by Laura Acton
His thoughts turned to the man who dispatched three evil men. When this is over, I’ll share a story with you … your grandfather and Bella’s husband served with Henry Cooke. He was the best sniper Canada had until we came along.
Brushing his fingers down his son’s discolored cheek, William stopped at the three-day stubble when he noted a temperature difference. You’re cooler now. A positive sign.
As Daniel shifted in his sleep, a potent dose of contempt for Hardy and Sergeant Pastore renewed in William. Alpha Team failed you. Yes, you broke a rule, but I understand the power of the Broderick heart which drove your decisions. Their mistreatment of you is unforgivable, and they will answer for it.
Wilson stood and stretched. “Who wants a refill?”
Pulled from his thoughts, Blaze peered at the dregs in his cup. “I could use another cup.”
“Sir?” Wilson asked William, uncomfortable calling him by his first name on the military base … seemed disrespectful to him in some way. He was happy when William didn’t correct him or ask him to use the familiar while here as he did when his former commanding officer stayed at Bella’s home last summer.
Shelving his reflections of the injustice heaped on Daniel by so-called friends and teammates, and his desire to seek retribution, William glanced at his empty cup. “Sure. Thanks.”
Wilson sauntered out, heading for the nurses’ station where the best coffee was located. The staff had been quite accommodating, likely because of the general’s continual presence at his son’s bedside.
Blaze’s focus shifted to the current situation, and reason Blondie’s presence was required. Yesterday, he waited until Wilson left the room to grab them all lunch to ask General Broderick why and received a brief and vague explanation before Wilson returned. However, the general arranged for Sutton to deliver a file for him to review last night, and now Blaze fully comprehended the necessity, though he still didn’t like it. The only person alive who may possess the information to prevent a major catastrophe and save hundreds if not thousands of innocent lives lay unconscious in the bed.
He hoped Blondie had not blocked out the pertinent details, quite possible with the emotional turmoil which came with that particular mission. The kid struggled to cope with the deaths of Buzz, Dutch, and Ripsaw. Brody ended up employing the same techniques he used to help Blondie lock away the memories of his torture. If Blondie doesn’t recall, or given his current condition, can’t relay them, we might need to proceed differently.
Taking the opportunity which presented itself with Wilson out of the room, Blaze addressed his commander, “Sir?”
“Yes?” William dried his hands before turning to face Blaze.
“Sir, I went through the AAR, and you’re right, key data appears to be missing. Blondie’s AARs were always thorough. Though in bad shape mentally and physically after witnessing the death of Ripsaw, Buzz, and Dutch, and taking one in the shoulder and arm, the lack of precise details in his report isn’t like him. I doubt Blondie would’ve been slipshod. Given the casualties, he would’ve crossed every T, and dotted all the I’s.”
“I believe the reason for the missing data to be another case like the Parsons’ debacle,” William shared without giving away details given their unsecured location. Blaze would recall Plouffe’s perfidy, altering Daniel’s after-action report to hide the exact site, Parsons’ decision to leave him behind enemy lines after Nichols attempted to strangle him, and Daniel’s injuries.
After considering what the general said, recalling the falsified report, Blaze nodded. “This is a time-sensitive mission, sir. What are we going to do if Blondie can’t …” Trailing off, he glanced at the kid who no longer appeared quite so pale or sweaty.
“Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do until Daniel is well enough to discuss the particulars. Sutton has analysts scouring other sources, but thus far, they are coming up blank.”
Base Hospital – Outside Dan’s Room
Wilson halted as soon as he exited the room, not intending to eavesdrop, but upon observing the doctor making his way to Danny’s room he waited, wanting to be there to hear the latest status. Overhearing mention of Dutch and Buzz, raw pain shot through Wilson like their deaths were only yesterday instead of four years and three months ago. He still missed his brothers so very much, and never knew exactly how they met their end.
Families and friends never received specifics. In fact, due to the secret nature of their missions, the customary statement was, ‘He died honorably in the service of his country.’ The only thing Wilson was sure of was they perished violently based on the closed caskets.
It burned deep to find out Dan had been with them and experienced their demise firsthand. Danny never shared that with him, though in truth, Wilson wouldn’t have expected him to even though the four of them had enjoyed many fun times as a group when Danny was a teenager. Dan laughed and often smiled with them, and rolled his eyes when they started calling him Pup.
Dutch had been impressed with Danny’s rapid acquisition of land navigation skills, while Buzz was happy Danny excelled with judo. However, both gaped with stunned expressions the first time they spotted Danny’s colorful bruising. Initially, Dutch became angry with Buzz, thinking he hurt Dan, but Dan set things straight swiftly.
Oddly, finding out Dutch and Buzz had been together when they departed this life brought Wilson a modicum of comfort. Those two were inseparable, more than friends, faithful life partners, though not by any law or marriage since they never got the chance.
Wilson wished his brothers could’ve been open about their love for one another, but fraternization was against the rules, and their homosexuality would’ve brought censure had their devotion become widely known. In his last act of brotherly love, Wilson ensured the honorable men and lovers were buried next to each other so they could remain close in eternity.
As the doctor approached, Wilson spoke louder than necessary to alert Broderick and Blain of the impending interruption. “Morning, Dr. Chakram.”
Base Hospital – Dan’s Room
William and Blaze shared a glance, both recognizing their mistake of engaging in the dialog here but grasping neither said anything incriminating. Though, they suspected Wilson might’ve overheard the comments about the death of his friends, which they regretted. As Chakram and Wilson entered, their concerns were validated when Wilson came in sans coffee.
Chakram moved to Dan’s bedside carrying his patient’s chart and smiling as he nodded at the nurse’s notations. Setting the clipboard down, he lowered the covers and lifted the gown to palpate Dan’s abdomen, liking what he found. After resetting the fabric, he turned to the men who peered at him with expectant eyes. “Favorable news. His fever is down, and the latest lab results indicate the bleeding ceased. Still not out of the woods, but his body is on the mend, and he will likely be coming around sometime today.”
William exhaled as relief flooded in. Though loathing to ask, William needed to know. “When Daniel wakes, will he be in any condition to answers some questions?”
Chakram gripped his chin with his thumb and index finger, rubbing several times before replying. “Depends on whether he is cognizant. He might be quite groggy and lethargic for several more days after fighting off a fever. I would keep your interview to a bare minimum, and he is not to step foot out of his bed. Walking may undo all the progress he’s made.”
The buzzing of William’s phone caused him to fish it out of his pocket. Noting Tom’s name, he said, “Excuse me a moment,” and stepped outside the room to take the call. Tom wouldn’t bother him at this time unless he deemed the matter urgent.
While the general was outside, Blaze quietly requested, “If he wakes, can you sedate him until tomorrow?”
Reading apprehension and anguish in Captain Blain’s eyes and confusion on Mr. Keswick’s face, Chakram shook his head slightly. “Not the best idea. I would prefer his body maintain a natural state so I can assess his condition properly. Why did you inquire?”
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br /> Blaze raked a hand through his disheveled hair. “Today is a tragic day for him. I would rather Blondie didn’t have to endure the grief he will experience once he realizes the date, given everything else going on.”
Comprehension lit Wilson’s eyes. Brody. This is the day Brody died. Ah Hell. I hope Danny remains asleep.
“Well, I suggest we play it by ear. He may not rouse today, but if he does and his emotional state warrants a sedative, I will prescribe one.”
“Fair enough. Thanks, doc.” Blaze finished his coffee and tossed the crumpled cup into the can.
William entered as the doctor left to check on other patients. He went straight to Daniel and put a hand on his arm, not wanting to leave, but his job necessitated it. With Daniel mending, the possibility of surgery no longer on the table, and the infection responding to the medications, William couldn’t put off his work any longer, and he needed Blaze too. “Blaze, I hate to do this, but Sutton said the analysts uncovered some information and we are needed for a meeting to review the details.”
Torn between duty and the desire to stay, Blaze stared at Blondie before shifting his eyes to the elder Broderick. “Are you certain I’m needed? You do recall what occurred two years ago today? I don’t want him to wake up alone and remember. He needs someone he trusts by his side.”
“I’ll be here. Danny trusts me. I understand Brody passed away today. If he awakens, I will tell him you both will return as soon as possible. I promise Danny will not be left alone,” Wilson said.
William admitted, “I want to remain as well, but I must go, and sorry, Blaze, you must too. When we finish, you may return. Wilson, please continue your excellent care of Daniel. Call me straight away if there is any change.” Hesitating a moment, William made a decision. “Try to avoid telling him the date. Daniel might think today is the twenty-fourth. If you can keep him ignorant of the fact until we come back, then we’ll all be here for him.”
“Will do, sir,” Wilson responded before asking, “Should I place a call to the ladies now that things are turning in the right direction?”
A flash of dread crossed William’s face, and his voice came out severe, “Do you want to live? If not, by all means, call them. I’m sure they will be thrilled to learn after-the-fact he ruptured an abscess, started bleeding again, ended up in the hospital, and has been unconscious with a high fever for two days.
William paused his tirade after witnessing guilt flood the innocent man’s expression and back-tracked. “None of this is your fault, but I’m certain you are aware of how protective those two are when it comes to Daniel. We might find ourselves as the honored guests of a double funeral.”
Blaze wondered if this was General Broderick’s droll humor, or if he was genuinely concerned. Employing a discretionary tactic, he decided the better part of valor would be to keep his trap shut and his expression neutral.
Wilson cringed. “Yes, sir. No, I don’t have a death wish. I’ll inform you promptly of any changes.” As William and Blaze exited the room, Wilson shifted positions and removed the cloth from Danny’s brow. With the fever breaking, he didn’t feel as hot.
Though Danny slept, Wilson whispered, “Your father loves you dearly, with all his heart. So does Blaze … he is a real champion in your corner. They will be back as soon as possible. Until then, I’m here, and you can lean on me as you have in the past. I will not let you fall, my boy.”
Learning from Mistakes
51
May 26
Ops Command Conference Room – 1010 Hours
Leaning back in the chair, Blaze rested his weary eyes as he rubbed the back of his neck. They finished a two-plus-hour briefing from the analyst who tracked down a lot of information, but not the critical pieces. Most importantly, the specific location of the terrorist stronghold remained unknown.
Without opening his eyes, Blaze said, “Plouffe’s treacherous fingerprints appear to be all over this debacle. My gut agrees with you, this is another altered AAR, though I’m not sure why he redacted the data … unless he was trying to cover up another attempt to kill Blondie and when things didn’t go the way he planned, figured someone might put two and two together if the details were included.”
William took a seat. He chose to stand during most of the meeting to keep himself on point, fatigue catching up with him. Blaze’s supposition burned deep. Plouffe hurt my boy too much, too often and I remained blind to his machinations. Never again! “Possible. Or Plouffe and Pletcher sold arms to Fartosh Ashkani, and they deliberately provided the unit with misleading details to send them into an ambush. With me in Ottawa and Sutton down with food poisoning, neither of us were in the briefing which means the major could’ve altered something.”
Blaze nodded. “I wouldn’t put it past Plouffe to be the one to orchestrate the base-wide Salmonella outbreak and blame it on a disgruntled cook. The bastard had his hooks into several people and blackmailed them into doing things, like Jheeta who stole Blondie’s mail. Although I had few reservations with Blondie going off on a mission led by Mutt, mainly because I trusted Ripsaw, Dutch, and Buzz would watch the kid’s back, I never liked the way the op was cobbled together.
“I understand most everyone on base except Plouffe, Blondie, Ripsaw, and a few others lucky, or in this case, unlucky enough to miss the chow that day was either shitting their brains out or puking their guts out, some did both, but the sudden randomness of someone’s supposed revenge never sat well … much like the tainted chicken. With Pletcher’s and Plouffe’s involvement in selling Blondie to the terrorists …” Blaze trailed off.
Considering the remark, William’s features formed in a grim line. “The inquiry revealed Private Corewall sought payback for negative comments about his cooking and as a result received a Big Chicken Dinner, but that is a thought-provoking theory. Particularly with Pletcher providing the intel on Ashkani’s whereabouts.”
Blowing out a breath, Blaze opened his eyes, sat forward, and met the general’s gaze. “Not throwing darts here, but why didn’t the lack of substantial info come to light before now? I would’ve thought with three deaths and two severe injuries the AAR would’ve been scrutinized to the nth degree.”
Beyond weary, recognizing his failings as both a leader and father, William assumed the blame. “That is on me. I trusted Sergeant Roy Murdock, and I believe Daniel. Although not a Guardian mission, with all five being Guardians, their words held weight with me … solidarity and brotherhood based on honor and duty.
“Merrill supplied me with Daniel’s and Murdock’s preliminary statements which Plouffe obtained while both were in the hospital. I focused more on the circumstances of the fatalities than the location. Their accounts matched in a germane detail, and since their reports indicated they wiped out Ashkani’s cell, I did not dig further. I didn’t want to rake them over the coals after witnessing their brothers die or cause either more pain.”
Blaze noted the anguish in his commander’s eyes. So like Blondie’s. No, the general wouldn’t have wanted Blondie to revisit the deaths of three men who held a special place in his heart. “Sir, as I said, I’m not blaming you … only trying to understand and learn from this myself.”
William pushed his sorrow down and locked it away for a later time. “The lesson you can take from my mistake is to do due diligence and not spare someone’s sensibilities, because you may overlook vital material. Be aware that people, even those who appear outwardly trustworthy, are corruptible. As a leader, it is our job to pose hard questions and make difficult decisions which put soldiers in harm’s way.”
The comment made Blaze wonder if General Broderick doubted Mutt. Murdock left Lieutenant Jackson Spencer’s unit to lead a regular Special Forces unit about the time Blondie was recovering from captivity. Dutch, Buzz, and Mutt all served together in Trigger’s unit for years. “Do you suspect Mutt was involved and gave a falsified report?”
His eyes widening at the question, William shook his head. “Sorry if I gave that impression. I
was referring to Plouffe, Merrill, Murphy, and Pletcher … not Mutt. I now believe Merrill or Plouffe modified the reports before providing copies to Sutton and me.”
Satisfied with the answer, Blaze sighed. “Somedays I wish Blondie and Ripsaw had joined us for lunch rather than engaging in one of their sparring matches. Ripsaw might still be with us. And if Dutch and Buzz had not come to visit the kid instead of heading to Canada for R&R … Mutt wouldn’t have handpicked them to join him, and they might be alive today too.”
A heaviness settled in William’s heart. “Wishing doesn’t make it so. If it did, my relationship with Daniel would be much better, and Plouffe would’ve never been able to use him.”
William peered at the man Daniel had come to view as a father. A strange easiness developed between them after discovering the real culprit behind Daniel’s continual deployment was Major Plouffe. He recognized everything Blaze and his men did to keep Daniel alive and healthy for six years. He owed Hunter, Blain, Shea, Simmons, Srònaich O’Naoimhín, and Preston more than he could ever repay.
He decided to confess his motivation for requiring Blaze’s participation in the mission. “I made a decision with my heart recently. Sutton and Hicks are capable of planning this mission without your contribution. You deserve to be on leave while Winds is in leadership training, but I chose to cancel your time off and assign you to assist solely because my son will need someone he trusts implicitly by his side.”
“Sir?” Blaze queried, confused by the admission.
Holding up a hand, William resumed, “Wait, allow me to explain. You are unaware of how Preston, Barkle, and Duchatteau died. Daniel would never reveal mission specifics with anyone not authorized to be party to them, and in this case, you were not.”
Blaze nodded. “I’m not aware how, but I am aware something horrendous happened. Brody found it exceedingly hard to help him cope since the kid couldn’t open up to us about what he experienced.”