Find the monsters who did this to my boy.”

Ally hadn’t believed her son had taken the overdose. She’d insisted he’d been forced. But she couldn’t say why. “I will. I’m working on a lead right now. I promise I’ll find them.” Could he really? Lord, make it so. “Keep me updated. Love you.”

“You, too.” She clicked off.

Hudson rammed his phone back into his pocket and stormed through the classroom door. “Do you know Matthew Wilson?” he shouted at Benji.

David rushed to his son’s side. “Lay off, Constable, or I will talk to your superiors.” His icy tone revealed he meant business.

Hudson didn’t flinch and kept his gaze on the teen. He wouldn’t let this father get in the way of the investigation. “I repeat. Do you know Matthew Wilson?”

Benji met his gaze. “Yes. Why?”

“He’s in a coma thanks to a drug overdose. Do you know what’s special about this version of doda?”

“He’ll kill me,” Benji whispered.

“What? Who will kill you? What are you talking about?”

David put a hand on Benji’s shoulder. “Son, be careful what you say.”

Benji recoiled from his father’s touch. “He told me if I said anything he would come after me and my family. You know, like this.” He motioned a knife being slid across his neck.

“We can protect you. We just want this drug off the streets.” Hudson pulled a notebook from his pocket. “Tell us what you know.”

“I don’t know his name. Only how to get in touch with them.”

“How?” Kaylin asked.

Benji bit his fingernails. “I text a number. They tell me where to meet.”

Kaylin sat at the desk next to the teenager. “So, you know what he looks like?”

“It’s a different person each time.”

Hudson frowned. The drug dealer used his thugs to make the drop in order to conceal his identity. How far did this ring spread?

He knew what he had to do. It was their best shot to get the dealer out of hiding. “Let’s text the number, shall we? Tell them you need more drugs and you’ll only meet at the school parking lot at six tonight.”

The boy shook his head. “They won’t go for that.”

“Try it. What do you have to lose?”

Benji rubbed his temples. “My life.”

David Rossiter slammed his hand on the desk. “You will not put my son’s life at risk. I forbid it.”

Kaylin leaned forward. “We’ll protect him. Put a wire on him.”

The man leaned in closer to Kaylin, his eyes never wavering. “Use someone else’s kid. Mine isn’t available.”

Benji lifted his chin. “Dad, I can handle it.”

The man’s nostrils flared. “Can you guarantee my son’s protection?”

Nothing was absolute, but Hudson would try. “We will be there with him every step of the way. As soon as the dealer emerges and offers more drugs to Benji, we’ll move in.”

The teen fished his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’m doing it, Dad.” He typed a message.

They waited.

Would the dealer take the bait?

Hudson kept his anticipation under control, though he knew this could be the break they were looking for. The clock on the wall ticked, the only sound in the classroom. He eyed Kaylin. She bit her lip, something he’d already learned was a nervous habit. He knew she was as anxious as he was to find this ring.

A couple minutes later the boy’s cell phone dinged.

“What did they say?” Kaylin asked.

“After a few swear words, they agreed.” Benji threw his phone down. “What do we do now?”

Hudson gestured toward the door. “You’re coming with us to the station. We have paperwork to do and then we have to get you wired.” He glanced at his watch. Twelve thirty. They had a few hours to get ready for this exchange. “Please, sir, we need to know if we have your permission. Time is running out.”

David poked his finger into Hudson’s chest. “Fine, but if something happens to Benji, I’m holding you personally responsible.”

Hudson rubbed his neck, massaging the forming knots.

No pressure.

Kaylin’s heart pounded in anticipation of the upcoming meet. The thought of putting a boy’s life in danger ate away at her like a mouse gnawing on a box of tissues. But what choice did they have? They needed to catch this ring and she would do everything in her power to make that happen. After all, her father counted on her to get the job done. This would be one ring gone off the never-ending list of drug smugglers. Plus, she needed to take the target off her back.

She scrolled through her texts to pass the time and calm her pulsating nerves. They had everything in place. Benji sat in the cruiser’s back seat as they parked two blocks down from the school’s lot, hidden by a row of cedar trees. At the station, Hudson had prepped Benji on what to say and do, and the boy ran through it again, his knee bouncing nervously. The constable had shared the news of his nephew’s coma and it was clear from his agitated state that he was concerned. For obvious reasons he wanted this case solved as fast as possible.

She glanced out the window. She couldn’t see them but she knew other officers were strategically placed around the school, keeping watch.

Her cell phone vibrated and she swiped to check the newest text. It was from Diane Smith, her long-time friend who’d taken her in when she’d needed to get away from her father. Kaylin pictured the elderly woman rocking while knitting a scarf for the local mission. She was the only person Kaylin could count on.

Praying 4 u 2day.

How did the woman do it? She always seemed to know when something of significance was happening in Kaylin’s life.

Appreciate it, but not sure if God is here.

Why did Diane always have to bring God into everything? Even after all these years, she still trusted in someone she couldn’t see or touch. Not Kaylin. She needed proof of God’s existence. She just couldn’t believe in an entity who supposedly watched over her. Where had He been when her father had ridiculed her at every turn? When Kaylin had lived on the street? God had been nowhere to be seen or heard.

He’s always there. U just have 2 believe.

I can’t.

Keep looking up. Luv u.

U 2. XO

Kaylin checked the clock on her phone. 5:52 p.m. She turned to Hudson. “It’s time to get into place. You ready, Benji?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

They piled out of the cruiser and Hudson checked the wire once more. “You’re good to go. We’ll be around the building, watching and ready to take action. Just get him to offer you the drugs. Then we’ll move in and make the arrest.”

The boy nodded. His hands shook as he buttoned his shirt closed.

Kaylin squeezed his arm. “You’ll be okay. Trust us.”