by Laura Acton
Lexa got out of the SUV and waited for Dan. She could see he struggled with undertaking his task. Witnessing Dan’s fist unclench and him drawing in a deep breath and exhaling gradually—sniper breathing, Lexa realized that was the point when Dan accepted he must talk. Boss didn’t order him but strongly recommended he be the one and laid out why then offered support. She recognized the tactic—encouraging him while providing a safety net.
Dan exited the vehicle, nervous with the idea of negotiating, but accepting it was his assignment. A part of him hoped they were not here, the thought of failing in real life weighed heavily on his shoulders.
“This way, Dan.” Lexa started across the grass for a small hill. While Dan was speaking with Adam, she had contacted the cemetery’s keeper and determined the location of the Tabor and Kettle graves and communicated the site to the others. She hoped the boys were here, they had no other leads at this point, and the weather was turning rather cold.
Green Acres Cemetery – Near Graves – 12:35 p.m.
As they crested the hill, Dan and Lexa spied the youths. They were all in the process of kneeling and bowing their heads as if in prayer.
“Boss, they’re here. All twelve of them. They look to be praying. Should we hold for the rest of the team?” Lexa softly said.
“We’re ten minutes away.” Jon wished they were closer.
Nick directed, “Hold unless they begin to leave. Approach with caution if you need to engage before we arrive.”
Dan signaled to Lexa to follow him. Well acquainted with this part of the cemetery he moved to a familiar place and pointed out a tree for his partner to hide behind. He crouched down behind Brody’s headstone as he placed his hand on the granite memorial. Brothers beyond blood.
Lexa went to the tree but glimpsed Dan lay a hand on a marker, and over the headset, she heard his intake of a deep breath. When Dan’s forehead leaned forward and made contact with the gravestone, Lexa almost went to him, worried he was in pain. She whispered, “Dan, everything okay?”
As Dan’s hand covered where Brody’s tag lay on his chest his forehead touched the cold stone. He would’ve done anything for Brody—and actually had reacted out of character several times when Brody needed protecting—but his brother was worth the trouble he got into as a result.
At Lexa’s question, Dan drew in another breath. I must find a way do this. Perhaps I can draw upon my past to relate to these boys. Blood doesn’t make a brother, and when brothers are in danger, it becomes easy to do what is necessary to protect them, even when those actions aren’t technically the right thing to do.
“Yeah, I’m good.” Dan glanced at Lexa hoping his mask was firmly in place. He wanted to say I’m fine, which he was, but he wouldn’t worry his team.
Lexa hated the stoic mask which covered Dan’s face. Completely unreadable. Damn! “Alright, we observe for now and wait for the team.”
Dan nodded and refocused on the Kettle brothers. The crisp winter breeze carried the words of the boys’ prayer to Dan’s and Lexa’s ears.
Alban had watched Ross break down and bawl. It wasn’t long before they all were crying and holding onto each other. When they were cried out, they stood, gazing at their parent’s graves. Alban glanced at each of his brothers as regret filled him. He had failed them.
They had no place to go, no money, nothing. The weather was turning foul as a storm brewed. The music store was too far away to walk. What did I do? My rash action proves I’m not ready to take care of them. What am I going to do now? He needed help and prayer was the only thing which came to mind. Alban requested all the boys kneel and bow their heads.
Alban took a moment to compose his thoughts before he prayed, “Dear Lord, we seek Your divine guidance and protection. Our parents dwell with You in heaven. I vowed to keep my brothers safe and together. Lord, I messed up. I allowed emotion to cloud my judgment and took an action I regret. Now when they need me most, I won’t be with them.
“I ruined any chance for obtaining guardianship. No judge will give them into my care after showing such lack of maturity. I beseech You to watch over my family. Hold them safe in Your loving embrace. Please keep them together if You can and find a place they can call home. Something I failed to do. I put myself into Your care, accepting the consequences of my deeds.”
When Alban stopped, Craig began, and his brothers joined in, reciting the Serenity prayer asking for the ability to accept the things they couldn’t change and for courage and wisdom in their time of trial. When they finished, they all stood and hugged and then Todd asked, “So what do we do now?”
Alban answered, “We take the young ones someplace warm and I call the police to turn myself in.”
Locking gazes with Dan as they listened, Lexa nodded to him when their unspoken dialog indicated he wanted to make their presence known. Stepping out, ready to cover him, Lexa pleaded silently, don’t make me shoot a kid.
Taking a steadying breath, Dan rose and called out in a calm voice, “Police. Stay right where you are. Show me your hands.”
The brothers all froze seeing two armed police officers.
Dan noted the frightened expressions on the boy’s faces and kept his voice calm yet interjected an air of command. “Keep your hands visible, kneel, and interlace your fingers on top of your heads. Do it slowly.”
Paling at the sight of the gun, the last time he saw one his mom was killed, Alban started to go to his knees. His brothers followed his lead. Alban’s voice shook, “Sir, I’m Alban Kettle. I believe you are looking for me. Don’t hurt my brothers. They did nothing wrong.”
Disliking that he must follow protocol and assume one or more of them were armed, despite his gut telling him differently, Dan tried to alleviate their fear by softening his tone. “Alban, my name is Constable Dan Broderick with TRF. We want everyone to go home safe and unharmed today. You can help by following my orders.”
“Jon, how far out?” Lexa requested in a quiet voice which didn’t carry.
“Arriving in five, any sign of the weapon?”
“Not yet. Boys are complying and going to their knees,” Lexa conveyed as she covered Dan while they took a few steps closer to the twelve boys. She noted their reddened eyes and tear-streaked faces. These unfortunate boys are in a world of pain. She ached for them, understanding what it was like to lose family. Though, her brothers failed to fight for her in the end and chose sides with her father abandoning her.
Her thoughts shifted, and fear ebbed in due to Dan’s earlier unmuted comment. Will the team want Dan or me if our relationship is ever revealed? The idea of losing her chosen family, like she lost her natural one, caused her to mentally retreat from the progress she made in opening her heart to him. Pushing personal doubts aside, she refocused on the job as Dan spoke again.
Dan knew he must keep the situation under control until the team arrived. Twelve scared boys stared at him. “Just remain still for now, and everyone will remain safe.” Relief coursed through him when they remained in place.
Alban interlaced his fingers on his head as he peered up at the blond officer. He seemed familiar, but Alban couldn’t place where he’d seen him before. Though a sense of peace washed over him, something told him he had a guardian angel. God worked in mysterious ways, and Alban learned to accept this feeling. Every time he felt overwhelmed and prayed for guidance, he received what he needed. Not always in the manner he expected, but his faith was strong. This man would help him and his brothers.
Dan blinked as he studied Alban. Recognition lit his mind. He glanced back at Brody’s grave and then to a marker near the teen. He read Mary Tabor-Kettle, as the song ‘If Today Was Your Last Day’ filtered into his brain. This was the boy who came to talk to his mother. The one who played that tune for her and poured out his heart. Dan had noticed him a few times when he was here visiting Brody and recalled Alban always played music.
Ensuring he kept his word not to engage in a physical manner, though wanting to keep the boys calm while waiti
ng for Jon and the others, Dan said, “My brother, Brody, always believed music helps heal the heart and soul. His mother’s favorite song was ‘Amazing Grace.’ Do you have a favorite?”
Alban stared at the cop, not expecting to be talking about music. “Sir, I like a lot of music, but I guess if I had to pick my favorite, I’m kinda of partial to ‘Days to Recall’ by Justin Hines.”
Dan smiled. “Sir is my father. I’m Dan. Brody liked that one. He used to say it reminded him that even in the darkest hours there’s a path to the light.”
“Liked?” Alban didn’t miss the past tense.
“Yeah, liked. Brody died about a year and a half ago.” Dan inclined his head towards Brody’s grave.
Lexa flicked her eyes to the headstone Dan had hidden behind. Brody’s resting place. His motions made sense now. Wow.
Alban’s eyes widened. “You. I’ve seen you here.”
Craig’s eyes bounced between Alban and the officer. “You know him?”
Shaking his head, Alban said, “No, but when I visited mom he was here several times.” He stared at the constable. “I messed up big-time.” Tears started dripping.
“Dan, we’re almost there. Let them know we’re coming. Don’t want to spook them,” Nick coached as he trotted behind Jon, Bram, Ray, and Loki.
“Copy,” Dan replied in a hushed voice, then directed his next words to the boys as he scanned their scared faces. “The rest of my team is coming. I need you all to continue to remain calm and still, just like you have been. They’re going to search each one of you for weapons.”
Alban sighed. “I have the gun. It isn’t a real firearm, only an orange water pistol. The toy’s in my right coat pocket.”
Todd said, “Sir, we all went willingly. Alban’s not going to jail, is he?”
Dan moved forward as the team came down the hill while Lexa maintained cover. Going directly to Alban, Dan said, “Not up to me, but cooperation goes a long way with the judges.”
He patted down Alban and located the toy gun exactly where Alban said. “I’m going to cuff you now, Alban. I’m sorry, but I must follow procedure.”
Jon, Ray, Loki, Nick, and Bram finished checking all the other kids and had them stand up.
Grant clung to Gavin’s leg. Gavin put his hand on Grant’s head and tousled his hair lightly. Gavin liked to tousle Grant’s hair because he had it. Chemo had made Grant bald, and it took nearly a year for his missing locks to grow back in. It hurt knowing he wouldn’t be there to protect Grant in the foster home he was going to. He bit his lower lip to stop the trembling, but tears gathered in his eyes.
Ross’ eyes pooled with tears again. Once his dam had burst, and he released his anger, aching loss filled every crevice of his body. He cried, “You can’t take Alban from me too. This isn’t fair. Mommy, Daddy, and now Grant, Justin, Brandon, Bryce, and Alban.”
Alban said, “It’s going to be alright, Ross. Trust in God. He has a plan.”
Craig pulled Ross to him and hugged him as Ross sobbed. Craig stared at the kind older officer who had white hair at the temples. “Ross has been so angry since Dad died. Today is the first day he has cried.”
Nick nodded, fully understanding the process of grief. He laid a supportive hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Grieving can be difficult and takes many paths. Anger is a natural reaction.”
Craig’s eyes teared up. “I know, I read a lot of books on the five stages to help my brothers. Grieving is a personal thing and a long process.”
As a light snow began to fall, Jon said, “Let’s go boys.”
“Where are we going?” Macon asked.
Bram said, “Someplace warm for now. You all appear near frozen.”
“Tia, we need transport for the boys,” Lexa said.
“On the way. Should arrive in five,” Tia responded.
“Always ahead of us. Thanks, Tia.” Lexa lowered her weapon.
Green Acres Cemetery – TRF SUV – 12:45 p.m.
As they walked the Kettle brothers towards the SUVs, Nick whispered to Dan to present the option to the two older boys outside the hearing of the others. Once they arrived, they put the ten younger boys in the back seats with some sitting on their brother’s laps and turned on the heaters. Alban and Craig stood outside.
“Do either of you know a Major Bodhran?” Dan queried.
Both teenagers nodded as Craig answered, “Yes, sir. He was our father’s commanding officer for many years.”
Jon, Bram, Loki, Nick, and Lexa stood near creating a wind block for the boys. Dan gazed at the teens who behaved older than their years. “There may be a solution to keeping your brothers together. This remedy might be a little unorthodox but let me tell you about it, and you can discuss it with your siblings before you make a decision.”
They nodded, and Dan explained. “Since Major Bodhran retired he’s been the headmaster at the Blackwatch Military Academy. The institute is a year-round boarding school which services many military families. Typically, they only take boys ten years or older, but the major and his wife live at the school. They offered to take Grant, Justin, Bryce, and Brandon as well and plan to assign you dorm rooms next to one another.
“As I said, this resolution is a bit unusual but would allow you all to stay together. I can’t promise anything, but we will recommend based on your cooperation here today, and extenuating circumstances that the judge consider a diversion program such as attending Blackwatch Academy instead of the juvenile detention center should charges be brought against you.”
Alban gaped at Craig as a smile grew on his face. Relief flooded in even with his possible confinement at a juvenile facility, his brothers would remain together, and Craig would be there for them. He bowed his head. “Thank you, Lord.”
Craig’s eyes teared up and a grin lit his face. “God provided a path out of our darkness.”
Lifting his head, Alban held a steady gaze with Constable Broderick. “Please tell Major Bodhran we accept his gracious offer.”
Jon asked, “Don’t you want to discuss the proposal with your brothers? Life in a military academy will be quite regimented.”
Craig laughed as he wiped away his tears. “Sir, you have no idea how regimented Alban is. With twelve of us, he had to put strict rules and order in place or face chaos. Military school will seem like a vacation to the little ones. But more importantly, we will be together. We’ll have a home together.”
Warmth spread through Dan as he grinned. “I’ll make the call.”
Justice Prevails
52
December 23
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 1:40 p.m.
After a quick bite to eat, Nick and Alban left for juvenile court with Dale Gibbson. The boisterous room now contained eleven of twelve brothers. Their hunger almost sated as they finished scarfing down eight extra-large pizzas, with a little help from Alpha Team, they anticipated dessert. The boys cheered as Loki strolled in carrying the last of the cookies from the ballerinas.
“Cookies are a must with hot cocoa.” Loki set the plate near Bryce who gravitated towards him since the Tabor-Kettle squad arrived at headquarters.
Bryce’s eyes shone as he beamed. “And mini marshmallows.”
Jon chuckled, “A kid after your own heart, Loki.”
“He knows what’s what!” Loki grinned at the little boy. “Dig in boys. Pretty ballerinas made these.”
Dan resumed his seat beside Craig. He was impressed with these boys. Nothing Crudele said about them was true. They were all well-mannered, articulate, and kind. The older ones took care of the younger ones, and he noted they all looked after Grant. Grant was small for eight and tended to stick close to Gavin. In fact, the twins were bigger than him, and they were six.
Turning to Craig, Dan quietly asked, “Does Grant have health issues the Bodhran’s need to be aware of?”
Craig glanced at Grant who sat in Gavin’s lap happily munching on a sugar cookie. “Not anymore. He had cancer when he was four—almost died. Grant
is my youngest natural brother, but he shares the deepest connection with Gavin. I guess blood isn’t important in determining brotherhood.”
Dan expression became reflective. “I agree with you. None of my brothers are related to me. Though, I’d give my life to save theirs without hesitation.” Then he shared, “My cousin Adam knew your father. He served with him at Trenton for several years. Adam said your dad was an exceptional pilot.”
“Yes he was, but at the funeral I overheard some guys talking, and they said he made a mistake and got himself killed. I don’t believe he did and neither did Uncle Bunge. Our uncle was going to make sure the investigation didn’t get whitewashed, but now he is dead too. We’ll probably never be told the real reason. Hard to accept, but my heart tells me Dad did everything right.”
“Oh, you’ll know!” Dan stated.
“How? Your cousin?” Craig studied the blond officer. It boggled his mind how well they had all been treated since being found. In the last four months, they’d seen the darker side of life dealing with Crudele. These people didn’t even know them and treated them with respect and concern, especially Constable Broderick. Talking to Alban about music kept his brother calm in the graveyard. Alban found strength in prayer and music, and when Alban remained cool-headed, all of them followed his lead. Things could’ve gone terribly wrong if the little boys had gotten spooked.
Dan picked up a piece of shortbread, and before taking a bite, he said, “Not quite. My uncle is Colonel Ryan Broderick, and he is friends with the JAG Commander. The commander is an honorable man who cares about the truth. He will ensure the cause is discovered and not swept under the rug and the crashes simply attributed to pilot error. Uncle Ryan has a vested interest in the outcome because both his sons are pilots.”
Lexa sat down next to Dan. He did so well with connecting with these teens. “Is your father involved in the investigation?”
Dan shook his head. “No. Outside the general’s scope of command and that of my other uncle’s too.”