by Laura Acton
Facing Demons
54
May 26
VIP Quarters – 1930 Hours
Rousing gradually, his lids fluttering up intermittently, Dan sensed he was in a safe place before his ears caught the quiet voices off to his right. Though his eyes glimpsed unfamiliar surroundings the few times his lashes lifted enough to take a peek, the scent of aftershave he associated to Wilson confirmed he didn’t need to be alarmed.
“Enjoy your nap?” Wilson queried when he spotted Danny staring up at the ceiling.
“Mmm, yeah … guess.” Dan turned his head, noting the soft pillows underneath him instead of the firm plastic hospital one he woke to earlier today. “How long?”
“Close to four hours,” Blaze responded. “Thirsty?”
Dan sighed. “Hungry.”
“Excellent sign.” Wilson stood and headed for the door. “I’ll go warm up some chicken soup for you. Doc says if you keep that down, we can start with eggs and soft foods tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” Dan didn’t want to move, still feeling like something the cat dragged in, chewed up, swallowed, and hacked up. He wanted to remain blissfully inert, but the urge to pee intruded. He peered at Blaze. “Am I allowed to walk to the restroom?”
“Nope, sorry.” He rose and walked to Blondie’s bed, leaned down, and picked up a plastic urinal. “Need help positioning yourself?”
Hating to admit he did, but not fearing Blaze would think less of him, Dan nodded. Blaze helped him roll to his side, then turned his back as Dan managed to take care of business without further assistance. He capped the urinal and placed it on the floor before flopping on his back. “This sucks.”
Blaze turned around and sat on the bed’s edge. “It does. Need pain meds?”
“Yeah,” Dan grumbled.
After shaking out the appropriate dose, Blaze handed the pills to Blondie, grabbed the cup of water, and slipped his free hand behind the kid’s shoulders to lift him slightly so he could drink without spilling.
Dan popped in his meds and took several sips. His entire body ached, and movement of any kind zapped his energy. “Thanks.”
“Last time that word is uttered. You don’t need to thank me. You want to sit up?” Blaze lowered Blondie’s head and set the water glass down.
“When Wilson returns. Moving sucks.”
“I bet. Wilson explained what those filthy ex-cops did to you. If they weren’t dead, Winds and I would have four more to add to our list.” Blaze absently rubbed the thin scar on his left palm. He and Winds still searched for the primary tormentor … The One … and they would find him one day and deliver the animal who tortured the kid with burning needles to hell.
Exhaling dispiritedly, Dan met Blaze’s gaze. “Brody should be thirty-three today. Before all this happened, I planned to visit him … now I can’t.” Tears welled. “I miss him so much.”
“As do I.” Unashamed to cry, Blaze yielded to his grief and guilt. A small stream began to meander down his cheeks “Brody, Ripsaw, Dutch, and Buzz would be proud of you today. The intel you provided will save lives.”
Salty liquid flowed from the corners of Dan’s eyes. “I only did my duty.” He swiped away the tears, still uncomfortable weeping in front of others, but trusting Blaze enough to release his waterworks.
“You did more than anyone could expect, especially today of all days.” Blaze reached for a couple of tissues and handed one to Blondie before using one himself to dry his face.
Dan cast his gaze down as he dabbed the tissue. Shifting his eyes upward again he connected with Blaze. “Did Wilson tell you everything? Why I was out running instead of at work?”
“No, but your father did.”
“He knows?” Dan blurted out. “Crap … Mom must’ve told him.”
Blaze was unsure how to respond. “Does it bother you … him telling me, him knowing, and or your mother sharing the information?”
“No, guess not … I only hope he doesn’t talk to Commander Gambrill. I’m not sure what my godfather would do. I broke the rules, and by rights, he could fire me or transfer Lexa or me to another team. I don’t want either outcome.”
Blaze frowned. “Are you saying you want to remain on Alpha Team after what Hardy and Pastore did to you?”
Dan bit his lower lip. “Sounds … well, yeah. I won’t lie … it hurts the way they assumed I was the only one at fault, but—”
Cutting Blondie off, Blaze allowed his anger at Hardy to come forth. “But nothing! Hardy deserves a blanket party for being such a jackass. I would’ve never dreamed he would mistreat you. I still remember the night you found out about your lungs. He called me and asked for help. I thought he cared about you and had your back. Guess I was wrong.”
“You aren’t.”
“What?”
Dan blew out a breath. “I’m not sure how to explain it. We butt heads like two rams … and I don’t understand what makes him tick sometimes … but …” Dan struggled to put his thoughts into words.
Remaining quiet, listening, Blaze waited as he read a torrent of emotions in the kid’s eyes.
Unable to describe his nebulous viewpoint, Dan opted for expressing a deed he hoped would clarify his thinking. “A year ago, today, Jon prevented me from eating a bullet.”
Blaze’s eyes rounded with worry and surprise. “He what?”
“Had an unpleasant day at work. I was off my game with it being the first anniversary of Brody’s death. I had not slept well for weeks due to nightmares. Jon drove me home when I fell asleep in the SUV on the way back to headquarters near the end of shift. We talked … for the first time. He sorta reminded me of you that afternoon with how he listened.
“Jon took me to Green Acres, allowing me to spend time with Brody. I nodded off again on Brody’s grave. Jon bought me two burritos on the way home and ensured I ate them. When we returned to my apartment, he sent me to bed and noticed my ivory-gripped pistol on the nightstand.”
Lowering his lashes, Dan confessed, “I was in a bad place again. If Jon hadn’t taken my gun … I would’ve broken my oath to Brody that night.”
Blaze sucked in a breath as images of Blondie holding his reserve gun to his heart in their barracks flashed in his head. “He took your pistol?”
Meeting Blaze’s eyes, Dan nodded. “Yeah. He returned it to me the next day in a new gun safe. Jon affixed an engraved gold tag to the inside of the lid. The inscription reads, welcome to Alpha Team. You belong here, and you make a difference!”
A goodly portion of Blaze’s anger towards Jon ebbed away after Blondie’s narrative, but his worry for Blondie increased. “Are you in a dark place today?”
Giving a slight shrug, Dan replied, “Honestly, I’m not in the best shape, but I’m not suicidal. Haven’t been for a year. My team keeps me in the light as Brody would say.”
Blaze exhaled as his primary concern eased. Though the thought of the kid taking his own life still lived in a shadowy corner of his mind, a fear which he understood would reside there until Blondie forgave himself.
Dan’s voice came out with a bit of resolve and sadness. “Even after everything, I still need them. I’m afraid the darkness might descend if I leave the team. Things with Lexa will be awkward at first, but she is still my beauty, and I need to be in her life even if it is only on the sidelines. She needs our team too … they are her only family.
“The dynamic between Jon and me is always confusing, runs hot and cold, and I’m uncertain if it will ever change. Though he reamed my ass, I recognize he was being protective of Lexa which offsets his offense a little. Jon is a decent man who cares about his team.”
Blaze withheld the snort. Apparently, some more than others. I’ll back off for now, but if Hardy ever mistreats my son again, my fists will be visiting him.
Regret entered Dan’s tone. “I disappointed Boss greatly … saw it in his eyes. When he learned Lexa is the one who broke things off, and after Jon’s tirade, he was somewhat sympathetic. He could’ve fired me on
the spot or written me up, but didn’t. I understand part of his motivation … if he made it official, Lexa would be caught up in it also, but I’d like to think he was looking out for me too.
“The rest of the guys are unaware of what occurred, and I hope to keep it that way. I’m not sure how Loki and Ray would react, but I don’t want to disappoint Bram … he’s always been there for me. So, I need to return.”
Resting his hand on Blondie’s left bicep, Blaze said, “I’ll back you no matter your decision. Would you do me a favor?”
Uncertain what Blaze would want, Dan hesitantly said, “If I can.”
Blaze’s mien displayed his heart. “If you ever find yourself in the dark, you call me, Winds, Jim, or Mason. And if none of us answer, you contact Bram, Wilson, one of your cousins, your mom, or your dad. You mean the world to so many people. We don’t want to lose you. I certainly don’t.”
“I’ll try.”
Nodding, Blaze accepted the answer, only because it was truthful. He understood Blondie faced powerful demons, and when darkness enveloped him, the kid didn’t always think rationally… much like Black Brody.
Wilson entered wearing a grin and carrying a steaming mug. “Soups on. Sorry, it took so long … no microwave. Had to go old school and heat it on the little stovetop.
Dan’s stomach rumbled, alerting them to his hunger. Blaze shifted him up and tucked pillows behind his back making him more comfortable. “Tha …” Dan stopped himself from saying ‘thanks’ at Blaze’s cocked brow.
Wilson handed over the mug and resumed his seat. “Need painkillers?”
Inhaling the enticing aroma, Dan said, “Took them already.” He sipped, and the liquid warmed his core … or perhaps it was the presence of two men he trusted and cared about who reciprocated his feelings.
Toronto – Green Acres Cemetery – 8:55 p.m.
Jon approached his destination after having stopped at Lucky Larry’s Liquor shop a few blocks away to buy an individual-serving sized bottle of Jack Daniels. With the longer spring days, the sun had dropped below the horizon only a couple of minutes ago, swathing the area in the glow of twilight. Today he found it hard to concentrate on the job, his mind continually replaying his offensive words he spewed at Dan in the dive bar and recalling his polar opposite behavior one year ago on this date.
The day he put Dan’s best interests at the forefront and listened before speaking. An afternoon he finally appreciated how wounded Dan’s soul must be and how much his rookie needed someone to have his back. A day Jon was proud of … his heart recognized he saved Dan’s life by taking the pistol. And he meant every word he had engraved on the golden plate.
Why he decided it was important to come today, Jon couldn’t rightly say, but something drove him to Hunter’s grave. Perhaps he needed to visit the man who meant the world to Dan on Brody’s birth and death day, mainly because Dan wouldn’t be here. Something his gut was sure of, although Jon had no clue where Dame Ridgewater took Dan. He supposed Ottawa, but in reality, Dan could be anywhere.
He clutched the little bottle in a fist and halted near the grave marker. Jon’s eyes scanned the words … Cherished Brother … and regret for his deeds renewed, knocking the air from his lungs as if sucker punched. His body doubled over, his chin struck the gravestone, and he dropped to the grass like a rock. Rolling to his back, trying draw in a breath, sparkles danced before his eyes creating a surreal scene.
Two somewhat familiar men loomed over him. The shorter man stood perhaps five-six, had brown hair and eyes. Ripsaw’s expression, not an affable smile from the beach photos he had seen at Loki’s home, but a scowl indicating rage. The taller one scared the shit out of him. He stared into Brody’s jade green eyes which appeared a shade closer to black.
Brody clenched and released his right hand, surprised and satisfied he possessed the power to deliver a punch to Jon’s gut … one well-deserved and long overdue. He shouted, “Danny deserves a better leader than you. You ever hurt my brother again, I will haunt you for the rest of your days!”
Jon blinked not believing his ears or eyes. No this can’t be … Ripsaw and Brody are dead. “How can I see and hear you?”
“Jonny, you daft idiot. I can’t leave your side for one moment to recharge.” Joe appeared and gave a sidelong glance at Brody and Ripsaw as he crouched beside his older brother. “What’s going on here?”
Ripsaw gaped a moment. “He heard Brody.” He left off, felt his blow too.
Joe took in Jon’s appearance and pinned Brody with a look of consternation. “You hit him, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, … not his face … the stone did that when he fell.” Brody’s eyes slowly returned to jade, the darkness abating.
“Don’t know how you do those things.” Joe shook his head.
“Me either, but Jon deserved it.” Brody massaged his sore knuckles.
“Damn right. If I could’ve I would’ve kicked his ass,” Ripsaw declared.
Joe sighed. “Brody, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to stop Samael’s demons from inciting Jon that night. If I had been, things might’ve gone differently.”
Finding his voice, Jon said to the face above him, “Joe, is that you?”
“No. It’s Jim.” Taking a knee, his eyes doing a quick visual inspection, checking for more injuries other than the minor cut on Jon’s jawline, Jim asked, “Jon, can you tell me what happened?”
Blinking again, the specks of light dissipating, Jon recognized Dan’s buddy kneeling next to him. “What?”
“You seem to have hit your head. How many fingers am I holding up?” Jim showed three.
“Three.” Confused, unsure whether the apparitions were real or figments of his imagination, Jon pushed himself up to a seated position.
“Whoa, not so fast,” Jim admonished, and he spotted the Jack Daniel’s bottle. “What are you doing at Brody’s place?” Jim loathed calling it a grave … seemed too cold and dark to him. Brody would be somewhere full of warmth and light with music blaring.
With no animosity coming from Jim, Jon guessed the medic was unaware of what occurred almost three weeks ago. He realized Jim and Heather must’ve recently returned from their honeymoon and not spoken with Dan yet. Jon got to his feet, still gripping the small bottle. “I brought Dan here last year on Brody’s birthday. I figured since he can’t come, I would come for him.”
Concern piqued, Jim’s gut churned. “Dan hasn’t answered my calls in the past few days. Is he alright?”
Sucking in a breath, Jon said, “Give me a minute, please.” He uncapped the whiskey and raised it in a toast. “To Brody Hunter, a true brother with an effective straight right jab … a man of honor I wish I could’ve met … in person. I vow never to harm your brother again.”
“An oath I hope you never break,” Brody whispered.
Jon poured the alcohol then turned to Jim. “Do you have time to go for a beer? I need to tell you something which isn’t pleasant.”
Perplexed by Jon’s words, Jim said, “Sure, but let me visit with Brody before we go.” After Jon nodded and stepped back a few feet, Jim placed a hand on the headstone spoke quietly to Brody before joining Jon.
Jim’s Home – 10:30 p.m.
Standing in his kitchen, staring at his phone, Jim still couldn’t wrap his head around all Jon told him. It took everything he had not to punch the man’s lights out … but physical violence wouldn’t solve a damned thing, although he might feel better meting out unit justice for Blondie … Dan.
“Honey, are you coming to bed?” Heather slipped her arms around her husband, hugging his back and comprehending his disquiet. Having trouble herself accepting that Dan’s tactical leader had been so cruel, her heart broke for both Lexa and Dan.
Jim twisted in her embrace and hugged her. “Soon. I’m trying to decide if it is too late to call Blaze to find out whether or not Dan contacted him.”
“Do you think he is in Ottawa?”
“Who, Dan or Blaze?”
“Both.”
“No idea. But Bella will make sure Dan’s cared for and someplace safe. Bella always looked out for him. She’s the one who sent Dan Beauty after he was tortured. Somehow, she always knew what he needed.” Jim released Heather and leaned up against the counter.
“Ten thirty isn’t all that late. Give Blaze a call. He will want to know Dantastic is hurt if Dan didn’t touch base with him. I’ll give you privacy and wait in the bedroom.” Heather kissed his cheek and turned to leave, stopping at the entryway. “And if Blaze is in Afghanistan, it is seven in the morning so, you probably won’t wake him.”
Jim nodded, but didn’t explain to Heather that they usually did missions at night, so by zero-seven-hundred, Blaze would be racked out if he was on base instead of on a multi-day op. He pulled up Blaze’s number and hit call, hoping Blaze knew where Dan was, because Alpha Team definitely didn’t.
“Hey, Jim,” Blaze answered after taking a sip of coffee.
Unsure how to start, Jim relied on his military training and launched into the facts. “I found Jon at Brody’s place this evening. He had some disturbing things to share with me.”
Blaze rose and left Blondie’s room before he spoke again, “Like what?”
“Dan’s secret relationship with Lexa is out, ex-cops beat Dan to within an inch of his life, and Jon confessed to me he treated our brother like shit. No one on Dan’s team has been told where Bella took him. I’m hoping he contacted you since Heather and I were on vacation.”
Detecting the stress in Jim’s voice, Blaze sought to settle him. “Relax. Blondie is with me. We are taking care of him.”
“Thank God.” Jim sagged as the tension left his body. “I work the next four days, but I can plan a trip up to Ottawa on the thirty-first to visit.”
“Not possible.” Blaze hesitated to tell him more.
“Why?”
Blaze rested against the wall in the hallway. “We’re not in Ottawa.”
“Where are you? I have two days off. I can manage to catch a flight and be home in time for my next shift.” Jim moved to the kitchen chair and sank.