by Laura Acton
“True.” Dan brought up his contacts, happy to have and an avenue to explore, doing nothing grated on him. When Adam answered, Dan said, “Hey, Adam. Got a moment to talk?”
“Yeah, only helping Scott move some things around. Aren’t you at work?” Adam mouthed to Scott, ‘it’s Dan’ then trotted up the stairs, so Dan didn’t overhear the others plotting a surprise party for Dan in Scott’s basement.
“I am. Trying to resolve a critical call. Thought you might be able to help. Did you ever meet a Captain Gordon Kettle? He was stationed—”
Adam cut Dan off. “At Trenton. We served there for about three years. Gordon died a few months back. Tragic. I attended his funeral.”
Dan flashed a smile at Loki. “What can you tell me about his personal life?”
“Why are you asking?”
“His kids are missing. They left a child welfare home this morning under less than desirable circumstances. We must locate them quickly and ensure they’re safe. Can you think of anything which might be useful?”
Adam sat in a kitchen chair not liking the sound of this. “Well, we lost touch over the years, so recent events will be sparse. He remarried about seven years ago. Man, talk about instant family. He went from having five boys to ten overnight. Though he loved all his boys unconditionally—never a difference in his eyes between his biological and adopted boys. He added to his brood, making it an even dozen when his second wife, Mary had twins. Several years back he lost Mary when she was killed in a senseless act of violence.”
“Yeah, we got those details. Anything more recent. Any info that might help us determine where they went?” Dan asked.
Racking his brain for more details, Adam thought about conversations he had with others at Kettle’s funeral. “I heard Captain Albert Bunge would assume guardianship of all twelve, but he died in a training accident a week after Kettle. The Air Force is still investigating. Initially, they wanted to claim pilot error, but with two experienced pilots dying so close together, and flying the same type of aircraft, that didn’t hold water. Rumor says it might’ve been related to an error in a recent software upgrade of the flight systems.
“As for the kids. I’m unsure if what I recall will help, but here it is. When I worked at Trenton with him, his family lived in Toronto. Kettle didn’t want to uproot them from their lives. He felt consistency was important, especially since each of the boys had lost a parent. He made the long commute a few times each week. He stayed on base when he was unable to go home.
“After Mary died, Kettle hired a live-in nanny, but according to a couple of guys I spoke with at the memorial, the older boys took care of the younger ones. Upstanding and well-behaved boys from what I witnessed at the funeral. The oldest two, Alban and Craig, both rock-solid teens who helped their mother and father with the rest of the brood.
“The eldest gave a moving eulogy for his adopted father—vowing to keep the family unit strong and together. Got the impression Alban was mature for his age. Does that help any?” Adam finished wishing he had more recent and helpful information.
Dan replied, “A bit. Where was Kettle laid to rest?”
Adam sighed. “Green Acres Cemetery. All four parents are buried there. I hope you locate them. Can you tell me why they’re missing?”
“The children’s home was going to split them up. The four youngest were slated to be sent to different foster homes today. I realize you didn’t interact with him much recently, but do you think it is possible Kettle owned a firearm and if Alban would have it in his possession?”
That was hard to hear. Who would be so heartless to separate those boys before Christmas? Adam thought a moment about Dan’s question. “Whoa! No. That is unless something drastic changed. I don’t believe Kettle possessed any firearms. He didn’t want them in his home.
“Not sure if you are aware, but Mary was killed by an armed intruder. Shot in her own kitchen protecting Alban. Kettle was on base that night, only Mary and the children were home. She died in Alban’s arms as Craig kept the other boys safe upstairs and called the police.
“In his eulogy, Alban reiterated the vow he gave his mother, but this time he made the same one to Gordon. Alban promised to do all in his power to ensure the brothers stayed together and he raised them into men that all their parents would be proud of.
“If you’re implying Alban is armed my gut says it would be unlikely. Though if someone threatened to break them apart … I don’t know. Alban might feel forced into a corner. But a gun? No, I don’t think he would use one.”
Dan agreed and said, “I had to ask. I would assume that the belongings of the boys would’ve been accounted for and if a weapon was among them, it would have been confiscated. Is there anyone else who may be more capable of providing us more current details?”
“Sorry, I can’t think of anyone specific off the top of my head other than Captain Bunge, and well, he’s dead too. I’ll send texts out to some old buddies and forward you any additional information I come up with.”
“Thanks, Adam. If you think of anything, no matter how small, call me.”
“I will. Can you inform me when you find them? Gordon would hate for his boys to be separated. Something like this shouldn’t be allowed to happen. I’ll noodle on a solution for those boys.”
“Will do. Contact me if you figure anything out, it might be helpful when we locate them.” Dan hung up and relayed all he learned to the team. “Boss, the only lead we’ve got at the moment is the boy’s parents are buried at Green Acres Cemetery. Should I go check that out?”
Scott Broderick’s Home – 12:15 p.m.
Scott bounded up the stairs and into the kitchen. Seeing Adam staring at the wall, he asked, “What did Dan want? Is he okay?”
Pulled from his thoughts, Adam nodded. “Yeah, Dan’s alright. He wanted some info on an old buddy. Remember, I told you about Gordon Kettle?”
“Yes, the one who died in the crash.” Scott pulled out several sodas from the fridge and put one next to Adam. “Why did he want information?”
Adam popped the can open and took a drink. “His boys are in trouble. Missing. Dan didn’t go into too many details, but they are looking for them. I’ve been racking my brain for others who would have recent contact with them. I sent a message to two guys I spoke with at his funeral.
“The only person I think might possess useable information is Major Bodhran—one of my past commanding officers. I remember he and Kettle got on well and he had a soft spot for those boys. He was Kettle’s CO for a long while before he retired.”
“You gonna call him?” Scott waited for an answer as Jeff called out to him from downstairs to hurry up with the drinks.
“Yeah. Keep going down there, and I’ll join you when I’m done.”
“Sure.” Scott bounded down the stairs back to all his cousins to resume their planning session. They all intended to make this a Christmas Dan wouldn’t soon forget.
Adam looked up the number of Retired Major Osmund Bodhran. He was the commanding officer when he was at the Trenton base and had been good friends with Gordon. If anyone could help, it would be Bodhran. The man was well connected even though he had been retired for four years now. When the phone was answered, he said, “Hello, Major. This is Adam Broderick.”
“Well, hello, Adam. Merry Christmas! Long time since we talked. I’m retired now, so just Osmund will do,” Bodhran said.
“Season’s greetings to you too. I hate to call out of the blue, but I need some help.” Adam described the situation, then he asked. “Do you have any idea where they might go?”
Osmund leaned back in his office chair, disheartened by the news. “This makes me so angry and saddened. Kettle was a fine man. So was Bunge. When I found out Gordon had married Mary, I almost split my gut laughing. I knew Mary and her first husband, Neil. Neil was an exceptional drummer. He died too young. Hell, they all did. Those poor boys. Such loss for them to all bear so young. As for where the boys may go … difficult to say. Alban
is one smart young man, and Craig is no slouch either.
“Perhaps they would go to their home or to the cemetery to visit their parents. Other than that, … sorry, no clue. I wish I could be more helpful.”
“Worth a shot. I trust Dan’s team to discover their location and ensure they are safe. Just hoped to help a bit. A damned shame they’ll be broken apart once they’re found,” Adam said.
Osmund turned and gazed out his window with a heavy heart and a burgeoning plan. “If a Broderick is on the job, I’m sure they will find them. I might have a solution for keeping them together, but I must speak with my wife before I commit.”
Adam perked up at Bodhran’s comment. “What kind of solution?” As Bodhran expounded on his idea, Adam listened with a growing smile. “Call me back if that’s a viable option and I will feed it to Dan. Thanks, Osmund.”
Osmund said, “I’ll be in touch. I hope they find the boys soon and well.”
Blackwatch Military Academy – 12:15 p.m.
After Osmund hung up he called out through the open door, “Carol, can you come in here? I need to talk to you about an important issue.”
Carol popped her head in the door and smiled at her husband. “Yes, dear?”
“Want to discuss a situation.” He explained about Kettle’s missing boys and how they would be split up, gauging her reaction. Her warmth shone through so he asked, “Do you think we’re capable of making some adjustments for Christmas and the next term to accommodate the youngsters?”
She listened intently to all Osmund had to say, and her heart ached for the children. “How many boys?”
Osmund grinned. “Twelve. Ranging in age from six to seventeen.”
Carol’s eyes widened. “Twelve! A dozen.”
Running his hand through his snow-white beard, something he only allowed to grow this time of year to play Santa, Osmund said, “Yes, twelve. I realize we normally don’t accept boys younger than ten, but I’d like to make an exception for Kettle’s and Tabor’s children. Their boys need a place. I was thinking here would be a good fit. I’m unsure if it will come to pass or not. It sounds like one or more of them are in a spot of trouble.”
Carol wiped a teary eye. “Lovely men. I remember both fondly. Very sad they passed away so young. I agree. If things work out, I’ll be ready for them.”
She stood and smiled. “Please excuse me now. I must go check on the other boys. Billy, Harold, and Chris have been a little mischievous lately. I think they’re missing their parents since they’re both deployed. They require a wee bit more loving attention.”
Osmund smiled as Carol left. His wife was a dear. They never had children of their own. Though, after leaving the Air Force, his second career afforded them the opportunity to nurture and guide young boys. He hoped the Tabor-Kettle brothers would like his solution.
He dialed Adam Broderick’s number, and when Adam answered, Osmund said, “Carol agreed. Feel free to give your cousin my number so if the boys are interested in my solution we can get the ball rolling.”
Larkin Children’s Home – Command Truck – 12:15 p.m.
Nick listened to enough via Lexa’s questioning of Ms. Crudele. He told Lexa to return to the truck. As he stepped inside to check how Loki’s investigation fared, he glanced at Dan who stopped pacing. This is tough on him.
Dan itched to do more, but Boss denied his request to recon Green Acres by himself. With both Loki and Lexa busy, he paced like a caged animal. “Boss, perhaps Lexa and I can go check the cemetery now. It’s on the opposite side of the city from Kettle home. It’ll take Jon and the others precious time to finish and drive over. Time, we could use for searching. We may miss a chance to locate them. I promise, no physical engagement, we go, explore the area, and wait for back up if they’re there.”
Lexa opened the door and peeked in. She tilted her head, eyeing Nick. “I’ll make sure he behaves. Dan’s right, we need to follow up.”
Flashing hopeful eyes and a hint of a smile at the boss, Dan waited for an answer. He almost pumped his fist in the air when Boss gave a slight nod and said, “Observe and track only. You’re still on light duty.”
“Copy that!” Dan said and flashed Lexa a huge grin. “Let’s go, partner!”
Jon said over the headset, “Dano, you sound as giddy as Loki does when Lucille comes out to play.”
The entire team chuckled as Dan bounded over to the SUV to the passenger side as Lexa hopped in the driver’s seat.
TRF SUV – 12:20 p.m.
Dan muted his headset, “Thanks, Lexa. Appreciate the support.”
Lexa grinned at Dan, so boyish in his happiness to leave the truck. “Welcome. Though if you misbehave …” She raised a fist.
Dan winked and gave Lexa a WOW smile. “I know not to piss off Sexy Lexie.” His tone took on a gravelly bedroom quality, as he said, “Though, I can’t wait to spar with you.”
Lexa glared at him as she muted her headset. “Dan!”
“What? I was muted.”
“I wasn’t. Be careful, or it could cost us our jobs.”
“Alright. Sorry.” His phone buzzed, and he noted it was Adam. Switching back to full professional mode, Dan said, “Hey, that was fast. What’d ya got for me?”
Brothers Beyond Blood
51
December 23
Larkin Children’s Home – Command Truck – 12:20 p.m.
Nick received the status update from Jon making him aware he, Ray, and Bram arrived at the Kettle home. As much as Nick didn’t want to agree to allow Dan out of the truck to search, Dan made a solid argument. Plus, he needed to demonstrate trust to Dan, and his promise to refrain from physical engagement had been sincere. Though, the best of intentions could change in a fraction of a second if a situation called for action. Without a doubt, he knew Dan would react if required—which is why he was reluctant to let him go.
Not taking his eyes off the screen, Loki said, “You made the right choice.”
Nick’s brows rose. “My thoughts that obvious?”
Loki shook his head. “Nah, just worrying about the same thing.”
Shifting away from unproductive thinking, Nick inquired, “Have you been able to establish a pattern?”
“Yep. Finished reviewing the last five years of placements. Records go back another seven but aren’t digital. More abuses of the system may be uncovered in those records, but I found enough to warrant a thorough investigation. Crudele places kids in her sister’s homes before Christmas and brings them back after the first week of the year, so they are paid the stipend. I can’t prove intent yet, but I believe she does that to bilk money from the province. She chooses young ones. Unfortunately, this year the Kettles fit the profile.
“Crudele shows a tendency to break-up family units when placing children in foster families. Some are inevitable given the ages of the ones at Larkin, but I ran Larkin’s numbers against data from other children’s homes and found the statistics significantly higher. Larkin’s adoption rate is also dismal. Appears this woman doesn’t believe these children deserve stable, loving families.”
“Thank you, Loki. We will make sure that data gets to the right authorities to investigate.”
Former Home of Kettle Family – 12:20 p.m.
Jon, Ray, and Bram pulled up a few houses down and stopped. Jon said, “I don’t want to spook them if they are in there. We investigate from outside, and if they’re inside, we contact Boss.”
Bram and Ray acknowledged with a slight nod before they exited the SUV. The three quietly worked their way around the outside of the house checking in each window and finding the residence vacant.
Returning to the vehicle, wishing for a different outcome, Jon relayed their status, “Boss, the home is a no go. Empty and no footprints or any other kind of disturbance in the snow near any of the possible entrances. We’re heading to Lexa and Dan.”
“I hope they have better luck,” Bram stated.
Green Acres Cemetery – TRF SUV – 12:30 p.m.
/> They arrived at the cemetery a few moments ago, but Lexa patiently waited while Dan finished his phone call with his cousin before exiting. As he talked, she ran through different scenarios in her head. If we discover the Kettle brothers here, can we wait for Boss to arrive to engage in negotiation?
Unsure they could wait, Lexa assessed whether she or Dan should negotiate. What they discovered regarding these boys indicated strong military discipline. She didn’t believe she was the best one to connect with them. This appeared to be a prime opportunity for field experience for Dan. A peaceful close to this scenario could go a long way in boosting his self-confidence in talking the talk. Though not soldiers, the boys had been raised by one, so their mindset would be something familiar to Dan and give him a starting point.
Dan hung up with Adam and grinned as he unmuted his headset. “Boss, I spoke with my cousin Adam. If we find them, he might have a solution which will allow all twelve brothers to remain together. Adam contacted an old friend who was his and Captain Kettle’s CO in Trenton.” He explained the option to the team.
Lexa nodded and smiled. “That’s good. Dan, if we do locate them here, you should do the talking.”
His eyes locked on Lexa’s, as this morning’s failures raced through his mind. He shook his head. “Lexa, no. You’re better with kids. Better all the way around. I’ll cover you, and you talk.”
While Loki tapped into traffic cams around the children’s home to search for any indication of which direction the brothers went when they left the facility, Nick drove and listened to Dan’s and Lexa’s conversation. Nick rapidly assessed why Lexa wanted Dan to negotiate. He landed on reasoning he was certain she had used before making her statement.
Nick said, “I agree with Lexa. Dan, these boys, are more likely to respond to a male after what they went through with Ms. Crudele. Their father was in the military. They’ll be accustomed to military bearing. They’re bound to be very emotional, and the familiarity may be calming to them. We must do all in our power to keep them calm. Dan, I’ll be in your ear if you need me.”