by Laura Acton
Craig eyed Dan. General? Other uncles? “Just how big is your family?”
“Not near as large as yours.” Dan chuckled and popped the treat into his mouth. He needed to head into the locker room soon and take his meds—slightly overdue for them he was beginning to ache.
Craig’s joyfulness reflected in his eyes as he glanced around the table at his treasured brothers. “Thank you. We owe you a lot.”
“You don’t owe me a thing. I’m happy you all can stay together. Family is important.” Dan rose and turned to Lexa as he said, “I’ll be back in a bit.” His hand involuntarily rubbed his sore chest.
Lexa noted the movement and realized Dan missed his meds, two hours overdue. She tilted her head as she eyed him, becoming aware he didn’t want to call attention to his discomfort. “Sure, take your time. We’re off critical calls until the boss returns.”
She tracked him as he exited. All her doubts about their relationship had tried to resurface, but she squashed them. Today showed her what she already grasped … Dan is a first-rate man and worth the risk … and life can be too short. Rejecting happiness when handed to you on a platter would be illogical.
TRF HQ – Locker Room – 2:15 p.m.
With his elbows on his thighs and his head in his hands, Dan focused on breathing through his pain. I should consider carrying my meds with me. Glad no one noted I’m hurting. Strike that, relieved no one except Lexa noticed and she didn’t rat me out.
After last night’s traffic stop and Gould slamming him into the trunk, Dan received all the mother-henning he could stand. Gambrill almost demanded he take today and tomorrow off. Jen had been sweet, though he felt self-conscious by her attention, mainly because he would’ve never puked if he hadn’t consumed that much ice cream in the first place.
Jon had glared at him with suspicion in his eyes when he asked what was up with Gould and if he had a past encounter with him. That was something he didn’t want to discuss with Jon. Ancient history which needed to remain buried. How would the team react if they became aware of what I did in the fourteenth? Would they draw the same lines as those in my past did? Would they shun me? Dan blew out a breath. Not something I want to find out.
Silently observing Dan for several minutes, Jon was surprised he didn’t acknowledge his presence. No one could sneak up on their rookie—something which frustrated Loki to no end. Making himself known, Jon cleared his throat and noted the startled expression on Dan’s face when his head whipped up. “Here you are. Been searching for you. Went to the roof first. You okay?”
Composing himself rapidly, Dan replied, “Yeah, I’m good. Do you need me to do something?” Dan stood and closed his locker.
Jon caught the slight wince at Dan’s movement. He was beginning to read him better, though still a long way off on comprehending all the nuisances of his complicated sniper. “Nope, just wanted to tell you, excellent job connecting. What made you decide to talk about music?”
Dan leaned on the metal lockers as Jon’s compliment sunk in—the tactical lead didn’t hand out praise without merit. “When I visited Brody, I glimpsed Alban there several times. Didn’t know until I spotted him today it was the same boy who sat at his mother’s grave listening to music. Thought that talking about something he enjoyed would keep things calm until you arrived.”
Jon nodded. “Worked well.”
Pushing off the locker, Dan winced.
“Take your meds?” Jon asked, concern flaring, which he put a lid on—Dan didn’t react well to coddling, and he wasn’t about to ruin the jovial mood.
“Yeah.” Dan didn’t want a conversation about his health.
Putting to use his developing ability to read Dan, Jon changed the subject asking Dan if he still planned to help out at Mayfield Soup Kitchen tomorrow. When Dan responded positively, Jon smiled. Making progress!
Court House – 3:20 p.m.
Judge Raylene Sommer looked up as the bailiff ushered several people into her chambers. She had been scheduled to be off today, but her superior called and requested she hold this emergency hearing. She had reviewed the materials just a few moments ago. Raylene greeted them, motioning to the chairs arranged around her desk. “I’m handling this in an informal setting because the courtrooms are in use. This will be all by the book regardless of the location. Please be seated.”
Alban took a seat between Sergeant Nicholas Pastore and Mr. Dale Gibbson who had stayed with him the entire time. They were kind men and Alban remained in awe that Mr. Gibbson said he was here to defend him—free of charge. A little scared, Alban appreciated having the support of the lawyer Dan arranged for him and the TRF sergeant.
He owed so much to Dan Broderick—more than he could ever repay. God surely worked in mysterious ways. His brothers had a safe place to live, all because Dan reached out to his cousin. He drew in a shaky, nervous breath and then felt two hands on his shoulders. Alban glanced at both men but focused on the warm hazel eyes of the sergeant and found his inner core strengthen. He sat up straight, ready to face the consequences of his deeds.
Once all the parties sat, Raylene studied the adolescent bravely sitting before her. “Alban Tabor-Kettle.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His voice betrayed his nerves.
“I reviewed the reports from the crown attorney’s office and from the officer to whom you surrendered. No charges are to be filed against you, young man. Though, I must stress that any repeat of such actions, no matter how nobly rooted they may be, will be met with serious consequences.”
Ms. Crudele rudely interrupted, “He threatened to shoot me. He’s a bad seed. He needs to go to jail. All of them are disobedient and disrespectful youths who must be taught a lesson.”
Judge Sommer turned her head to address the vile woman. “You are out of order. Be silent, or you will be held in contempt of court.”
Crudele clamped her mouth shut.
Raylene returned her gaze to Alban. “Do you comprehend the meaning of what I said?”
“I believe so, ma’am. Thank you. Does this mean I can live with my brothers or will my actions result in me being separated from them?”
The judge stated, “Before I can answer that, I must make a ruling on the second item on my agenda. Is retired Major Osmund Bodhran here?”
From the back of the room, a white-haired man with a snow-white beard stood and formally stated, “Yes, your honor.”
Alban turned and saw the major for the first time in years. Wow, never seen him with a beard before—looks a bit like Santa Claus. Maybe he is. A smile grew on his face as they met eyes.
Osmund stepped forward a few paces, standing behind Alban.
Raylene nodded. “Paperwork filed with the Court indicates you and your wife would like to become the guardians of all twelve Tabor-Kettle boys. This is extraordinary. Can you explain to me why?”
Osmund said, “I’m headmaster of Blackwatch Military Academy for Boys, ma’am. My wife and I find we possess an infinite capacity in our hearts for young men. We have the ability and resources necessary to care for these boys and to keep them together as a family unit. Separating them after the losses they’ve suffered would be cruel.
“Captain Kettle was under my command for many years. He was an honorable man who dearly loved all his boys. He had made plans for their care if he should die. Unfortunately, Captain Bunge was killed a week later. As a result, the boys became wards of the province. I was also a friend of Neil Tabor. God rest his soul.”
Alban whipped his shocked eyes to Bodhran. “You knew my dad?”
Osmund’s tone became wistful. “Yes, quite well. We are both Blackwatch alumni. We met when I went to my twentieth academy reunion. Neil was a senior and drum major of the marching band. He was an exceptional drummer and a virtuous man. You remind me a lot of your dad.”
Alban’s eyes prickled with hot, unshed tears. He turned and bowed his head when he couldn’t stop them from pooling. His shoulders shook when all his pent-up anxiety over the last four months crashed d
own on him.
Bodhran quickly rounded to the front of the teen who valiantly struggled to do a man’s job with little support. That ended today—he would ease his burden. Osmund knelt down and laid his hand on Alban’s knee, noting Pastore and Gibbson placed supportive hands on the boy’s back at the same time.
His voice soft and caring, Osmund said, “Both of your fathers would be proud of the man you are becoming. I would like to help you maintain the vow you made to your parents. This burden is too heavy for you to carry alone. My wife and I want to assist you, Alban. When you are ready, we will fully support you obtaining guardianship of your brothers if that is your desire. Until then, allow me the honor of caring for you and your siblings.”
Raylene dipped her head to wipe her eyes covertly. A judge was not supposed to be emotionally involved, but how could she not be moved by this man’s words?
Nick studied the kneeling man. Life continued to surprise him. Sending Dan had turned out to be the right thing to do. He connected with Alban and set in motion a miraculous solution. Dan made a real difference today.
Alban sucked in a breath and sniffled. A tissue appeared, taking it he wiped his eyes. Regaining some composure, Alban lifted his head and peered at Bodhran. “When Dan told me what you offered, God answered my prayers. I would, we would all very much like your help, sir.”
Tears of relief began to roll down Alban’s face. Osmund pulled the overwrought teenager into a hug and held him while the youth released all the fear and stress he had kept bottled up trying to be strong for his brothers.
Crudele scoffed. “I had homes for four of the boys. You’re not seriously considering placing them all together. They will not move forward unless they forget their past.”
Judge Sommer pinned her glare on the cruel woman. “You were warned about remaining quiet. Bailiff, if Ms. Crudele speaks again without being asked to respond to a direct question, take her into custody and remove her.”
Then she turned kind eyes back to the young man who was beginning to collect himself. “I grant the guardianship effective immediately. Major Bodhran, I assume beds are ready for the children.”
“Yes, ma’am. My wife is readying their rooms which is why she isn’t here with me,” Osmund said as he stood and rested a hand on Alban’s shoulder.
Pursing her lips to repress a smile, taking a moment to regard the hopeful expression in Alban’s eyes, Raylene said, “This order of guardianship shall be in place for one year. At which time, we will review the case, and if Mr. Alban Kettle desires to become the guardian of his brothers and is in a position to be able to support them, the court will give due consideration to that request.”
A triumphant smile broke across Alban’s face as he blurted out, “Thank you, ma’am!”
Raylene couldn’t withhold her smile. “Merry Christmas, Alban. You are a fine young man with a bright future. Time for you to join your brothers.”
Nick, Dale, and Osmund exited the room with Alban. After the door shut, the judge redirected her attention to the horrid social worker. “Ms. Crudele, it has come to our attention that gross mismanagement has taken place at the care facility under your supervision. Until a thorough investigation is conducted and charges levied or dismissed, you are on unpaid administrative leave as recommended by your superiors and approved by the magistrate.
“You are persona non-grata at both Larkin Children’s Home and Blackwatch Military Academy. As such, you are ordered to have no contact with any past or current residents or staff and are not allowed on the premises of either facility. If you violate these provisions, the Crown Attorney will file charges as warranted.”
Crudele’s mouth twisted, her expression bilious. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I receive the dredges of society and do the best I can. Children from unwed, druggy mothers, unwashed and ill-mannered youth no one wants.”
The bailiff’s mouth dropped open not believing his ears. The poor children in this woman’s care.
Raylene glanced at the stunned bailiff, feeling much the same way. Her voice clipped as she maintained decorum, “Bailiff, you will escort Ms. Crudele out of the building. Our business in this matter is concluded for today.”
When her chambers were empty, Raylene allowed herself to smile as she recalled the wholesome and praiseworthy young man who strove so hard against all the odds to keep his family together. Good triumphed over evil today. She closed the file and stood. Time to go home to her family and count the blessings of her life.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 4:30 p.m.
Dan glanced up when Gibbson and Boss entered. “How did it go?”
“You’ll see.” Dale’s expression rivaled the famed Cheshire Cat. When Dan called earlier, he believed Dan had neutralized a subject and Dale didn’t like the idea Dan would need to deal with the terrible emotions which came with taking lethal action. When he found out the real reason, he eagerly agreed to assist.
Brandon played with one of the small toy cars Officer Loki had given him and his brothers to play with about an hour ago. He stopped zooming it around and looked up when he heard footsteps. His jaw dropped as he exclaimed loudly, “Santa Claus brought Alban back!”
Bryce turned his head and stared at this brother and the white-haired, white-bearded man. “Santa?”
All eleven brothers raced to Alban and smothered him with hugs.
Alpha Team stood and watched the brother’s reunion—their hearts filled with joy. They witnessed so much of the dark side of humanity in their job, times like these made it all worthwhile.
Alban settled his siblings down. His voice full of excitement, he shared, “I received excellent news. We won’t be split up—ever! We’re all going home together with dad’s former commanding officer and his wife.”
Bryce tugged at his shirt, and Alban shifted his gaze down. “Yes, Bryce.”
Pointing to the white-haired man Bryce asked, “Is that Santa Claus?”
Alban chuckled. “Yeah, well, I guess he sort of is Santa. That’s Major Bodhran. You’re too young to remember him.”
Brandon’s eyes widened. “We get to live with Santa?!”
Craig scooped him up grinning broadly. “Yes! Yes, we do.”
Osmund grinned as he turned and picked out Dan Broderick. He had never met him personally, but he was definitely a Broderick—no question. “Dan, thank you for contacting Adam. I was unaware of the situation which befell the Tabor-Kettle boys. I’m grateful you and Adam enlightened me.”
Dan only inclined his head slightly with a smile. No words were necessary.
Turning to the boys, Osmund said, “Are you ready to go home?”
Gavin picked up Grant and gleefully exclaimed, “Yes, sir we are!”
“Fantastic! Mrs. Bodhran will have your rooms all set up by now. I will arrange for someone to gather your belongings from the place you were before. After dinner, you boys can help decorate the tree.”
Grant stared at Gavin with bright surprised eyes. “We get to have a Christmas tree too?!”
“That’s what the major said, little buddy.” Gavin tousled Grant’s hair, joy bursting at his seams. I can continue to care for and protect my little brother.
As the boys started to follow Osmund out, he noted one of them held back. Osmund struggled to remember his name. They had changed so much since the last time he visited them over four years ago. The child was young but the spitting image of Gordon. The right name popped into his head as Osmund went to the boy. He knelt down, so he was eye level. “Ross, don’t you want to see your new home?”
Ross became overwhelmed and started crying. “I want my daddy.”
Osmund wrapped Ross in his arms and held him gently. “Let it out, son. Release your sorrow and anger. It’s okay to cry and scream and to be angry with the world. Wanting your dad is alright. You miss him, and the pain is awful. I’m here for you and so are your brothers. You are not alone in your grief, never alone.” He stood, cradling the sobbing boy as he rubbed his back. His eyes lit on Nick Pastore
. “Thank you for all your help. They are safe in my care, now.”
Nick swallowed the lump in his throat, not often moved this deeply, but knowing his team did well today.
His step matching Alban’s, Craig wrapped his arm around his brother’s shoulder as he beamed. “The Lord sent us a protector.”
Alban stopped and glanced back into the conference room at the TRF officers and Mr. Gibbson. “More than one.” Then he slung an arm over Craig’s shoulder too. “Come on, Craig. We have a new home to help our brothers settle into.”
When only Alpha Team remained in the room, Nick turned to Dan. “Well done. You connected. We won today, and it feels excellent.” He gazed at the rest of the team. “Proud of everyone today. Shall we start debrief?”
As the team moved to assume their regular places, each one patted Dan on the back letting him know they agreed with the boss’ heartfelt words.
Dan couldn’t suppress the smile as he took his seat. This is what he wanted—to help people up close and not be just a point and shoot guy taking targets out from over a mile away. Maybe I can learn to negotiate after all. Perhaps I won’t always suck and can develop skills to read the cues.
Making a Real Difference
53
December 23
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 6:30 p.m.
As Jon pretended to shoot Lexa who played the hostage, Dan dropped his head. This scenario still frustrated him because didn’t recognize the cues. He had run through the situation another three times. Fifteen times in all and not once had he picked up on the signals.
Nick asked, “What did you miss this time, Dan?”
Dan took a deep breath and blew it out. His earlier thought about being able to learn slipped further away as self-doubt crept back in. He shook his head. “I didn’t perceive any cues. Boss, I’m not cut out for negotiating.”
“Think, Dan. You didn’t observe cues. Why?” Nick prompted as he made direct eye contact with Dan and held him in place.
Raking his fingers through his hair, staring at Boss, Dan racked his brain as he replayed the latest scenario. Why didn’t I identify anything? Am I really so blind not to determine a single sign? Slowly it dawned on him, and he lowered his hands as his eyes widened.