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

by Laura Acton

  TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 6:55 a.m.

  Dan showered and dressed faster than the other guys, wanting to stop by the dispatcher’s desk to say hi to Tia since she had not been at her duty station when he arrived or when he left the gym. He viewed the always friendly Tia as the eighth member of his team. She welcomed him from day one, and he missed her cheerful and bright countenance over the past weeks. In a fantastic mood, he ambled out of the lockers as the rest of the guys finished changing.

  Kinsey chatted with Tia, finding her to be pleasant and a bright spot in her day. “So, I’m doing the Timmy’s run while Boss is in the sergeant’s meeting. Would you like some timbi—”

  Tia launched out of her chair, ignoring and cutting off Kinsey as Dan approached. “Dantastic! Wow, it is a wonderful day now. I’m so happy you’re back. We’ve all missed you.”

  Dan grinned at the enthusiastic greeting as Tia hugged him. “Happy to be back too.”

  Eyeing his healthy glow, liking what his extended holiday did for him, Tia smiled. “Rockin’ a tan. You must’ve spent all your time on a beach somewhere increasing your fan club.”

  “Not exactly.” Dan grinned but didn’t expound or correct her.

  The sergeant’s meeting concluded only moments ago, and as Commander Gambrill returned to his office, he stopped and nodded a greeting to Kinsey before grinning at Dan, noting the life in his expressive eyes. Aware his godson had been recalled and spent time in Kandahar, but unwilling to reveal the details to anyone, he allowed them to believe Dan took a much-needed vacation after recovering from his injuries. “How did your soul-searching go?”

  Dan caught the term Dr. Marfont used and realized the psychologist must have included it in his report, which his godfather surely received in addition to Boss. He answered simply. “Good, thanks.”

  Before turning to do the coffee run, Kinsey snarkily muttered, “Doubt he found one.”

  Having realized he had not treated her amicably when she joined the team, her remark didn’t surprise Dan, and he chose to ignore it. He expected some dissonance from her, and he needed to repair the damage he inadvertently caused by giving her the cold shoulder when he believed her a threat to Lexa’s position.

  Walter eyed Peltora as she left. Though wondering about her comment, he let it go, preferring to allow teammates to work out issues. Refocusing on Dan, Walter patted his shoulder. “Welcome back.” Turning his attention to Tia, he said, “I’m expecting a call from an Inspector Stackhouse who is heading the RCMP Task Force to locate the Barton brothers. Please put him straight through when he calls.”

  “Will do, sir.” Tia resumed her seat as the other male members of Alpha exited the lockers.

  Dan joined the guys as they headed into the conference room to for start of shift briefing.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:00 a.m.

  As his team entered and assumed their usual seats, Nick noted one member missing. “Where is Kinsey?”

  “Her turn for the Timmy’s run,” Bram supplied as he sat.

  “Ah, I forgot. Well, we can hold the briefing until she returns — not much to relay today anyway. No warrants. Dan, glad to have you back.” Nick leaned forward and grinned. “Overheard the monkey wars.” As they chuckled, he eyed Loki. “I suppose now the animals will be relocating to your home?”

  Loki beamed. “Yeah, sure. Dantastic’s back in the house.”

  Needing to explain something to his permanent teammates, which excluded Kinsey, Dan decided now would be a prime opportunity. “Boss, I need to tell you all something, but what I say must stay among only those in the room.”

  Nick studied Dan, and hoped he was not about to open a can of worms, then realized this must be about Kandahar. “You want the door shut?”

  “No.” Dan took in a breath and released it gradually. “First, Gambrill is aware of what I’m going to share. Second, well, just let me get through it all before you say anything.”

  “You’re not leaving, are you?” Loki’s concern shot to the roof.

  Dan blinked. “No.” He sighed. “At least not willingly.”

  “What?” Loki couldn’t help asking.

  “Loki, remember the part of about without interruption? Let the man speak,” Jon directed.

  Getting right to the point Dan said, “I was in Kandahar until Saturday. Not by choice, but because my father recalled me for a short-term assignment.” He put up a hand to silence Loki who started to question again. “I’m explaining.”

  Loki closed his mouth, pursing his lips.

  “When I exited Special Forces, the review board which investigated Brody’s death gave me the option to leave before I fulfilled my contract. The early release paperwork I signed came with the usual and some unusual terms. One condition is I can be involuntarily recalled if a situation warrants my skill set or knowledge. That is typical … what is not, is the length.”

  Raking a hand through his hair, Dan grimaced. “I believe the general made the stipulations because he wanted me to stay, thinks my place is in the military. I accept my dad loves me, but we disagree on where I belong and make a real difference. After killing Brody, I needed out … I couldn’t stay … so I agreed to some unreasonable provisions.”

  “What is unreasonable?” Apprehension shone in Bram’s blue-green eyes. He understood William loved his son, but the man could be clueless at times to Dan’s needs.

  Dan focused on Bram. “I can be forced to return to active duty at any time for specific assignments for ten years. So, for the next eight years, if deemed necessary, I am obligated to report at the drop of a hat, regardless of what I want.”

  He exhaled heavily. “I understand the upheaval this might cause the team and Gambrill isn’t happy with the condition, but he recognizes the legality. And so you are aware, he made it clear to me my position in TRF would be waiting for me if I’m called to serve again.”

  The guys all remained quiet as they processed what they learned until Loki broke the silence. “Are you going to share this with Lexa too?”

  Dan nodded. “When she returns. I don’t want to advertise this to everyone, but you all may be affected at some point, so I thought it only fair you should be told. For two years I wasn’t recalled, so it is highly likely it won’t happen again. And my father is well aware of my opinions on the matter.”

  “But if he thinks you belong in the military …” Loki trailed off.

  Dan patted his arm. “Don’t worry. For a while, I thought he might recall me on a whim, like forcing me to remain in Special Forces, but he is too honorable to do so. No, my father will only enact the provision if the need is dire … like this time.”

  Loki’s eyes widened. “Why did you have to go to Kandahar?”

  “Um, sorry, can’t tell you anything.”

  Kinsey entering with two trays stacked up ceased further inquiry. She set them on the table and cringed as she realized her faux pas … she forgot to bring one for Dan. To cover up, she offered him her iced coffee, making it seem like she had not messed up.

  Dan noted she carried six not seven beverages, surmising what occurred as he took the cup. “Don’t you want one?”

  “No, I’m trying to cut back on caffeine.”

  Loki laughed, unaware of the undercurrent. “Wrong line of work to be caffeine-free. We live on the stuff.”

  As they settled in, Nick began the briefing, highlighting the latest robbery pulled by the Barton brothers, recognizing Jon’s disgust over the fact they had been on the loose for almost two years now, wreaking havoc throughout the country … hitting banks in every province and killing numerous people. If only they had not escaped during the confusion at Central Bank.

  Tia’s voice interrupted his closing statements as she said, “Alpha Team, hot call. Hostage situation at the Fourteenth Division. Captain Fleetwood called our direct line. I can patch him through to your comms.”

  The team rushed to gear up, all wondering who would take a hostage at a police station. Entering the vehicles,
they attached their headsets, turned them on, and listened as Boss spoke with the captain.

  En Route to Fourteenth Division

  In the SUV with Dan, Jon muted his comms and glanced at the passenger side after they learned some of the details. “I’m going to send you up to cover Boss. Don’t want you in a Zulu position given … well, the circumstances.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Dan blew out a breath.

  From the back seat, Kinsey inquired, “Why, what is the issue?”

  About to tell Kinsey to mind her own business, Jon halted when Dan spoke.

  Twisting to peer at Kinsey, Dan said, “This is my old division. Where I was when I worked with Internal Affairs to gather evidence on Snow and the others. Some officers from back then, or their friends, still work here. Best if I’m not in a position to take a lethal shot. If something bad happens, well, the shit might hit the fan, and I’m not keen on putting up with more crap.”

  Kinsey nodded, understanding about Snow, but she didn’t quite connect all the dots. He did the right thing turning in his training officer. Why would he be worried about constables here? The preverbal lightbulb clicked on. She encountered old-school cops while in Vancouver before she transferred to Toronto. Perhaps the blue wall of silence exists here too.

  Happy Dan accepted his decision and understood why, Jon unmuted and doled out assignments as they rolled to a stop. He hopped out and scanned for the most advantageous Zulu location.

  Grabbing a shield, Dan suggested, “South building gives you the best vantage of the entire roof. You won’t have a blind spot created by the AC units from there.”

  Thinking about the time they found Dan napping by the TRF air handlers and wanting to lighten Dan’s mood, Jon chuckled as he slung his Remi on his shoulder. “Spend a lot of time up on that roof?”

  “Enough,” Dan replied, assuming Jon referred to his inclination of going up to the roof to think when things stressed him out.

  “Don’t make me add this to the unacceptable nap locations list,” Jon quipped.

  Understanding Jon was telling him to be careful … he cared … Dan gave him a lopsided grin. “My feet will stay firmly planted covering Boss.” Dan pivoted and jogged over to join Bram and Boss as they entered the building.

  Puzzled by the exchange, Kinsey joined Ray to interview the few witnesses to glean more information on the situation. A masked subject grabbed an officer and forced him at gunpoint to the rooftop of the five-story station.

  Fourteenth Division – Rooftop

  Exiting the roof door, Nick spoke softly, “Loki, anything for me yet on the identity of the officer or subject?”

  “Yeah, Constable Conrad Barrios. Still working on the subject.” Loki tapped into the station’s cameras to track the movements of the unknown subject … because entering and gaining access to the men’s locker room would be difficult for the general public. To move freely enough to grab the constable as he changed, the person must be a regular, perhaps an old friend or family.

  Nick turned to Dan upon hearing the last name. He didn’t want to voice his question aloud, and thankfully he didn’t need to.

  “Yes, he’s who you think.” Dan lifted the shield as he scanned the area.

  As Jon sprinted up the stairwell, he recalled their conversation on Saturday about Barrios being one of the jerks who trashed Dan’s locker and failed to provide back up for him. “Boss, should he sit this one out?”

  Confused, Bram’s gaze bounced between Dan and Boss, but he kept quiet.

  “I’m okay, Boss. He’s the hostage, and the other is ancient history.” Dan made eye contact with Nick.

  “Alright.” Nick acquiesced trusting Dan’s word as he put a hand on Dan’s shoulder. They began to make their way towards the two figures near the edge while Bram went the other direction to provide a different angle of coverage. As the three moved closer, they overheard the subject.

  “You’re gonna jump. Stand up and do as I say. Now!”

  Nick noted the voice squeaked as it shifted high and low. An adolescent boy for sure. “Loki, search for teenage boys entering.”

  “Copy,” Loki rolled the footage back and began combing the images for teens.

  Facing his own gun, Barrios growled, “I’m not jumping, you little shit.”

  Waving the gun, his hand shaking, Clayton demanded again, “Jump, or I shoot you.”

  “You don’t have the guts,” Barrios spat back.

  “Yeah, yeah I do. I’m not gonna let you hurt us anymore. I want you to jump and save us all a whole lot of trouble.”

  “You sniveling piece of shit … I won’t jump. You want me dead … kill me. I dare you.”

  “Boss, got it. He’s just a kid. Clayton Barrios, the constable’s son,” Loki called out as he viewed an image of Clayton pulling the mask down before entering the locker room.

  Ray shared details he discovered. “According to Barrios’ partner, Conrad’s wife attempted suicide on Friday, and Clayton ran away. He is baffled by the whole thing. Until a few days ago he believed Conrad and Graciela lived the quintessential happily-ever-after, and Conrad always talked about how his kid was a star student … and college bound. The perfect family.”

  Kinsey offered her input. “Perhaps the kid went off the deep end when his mother tried to end her life. A girlfriend of mine nosedived and spiraled out of control after her father died of a drug overdose. She never did come to her senses and ended up in prison.”

  Having a name, Nick engaged, “Hello, Clayton, I’m Nick Pastore, and I’m with the Tactical Response Force. I would like to talk with you. Can you tell me what’s going on?”

  Surprised, Clayton stared at the man with dark brown hair whitening at the temples. “No. Go away. This doesn’t concern you.”

  “But it does, and I can’t leave. I want to help resolve this. Can you lower the weapon so we can talk?”

  “No. I’m gonna make him jump.” Clayton turned his attention to his dad. “Get on your feet now and move over there.” He pointed to the edge with his empty hand.

  “You’re dumber than I thought you were. A sniper is gonna shoot you before you can make me jump. No great loss, he’d be doing the world a favor,” Conrad sneered.

  “Mr. Barrios, please stay quiet. Clayton, talk to me, son, why do you want your father to jump?”

  “‘Cause he deserves to die.” Clayton rubbed at his eyes to stop the tears from blurring his vision. “Everyone thinks he is an awesome person. A loving husband, the best dad … but he isn’t. Far from it. He is a monster.”

  “Okay, you believe he isn’t a good father or husband,” Nick reflected what he heard back to the boy.

  “I don’t believe … I know!” Clayton ripped off his mask and pointed to his bruised face. “He did this. He put my mom in the hospital. All because we wanted to get away from him.”

  Dan sucked in a breath. The kid from the park. The contusions he viewed two days ago had deepened in color, now black and dark purple.

  Nick glanced at Dan.

  He explained his reaction. “Came across him on a bike trail Saturday evening. He was beaten up, and I offered him help. He seemed frightened … more so when I told him I’m a constable.”

  “I have the solution,” Jon said as he aimed at the kid. Though he disliked being in this position, he was grateful he had not made Dan Zulu One. If any of us must shoot a kid, it needs to be me. God, I hope Clayton doesn’t make me shoot him … give up kid … please.

  “Clayton, there are other options. There are places you can be safe.” Nick endeavored to connect.

  “Not from him. He’s a cop, and so are you. I don’t trust cops. You all stick together. He almost killed my mom. He made her swallow a bunch of pills and pushed her down the stairs. Then he called his buddy and said she tried to commit suicide and everyone believed him. She’s too scared to tell anyone what really happened.”

  The reason for making Conrad jump clicked in Nick’s brain. The kid is doing to his father what he believes Con
rad did to Graciela. “How about we call your mother? If what you say is true, we can help.”

  “No, you won’t. It will be like it always is. Everyone will believe him. I told my counselor once when I was nine … you know what happened?”

  “Why don’t you tell me?” Nick asked, hoping to build trust.

  “Nothing. After the counselor talked to him, I was branded a troubled kid who made up stories. When we got home, he said if I ever told anyone again, he would kill us and make it look like an accident. To make his point he beat my mom. For the past seven years, it has been one beating after another. Mom became an expert at lying and putting on makeup to cover what he did.”

  Ray said, “Found Graciela Barrios at General Hospital. Kinsey and I are on our way to speak to her.”

  “Copy,” Nick murmured behind his hand.

  “Boss, I think I can connect. Let me try, please,” Dan whispered.

  Nick gazed at Dan. He understood Dan experienced a rough childhood full of misconceptions, but this was not the same. He shook his head.

  Dan remained in place, wanting to do more, but complying as Boss continued to talk with the youth. Fifteen minutes later, Ray and Kinsey arrived at the hospital, but as Clayton indicated, Mrs. Barrios wouldn’t talk to them.

  Becoming desperate, seeing no other option, Clayton’s weapon began to rise. If my asshole father won’t jump, I’ll shoot him.

  Dan purposely bounced his shield on the roof’s surface to draw Clayton’s attention and halt the upward movement of the gun. The sudden noise caused the boy to turn towards him. Determined, Dan handed his astonished Boss the shield then faced the distraught youth. “Clayton, you don’t want to do that. Remember me? Dan, from the bike trail. I gave you water, and told you the best part of my job is helping those who can’t help themselves.”

  Clayton gaped.

  “What the hell are you doing here, Ratfink?” Barrios yelled. If the gun had come up a bit more, his problem child would be dead, and no one would ever make Graciela admit he tried to kill her. People would view him as the victim of a disturbed, unmanageable teen with a proclivity for lying to gain attention … precisely what he explained to the counselor years ago.