by Laura Acton
Guardians
Mission to Rescue Innocence
Beauty of Life
Book Seven
Laura Acton
Copyright © 2018 by Laura Acton
All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise except for use of brief quotations in a book review.
ISBN: 9781982984823 (paperback)
Guardians: Mission to Rescue Innocence is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.
‘Hidden Meanings’ poem © 1978 by Jerrell J. Ferguson, used with permission.
By Laura Acton
Beauty of Life series (in order):
Forsaken: On the Edge of Oblivion
Solace: Behind the Shield
Belonging: Hope, Truth, and Malice
Outlier: Blood, Brotherhood, and Beauty
Purgatory: Bonds Forged in Hellfire
Serenity: A Path Home
Guardians: Mission to Rescue Innocence
Acknowledgements
Kate and Martha … you are awesome! Words are powerless to express the full measure of my gratitude, so I offer a heartfelt thank you for all your creative input and eyes for details. You ladies are part of the beauty of my life.
Contents
1) Destiny
2) Bringers of Light and Protectors
3) Why’d You Lie?
4) Brunch with Champions
5) Right Place, Right Time
6) Blondie Needs to Get Laid
7) Undercover Ops
8) Insecurities Validated
9) Asking Too Much
10) No Ditzy Blonde
11) Let the Games Begin
12) Scars Do Not Define Me
13) Your Gene Pool Needs Bleach
14) Admiration and Gratitude
15) Weapons and Virgins
16) No Win Situation
17) Below the Surface
18) Emotional Storms
19) Multifaceted Man
20) Smooth Operators
21) Sleepless in Makhachkala
22) Wicked Deeds
23) We Have a Problem
24) In the Arms of Morpheus
25) A Father-Son Moment
26) Ready, Set, Showtime!
27) Into the Den of Iniquity
28) Don’t Piss Off Dom
29) Unexpected
30) One Cocky SOB
31) Stealth and Surprises
32) Acts of Kindness
33) The Auction
34) Deception, Treachery, and Death
35) Firefight on the Fifth
36) Zero-Sum Game
37) Grasshopper Becomes the Master
38) Hope, Faith, and Divine Intervention
39) The Price of Being Prometheus
40) In the Hands of His Angels
41) Family Is Everything
42) Cost of Being a Guardian
43) Up in Flames
44) Still Waters Run Deep
45) Burdens of Leadership
46) Bonds Tested and True
47) Truth and Lies in the News
48) Risky Yet Necessary
49) Fires and Liquid Gold
50) Creative Tricks of the Trade
51) Inner Recesses
52) Exits and Arrivals
53) Stubbornness and Subterfuge
54) Blindsided by Betrayal
55) Here When You Most Need
56) When Angels Communicate
57) Luxury and Laughter
58) Three Hour Tour
59) Out of the Pan, Into the Fire
60) Blast from the Past
61) Fathers and Sons
62) Silencing the Snake
63) Fìor Ghàidhealtachd Laoch
64) Promises Kept
65) Great Minds
66) Solidarity
67) A Tangled Web
68) Actions Reveal the Man
69) Dungeon and Daggers
70) Both Sides of the Fence
71) Days Like This
72) Letting Loose
73) New Beginnings
74) When I See You Again
75) Security Detail
76) Past and Present Collide
77) Wanna Come to My Place?
78) Fly in the Ointment
Sneak Peek: Secrets Passion, Deceit, and Revenge
About the Author
Guardians
Mission to Rescue Innocence
Destiny
1
December 25
General Broderick’s Home – Library – 11:59 p.m.
Brody Hunter folded his wings and crouched before Dan Broderick who slept peacefully on the couch. Dan’s parents left a few moments ago after General Broderick slipped a pillow under his son’s head, lightly stroked Danny’s blond hair, and whispered goodnight. His mother adjusted the blanket and kissed his cheek as she told him she loved him. A scene which warmed Brody’s heart.
“Merry Christmas, Danny. I’m overjoyed you found your path home, but my wish is for you to heal. I’m begging you to forgive yourself for my death. It. Was. Not. Your. Fault.” Tears welled in Brody’s jade-green eyes as he lay a hand over his old dog tag which nestled near Dan’s heart. A golden light began to glow. “Please heal, brother.”
Danny’s soul-deep remorse remained as palpable and intense a year and a half later as on the day Brody died. Brody worried he might never be able to assuage Dan’s agony so his heart would become whole. Nothing Brody did replaced the missing pieces. As his brother slept, Brody sank to the floor and stared at him. “I’m supposed to protect you. Lord knows I try. How do I safeguard you from yourself, from your own demons?”
A light glowed next to him, and a wan smile appeared regardless of the distress he felt. “Hello, Mom.”
“Hello, my sweet boy.” Louise Hunter wrapped her arms and wings around her son and held him. Softly she sang ‘Amazing Grace,’ to ease his burdens. When she finished, she said, “Do not give up hope. One day Daniel will heal. Trust that his path must be what it is for the greater good.”
Brody wiped his eyes as he gazed upon his beautiful mother. “I understand. Doesn’t make it any easier to accept. Though, I’m glad I was chosen to be his guardian angel.” Turning back to Danny, a bittersweet memory filtered in.
Brody’s Memory – Nineteen Months Ago – May 26
Afghanistan – Terrorist Stronghold
Master Corporal Brody Hunter crouched down behind the low wall where Major Plouffe directed him to stay. A last-minute order he disagreed with but kept his mouth shut because the major was a legendary pain in the ass if anyone so much as hinted at questioning his commands. This was a rotten position regardless of the major’s desire to ensure eyes on the primary target.
Plouffe’s tactical abilities were abysmal. He wished his CO had been there to countermand the idiot, but with a still mending ankle, Blaze was spotting for Danny and Watchdog today, and they had already moved into position. Brody blew out a breath and switched to the frequency Plouffe ordered so he could provide an ongoing sitrep to the damned major.
This is not the way I expected to spend my thirty-first birthday. Damn Plouffe for cutting our leave short for this mission. What the hell is Plouffe even doing leading this one? Glory Hog. Yeah, this is a big-time player and a feather in someone’s cap, b
ut couldn’t he just send us and take credit after like always?
Brody hated this exposed position. He scanned, hoping if he remained still none of the targets would notice him. His eyes landed on the main target. The covert operative, Pletcher, identified this cell as being involved in the ongoing arms thefts. When Pletcher received intel the cell would be moving, a joint op with Blaze’s and Hammer’s units was hastily cobbled together. Pletcher insisted they must strike now or chance losing them to the wind again.
Staring at the man, Brody knew Dan wouldn’t miss his target. He’s the best sniper in the world. That thought brought to mind Plouffe’s dress down of Danny last night as they prepped for the mission. Major Plouffe laid into him with gusto when Dan suggested a sniper perch with better visibility.
I swear, the major has it out for Dan. If Blaze had been there, instead of the medical tent with Patch getting a brace for his ankle, Plouffe’s tirade wouldn’t have been as full of acid. The corners of his mouth lifted as he thought, Papa Bear watches over Goldilocks.
Brody’s mind turned to the private conversations he and Baboon had over the past couple of weeks. Amazing what fresh eyes see. Nils’ opinions are logical. We’ve all been so focused on the general screwing with Danny. He’s right … we’ve had blinders on. No way a man in his position could … well, yeah, General Broderick could, but it no longer jibes he would do these things to his only son. Could Plouffe be the one behind everything? If so why and how?
Plouffe called out, “Hunter, sitrep,” interrupting Brody’s thoughts.
“No movement. Eyes still on the principal target,” Brody reported. He scanned the area again and spotted someone unexpected. “Wait. Christ! What the hell is he doing here?”
Sitting alone in a Humvee, far from the action, Plouffe smirked. “Hold.” He switched channels and depressed the button to speak. “Cleared to fire.” Releasing the switch, he listened to Lieutenant Blain relaying his order to both snipers. The reports of the rifle fire caused him to laugh. Returning to the previous frequency, he ordered, “Bug out, now.”
“Sir?” Brody asked confused by the change in orders.
“Move your ass. Get out of there now!” Plouffe had to cover his glee with a cough. This would work exactly as he planned. He changed channels again. “He’s where we agreed. Take him out.”
Brody shifted. How does he expect me exfil now? Dan and Watchdog have orders to shoot anything that moves—our recon identified only hostiles in the village. He duck-waddled a few paces to the left searching for an option. A searing pain ripped through his abdomen knocking him against the wall. He sucked in a breath as he glanced to the right. Damn! He shot me! Why? Nowhere to go, he raised his weapon, aiming for a traitor as he rose slightly.
They fired simultaneously as the traitor dove for cover. Another bullet tore through Brody’s vest, the pain agonizing. My only chance is to run for it. Brody started to rise as he glimpsed the primary target blown away by a .50 cal.
Danny! “Oh shit, he never misses!” Brody mouthed quietly as he finished rising as if in slow motion. Unable to change the course of events, knowing his death at the hand of his brother was imminent, Brody’s last living thought was one of despair. This is not only going to kill me it will kill my brother too.
Brody blinked. He felt no pain, none whatsoever. Everything burst into bright, white light with a golden hue. He stood viewing his earthly remains in the dirt. Where his upper torso had been, now a gaping hole, nothing left. Brody then witnessed the strangest thing.
Tiny flecks of gold began rising from all over the dusty ground. The shimmering speckles formed a stream which headed straight for him. Rooted in place, fascinated as the golden flow entered his chest, understanding dawned in Brody. Fragments of my heart. As the last speck settled into place, a sense of warmth, tranquility, and beauty infused him.
Turning away from the vision of his destroyed body, Brody observed a group of people waiting to greet him. His eyes focused on his beloved mother. She’s so radiant.
“Brody, my beloved gift from God,” Louise’s melodious voice said as she opened her arms to receive him. Pulling him close, she enfolded him with her love and sighed as her son lay his head on her shoulder.
His arms went around his mother automatically and held tightly. She is much smaller than I recall. Happy tears flowed, soaking in the love he sensed as she hugged him. Time held no meaning for him, and he was unsure how long they embraced—he never wanted to let go.
Eventually, she stepped back, and he gazed into her glowing face. Not a single mark on her. With a feather light touch, he brushed his fingers around her eye. The one which had been blackened in the only picture of her he possessed. “So beautiful. Thank you for the music. I missed you, Mom.”
Louise caressed Brody’s face. “I’ve always been with you, my sweet boy. Always. There has not been a day I have not whispered to you, Brody.”
Brody blinked. “You called me Brody. Twice.”
“Yes love, that’s your name, isn’t it?” Louise responded.
Grinning Brody replied, “Yes. Yes, it is.”
Louise smiled sweetly. “You picked a perfect name.” Her smile faded a little. “It was my job to prepare you for your life. For your destiny. I’m sorry you experienced so much sorrow and pain. It was necessary.”
Brody became confused. Destiny? What destiny? Is pain necessary? What is she talking about? Before he could ask, he was nearly bowled over as a smaller man engulfed him.
When he pulled back, surprise lit his features. “Ripsaw?!”
Beaming brightly, Ripsaw said, “Hey, Brody. Been waiting for you. Would’ve liked to wait a whole hell … heck of a lot longer, though.”
The change of words is what Brody picked up on. Ripsaw’s cleaned up his language. He spotted a man and a woman standing behind Ripsaw. Brody wondered who they were.
Noting the direction of Brody’s gaze, Ripsaw grinned. “I’d like to introduce you to my parents. Charlotte and Richard Preston, senior.”
Charlotte Preston came forward and hugged her son’s friend. “What a beautiful idea you had to start the scholarship. The three of you are helping so many with your generosity.” She placed her hand over his heart. “You truly have a heart of gold.”
A familiar voice boomed behind him, and Brody swiftly pivoted, ending up in another bearhug. Totally overwhelmed, Brody only stared as Yankee said, “Brody! It’s been too long, but not long enough.”
Bewildered, Brody only nodded.
Yankee released Brody and stepped back. His face shone with a brilliant smile as he spread his wings. “I have someone I want you to meet. Someone extremely special.”
A sweet little girl, with waist-length, golden blonde hair, sparkling emerald eyes, and the brightest smile Brody had ever seen approached him. He knelt on one knee to be eye level with her. “Who are you?”
“Who do you think?” A tinkle of a giggle bubbled out as her eyes danced.
Brody’s eyes opened wide. “Sara? Danny’s Sara?”
With a nod, Sara wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you for taking care of my Danny.”
Brody fell, ending up on his rear as her words slammed into him. Who will care for Danny now that I’m dead? Tears welled in his eyes as he peered up at Ripsaw and Yankee. He choked out, “Danny. Oh, dear God, Danny. This is gonna kill him.”
Louise knelt and brushed at the tears streaming down his face. “Hush, all will be alright. Hush. Hamon will protect Dan.”
Blinking to clear his eyes, Brody focused on his mom. “Who is Hamon?”
“Dan’s guardian angel. At least for now.”
“What do you mean? Is Danny going to die?” Brody asked in a panicked voice. He couldn’t bear it if Danny died.
No one answered Brody. They only beamed as a glorious golden-haired angel with broad shoulders and enormous, pure white wings appeared. Brody gaped up at him, drawn to the angel’s eyes. They are the same piercing shade of sapphire blue as Danny’s. The lopsided
grin on his face so familiar, Brody could’ve sworn the smile was Danny’s too.
Brody’s keen eyes moved from the angel back to his mother, noting her wings for the first time. His gaze shifted to Yankee and Ripsaw, seeing wings. Turning to little Sara, he became confused. She didn’t possess wings.
Sara lay a small delicate hand on Brody’s cheek, her warmth leaving a pleasant, calming, tingling sensation. “I’m not a guardian angel. I don’t protect him. We play in his dreams. I try to make him happy when he is sad.”
Yankee’s face clouded and took on a sorrowful expression. He knelt near Sara as he gently rubbed her back. Tenderly he said, “Poppet, time for you to go now. Your grandmothers are waiting for you.”
Tears shimmered in Sara’s eyes, and her voice came out plaintive, “My Danny’s not going to die, is he?”
Three more angels appeared, two older ladies Brody didn’t recognize and one male he did. Gambit?
Gambit directed a wobbly smile at little Sara. She was so precious, and they all adored her. “Not if I can get Baboon to him quickly, Sara.” Redirecting his gaze to Hamon, he said, “They’re on their way.”
“Okay, Gambit. Thanks.”
Gambit spread his wings and headed for his charge, Master Corporal Nils Carsten, code name Baboon.
Ripsaw shifted and Brody noticed he appeared uncomfortable. His gut twisted when he recalled the expression. It was the countenance Ripsaw honed and used every time they dealt with Danny when he was hurt or came back from being with another unit—one devoid of any emotional triggers.
Hamon reached out and tucked Sara’s golden locks behind her ear. His tone soft and gentle he urged her, “Poppet, go with Rosemary and Gwyneth now. I will protect your Danny as I always do. You will be able to play with him soon.”
“Promise?” Sara said as crocodile tears began to roll down her alabaster cheeks.
“I promise.”
Sara gazed at Brody and bravely tried to smile, but sadness permeated her eyes. “Take good care of my Danny.” A small sob emerged as she turned and ran to the two ladies. The one with blue eyes bent down and embraced her before all three faded as if never there.