by Laura Acton
They missed the first part of the report, but picked up, “… further news regarding the bomb scare at Grand Palace Theater. Settimo Bewick was arrested today on several counts including assault and battery, aiding and abetting, and obstruction of an officer in the performance of his duty.
“A prima ballerina of the Swan Ballet Company is pressing charges saying he physically attacked her during the time she was one of the hostages. She credits an unnamed TRF constable with defending her and subduing Mr. Bewick before he could assault her again. The Crown Attorney levied the remaining charges when apprised of details contained in the witnesses’ statements.
“In a related story, the financial crimes division is also interested in Bewick. He has been under investigation for securities fraud since their office received several complaints from financial clients a month ago. They are looking into potential insider trading, market manipulation, tax evasion, and bribery. Should the charges be proven, he will be going away for an extended time.”
“Sleaze got what he deserves.” Lexa stared at the picture thinking that Stan the Tan would’ve been a better cover for the party.
The team turned when they heard footfalls approaching. They had been waiting for Bram and Dan to debrief. As the two approached at a slow pace, each noted Dan held one arm around his side. They all wandered back into the briefing room.
Gingerly, Dan lowered himself into his chair and took a moment just to breathe. Knowing he appeared in their crosshairs, Dan didn’t bother attempting to conceal his pain. He realized the futility in such an action, as they all were well aware of the fact and more importantly, he was too tired. When Loki finished examining the detonator, Dan tried to rise from the floor of the dressing room, but even with assistance, he had been unable to.
Much to his chagrin, he was taken out of the theater on a gurney. Luckily his favorite doctor, Dr. Fraser, was on duty. The doctor took one glance at him and muttered, ‘You’re keeping me in business. At this rate, I’ll be able to vacation in style—if you can stay healthy long enough for me to go on one.’ That had made him laugh, which hurt like hell.
Fraser promptly ordered oral pain meds for him and began his exam. Seeing the additional bruising on his torso, he ordered a new x-ray of his chest. That proved to be all clear, but the doc worried about possible bruising of his kidneys and ordered an additional test, a urinalysis. Dan had no problem providing a sample, peeing in a cup, he had a good aim, he was a sniper.
Unluckily, the results showed a trace amount of blood. Fraser felt compelled to order an IVP procedure. When Dan found out the process required injecting a contrast material intravenously, he freaked and wanted to leave. Fraser flatly refused to authorize him for duty unless the test was done.
Dan glanced at Bram. Without Bram’s help, he would be facing a forced two-week leave. He had tried to reach Jim, he trusted him to do the IV, but Jim was unable to come, busy on the job at a multi-car accident. Bram asked him how Jim helped him. Mostly it was a trust thing with Jim. His body still reacted violently at the thought of needles.
Dr. Fraser referred to the notes Jim had communicated to him the night of the gang war when Basto beat the crap out of him. Fraser decided a mild sedative would help. Dan took the oral meds and waited for them to take effect. When it came time to inject the dye, Nurse Clare came in to do the procedure being the most proficient of the ER nurses. They draped him so he couldn’t see any needles. Bram grasped his left bicep like Jim did and Dan squeezed Bram’s left hand with a crushing grip as his muscles went completely rigid, broke out in a sweat, and trembled.
Bram distracted him by talking about how he decked Settimo with one punch and the guy lost a tooth. It was the right subject to distract him. Though he didn’t tell Bram, the sounds of his girls’ screams haunted him. The fact he caused them fear more than diverted his attention from the needle—it broke his heart. The welling of tears in his eyes had nothing to do with the needle and everything to do with the possibility of losing the love of three precious girls. Bram didn’t say a thing about his tears, only handed him a tissue and told him he would be in the waiting room when he was finished.
After the tests were completed, no abnormalities found, Fraser had a blunt discussion with him on his condition. Dan was relieved when his attending physician reluctantly agreed he could return to work if he promised to follow strict orders. Dan readily vowed to comply with all instructions.
Leveling his eyes on the boss, Dan gave him the doctor’s report. “I’m a bit sore, took several solid hits to the kidney, but only minor contusions, no damage. Dr. Fraser says only light duty for the next four days.”
This could’ve been much worse Nick thought, recalling Dan’s inability to rise several hours ago. “You sure you want to do limited duty? Perhaps you should take a few days off.”
Jon shook his head. “Hell no! Dano can’t even take one day off and not get pulled into a call. If he’s here with us, at least we’ll be there to have his back.”
Surprised by Jon’s reaction, expecting his tactical lead to demand he take time off to rest, Dan acknowledged each TRF team member at the table. “You all had our backs today.”
Having his own concerns about Dan’s health, but keeping them to himself, Bram nodded. “Yes, you did. Loki, you are awesome!”
A broad, toothy grin broke out on Loki’s face as he passed the cookies to Dan. “Yes, I am!” As Loki’s gaze landed on Dan, his expression turned serious. “Couldn’t have done it without Dan holding that detonator.”
Dan chuckled to relieve the tension. Taking a cookie, he glanced at Lexa. “I know duct tape can fix anything, but that was a new use even for me. Thanks for thinking of it.”
Lexa straightened her back, lifted her chin, and spoke in a haughty, regal tone. “Well, I am the Queen of the Hammer!”
At her action, Loki dropped to his knees and bowed down to her. “Queen of the Hammer. I pledge my fealty. I’m forever your most faithful vassal.”
The team burst out laughing at Loki’s antics.
Holding his side, Dan did his best to ignore the discomfort chuckling at Loki bowing to Lexa caused. I love being part of this team. When the merriment died down, Dan turned to Trevor. “How are your girls and Diane?”
“A little shaken up but doing well. Thanks to both you and Bram for looking out for my family.”
Bram said, “Right back at you. All of you!” Then his gaze went back and forth between Jon and Nick as he added, “Kellie and the girls are waiting dinner for Dan and me. Can we wrap up debrief quickly?” He knew they would understand the true meaning of his statement. Dan needed rest, but Bram didn’t want to call attention to the fact.
Reading between the lines of Bram’s statement, Nick made a command decision. “It’s late. We’ll debrief tomorrow. I’m authorizing everyone to leave a few minutes early.”
“Wait,” Dan piped up.
The team stopped in mid-rise and sat back down.
“What is it, Dan?” Loki asked with concern written on his face.
Dan grinned at the explosives expert. “Did you figure out day nine for your song?”
Preoccupied with all the cookies and teasing the song slipped Loki’s mind. He shook his head. “No, sorry. I was a little busy.”
“Well, that is a good thing because I came up with today’s verse.”
Dan received several dubious expressions from the team, but Loki only smiled enthusiastically, happy to have a partner in crime. “Do tell.”
Clearing his throat first, Dan sang, “On the ninth day of Christmas, Alpha Team gave to me, nine ballerinas flirting.”
Loki blushed bright red as he laughed. Gotta be careful what I wish for. Dan’s sense of humor is almost as bizarre as mine.
Everyone joined in to sing all nine verses before rising to leave. Jon offered, “How about a ride home? Kellie won’t need to come pick you guys up.”
“Sounds good. Thanks.” Bram leaned back and munched on a cookie.
“Won’t
be too long.” Jon jogged to the lockers. I can shower at home. Dan is wiped out, and he needs to be somewhere comfortable soon—it’s the least I can do to make up for my decision.
Bram’s Home – Entryway – 7:15 p.m.
Bram waved to Jon, after thanking him for the lift. He jogged up behind Dan who was only nearing his door. Dang, Dan’s moving slower than earlier. As he approached, the door opened revealing Kellie.
Unsure how Bram’s girls would react to him, Dan entered the house sluggishly. Hitting Settimo like that had scared them, and their little screams still echoed in Dan’s head. If they rejected him or were frightened of him, that would hurt more than Achbor’s fists.
Kellie greeted them at the door. “Dan, I set some comfortable clothes out for you in the guest room. The roast is still in the oven, so you two have time for a warm shower before dinner.”
Dan nodded and headed straight to the bedroom. He would take advantage of the out Kellie offered to put off facing the girls.
After Dan left, Kellie asked, “Is he okay?”
“He’s hurting. Dr. Fraser gave him some meds to knock him out tonight. He needs to take them with dinner,” Bram explained, and kissed Kellie. He trotted up the stairs to get a much-needed shower to release his tension.
Bram’s Home – Guest Room – 7:18 p.m.
Dan closed the door behind him and wondered if he could hide out here and feign the need for sleep. Not really too much of a stretch, he was exhausted, primarily on an emotional level. But he was no coward, so he would face Leslie, Emilie, and Allie and accept whatever reaction they had.
He moved to the guest bed to gather the items Kellie put out for him, expecting Bram’s sweats. His eyes widened in surprise when he found two new sweatpants, two t-shirts, a bag of socks, and a pair of fleece lined slippers—all in his size. He picked up the note Kellie had written and left on them.
Dan, I hope these fit better. I washed them so they will be soft and comfy. The top drawer is now yours, and you can store these here just in case. Didn’t want to embarrass you, so I refrained from buying boxers, but if you wish to keep some here, that would be fine.
Merry Christmas, Kellie.
Floored, Dan gaped at the message a long while. The generosity of the De Haven family blew his mind. He neatly folded the gray sweats, and black t-shirt then stored them in the drawer with the socks. Picking up the black pants and blue t-shirt, Dan headed for the bathroom to shower.
Ten minutes later he returned, dressed in soft clothes which fit perfectly. Dan sat on the edge of the bed and tried on the slippers. Warm and again the correct size. The snug embrace of family caressed Dan, only to be ravaged by self-doubt … I don’t deserve kindness like this after scaring their girls.
Bram’s Home – Kitchen – 7:40 p.m.
When he could stall no longer, Dan joined the family in the kitchen. He carefully made his way to the dining table and lowered himself into a chair across from Allie, Leslie, and Emilie who quietly stared at him with doleful eyes. His heart broke. This is more painful than I imagined.
Dan tried to come up with an explanation for his actions, but all words failed him as he searched the expressive faces of the three little girls. The silence hung heavily around him, prolonging his struggle to find the right thing to say, a way to apologize for scaring them. He lowered his gaze, unable to maintain eye contact any longer. Yeah, this hurts much worse than Achbor’s pounding—physical pain I can push away, but this … this is excruciating.
Allie climbed down from her chair and rounded the table as she maintained an uninterrupted gaze at her uncle. Daddy told them he got boo-boos and not to run and jump on him. Allie stood next to her favorite uncle. He looks sad. His owies must hurt lots. She tugged on his sleeve to get his attention.
Dan turned his hopeful gaze to Allie, and she reached out her arms to be picked up. He obliged and settled her on his knee.
Once Allie sat on his lap, one little arm snaked behind him as she rested her head on his chest and peered up at him. A lump stuck in his throat. Speaking was impossible.
“Prince Charming tooks care of meanies to keep princesses safe, right?”
Still unable to speak, Dan simply nodded.
Allie hugged him with all her might as she declared, “I luvs my Prince Charming. Nurse Allie kiss your owies and make ‘em all betters.”
Dan’s eyes slightly misted as he embraced her, not feeling any pain. Allie still loved him, and she was not afraid of him.
Emilie and Leslie ran around the table and eagerly joined the hugging, delighted when Uncle Danny smiled.
Bram pulled Kellie close as the two looked on. He was glad he had explained it to his girls earlier. The reason for Dan’s quietness on the drive here and the longer than normal shower became clear to him. Dan feared the girls would reject him. Those insecurities of Dan’s ran very, very deep though he tried not to show them.
Dan took in a steadying breath as he embraced all three girls then he said, “And Prince Charming loves his all his princesses.”
Young voices all started clamoring for attention from Uncle Dan as their parents brought over plates filled with roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and buttered rolls. Dinner became a loud and cheerful time as the excited girls anticipated opening Uncle Danny’s gifts, each one liking having an early Christmas celebration.
Lexa’s Home – Bedroom – 9:15 p.m.
Staring at the honorable blue wall, the same shade as Dan’s eyes, Lexa’s mind wandered. I can’t believe a year and a half has passed since the first time I laid eyes on Dan. My first glimpse of those eyes, sending Morse code during a bank robbery—trying to help people before he formally joined Alpha Team.
During one of their long talks this summer, she found out he had signed his paperwork the day before, which protected him from liability in the subject’s death. Lexa cringed recalling how terrible they all treated Dan when he joined—how wrong they had all been about him. He isn’t cocky—he is self-assured and rightly so.
Lexa’s hand flittered across her flat abdomen on its way lower as lusty thoughts of the epic nights she spent with Dan filled her mind. Never one to sleep in the nude, she had crawled into bed bare tonight wishing Dan was here. Drifting in a sensually-heightened, make-believe world, she conjured up a wild fantasy as she imagined the fingers exploring her apex and teasing with pleasure were Dan’s.
Returning from a critical call, she went directly to the locker room to shower, needing the heat to soothe sore muscles. As she stood under the hot water, allowing it to beat down on her back, a set of magnificently familiar hands glided over her back. Massaging out all the kinks in her shoulders the magic fingers moved around front, kneading her breasts as her back melded with a hard chest.
Fingers sought a downward path to her essence, dipping in and stroking her as she moaned, wanting more. He stoked her fire as his lips nuzzled her neck, licking, nipping, and sucking in rhythm with the sniper’s hands below.
Lexa bucked in time with her imagination, her fingers becoming his. Alone in her own house, Lexa gave voice to what she desired, “Yes, yes, Dan, oh God! Yes! Deeper, faster. Aaah, aaaaaah, oh, ooooh.” Her breaths became short fast pants as her imaginary Dan did exactly what she wanted.
Dan turned her and lifted. She wrapped her legs around his moist body, and he slid into her to the hilt. He pushed her back on the tile wall, and his hips began to move, deep and hard. She took all of him in. He touched her core with each stroke making her scream as she rode the waves of ecstasy.
“Dan, Dan, ooh. Yes, aaaah. Now! Yes! Ahhhhh. Daaaaaaaaaan!” Lexa hit six-point-ooooooh on the Richter scale. As she stroked out the last tremors, she missed the sensation of Dan collapsing on top of her. Shifting to her side as she did with Dan, Lexa sighed as her world stopped quaking.
Sated but not satisfied, it would be better if Dan were actually here, Lexa eyed her phone when it vibrated. Not wanting to interrupt her languorous mood, but seeing the ID, she reached for the
phone with a smile. “Hello, soldier. You’re a little late, or I’d invite you to my fantasy.”
Dan recognized the amorous drawl of Lexa’s voice. Her admission shocked and captivated him. “Is that right? What fantasy would that be?”
“Hmmm, me, you, the women’s shower at headquarters.”
“A … um … wow. Sexy Lexie’s a risk taker. You know, I’m never gonna be able to walk by your lockers again without that thought.”
Lexa laughed lightly. “I guess we’re both doomed then. How do you feel?”
Keeping it light and deflecting a bit, Dan said, “With my fingers usually.”
“Hmmm, you have fantastic fingers. A callous in the right spot.” Lexa rubbed one nipple as her voice became sultry, “My hands are massaging your chest. My thumbs press hard into taut muscles making you moan with pleasure. I work myself down and down so that I’m at your hips. My lips leave a path of kisses over your granite abs. My hot breath delicately blows a trail lower as I gently fondle you, and my mouth claims you, suckling, and driving you wild.”
Dan’s body reacted to Lexa’s words. My God, she is giving me phone sex. Whoa! He allowed his hand to simulate her words as she went on to describe in exacting detail what she was doing to him. His last coherent thought, before getting lost in the world she created for him, was to slide the sweats down that Kellie gave him so he wouldn’t have to explain the stain which would surely be on them if he didn’t.
Lexa’s siren call beckoned him to ascend the summit. Dan softly moaned, “Lexaaaaaaa,” as his body stiffened and jolted. Sexy Lexie rocked his world. Never had he met a woman who sang the song of his soul. Lexa was his beauty of life, of that he was certain. Floating downward all tension ebbed away leaving Dan blissfully serene.
Dan’s pleasured moans and her name called out in his gravelly voice sent aftershocks coursing through her body, and Lexa quaked a second time tonight. For several minutes the only sounds were ragged breaths from both. After drawing in a deep shuddering breath and releasing gradually, Lexa asked, “Was that as enjoyable for you as it was for me?”