OUTCAST: Trust, Friendship, And Injustice (Beauty 0f Life Book 9)

by Laura Acton

  Though Jasper and Jim did an excellent job of figuring out what meds were best, they could still mess with his son’s head. And if he added the recent emotional turmoil, well, William didn’t know exactly what to expect, so he would go slow and be as patient and lenient as possible.

  Leaning forward in his chair, William said, “I spoke with your mother earlier. I am aware of your current limitations and that you are still taking pain medication. This mission will not require physical exertion on your part. We need what is in your head. You are the only one left of the unit which ran the op and the details are not contained in the official report.”

  Noting Daniel’s paleness, William decided to push back the meeting time. At this point, waiting a few extra hours would not compromise the operation. “Full briefing will begin at twenty thirty. Until then you are to report to your accommodations and rest.”

  “Sir, which mission?” Dan inquired, but as his father stood and started to come around his desk, he swiftly rose and unconsciously came to attention. He strove to ignore the throbbing pain his rapid movement caused.

  William pulled his son into a hug. “Son, relax. I understand being here is hard for you … lots of bad memories. I would not have pulled you in unless necessary. We will discuss specifics later.”

  Surprised by the gesture, which also increased his pain, Dan remained stock still … his medicated mind unsuccessfully trying to process both agony and confusion at the same time.

  Pulling back and meeting Daniel’s somewhat unfocused gaze, William hoped his love and compassion reflected in his eyes. “Your health is important to me. I love you, Son, but you look like shit. And knowing you as well as I do, you are feeling worse than you are letting on.”

  Separating the general from his father in this place proved exceedingly difficult for Dan. The meds and jetlag were not helping matters in the least. He forced himself to focus on his dad’s eyes to discern intent. Finding only genuine concern after a long, silent minute, with a gradual exhale as the aching ebbed away from the well-meaning hug, Dan compelled most of the tension out of his body.

  William smiled. “Excellent. That’s real good, Son. I understand Wilson is with you.”

  Dan nodded.

  “Corporal Dawson will drive the two of to your quarters. I plan to stay there also. Mike assures me security will not be an issue. We have a lot to catch up on since the last time we talked. Perhaps we can play a few games of chess later? Chose whichever room you want and make yourself comfortable. Grab some sleep. I will join you there for dinner, and we can head back here together for the briefing.”

  “Why are we waiting, sir? I’m here now. What information do you require?” Though wrung out and ready to sleep again, Dan wanted to be done with this as fast as possible.

  William inwardly sighed. Daniel is predictable, never wants to show weakness. Half-truth it must be to ensure he rests instead of forcing himself beyond his limits. Though Hicks’ unit will be here in an hour, I’ll reschedule the meeting by three. The soldiers will appreciate a couple of hours of downtime after being sent out on back-to-back missions.

  Convincingly, William explained, “Need to wait until the unit arrives. Go now. Rest. You look like you need it, Son.” William strode to his door, donning his general cloak once again.

  With an odd mix of both realities, Dan saluted his father as he gave him a lopsided grin then said, “Yes, Dad.”

  General Broderick’s Office – Outer Office

  Still trying to figure out the incongruousness of his actions and words as the general opened the door, once the sounds in the exterior office met Dan’s ears, his soldier persona draped itself over his body. Not the icy, angry one … the calm, self-assured, and efficient one.

  William addressed the staff member who replaced Merrill. He had Galloway investigate him thoroughly, but never again would he allow himself to become personally involved with one of his staff. Wholeheartedly regretting spending time with Merrill on the range helping improve his marksmanship skills, William still believed he contributed to his son’s near death.

  Pushing the disturbing thoughts to the background, William said, “Corporal Dawson, you are to drive Master Corporal Broderick and Mr. Keswick to their quarters. You are authorized to procure anything they may require. After you drop them off, arrange for dinner to be delivered at nineteen hundred.”

  “Yes, sir.” Dawson stood, grabbed the keys from his desk drawer, and headed out.

  Exiting his dad’s office, Dan held his head erect and shoulders back, though he wanted to hunch over and press on his side to stem the aching. Only years of self-discipline prevented him from displaying weakness in front of the general’s staff. Here, in this place, he never felt he could show even the smallest chink in his armor. Dan pushed his pain down and kept moving as he followed Dawson outside to where Wilson waited for him.

  Truck

  Automatically reaching for his bag as Dawson brought the vehicle around, Dan caught Wilson’s glare. Capitulating, he stood without picking it up and climbed in as the corporal and Wilson loaded their gear in the back. Sitting in the front passenger seat, Dan covertly positioned his hand below his ribs on the right side. He pressed lightly on the painful spot and held in a hiss.

  Leaning his head back, exhausted and hot, Dan closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh. A clearer head for the briefing is required. Hate to admit it, but I’m glad I have time for a nap. I shouldn’t be this tired … the sedative must not mix well with the pain meds. Need to find out what kind the doctor prescribed so I can add it to the do not take again list.

  Sweat trickled down the middle of his back as the other doors opened. Dawson slid into the driver’s seat while Wilson sat in the back seat. “Hotter here than I recall,” Dan said to make conversation.

  “Been a scorcher the last few days … record heat. You’ll be comfortable in your quarters though. General Broderick insisted you be assigned to the one with air conditioning,” Dawson replied as he started the truck.

  “That’ll be nice,” Wilson said as he wiped sweat from his forehead.

  As he drove, Dawson kept shooting quick side glances at Broderick. He listened to all the whispers after the master corporal entered the general’s office. Many who had been there for years began gossiping as soon as the door closed. Most were shocked to see him reporting, especially after the way he left almost two years ago. Soon several of the guys started making bets on when the yelling would commence, but Master Corporal Weeks put a kibosh on the bookmaking with a few choice words which would do General Badass proud.

  Though new to his position, Dawson understood some serious shit went down before he came along. There had been a house cleaning so to speak, and the rumor mill ran rampant for a long time. He learned new procedures for double checks on troop deployments had been put in place. So, things which would’ve been his sole realm previously now required sign-off by a second staff member … typically Karla Weeks.

  The little he unearthed, led him to believe the changes were due to something which occurred while Daniel Broderick served in the military. Particularly after learning about Major Plouffe’s court martial. What he couldn’t figure out though, was why the younger Broderick reported looking like he had been through a meat grinder. Dawson wondered if Broderick voluntarily reactivated. He couldn’t wait to go for drinks tonight … knowing the topic of conversation would be Badass Junior.

  Dan drifted, letting the late afternoon heat lull him to a light doze as he pondered what information from which mission was required. He always provided detailed after-action reports, and couldn’t imagine what he might’ve left out which would be important enough for him to be reactivated.

  His father’s remark about him being the only one left also niggled at him. Several missions came to mind … the cornfield with Shy, and the ones with Mutt’s and Parsons’ units. Recalling the altered AAR from the Parsons’ mission, where his account given to Plouffe was not filed as the official record, caused his stomach
to turn. Shit, will I ever be free of Plouffe’s machinations? Even in death, his deeds are screwing with my life.

  VIP Quarters

  After the short drive on a bumpy, dusty road, which didn’t help Dan’s physical condition in the least, they arrived outside the assigned lodgings which turned out to be a small house. When they indicated they didn’t require anything else, Corporal Dawson nodded and headed back to the office to put in the supper request. Wilson refused to allow him to carry any of the bags into the abode, so while his caretaker hefted them all inside, Dan remained on the curb surveying the landscape.

  He would never choose to live in such a stark, brown, and hot locale. He preferred Toronto’s lush, green, and cool climate despite it also coming with frigid winters where he ended up frozen to a pear tree. He couldn’t wait to return home. A slight smile flittered across his face as he realized he indeed had a place to call home. With any luck, this assignment will be over quickly so I can resume the life of my choosing … though, there are complications I must work out first … namely … Lexa, Jon, and Boss.

  Wiping his sweaty brow, Dan turned to go up the five steps from the street to the walkway near the house. I don’t remember it being quite this hot here. He took three steps before collapsing. Twisting at the last second, he landed on his butt on the fourth step instead of face planting. What the hell?

  Dizziness and weakness overcame him as he attempted to rise and pain seared his side. Breaths came in ragged gasps. Ah shit, this isn’t good.

  After arriving on base an hour ago and visiting with a few buddies, Blaze strolled towards his accommodations as his mind focused more on his thoughts than his surroundings. The vague orders he received from Colonel Sutton canceling his leave only indicated the operation was of the utmost priority and to report to the VIP housing by seventeen hundred hours for a briefing from General Broderick.

  Miffed his plans to visit Blondie in Toronto had been sidelined, Blaze was none too pleased to be here. With the second anniversary of Brody’s death in only three days, he wanted to be with Blondie this year. The kid would likely need support since he still harbored intense guilt.

  Hell, I could use the support too, my sense of culpability has not abated either … I gave the all clear signal. With Mason’s unit on deployment, and Winds tied up in required training along with the rest of the men, I need to place a call to Jim. It will be on him alone to shore up our brother. Well, not only Jim, Blondie has his entire team, and Lexa to lean on too.

  Movement, a flash of golden hair, caused Blaze to pause. He gaped as his hazel eyes rounded. No fucking way! He blinked believing the vision of Blondie to be a mirage. When the image of the kid sitting on the steps persisted, he hurried forward. What the hell he is doing here of all places?

  Dan attempted to rise twice, but both times dizziness overwhelmed him, and he didn’t possess the strength to haul himself up. Contemplating how to get inside on his own without passing out or how long it would take before Wilson came searching for him, a familiar voice called out to him.

  Blaze shouted, “Hey, Blondie! Why the fuck are you here?”

  Just my damned luck. Blaze keeps finding me broken. I hate doing this to him, but at least I’ll have help now. Too wiped out to respond, his head spinning at lightspeed, his last meal threatening to make a reappearance, fatigue pulling him down fast, Dan put his hand on his tight, aching abdomen and waited.

  Blaze rounded behind Blondie going down the five steps and turning towards him. It only took a second before he bellowed, “Are you alright?” He dropped his bag and crouched beside Blondie, concern ratcheting up as he viewed the pale, sweat-drenched, bruised face.

  Giving Blaze a wane smile, Dan mustered up all his remaining energy, as he labored to convey the problem, “No, … it’s … bleeding … again.”

  Worried Danny had not followed him into the house, Wilson exited and spotted Danny on the steps with Blaze. He smiled. Blaze is a steadfast friend to Danny. I’m pleased he is here. Then he noted the Blaze’s troubled expression as the captain started to reach out to Dan. Rushing to them, Wilson asked, “Danny, what’s wrong?”

  Too woozy as Blaze tried to help him stand, they only got halfway when his head lolled toward his chest. Responding seemed near impossible as pain seared his midsection again, but he tried. “Lv … ble.”

  Not comprehending, Wilson gazed at Blaze. “Did he say anything to you?”

  Blaze took Blondie’s full weight as the kid blacked out and eased him to the ground. “What the hell is bleeding?”

  “Christ! Can you carry him inside by yourself? I need to call the general. Danny needs medical help immediately.” Receiving a curt nod from Blaze, Wilson sprinted inside to use the landline.

  Blaze would demand an explanation later, but now Blondie’s well-being became his priority. Shifting the kid’s limp, unconscious body, he gathered him into his arms and carried him inside. As he laid Blondie on the couch, Blaze caught the tail end of Wilson’s call.

  “Make it fast. He might not have much time.” Hanging up, Wilson hurried to Danny and lifted his t-shirt to probe his abdomen. “Dammit! The internal bleeding started again. By the rigidity, it’s been bleeding for hours. He’s burning up too. Jesus Christ! Thought he trusted me enough to confide in me.”

  Wilson blew out a breath and calmed himself. Going off half-cocked isn’t going to help. Danny does trust me. He must not have realized. I should’ve checked him after he bumped the rail at the top of the jet stairs.

  Staring at Blondie’s battered torso and face, Blaze demanded, “Tell me what happened.” In the few minutes it took the medics to arrive, Wilson gave him a cliff notes version of Blondie’s abduction and why he was here.

  Blaze raged, wanting to kill those four ex-cops for what they did. He was also pissed at the general for reactivating Blondie but dialed back upon viewing General Broderick’s devastation as the man raced into the house. The father’s heartache was palpable as he barked orders to save his boy.

  Almost as pale as his son, William dropped to his knees and clasped Daniel’s hand, pulling it to his heart. As he peered at his beloved son, he begged, “Please, please … don’t die. I’ll never forgive myself. Fight, my boy, fight.”

  Circling the Wagons

  49

  May 23

  Ops Command Conference Room – 2055 Hours

  Sergeant Steve Hicks stood, leaning against the back wall, surveying his men, not pleased to be kept waiting for over twenty minutes from when the briefing should’ve begun. As it was, the meeting had been pushed back longer than necessary because according to the private sent to their barracks to inform them, the person who came to provide the intel needed a nap. Hicks couldn’t believe General Broderick would allow such lackadaisical attitudes.

  But even the general himself was now late, which was odd behavior. General Badass ascribed to the notion, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. He pushed off the wall as the door opened and he spotted Master Corporal Weeks. “About damned time. My men and I have been twiddling our thumbs for several hours now.”

  Karla scanned the room. Two men were engaged in arm wrestling while the other three cheered their favorite on … only Hicks appeared perturbed. She came in and closed the door.

  Noting only Weeks entered, Hick placed both palms on the table and flexed his biceps as he said with a hint of heat, “So, Weeks, where’s this intel person and the general?”

  Not affected in the least by Hicks’ arrogance or show of testosterone, Karla rolled her eyes. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’m here to tell you the briefing is postponed.”

  Scoffing, Hicks straightened up. “What, the civvie needed a longer nap?”

  Gruber, the unit rookie, always taking his lead from his sarge, laughed. “Must be a wussy.”

  Karla glared at the rookie who possessed a big mouth. “Keep your ignorant trap shut. Unless you want to find your butt handed to you.”

  “You and what army?” G
ruber, who never knew when to shut up, challenged.

  “Gruber, zip it.” Hicks focused on Weeks. “Why are we waiting?”

  Authorized to inform the team of certain details but not all, Karla said, “General Broderick is at the base hospital—”

  The men all sat up, their attention grabbed, wondering what happened to their general, and Hicks interrupted, “Is he alright?”

  Karla remained quiet a moment to make her point not to interrupt her again. “The general is fine. His son, however, is not. Master Corporal Broderick arrived a few hours ago and was rushed to the hospital. I do not have specifics to share with you about his condition, but the op briefing cannot proceed without him. He is the source of the intelligence we require.”

  “Master Corporal?” Hicks pinned her with a confused glare. “Are you saying the dickhead is back in the military?”

  “Sarge, isn’t that the guy you said blew away his buddy? Killed one of our own because he was trying to be some hot shot sniper?” Gruber gaped as Hicks nodded.

  “Daniel Broderick was cleared! It was an unfortunate accident,” Karla staunchly defended the maligned soldier.

  “More like he got a free pass for murder. Always got special treatment because of who his daddy is,” Hicks retorted. He crossed his arms. “So, we’re going on a mission with intel provided by baby Broderick … well, I for one am not impressed. If he gets my men killed … he’ll be going home in a body bag.”

  Incensed, her eyes flashing with lightning, Karla lashed out with as much heat as a strike, “Say that again, and you will be the one in a pine box.”

  Wiggling his fingers at her, Hicks’ voice fake shaking he taunted, “Oh I’m so scared. What ya gonna do … smother me with paperwork?”

  The unit laughed until their sarge halted and fear flashed across his face for a brief moment when Weeks responded, “Blaze is with Blondie at the hospital and will be in the briefing.” Silence greeted her, and a smirk came to her face as she pivoted and opened the door. Without turning around, she conveyed, “I’ll be in touch once the meeting is rescheduled.”