“Never been there, but I did hear some of the others talking about it. I can give you a radius but not an actual location.”
That’s more than they had before. Layke would take it.
Moments later, Hannah returned with a map. She spread it out on the table. “Okay, show us.” She handed him a marker.
Smitty jiggled the cuffs. “Can’t with these on.”
Layke stood and pulled out his keys. “Don’t try anything.”
“You think I’d want to be on the street now that I told you all this? Not a chance. I’ll take prison over being on Broderick or the Martell’s radar.”
Layke removed the cuffs but kept his hand on his weapon.
Smitty circled a spot on the map. “Here’s the diamond mine. The road only goes a kilometer into the location. You will need to walk through rough terrain to get to the cave. It’s due north.” He then circled a bigger radius. “The ranch is somewhere here. It’s pretty remote.”
“Anything else you can tell us?” Hannah asked.
Smitty’s eyes darkened. “Yes. Watch your back and don’t trust anyone. Not even those on the force.”
Layke flinched.
Hannah fell back into her chair.
They both got the message.
Trust no one.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Layke tightened his Kevlar vest and checked the MP5 submachine gun while other task force members locked and loaded supplies in preparation of their takedown at the diamond mine. It wasn’t far from their current location, so at least they had that in their favor. He stuffed several pieces of equipment, ammunition and a personal locator beacon in the duffel bag. Always be prepared. The motto his sergeant had instilled in his brain. Elias and Doyle left to scope out the area, taking other officers with them. Constables Antoine and Yellowhead would drive in the lead cruiser, followed by Hannah and Layke.
He glanced at Hannah. Her ashen face told him pain still plagued her body. Could she really withstand the stress of this takedown?
Layke touched her arm. “You should sit this one out. Let us handle it.” He added a gun to an ankle holster. This case had proved to him that he needed the added protection. Just in case.
“No! I need to be there if the kids are in the mine.”
“It’s six o’clock. Do you really think they’ll be there at this hour in the dark?”
She shrugged. “I can’t take the chance. I’m fine. Just a bit of pain.”
“You look like you’re ready to drop.”
She took a sip of her coffee and held up the cup. “Nothing a little caffeine won’t rectify.”
He pursed his lips. “I don’t like it, Hannah.”
“You don’t have a choice. I will not let these kids down.”
“You’ll make a great mother one day.”
She stared at the floor before glancing back at him with dull eyes. Something had saddened her, but what? Didn’t she want to be a mother?
“What is it, Hannah?”
She cleared her throat and pulled out her weapon. “It’s nothing.” She checked her chamber and slammed it shut. “We need to get the troops rolling. Kids’ lives are depending on us.”
“Fine.” He grabbed his coat as his cell phone rang. Unknown caller. “Constable Jackson here.”
“Constable, this is Donald Crawford calling back.”
Layke snapped his fingers to get Hannah’s attention. “Mr. Crawford, I’m going to put you on speakerphone.” He pressed the button and held the phone between them. “Officer Morgan is here with me. What can we do for you?”
The man cleared his throat. “I know you probably did a search on me, so I wanted to call you back. I did not kidnap that child. I promise. I lost my temper with a news reporter and hit her in the leg with a stick. She charged me, but I got off with community service.”
“Okay, so can you tell me if you received a ransom call?” Layke said.
“No. Nothing.”
Hannah shifted her stance. “So why not tell us the first time we spoke to you?”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t talk freely. I was in a meeting room and had you on speakerphone when my staff came in.”
Nothing in his tone revealed deceit, but could they trust this man’s word?
Layke wondered if they’d ever get a break. Hopefully, the cave search would be valuable to the case. “Thanks for calling us back. Let us know if you do hear from anyone.”
“I will. Please find my boy.”
“We’re doing our best.” Layke clicked off the call. “Well, that answers our questions about him.”
“Yup. Did you hear anything back from Trooper Allard?”
“Just that there were no further developments. Cash’s apartment was wiped clean.”
“Figures. More dead ends. We gotta roll.” She put on a Kevlar vest but struggled with the straps.
“Let me help you with that.” He fastened it around her waist, gazing into her eyes at the same time. “Hannah, about earlier. You can trust me.” He caressed her cheek and pulled her closer to him.
She let out a soft sigh. “I know. It’s not you.” She backed away, picked up her parka and scurried out of the room.
What was he doing? He would not start something.
His head told him that, but his heart had already fallen. Hard.
He sighed and walked out the door.
Thirty minutes later, Hannah and Layke pulled in behind other law enforcement vehicles. The area was flooded with activity. They would need to walk the rest of the way. Half a kilometer in rough terrain…according to Smitty. Each officer was equipped with the necessary tools to search the darkened area.
“You ready?” Layke asked.
“Yes.” She stepped from the vehicle.
The group made their way through the densely wooded area and hilly ground. Local officers led the pack, with Hannah and Layke holding up the rear. Thankfully, they all wore night goggles or they wouldn’t be able to see anything.
Ahead of him, Hannah stumbled and teetered. He rushed forward and caught her before she fell. “Got you.”
“Thanks.” She regained her footing and kept walking.
God, keep us safe. Give Hannah strength.
Wait—what? He was praying now? Hannah must be a good influence on him. Could he trust God with his life?
He flinched.
