by Laura Acton
Getting ahold of his emotions again, Keyondre said, “Pinchas it has come to my attention you actively disparaged a fellow soldier. You ran your mouth off and said disgusting things about an honorable man who served his country well. A man cruelly injured in that service who fought great adversity to recover from his wounds so he may return to active duty.
“I expect each of my soldiers to comport themselves in a manner which brings honor to the corps. Unfortunately, you brought shame with your utter lack of compassion for a wounded soldier. That type of behavior will not be tolerated.” Barrett held Pinchas’ eyes.
Julie fidgeted. Oh my God! Someone blabbed to him what I said about Dan. Karla became so pissed off at me. She probably told Barrett. She paled. Or the general himself. I can kiss my career goodbye now. General Broderick will show favoritism for his son because he overheard what I said to Karla.
The guy she slept with last night, number ten on her list of chests, had a lot to say about the Brodericks. Corporal Blake Murphy hated both father and son. Blake commiserated with her, agreeing Dan’s chest was indeed disgusting. He understood the emotional trauma arising from touching someone so scarred and ugly. Her mind snapped back to attention as her CO continued.
“In addition to your regular duties, you will be assigned to assist at the burn ward for four hours per day. It is clear to me from what you have been spreading around that you need to learn compassion. Perhaps assisting our soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty and witnessing their struggles and challenges will help you develop some sympathy.
Julie cringed. Gross! Helping with burned and scarred people will be disgusting. She tried to hide the revulsion from her face. “How long will I be doing the extra work, sir?”
Keyondre did not miss the expression of disgust, and it spiked his anger for how Meghan treated Karem. He answered curtly, “Until I deem otherwise. After your normal shift tomorrow, report to Captain Kate Brewster at the base hospital to coordinate your assignment.”
Captain Barrett then added, “I better not hear of you disparaging another soldier. If I do, the consequences will not be lenient. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Dismissed,” Barrett stated.
Julie came to attention, pivoted, and strode from the room thoroughly pissed off. Who knows how long I will be forced to endure this unfair treatment. She decided to find a commiserate ear. Hopefully, Blake is around. He will console me.
We Have a Problem
23
May 28
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Luxury Suite – Main Room – 1530 Hours
After sending Brody off to rest in his bed three hours ago, Blaze sat on the couch unable to sleep. Hands linked behind his head, he continued staring at the bedroom door. Blondie confused the hell out of him still. Growing up under the thumb of General Broderick produced an interesting person.
Blondie’s sense of duty was way beyond even his own, which was saying something. The kid possessed no governors for self-preservation and willingly took risks which put him in the path of direct harm without flinching. The day the golden-haired youngster joined his unit, his initial assessment pegged him as a cocky kid, one with the skills necessary to be in Special Forces.
Rarely did the selection process and training not weed out the unfit or unstable. The process was not foolproof though, and undesirables such as Plouffe, Murphy, and Travis occasionally made it through all hurdles by chance or circumstance. However, the subsequent Guardian training weeded out any who slipped through the SF gates. Again, his proof was none of those three were ever remotely considered for the Guardians.
Winds sat down next to Blaze. “What’s on your mind?”
Turning to his long-time friend, Blaze lowered his guard entirely because only the two of them were in the room. “I’m worried Blondie is being asked to do more than is right or proper. We’ve worked hard to bring the kid back from the brink. I will not order him to debase himself.”
His voice broke a tad, “This is close to what Blondie described when he was staked out, naked, and defenseless when those animals stuck him with needles. Those children are as vulnerable as he was, and I refuse to make him do this. But I fear … since we garnered an invite to the club, his internal code of honor will force him to sacrifice himself to save those girls.”
Winds’ brows drew together, and he clenched his fists. “Been thinking much the same thing. Racked my brain for alternatives, but I can’t figure out another way to go about this, and it’s making me sick. I want to kill the general. What was he thinking?”
Blaze blew out a breath. “Same as always I assume. He suffers no pangs of conscience putting Blondie in harm’s way. The more I examine things in my head, the more jumbled it becomes. Before Blondie joined, I could’ve sworn the general was an honorable man, but since … the way he mistreats his own flesh and blood, his only son … my opinion flipped one-eighty.”
Releasing his fist, before he struck out, Winds said, “No father with an ounce of compassion would do to their child what General Badfather does to Blondie. Brody and Blondie unquestionably drew the short straws for fathers. One beats the crap out of him as a child and murders his mother. The other’s sends him on one perilous mission after another and leaves him in the hands of terrorists for months. Sometimes I wonder how they both turned out to be such good guys.”
Needing to move, Blaze stood and paced. “Undeniably they missed out on having decent and caring fathers.” Blaze halted as memories of his dad flooded in. “My dad, God, I wish you could’ve met him. A strong and compassionate man. He taught me so much. I still feel gipped he died. Some days, like today, I could use his insights. He helped so many in his lifetime.”
Winds grinned. “Your dad would be extremely proud of you, Blaze. You stepped up and took care of Daphne. Changed your entire life for her. You’re a great dad too, Papa Bear.”
A grin grew as Blaze said, “Thanks.” His smile faded as he added, “I’m not sure how to help Blondie through this. I don’t want to lose him.”
Standing, Winds went to Blaze and put a hand on his shoulder squeezing it. “Rely on us. You may be the leader, but even leaders need help. Bonds which link your true family are not made of blood, but of moments when everything goes to hell, and they stand by you without flinching.”
The smile on Blaze’s face returned. “Waxing poetic on me, Winds?”
Chuckling, Winds nodded. “Someone has to from time to time, but seriously. We are family, and we will stand with you and Blondie. Together we are stronger, and we’ll succeed without losing the kid’s soul. Badfather will not win. Blondie will survive and flourish once again.”
Winds moved to the mini-fridge and asked, “Want water?”
On a more even keel, Blaze nodded and resumed his seat.
Returning, Winds handed his best friend a water bottle. He opened his and took a long drink. He lowered himself into the comfortable chair. “One of the many things concerning me is where the genuine Maksim is now. Did the mission notes say? If the real one shows up, things will turn ugly fast.”
“He’s on ice in Canada. His passport was revoked until legal issues are sorted out. I’m sure the colonel will ensure he isn’t released until we complete this mission.” Blaze’s gut churned. “However, with as high profile as Maks is in the tabloids, I’m worried the news might soon reach here. If so, that will complicate matters.”
“Agreed. We need a strategy if that comes to light. We can’t leave Blondie hanging out to dry.” Winds’ expression became stolid as he concentrated.
“Any ideas?” Blaze downed half the water.
Rising and moving towards the door, Winds said, “No, but I know someone who might.”
“Mike?”
Winds stopped. “Yeah, though I’m still curious how the hell someone like him is so well acquainted with Maks and Savelievich.”
Eyeing his second in command, Blaze replied, “Not for us to pry. Up to him to reveal his history if
he wants. We all have things we would rather keep to ourselves. It seems to me Mike just might have more than most.”
“Okay, I won’t poke my nose into his business. I’ll be back shortly. Rest now. Need you sharp and clear-headed tonight.”
As the door opened, Blaze called out, “Tell Patch to come back here while you’re there. I want him to do a once over on Blondie when he wakes up. I must be sure there are no physical issues we need to plan around.”
Winds nodded. “Sure thing, but I think the bigger question is if Blondie is up to this emotionally.”
The door closed behind Winds and Blaze blew out a breath. That was the million-dollar question, and Blondie would hide the truth from them. It was time Blaze started learning to read Blondie’s emotional state better. He needed to be able to see beyond the shields the kid threw up to hide from them.
Blaze wondered again what happened in Blondie’s life to make him so guarded. The kid seldom shared anything from his past. He recognized Blondie did not trust easily, who could blame him with the father he had. Blaze hoped his actions in the past two years earned Blondie’s confidence. Perhaps it was time to meet that head on and have a little talk.
He smiled. Perhaps time for a father-son talk. Though thirteen years older than Blondie, Blaze accepted the fatherly feelings he held for the kid. Slow to recognize them, only in February, he was still awed Winds realized before he did. But now he fully comprehended Blondie stimulated the same emotional responses in him as his sister Daphne. I’m a thirty-six-year-old bachelor with a grown daughter and son. Blaze chuckled at the thought but stopped when Mason and Ripsaw entered the room.
“We have a problem, Blaze.”
Blaze stood at Mason’s serious tone. “That would be?”
Mason reported, “We were watching the resort’s security cameras and spotted the Yurievich brothers. Makar spoke to the front desk clerk, and Kazimir is sitting in a car outside. Makar is now snooping around inside and asking questions about Maks. Brody and Patch went down to investigate because they have not been seen in the clubs.”
Taking charge, Blaze ordered, “Mason, you stay with Blondie. He is vulnerable while sedated. Ripsaw, grab Winds and Mike, and you three meet me down in the lobby. Send Anastasia in here too. Mason, station her with the kid, and you remain out here.”
Mason nodded and positioned himself in front of the bedroom door. No one would gain entry and harm his little brother.
As Ripsaw headed back to the other rooms, Blaze said, “I think it is time we changed up the plan. Perhaps we can obtain the information on the girl’s location from Makar or Kazimir.”
“I didn’t like our existing plan. Our brother might be physically well, but psychologically this mission asks too much of him,” Mason stated flatly.
Blaze only nodded as he left the room. Time to go hunting.
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Bar – 1540 Hours
The unit met in the lobby and Brody related in a hushed voice that Makar was currently in the hotel bar. Blaze rapidly outlined a plan. They would hijack both brothers, but they needed to do it without raising suspicions. Brody and Patch went to the bar to deal with Makar and Mike would assist in establishing their cover by coming in after they initiated conversation. Blaze, Ripsaw, and Winds moved outside to set the stage to seize Kazimir.
With no success so far, Makar attempted to strike up conversations with guests who might’ve run across the fake Maks. As two men entered, he noted the striking jade colored eyes of the brown-haired man, while the other possessed light ash brown hair and brown eyes. Makar watched them with curiosity. They didn’t quite fit the mold of the other guests here.
Brody followed Patch as they sauntered in and over to a table near Makar as the man eyed them. Choosing to speak French when the barmaid came to take their order, she became confused not understanding them.
Using his open emotions to his advantage, Patch turned to Makar. “Parlez-vous français?”
“Un peu,” Makar answered. He only spoke a bit, Kazimir was better at that language than him.
Patch allowed relief to show as he rattled off in French, “We don’t speak any Russian. We only have a little time to relax before our boss wakes up and will be riding our asses. Can you tell her we want two beers?”
After ordering the beers, Makar smiled and inquired about their boss. “Qui pourrait être votre patron?”
Brody sighed. “Maksim Gennadiyevich.”
Perfect. Makar decided to probe these men for information. He would find out who impersonated Maks. Then I can go to … who? I’ll figure that out later. How should I spin this? What game is the fake Maks playing? Is it pure fraud or something else?
Best to act as if he and Maks were well acquainted. The pretender’s lackeys wouldn’t be aware he never met Maks. Smiling, he asked how his old friend was doing, “Comment va mon vieil ami Maks?”
While taking a sip of beer, Brody affected a surprised expression then speaking French, he said. “You know my boss? Damn. You can’t tell him I’m drinking. He will fire my ass.”
Makar grinned. “Your secret is safe with me. Though, I believed Maks is in Canada at the moment.”
“He was. Money talks,” Brody said.
Per their prearranged plan, Mike walked in and stood right next to a distracted Makar as he spoke to Brody and Patch in Russian, “What are you doing? Maks doesn’t allow guards to drink, you idiots.”
Makar understood the comment. He glared at the green-eyed man believing he lied to him about not understanding Russian.
Ignoring Makar’s stare, Brody turned to Patch and spoke French, “What did he say? Shit, we should never have taken a job with Maks without knowing Russian.”
Patch shrugged and took a sip of his beer.
Translating the statement, Makar relaxed. So, they don’t speak the language. In French Makar said, “You might want to forget about your beer. He said Maks does not allow drinking.” Makar twisted in his seat to assess the coppery-blond man with sky blue eyes who stood behind and asked who he was.
As he pressed a concealed gun in Makar’s back Mike smiled. Your worst nightmare. “Ton pire cauchemar.”
Brody and Patch laughed as if Mike said something witty, then rose and moved to either side of Makar.
Patch whispered, still using French, as he showed Makar a syringe filled with saline. “Come with us peacefully, like we are buddies, or I will make you come. This is an exceedingly fast acting sedative. You’ll drop like a rock without a chance to call for help.”
Makar stood, and the men guided him out of the bar and outside. For lack of explanation, his mind promptly decided Savelievich sent goons to abduct him and sell him into slavery. I’m going to kill the crazy bastard!
Outside Anzhi-Qala Resort – 1555 Hours
After positioning themselves, Blaze, Winds, and Ripsaw waited, not approaching the sedan. Doing so might call attention to them and create a sticky situation, one they could not afford. Since they had no idea who else may be watching, Ripsaw suggested using one brother to lure the other from the car. They would swoop in after and take control, creating a façade of friends meeting up. A decent plan if successfully executed.
Once outside, Mike instructed Makar to wave to his brother and smile. Pointing out Ripsaw, Mike told him the short man would kill Kazimir if he did not comply.
Makar complied. Kazimir might be an idiot, but he didn’t want him dead. He also obeyed when nightmare man ordered him to tell Kazimir to come inside. When his younger brother exited the vehicle, three men surrounded him too. Ticked off, but unable to do anything without getting shot by the gun pressed against his spine or injected with the syringe, Makar submitted and stood still as Kazimir approached.
Confused, Kazimir eyed Makar as he came to a halt in front of him asking in his native language. “What is going on?”
Mike answered in the same language, advising him they were going to visit their old friend Maks.
Makar blanched. The impostor will reveal we�
��ve never met.
What did Makar say to these guys? Kazimir’s fearful eyes gazed at Makar before the group escorted them inside.
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Room 1502 – 1610 Hours
The unit shepherded the brothers to the elevators and led them down the hall on the fifteenth floor ushering them into room fifteen-o-two. Once in the room Ripsaw and Brody shoved both brothers against a wall and thoroughly searched for weapons. After they finished, finding only a switchblade, they pushed Makar and Kazimir into chairs. Winds and Patch securely bound their hands and feet to the arms and legs of the chairs.
While his men secured their targets, Blaze removed his ball cap. Things went smoother than planned. He half expected Makar to raise the alarm. The intel on these two indicated they spoke English. They avoided the language downstairs judging it safer for their cover to use French. He ran his hands across the back of his neck. “You will provide us the information we desire, or suffer drastic consequences for your silence.”
Kazimir blurted out in his inferior English, “Who you are?”
“Why should I tell you anything?” Makar stared at the man with jet black hair and a steely gaze. What info do they want? What did we step into?
Mike assumed a sardonic expression and tone. “Who do you think would pay us more for them, Savelievich or Savoy?”
Blaze stated dryly. “Savoy for sure.” Returning his gaze to Makar, he laid out his terms. “We want the exact location of the girls you stole. If you give us the details, we will release you. However, if you do not, we will assuredly sell you to Savoy.”
“I’m not telling you squat. You’re bluffing. What is your scam? Maks is in Canada, so he can’t be here,” Makar spat out.
Blaze cocked an eyebrow towards Winds and said, “Call Savoy.”
The second in command pulled out his phone and pretended to dial when there was a knock on the door. Brody went to answer it as the others moved in front of the Yurievich brothers. Checking the peephole first, Brody opened the door slightly and spoke with Anastasia in hushed tones.