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

by Laura Acton

  “Kinsey doesn’t know?” Lexa wanted to dislike her temporary replacement, but Loki and the others only had good things to say about her skills.

  Dan shook his head. “None of her business.”

  Lexa’s mind backtracked and did the calculations. Surprised, Lexa blurted out, “Wait, you’re saying your father made you travel to Kandahar only two weeks after your injury. Is he insane? I thought, uh, assumed your dad, well, would put your well-being first after everything we discovered.”

  Colliding emotions created by watching Lexa with another man and his father’s words about taking the position created for him so he could be with Lexa, caused irritation to enter Dan’s tone. “When General Badass summons, you don’t say no. Hell, I could be on death’s doorstep, and if he calls, I damn-well better report. Oh, wait, been there, done that.”

  Concerned, detecting the play of emotions in his eyes, Lexa whispered, “Dan, you okay?”

  Reining in his resentment about not being able to date Lexa and stay with the team, Dan deflected. “Yeah, sorry. It’s just, while I was there, he sorta pulled some strings and created a position for me. He wants me back in the military where I can make a real difference.”

  “Whooooa.” Geez, his dad could say such hurtful things. Doesn’t he understand Dan will never willingly choose to go back? This will only sabotage their efforts to reestablish a father-son relationship. Wonder how Dan handled it this time? “What did you say?”

  Dan raked a hand through his sweaty hair. “Told him I make a difference here and hell will freeze over before I ever consent to rejoin.”

  “You are where you belong. Loki told me how you saved the kid on your first day back. If you weren’t here, a young man would be dead.” Lexa smiled, and wanted to reach out a hand, but hesitated to make physical contact with him. Merely standing close set off the electrical vibration … touching would send it zinging through her … and if they were to be only teammates … well, that just couldn’t happen.

  Spotting Duke coming their way, Dan took two steps back. The desire to pull Lexa to him and kiss her fervently to stake claim on his beauty nearly overwhelmed him. His voice gravely, unable to hide his hurt mixed with passion, Dan said, “I gotta be going. Enjoy your burger and beer.”

  He pivoted, and although the idea of his Sexy Lexie being with Duke made him yearn to punch the man’s lights out, he forced himself to walk away. Ten paces away from Lexa, his little savior came to his rescue.

  “Uncle Danny, wait …” Allie shouted as she ran pell-mell towards him.

  Lexa watched Dan crouch to Allie’s level and overheard her begging him to go to the lake with her. She noted his hesitation … wholly unlike him when it came to a request from Allie. Something clicked in her mind, and the memory of the bridezilla call came to her. She recalled the fear emanating from his eyes that day as she hung on to him until the coast guard fished them out of the icy water. Does Dan have a phobia of water in addition to needles?

  Duke sidled up to Lexa, balancing two plates in one hand so he could munch on the burger he got from the Fire Stick Grill vendor. “Mmmm tasty. Have a bite … these are delicious.”

  Lexa blanched at Duke’s unfortunate choice of words … our words … a close version of hers and Dan’s first encounter. She turned to Duke as her stomach soured. “Sorry, not hungry. You can have both.”

  Bram noted Allie pestering Dan about swimming. When Dan declined a second time, promising to return later to take her to the swings, he decided to rescue him. He realized Dan probably didn’t want to go join in because he wouldn’t want to take off his shirt in public, exposing his scars to everyone and undoubtedly causing the girls distress. Bram trotted over, and picked up Allie, turning her upside down as he said, “Got ya now … thought you could get away from the great white shark by being a landlubber.”

  Allie squealed with delight as her daddy carried her back to the water, but she hollered, “Swings in one hour … you pinky promised.”

  “I’ll be there!” Dan responded, grateful for Bram’s intervention, as he continued to the carnival area. He wanted to glance behind him at Lexa but forced himself not to. The romance between us is now over. I need to be her friend and nothing more … even if it hurts like hell.

  Life Goes On

  67

  July 19

  TRF HQ – Conference Room Three – 4:25 p.m.

  Lexa walked with Boss to the soundproof room for her pre-return discussion. A conversation she expected to be nothing like any previous one and would determine if she would return to Alpha. She possessed no worries physically or about the psych eval, those she passed without issue. Dr. Marfont spent the session focusing on her feelings around being shot and deemed she utilized appropriate coping skills for dealing with the trauma.

  With two of three hurdles behind her, she hoped this meeting would be a rubber stamp, but she was not naïve enough to believe her wishful thinking. No, Boss is a perceptive man, and it will be hard to hide my true feelings. This will be more difficult than I can imagine. I must convince him life goes on and I care no more or no less for Dan than I do for any member of the team.

  At the picnic last week, she plastered on a smile … a fake one … hoping to fool Boss, but his hazel orbs studied her. She worried Boss might’ve seen how her heart shredded after viewing the flash of pain in Dan’s eyes caused by her coming with Duke. Later, when Dan told her to enjoy her burger and beer, she fought the atypical desire to cry. Their whole relationship started because she reached out a hand of friendship to him, insisting they grab a beer and burger after work. And she would never forget their first mmmm tasty burger.

  Lexa pushed aside and endeavored to bury those thoughts as she took a seat. She genuinely hoped she and Dan could go back to their pre-dating friendship, but only time would tell.

  Nick lowered himself in a chair next to Lexa. Though today was an off-duty day, he decided to conduct this discussion at headquarters because he must be her sergeant, not her friend or surrogate father. He set the folder on the table and got started. “I reviewed your evals … stellar as expected.”

  A real smile appeared on Lexa’s face. “Thanks. I worked hard. Hours in the gym and my remodeling project helped. I’m fitter now than before.”

  “It shows. Some of your best physical results. Dr. Marfont also indicates you are coping well with the after-effects of being shot.” Nick stopped a moment and peered into Lexa’s bright eyes … trying to perceive if she hid anything from the psychologist. With her degree in psychology, he wondered if she possessed the same skills as Dan and might be able to manipulate the assessment.

  Lexa understood what Boss wanted … no, needed from her. “I did suffer nightmares for several weeks. Mostly, my mind kept replaying the scene, and I chided myself for making a huge error. I shouldn’t have made my move until Dan arrived. I made a rookie mistake, and if Dan had not been the consummate professional that he is, when he found me, my action could’ve caused his death. But he focused on what needed to be done first.”

  Nick listened and nodded. “Nothing lurking in your head that blames him?”

  Lexa bit her lower lip. Crud, he asks hard questions. She answered truthfully, needing to rebuild trust. “I’d be lying if I said I never once had a thought along those lines. Once or twice, yeah, my nightmares had me waking with the notion, if only he arrived sooner, but the reality is, I’m the one who messed up. Dan went down when whacked with the pool cue, and I kept after Pablo.

  “I left Dan in a vulnerable situation. We all know how strong he is … and well, how he hides injuries. I should’ve stopped and ensured he was not hurt before continuing up the stairs, and I damn-well shouldn’t have gone out on the roof without cover and backup. So, the answer to what you are really asking is yes, I trust Dan with my life.” Lexa met Nick’s gaze straight on, allowing him to probe her mind via her eyes.

  Accepting Lexa spoke with honesty, appreciating her candor, Nick nodded. He started with the easier of the two
inquiries he must address, and the next one tugged at his heart. He wished with all his might two people he admired and loved could pursue their hearts … but protocol forbade their romantic liaison. Lexa bringing Duke had surprised him, but when he thought more on it, he grasped her reasoning … though he didn’t agree with her method.

  He didn’t miss much, and if he had listened to his intuition telling him there was more between Lexa and Dan than should be, he might’ve averted this whole debacle. Though another part of him chided him for believing he had some god-like powers. As if he could be the force to prevent two souls in need of comfort from finding one another and connecting, especially when he was the one pushing her towards Dan for over a year. He recognized he bore some of the responsibility.

  “I know what you’re going to ask next. I made my choice. The team.” Lexa pre-empted the expected question.

  Nick sighed. “Not what I planned to ask. I comprehended your choice when you did requals. Although you are dating again, well, let’s just say I understand you don’t give your heart easily. What you share with Dan is something special.” He put up a hand when Lexa opened her mouth. “I’m not blind. Feelings don’t go away because a rulebook says they are not allowed.”

  Lexa rubbed sweaty palms on her jeans. Yeah, he can still read me. What was I thinking to bring Duke to the fundraiser? I didn’t fool Boss one bit, and my actions succeeded in hurting Dan yet again.

  Unable to keep his fatherly tone from his voice, as she held a place in his heart he could not deny, and although his worry included the entire team, his interest in her wellbeing was measurably higher. “I’m most concerned if the prospect of partnering with him will be too difficult or too awkward for you and if so, what impact or risk the dynamic will bring to our team?”

  Though unsure herself, she projected confidence, praying the first-class profiler didn’t find her transparent. “Our romantic entanglement is over. The picnic is the first time we’ve spoken since I broke things off. Our interaction was bound to be somewhat awkward. We are both professionals … give us a chance to prove to you we can work together. I promise we will not be a risk to the team or one another.”

  “Dan said much the same thing. I trust you both to try.” Nick didn’t want to hurt her, though full disclosure demanded he prepare her for the possible eventuality, but he couldn’t bring himself to say the words … at least not all of them. “Jon and I will be making regular assessments … and yes, he is aware, as TL he is responsible for team safety and needed to know. If things turn out differently than we all hope, adjustments to team assignments will be made, but neither of you will be leaving TRF.”

  A selfish part of Lexa prompted by her fear of losing her family and becoming an outcast wanted to say, I joined Alpha first so I should be the one to stay, but she gave Boss a nod. “I understand, but no transfers will be needed.”

  Nick smiled. “Welcome back. We are on the noon to midnight shift now, so I’ll see you at workout tomorrow at ten.”

  Lexa stood as Nick did and she couldn’t help turning the handshake he offered into a quick hug. She beamed as she stepped back. “Ten sharp.” Lexa turned to leave but halted and faced Boss again. “What about Kinsey? Will she stay on the reserve officer list?”

  “No. Colton offered her the open position on his team. She accepted.”

  “I’m happy for her. By all accounts from Loki, she is a good fit for TRF.”

  “Yes, she is. I’m glad Dan put her on the short list.”

  As Lexa exited, she wondered which one of them would be transferred if things didn’t work out … but quickly shelved the thought. I will make sure it works out … Dan needs the team as much as I do.

  Ottawa – General Hospital – Maternity Ward – 5:00 p.m.

  After a four-hour drive from Toronto, Dan stood gazing in the window of the newborn nursery, hoping the blue and pink bundles would open their eyes. He wondered if Scott’s daughter would have green eyes like their mothers, but assumed the boy would likely inherit the Broderick blue like all the other males in their family.

  “Mr. Broderick?” Mildred, a maternity nurse, approached the new father noting he changed from his Navy uniform into civilian clothes. What a lovely couple Scott and Lilyanna Broderick are … and their newborn twins are downright beautiful.

  Dan turned. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “You don’t have to stand out here. I can escort you in so you can hold your babies.” Mildred’s smile grew at the bafflement which crossed many first-time fathers’ faces.

  Confused for only a moment, Dan realized the nurse made the mistake many people did. “They aren’t mine.”

  Her smile turned to a frown. Mildred already dealt with one man today who ditched his family after his wife gave birth to a second girl. I’ll never understand men who believe females are worthless. “Now you see here,” she pointed to the sleeping infants, “those are your children. The time for cold feet was before your wife got pregnant. They are here now and—”

  “Ma’am, you don’t understand, they—” Dan cut her off only to be cut-off by her too.

  “Don’t you use your fancy military manners on me. Those beautiful babies need their father.”

  “Yes, they do,” Dan agreed, “but I’m not—”

  “Dan, you made it!” Scott raced forward. Thrilled Dan came, he engulfed his younger cousin in a hug.

  Embracing Scott fiercely, Dan patted his back to communicate his joy for the brand-new family, “Congratulations! I hopped in the truck as soon as Mom called and said Lily went into labor.”

  Mildred gaped as bright red spots appeared on her cheeks. “Oh, my, twins,” she breathed out, embarrassed by taking the other man to task.

  Scott turned to Mildred. “Cousins.”

  “Please forgive my tirade,” Mildred begged, but as she gazed at the two men, she shook her head. “Twins … you look too much alike to be cousins.”

  “Danny.” Yvonne rushed forward after catching sight of her son for the first time since he had to leave for Kandahar. She noted his healthy glow and bright smile. On this particular day of July, viewing him grinning and well meant to world to her. “You are looking hale and hearty.”

  “Hi, Mom.” Dan hugged his mom, holding on tight, understanding that being in a hospital today would be tough for both. On the drive here, he came to terms with what it would mean, realizing life goes on and wondering if Fate sought to right an injustice. Twenty years ago, the events on this date made him a family outcast, at least in his child’s traumatized mind, but no longer cast out, Dan wanted to be part of this joyful family occasion.

  Ann sidled up to Scott wearing a broad smile and slipped her hand around his waist. “And where are my beautiful grandbabies?”

  “Right in there, Mom. I was coming to get them to take them to Lily’s room after helping her prepare for the onslaught of visitors.”

  “Oh, my … I can’t wait to hold them,” Ann gushed.

  “Why don’t you go to room four fifteen, I’ll bring them in,” Scott suggested as he kissed his mom’s cheek.

  Mildred’s eyes bounced between two identical, elegant, ladies … only their clothing and hairstyle different. Twin sisters? Her gaze shifted down the hall as two women and five men approached. The familial resemblance remarkable between three of the older men, and the younger man … each one with stunning sapphire eyes like the two who stood close to her. “Mr. Broderick?”

  Both Dan and Scott turned.

  “Scott,” Mildred clarified.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “The infants shouldn’t be exposed to so many people.” Mildred eyed the group who came to a halt as she noticed several women with children ranging from toddlers to teens in tow hurrying down the hallway.

  Erik said, “She’s right, Son. Everyone is excited to welcome the newest family members, but perhaps most should view them from here.”

  Scott peered at them all, happy everyone who was in town came to meet his children, but his father was ri
ght. His eyes landed on Dan and Aunt Yvonne. The day’s significance not lost on him, or anyone in the family old enough to remember. July nineteenth would always be a bittersweet day … the day they lost precious little Sara and now the birth of his son and daughter.

  He made a decision he hoped would sit well with the entire family. “Dan, please come with me to get my wee ones. Mom, Dad, Aunt Yvonne, and Commander, sir,” Scott paused, after all this time still uncomfortable referring to his father-in-law by his first name.

  Chief of Defence Staff McFergus chuckled and patted Scott’s shoulder. “Son, about time you start calling me Jerrell, at least while off duty because I’m going to be Grandpa to the two little ones in there.”

  Grinning, Scott tested the words on this tongue. “Well, Grandpa Jerrell, if you go with my parents and auntie to Lily’s room and wait, you can meet and hold your grandkids. The rest of the clan can hold them in a few days.”

  Mark, Ryan, Jeff, Connie, Kimberly, Vicky, Amelia, and Ashley all nodded, fully understanding Scott’s choice. But Yvonne, said, “Perhaps Vicky and Amelia should go instead … they are your siblings.”

  Fifteen years old at the time of Sara’s death, Vicky recalled the devastation which wracked this family two decades ago, and she believed the two sweet miracles born today might help heal old wounds. She clasped her aunt’s hand and squeezed. “We will all have loads of time with them … you go ahead.”

  Scott tugged on Dan’s arm. “Come meet my munchkins and help bring them closer to the window so everyone can see them better.”

  Ann linked her arm in Yvonne’s, pleased by her son’s thoughtfulness and insight. As she strolled towards Lilyanna’s room with her sister, she hoped the joyous event today would temper the sadness this day brought forth for all.

  Surprised by the gesture, Dan followed and gowned up like Scott. He approached the clear plastic bassinets and peered down at the infants, in awe of how tiny they were. The memory of the time he helped a woman give birth in Afghanistan seeped in. Out of something terrible, Parsons’ unit leaving him for dead, he witnessed the miracle of life.