by Laura Acton
Confused, Brody watched Sara disappear. What is going on? The most heart-wrenching cry he had ever heard rent the air around him. He whipped his head towards the sound. Brody’s jaw dropped and eyes rounded, aghast seeing Danny on his knees near his earthly body. Dan’s head was thrown back as the primal scream of a wounded animal forcefully erupted from him.
Brody yelled, “Nooooooooooo. Danny, noooo!” His bewildered and agony filled jade eyes turned to his mother. He choked out, “Why did he have to find me? Why?”
Bringers of Light and Protectors
2
May 26
Afghanistan – Terrorist Stronghold
Louise wrapped her arms around her son, enclosing him in her wings, consoling and shielding him from viewing the brother of his heart and soul. She held Brody while he wept for Dan.
When the screaming ceased, Brody pulled away. He witnessed Danny cradled in the arms of his angel. Gambit knelt next to Nils Carsten, whispering in Baboon’s ear as their unit mate performed CPR on Danny. His hair ruffled with a strong gust of wind and Brody’s gaze traveled in the direction from where it blew. He gasped as he beheld Yankee and Ripsaw flapping their wings furiously as their hands gripped the shoulders of Blaze and Patch, propelling both men toward Danny.
Terror raced through Brody as a translucent likeness of Danny appeared and gazed down at his earthly body. Brody surged to his feet and stormed over to the barely formed ethereal mist. His voice boomed with fury, “It isn’t your time! You can’t die!”
Dan’s head turned to Brody, his disembodied voice dull, “I want to die. I killed you. I blew your heart into a million pieces. I deserve death. I can’t live without my brother.”
“No! You didn’t kill me! I was already dead,” Brody’s voice shook with fear. Danny was not responsible. He had to make him understand.
“I know what I did.” Dan pointed to Brody’s destroyed body, a gaping hole where his heart should’ve been. “I did that. I should’ve realized it was you. I’m sorry. I want to be with you,” Dan said lifelessly.
“You can’t die. Not now. You need to find the beauty of life. You must live. For me. Please, Danny, live. Do this for me. Go back. Now! Before it is too late,” Brody begged.
“It’s peaceful here, Brody. I don’t hurt.” Dan sagged and fell to his knees, numb and weary. “No pain.”
Brody dropped to his knee, wrapping both arms around Dan’s ethereal mist as something strange happened. After his arms enfolded Danny, so did a pair of pristine wings. Brody held on to Dan, his voice pleading, “Please return. You gotta walk your path. My hand will always be on your back. I’ll be here for you, brother. You’ll never be alone. I promise. Please, go now.”
One moment he embraced Dan and the next he held nothing. Brody gazed down at the ground. Patch pounded on Danny’s chest—once, twice, three times. “I found a pulse. We need air evac now!”
He witnessed Blaze radio for evac, take a knee between his earthly body and Danny’s, and place a hand on their heads. Blaze choked out, “I’m sorry. Oh, God, I gave the all clear. Brody, I’m so sorry. Blondie! Hang on kid. Don’t die. Please, God, don’t take my son from me too.”
Time passed, as Brody stared through a fog. His vision blurred and his soul cried out for his brothers’ anguish as they knelt, said a final goodbye to him, then lay a hand on Danny as they waited for the medical evacuation.
When the helicopter landed, Brody observed Hammer lift Danny and carry him as Patch rushed alongside calling out instructions to the crew of medics. Hamon stayed with Dan, holding him and whispering in his ear. Ripsaw floated next to Patch with a hand on his shoulder. Brody’s gaze returned to Winds just as his friend pulled Blaze upright and urged him towards the bird. Their angels stayed close to them with supportive hands on their backs as they whispered in their ears.
After the evac helicopter took flight, his mother appeared beside him. Brody turned to her with confusion and tears in his eyes. “What just happened?”
Louise folded her wings, and her hand caressed his cheek. “You earned your wings my son. You passed the first of many tests you must go through to become Dan’s guardian angel. I will guide and train you now. When you are ready, you will take over from Hamon.”
Incredulous, Brody asked, “What test did I pass?”
“Dan heard you. Your charge must be able to hear you. You spoke to him, and he listened.”
“He heard me?” Brody gaped at his mom.
Louise smiled. “In a way. He will not remember it as such. Dan may or may not recall what occurred. Most times our charges do not. Many charges believe we are hallucinations or images created from memories. They dismiss the visions and our guidance as wishful thinking, memories, and such.”
Dawning hit Brody. “Like when you sang to me. When the music came to me but there was no music around.”
“Yes, my love. Exactly like that.”
Brody glanced at the shell of his old body once more. Several unit soldiers reverently placed him into a black bag as Nils stood off to the side crying. Brody wished he could tell him and all the guys he was okay.
Putting her arm around Brody’s waist, Louise said, “They will grieve for you, my sweet boy. You had a positive impact on so many people and were so loved. In time, their grief will lessen, but they will never forget you. You made a real difference in the world. It’s a better place because you lived.”
He studied his mother. “You said you watched over me. Were you my guardian angel?”
“Not at first, but when you met Dan, I took over. My job was to prepare you for this. To help you establish the deep connection with him you needed to become his protector and keep him in the light.”
Still confused Brody asked, “Is that how guardian angels are selected? They need a personal connection?”
Louise shook her head. “No, not usually, but when it exists it helps. Like with Ripsaw and Patch and with Yankee and Blaze. But no. The link you and Dan share is rare. Extraordinarily rare. In fact, there has not been a pair like the two of you for a millennium.”
“Really? Why?”
A beautiful smile graced Louise’s face. “Because you are Daniel’s gift from God, Daniel is fated to lead a life filled with many trials and much pain. He is a favored son of God, as you are. His life will positively impact millions. For every life Daniel saves from harm, for each person he stops from committing a heinous crime, there are a multitude of souls he touches. By protecting one little girl in an alleyway and killing the man who holds her, Daniel will safeguard so many he will never know about.”
Intrigued, Brody listened but didn’t quite understand. “How?”
Louise thought a moment, trying to determine how best to enlighten her son. “Let’s take the young girl I mentioned. If Sara Clarry is saved by Dan, he sustains the life of the woman who is in charge of caring for her. If Dan doesn’t protect the lass, her caretaker will be so consumed by guilt she will commit suicide. If she does, all who love and care about her will be affected.
“His act will preserve the girl’s family too because if she dies, her family will shatter to pieces. Her grandmother, Lois Clarry, a nurse, will be devastated and stop tending to others. She won’t be around to care for many patients, and consequently, their families will be negatively impacted. It goes on and on to touch hundreds of lives.
“And if we look at the man he needs to kill to save the child. As difficult as that will be for Dan, the result is a corrupted soul will be gone and can no longer wreak havoc in more lives. If Ted Jitters lives, he will go on a drug-induced spree, killing a dozen more innocents.”
Louise grasped her son’s hand. “What I’m endeavoring to explain is things are interconnected. Dan’s destiny is to directly protect thousands of innocent souls and indirectly safeguard millions.”
Brody nodded starting to understand. “You said Danny is favored. Me too. If we are so favored why did we experience so much pain? Mom, you were murdered before my very eyes. My father strangled
the life out of you, and all I could do was watch. Sara died right in front of Danny, and his family essentially disowned him. Why?”
A male voice spoke from behind Brody. “Daniel’s family didn’t disown him. Your heart knows the truth. You’ve known for a while, yet your mind has not accepted the reality. The same is true for Daniel. We can’t control humanity, only attempt to guide them. There is both good and evil in this world. We do our best to help fight evil and keep our charges safe, and in the light, but we cannot make them do anything. They possess free will.”
Brody turned to the new voice. “Who are you?”
“I’m Patrick Ferguson, William Broderick’s guardian angel.”
“General Broderick’s?” Brody stared struggling to process everything.
Patrick nodded.
Louise said, “People have the freedom to choose, and their decisions take them down either light or dark paths. True evil exists and is strongest in the dark.” She squeezed his hand and gazed into Brody’s eyes. “Dan is from a family of protectors. They have been guardians for more than a millennium and are descendants of Hamon. You too are Hamon’s descendant but from a different branch of the family tree. Our branch are bringers of light. We shield and defend their souls as they walk the earth.”
Brody reeled as Abbess Mary Catherine’s remarks and his research came to mind, and he mouthed her words, “God blessed you, son of Hamon.”
Louise sighed. “Ah, the words of an earth angel. Mary Catherine provides many with comfort and strength. You have much to learn as you prepare to take over from Hamon. Dan will be entering an extremely dark period. You and Hamon are going to have to work tirelessly to save his soul.”
“So, Dan’s parents don’t hate or blame him for Sara’s death?”
Patrick shook his head sadly. “No, they never hated him. They love him unconditionally. They always have and always will. I tried to whisper to William how to reach Daniel, but he’s stubborn and asserts his self-determination often. William has done many things to try to help his son, but most interactions with Daniel tend to backfire. A stubborn but not a stupid man, he now remains and acts in the background, facilitating others to aid Daniel.”
“Let me show you.” Patrick touched his fingertips to Brody’s forehead, and they radiated a luminous golden light as he transferred images and memories of Daniel’s life from William’s perspective.
Brody blew out a breath. “Poor, Danny. How can I help him?”
Louise warmly smiled. “You started on earth. You shared the gift of music. You spoke to Daniel often about the beauty of life. You taught him tools he uses to cope. You will continue to protect Daniel’s innocence, and prevent his soul from falling off the precipice into the darkness.” She kissed his cheek. “I love you, son. Your purpose is to keep Daniel in the light so he can travel the difficult path chosen for him.”
Warmth and serenity settled around Brody. I’m Danny’s guardian angel. A nervous expression covered his face as he spread his wings for the first time and tried flapping them. Wings for someone who hates to fly … of all the ironies of life … or is that death?
“You’ll get the hang of them soon.” A mother’s grin broke out as her son wobbled at his attempt to hover, almost like a drunk trying to walk.
This isn’t so bad … not as scary as flying in a metal tube. He listed to the left and dropped when he didn’t flap properly. An old memory popped into Brody’s head causing him to burst into joyful laughter. “Oh boy, hope I learn to fly better than Danny drives tanks.”
Louise’s melodious giggle joined her son’s hearty laughter. “Come, my sweet boy. I have much to teach you before you can assist Daniel.”
Present Day – December 26
Ottawa – General Broderick’s Home – Library – 1:10 a.m.
Brody’s thoughts faded as he gazed at his brother. “Someday you will learn the truth. Until then, be brave and remember I am here for you.” He stopped speaking when Becca entered the room.
A mischievous smile on her face, Becca lightly padded across the carpet to the sofa. In her hand, she clutched a plush animal. Crouching down in front of Dan, she stifled a giggle. She and cohorts, Vicky, Ashely, and Amelia, found the perfect thing while the boys were out yesterday afternoon. They searched through several boxes in the attic after talking to Mom.
After hearing about all Dan’s mishaps with TRF in the days leading up to Christmas, the girls couldn’t resist. She carefully lifted the blanket and tucked the animal into Dan’s arms. This will be a hoot when he wakes up and finds this in his arms. Lowering the covers and tucking them in, Becca brushed a slight kiss on her brother’s cheek. “Sweet dreams. Love ya, Danny.”
Brody chuckled as Becca left the room. The stuffed animal was absolutely perfect. “Well, Danny boy, you certainly lucked out with sisters. Both have hearts of gold and love you dearly, as you deserve. Can’t wait to see your reaction.”
Why’d You Lie?
3
December 26
General Broderick’s Home – Library – 10:30 a.m.
“Shhhh … we don’t want to wake him,” Blaze admonished the group as they noisily filed into the general’s library. He took a seat in a wingback chair and gazed at the man who was both brother and son in his heart. Whispering he said, “Despite the bruise on his head, Blondie appears in better shape than the last time I saw him. He’s recouped a little of the weight he lost during the interview session.”
Jim frowned. “Still not in the best shape.”
Mason eyed Jim. “What do you mean?”
“We need to change plans. Dan won’t be up to playing hockey today.” Jim set his pack down next to his chair.
“Spill it, Patch … Jim.” Mason’s gaze returned to Blondie.
“Well, I sort of requested Dr. Fraser hold back the whole truth from Dan.”
Blaze turned concerned hazel eyes on Jim. Why would he take the chance of being caught in a lie? Despite being a mistruth by omission, Jim is taking a considerable risk at breaking Dan’s trust. He must have a valid reason to do so. Deciding to focus on Blondie’s health, he asked, “How bad?”
Grimacing, Jim held Blaze’s gaze. “Mostly, he needs rest. Strained his muscles badly when he almost fell through a roof. That on top of the other mishaps, starting with freezing in a pear tree.”
Scott entered the room, followed by Adam and Jeff. “Dan told us about his twelve days of Christmas. Are you saying he’s hurt worse than he indicated?”
Jim answered, “Yes. Seems he’s had a rough few weeks. I need to make sure he is still on the mend and following the docs orders. Dr. Fraser prescribed medication and sent him on his way telling him to take it easy on his vacation, and he should be okay when he returned.”
“How rough and why does he need pain meds?” Mason asked.
Jim sighed. “Well let’s see. First, he was frozen to a pear tree. He became so covered in a thick coat of ice from freezing rain as he held his sniper position on a call that Lexa had to use a tire iron to knock the ice off to free him.”
“He didn’t get sick, did he? His lungs …” Winds trailed off with concern.
Shaking his head, Jim said, “No. Dan’s gotten wiser. He wears the cold weather gear we use under his uniform, but you didn’t hear that from me. Dan doesn’t like to advertise what he perceives as weakness.”
Blaze nodded. “Kid is getting a bit smarter, but it isn’t a weakness to protect himself. What else happened?”
As Jim took a seat, he began relating the litany of mishaps which befell Dan. Everyone snickered as Jim told them about Dan being high and speaking Latin to Jon. Jim concluded, “I told Fraser I would be here to check on Dan today and he wouldn’t have much opportunity to get into trouble yesterday.”
Mason snorted. “This is Blondie you’re talking about. I mean he couldn’t even go to the ballet without trouble finding him.”
Blaze pinned his eyes on Jim. “So, you, Dr. Fraser, and Lexa colluded not to tell Blondie he reinjur
ed his muscles. Is that what you are saying?”
The truth written in Jim’s expression, he answered, “Yeah, basically.”
Winds shook his head. “Wouldn’t want to be you when you come clean to Blondie. You do realize the risk you’re taking in being untruthful with him? We rely on the trust you two share. You’re the only one he is one hundred percent honest with about his physical health.”
Sitting on the edge of the couch, Jeff focused on Winds. “Not true. Danny is forthcoming with Scott. They made a pact when Dan was five, to be honest with each other. He tells Scott things he hides from others.”
Adam glanced at Dan and then eyed Jim critically. “Why’d you lie to him?”
“Wanted him to enjoy Christmas. I met Lexa and Dr. Fraser in the hall at the emergency room on the twenty-fourth and discovered what happened in their warrant call. We all agreed he didn’t need to worry about his health. Fraser said the painkillers would mask his symptoms.”
A scowl crossed Zach’s face as he wandered in and caught the tail end of Jim’s comment. “I can’t believe you were so damned stupid. Dan probably overexerted himself yesterday with the snowball war. No wonder he crapped out so early and napped so long. Stupid decision not to tell him.”
Annoyance flashed in Blaze’s eyes. Zach had no right to talk like that to Patch. He started to open his mouth to set the kid straight but halted when he glimpsed Mrs. Broderick at the threshold.
Yvonne breezed in, followed by Kyle who carried a large tray. “Zachary Ryan Broderick, that is no way to speak to Dan’s friends. You were raised with better manners. Apologize, this instant.”
Not agreeing but complying, Zach said, “Sorry.”
As Yvonne said, “Coffee?” Kyle set the tray down on the table.
Hiding his smirk at the way she scolded the young man, Blaze stood. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”