SERENITY: A Path Home (Beauty 0f Life Book 6)

by Laura Acton

  Giving his full attention to Loki, Dan offered the appearance of a willing and trustworthy confidant. “Sure.”

  “You … I mean … we both endured screwed up childhoods. You thought your father hated you and my stepfather honestly did, and I never knew why.”

  Dan clamped down on his emotions as Loki’s eyes darted back and forth unable to settle in one place for long.

  His fists clenching, Loki sucked in a breath. “He hates me with a passion and never misses an opportunity to belittle me. Growing up I often believed something about me might be defective … like I didn’t deserve to be loved.”

  The fury in his teammate’s eyes shocked Dan as Loki locked his gaze. Dan kept his mouth shut and listened although he wanted to say, ‘I believed the same thing, but I was mistaken. And if you think that, so are you. There’s nothing substandard about you. Your stepfather is an asshole.’

  Releasing his fists, Loki’s knee started bouncing nervously. “I’m not the bad one … not even close. But now I think I know why. Don’t have any proof, but … Narciso Ricigliano … well, he isn’t the man I thought he was. I found out something … he—”

  Loki abruptly broke off as members of Charlie Team entered the lockers joking. He realized he almost blurted out his burden though he previously decided to wait until after Christmas. Loki shouldn’t seek Dan’s advice now, it might ruin Dan’s fun with his family, and that wouldn’t be right.

  Plastering on a false happy face, Loki turned to his tech counterpart on the other team and said, “Larry, no messing up Lucille while I’m gone. Last time you used her you left bits of carpet in her treads.”

  Larry chuckled. “Your girlfriend is safe with me.”

  Dan finished dressing as he noted Loki’s flip in demeanor. Now he was certain something was bugging Loki. Dan wished their plans allowed him the time to invite Loki to his place to talk. He wondered if Loki opened up to Ray or Lexa about it, but his gut said no. As he closed his locker, so did Loki and the two ambled out of the room together.

  At the door, Dan stopped him and said, “Whatever it is you wanted to say, just know that I’m here for you like you’ve been here for me. If you need help with anything, ask.”

  Loki slung his arm over Dan’s shoulder and genuinely grinned. “I hear ya.”

  TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 1:10 p.m.

  Lexa said goodbye to Boss, Bram, Jon, and Ray as they all headed out then as she waited for Dan, her mind shifted to melancholy thoughts. If only her father and brothers had not abandoned her, she might be flying home to Cold Lake for Christmas. But they did.

  Her father made it clear her choice to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police nine and a half years ago disappointed him. She rarely spoke with him in the five-plus years she worked for the RCMP in Edmonton. The few times they conversed ended in an argument.

  Alexander McKenna turned his back on his only daughter, and namesake Alexandra McKenna, for good in the Edmonton airport. After she earned a spot on Alpha Team, before moving to Toronto, she tried one last time to connect with her father, hoping he would accept what gave her a sense of purpose. He didn’t. For over four years now, ever since that wretched July day, Lexa had no communication whatsoever with him or her brothers.

  The pain which ripped through her as her father turned away and walked out of her life nearly killed her. Shattered pieces of her heart littered the floor of the airport, and she began erecting walls to protect the remaining fragile remnants. She built strong and sturdy barriers no soul could penetrate.

  That is until Dan Broderick came along. From the first moment she laid eyes on him, intense sapphire blue eyes blinking Morse code, he stealthily infiltrated her stronghold. Once she found out they were teammates, her fortifications deflected his assault. She disliked the cocky soldier and had been openly hostile to him.

  Things changed over time as she started to recognize her initial reactions were a form of protection. Reflexively, she believed he would hurt her if she let him close. Somehow Dan slipped past all her defenses, finding a secret door she didn’t know existed in her fortress. She also began to realize Dan didn’t attack her heart—instead, he set about rebuilding it—painstakingly and with gentle care like she used to restore her home.

  Lexa cast off her musings as she caught sight of Dan and Loki strolling out of the lockers. Her smile set their plan into motion—a way to spend time together without drawing attention. “Dan, it’s snowing. I thought you might like a ride home and to Mayfield. I have time today and would like to volunteer if you think they could use the help.”

  Dan flashed Lexa a grin. “They can always use more help. A lift would be grand. I wasn’t looking forward to riding my bike home before taking a cab to the soup kitchen and airport.”

  “Perhaps I’ll stay until you need to leave for the airport and drop you off there too,” Lexa stated.

  Loki smiled, grateful for Lexa’s offer. He wanted to drive Dan home, but he already made plans to help Ray. Recalling how deliberate and carefully Dan moved while changing, he decided he could help in one way. “I’ll help Lexa get your bike in her Jeep. No sense in messing with your hand or other muscles.”

  “Thanks, Loki.” Dan nodded, appreciating Loki’s help and hoping he could return the favor at some point.

  The three wished Tia a Merry Christmas before they moved towards the elevator. Dan glanced at the stairwell, not wanting to be enclosed in a small metal box, but his chest and hip ached so much the thought of walking down the stairs forced him to the dreaded elevator.

  Lexa noted the flick of Dan’s eyes. He hates elevators. The fact he is choosing to use it over the stairs is telling. Should I spill the beans to him. I hate keeping secrets. Not a smart way to build trust with him. Crud, I’m keeping secrets from the entire team—different ones, but secrets nonetheless.

  Though, her conversation with Boss about Dan’s true condition was fruitful. The entire team benefitted. They would all have two additional days off thanks to a fortuitous set of circumstances. In this case, probably didn’t hurt that Gambrill was Dan’s godfather, though truthfully, they didn’t need to lie to Dan about this aspect. The Lieutenant Governor did want to thank them for their service, and this would be an appropriate way.

  As the door closed, Lexa noted Dan’s antsy behavior, not that anyone else would notice, but she could read him much better now. It was weird, but she felt in tune with his emotions, almost like they called out to her. Lexa launched into a funny story about her first renovation project to distract him, smiling when her diversion seemed to reduce his anxiety and he laughed along with Loki.

  What a Catch, Storytime, and Rare Smile

  58

  December 24

  Dan’s Apartment – 1:40 p.m.

  After arriving, Dan took his bike down to his storage area in the basement and locked it up. When he returned, he began setting his room to rights. Lexa wiped up the still wet bathroom floor and helped with the shattered lamp as he remade his bed, dealt with his nightstands, clock, and the contents of his closet.

  Entering the kitchen with a dustpan, Lexa dumped the remnants of the broken lamp into the trash can, and the tied the bag.

  Dan glanced at her as he put away the plastic cup he finished drying. “Thanks for helping me clean. Bugged me to leave my place a total mess.”

  Lexa snickered. “Some woman is going to hit the jackpot with you. A man who is neat and cleans.”

  Dan’s heart zinged hoping Sexy Lexie would be that woman, but quipped, “Not such a jackpot, I don’t cook. Omelets are about it.”

  She winked at him. “Well, that might be a deal breaker. I mean the little lady will expect a nice meal on the table when she gets home from work.”

  “Wouldn’t want to disappoint her. A soldier learns how to improvise. Her favorite takeout served on fine china should work.” Dan flashed her a smile.

  Lexa chuckled as she viewed the mismatched plasticware in his cupboard. “The first part is doable, but I fear you migh
t come up short on the china. You need to go shopping for some.”

  Dan leaned against the counter as Lexa moved in close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Could use help with that. Last time I was in a china shop, well, let’s just say, not fun.”

  Lexa nodded recalling the critical call at Grandwood mall. Definitely no fun for any of them that day. “I think you are better off with plastic for a while. Wouldn’t want you fighting off gumballs with teeth biting your butt, Wyle E. Coyote.”

  Dan busted out laughing. “Still can’t believe that won the weirdest call of the year award.”

  “I can. Guns, gangs, gumballs, and lest we forget, glass in your ass.” Lexa lightly spanked his rear. “So, I know where one of those scars comes from. Care to tell me how you got the other one?”

  Shaking his head, wearing a playful grin, Dan said, “Nope. A guy has to keep a few secrets.” Dan threaded his fingers through Lexa’s soft hair, sighed, and leaned down to capture her lips. As much as he anticipated going home, he wanted to remain here and spend four straight days with Lexa.

  As their lips met, Lexa melted into Dan’s chest as warring thoughts battled in her mind. I could get used to this. Take it slow. Coming home to someone instead of an empty place holds appeal. Don’t jump the gun—I have no idea if this will work out. He accepts me for who I am. Wait, he doesn’t even know me—I haven’t opened up to him yet. Oh, and don’t forget we can only date secretly! Not a fantastic way to develop a lasting relationship.

  Lexa let out a deep breath and pulled back. “Need any help packing?”

  Dan shook his head. “Took care of that last night. You sure you want to stay and help until seven? I can always take a cab. I know you’re planning on having dinner with Hailey.”

  Keeping the smile on her face, Lexa stepped back, turning away so Dan couldn’t see her eyes as she lied to him. “No worries. My plans don’t start until eight, so it works out perfectly.” She didn’t want Dan to find out Hailey called and cancelled because she was ill. Spending time with him at Mayfield was her only plan for tonight—well except for returning to a dwelling devoid of companionship, taking a long bath, and going to sleep early.

  Dan sidled up behind Lexa and tugged her back against him, lowering his mouth to her ear and nuzzled as he said, “Hope you enjoy yourselves. Though truthfully, I’m relieved I’m not there. Hailey scares the crap out of me.”

  Lexa giggled. “I’ll protect your full Monty from her.”

  Chuckling Dan joked, “Whew! There are perks to having a sexy sniper chick as a girlfriend.” Dan was happy Lexa had plans tonight and tomorrow. Nothing sadder than being alone on Christmas.

  Sighing, wishing they had more time alone, Lexa asked, “You ready to go?”

  Dan nodded. “Yeah. Just let me grab my bags. Oh, can you grab the bag the fridge? They’re perishables … thought since I’m gonna be gone for four days, my neighbor could use them. I told her I’d drop them off. Better than them going to waste. You can meet Skippy too.”

  “Sure. Who’s Skippy?” Lexa watched him stride into his room.

  “Neighbor’s ancient border collie. Still acts like a puppy but he’s nineteen. I bring her big bags of dog food for him.”

  “Wow, you clean and run errands. What a catch!” All mine!

  Mayfield Soup Kitchen – 2:20 p.m.

  Dan and Lexa entered the cheerfully festooned dining area and noted the decorated tree in one corner. Dan glimpsed Caroline and steered straight for her wearing a bright smile. “Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas to you too!” Caroline exuberantly hugged Dan, noticing his bandaged hand and bruised head, but not his wince. “Rough day?”

  Lexa noted Dan’s grimace. “Yeah, a bit.” That’s an understatement.

  Turning to the petite woman, Caroline smiled warmly. A difference from last year, is she his someone special? “Who is this?”

  Wanting to introduce her as his girlfriend, but aware he couldn’t take the risk, Dan said, “A teammate, Lexa McKenna. She offered to help until seven today. Lexa, this is Caroline Bennett, Mayfield’s Director.”

  “Pleasure to meet you,” Lexa said as they shook hands.

  “Lovely, an associate of Dan’s. Welcome. We can always use additional help.” Oh darn, not his lady, but all things considered Dan has friends now, and more importantly he survived. Last summer was terrible when Caroline learned he had been shot by a crazed sniper. She mulled over Dan’s hand injury. Vegetable prep and dishwashing probably aren’t the best for him. As she was thinking, three others joined them and heartily greeted a surprised Dan.

  Dan’s eyes popped open as Boss, Jon, and Kent appeared. “Um, what are you guys doing here?”

  Nick grinned at Dan. Lexa pulled him aside after debriefing and revealed Dan’s actual condition. Nick didn’t approve of the decision made by Dr. Fraser and Jim, but he would honor it because Jim had Dan’s best interest at heart. He subsequently shared with Jon. They came up with a way to ensure Dan rested and didn’t overdo. A quick call to Gambrill set another piece of their plan into place. He disliked secrets—terrible things could happen to a team once revealed.

  At least what I’m about to say is the truth. Nick answered Dan, “You spoke so highly of the work done here that we wished to be a part of it. Ray and Loki desired to come, but are engaged with final prep for Ray’s trip to Jamaica.” To Caroline, he said, “We are here to volunteer until seven tonight.”

  Caroline beamed as Dan introduced his sergeant, tactical lead, and Jon’s teenage son. She enjoyed witnessing the astonished expression on Dan’s face. He appears so joyful, not the same lost and lonely soul who came here last year.

  Jon patted Dan’s back, aware his words would likely tick off Dan, but he agreed this was the right thing to do. Catching Caroline’s eye, Jon said, “Dan’s had a rough few days. He’s on light duty. My son told me Dan typically does most of your grunt work. Nick and I are here in his stead. Assign all your heavy jobs to us, and Dan can do something lighter.”

  Dan’s gaze bounced between Jon and his son as he recalled the conversation he and Kent had after breakfast yesterday. As they washed dishes together while Jon was in the other room with Joey and Jen, Kent asked him what his plans were today. He shared with Kent how he volunteered here.

  Eyes shining, happy he told his dad, Kent stared at Dan. Mom explained to him the risk Dan took to protect him, and he now understood how dangerous darting out of the car could be at a traffic stop. “My turn to help you.”

  Humbled by their motivation, Dan couldn’t be upset with Jon for ratting out his less than able status. But ingrained behaviors still had him stating, “Dr. Fraser said I’m healing fine.”

  Jon eyed Dan and cocked up one brow hearing the word fine from Dan.

  Rolling his eyes, Dan rephrased, “Healing well.”

  Smirking, Jon said, “We plan to keep it that way, Wyle E. Coyote.”

  Amused by their interaction, Nick said, “You worked hard arranging the surprise for your parents. We want you to continue your path home to celebrate Christmas in a somewhat hale and hardy condition. Humor us. Please.”

  A smile grew on Dan’s face and lit his eyes. “Copy that. Thanks.”

  Kent grinned at the nickname Loki gave Dan—boy did it fit. He offered, “Ms. Bennett, I help my mom with dinner. I can peel and chop vegetables.”

  Turning to the teen, Caroline presumed Dan’s injuries prompted Jon’s reference to Dan as the accident-prone coyote. “Super. Linda will set you up.”

  Kent eagerly trotted off in the direction the director pointed.

  Jon turned to Lexa and Nick. “This is last minute, but Jen and I would like to invite you both for dinner after we finish here tonight.”

  Lexa was floored by the offer. She glanced at Dan and quickly thought how to answer so she didn’t reveal she lied to him. “I’m sure I can change my plans. Though, I need to drop Dan off at the airport before coming over.”


  Nick wondered what plans Lexa needed to change. He and Lexa had been the only ones in the briefing room when she received the call from her friend cancelling dinner tonight because she became ill. Perhaps Lexa made alternate plans already—though, he was pleased she chose to spend Christmas Eve with him, Jon, Jen, Kent, and Joey. “Thanks, Jon. Tell Jen I’m happy to come.”

  Jon pulled out his phone. “Terrific! I’ll send her a quick text.”

  Feeling exceptionally festive now, Lexa addressed Caroline. “I enjoy baking if you require assistance with that.”

  “Gladys would love some help with the pies.” Caroline settled her gaze on Nick and Jon. “If you two would check with my kitchen manager, Fanny, she can direct you to whatever needs to be moved or lifted.”

  The two men nodded and then headed to the food prep area with Lexa.

  Caroline focused on Dan and received a flash of inspiration for something lightweight for him to do. “I have a special task for you if you are up to it.”

  Pulled from his thoughts, wondering why Lexa would ditch Hailey, Dan eyed Caroline with a bit of trepidation based on her expression. “Sure, whatever you need.”

  She pivoted him in the direction of the Christmas tree, and he noted a comfortable chair and a short table stacked with books. In front of the chair lay a large plush rug with tons of scattered pillows.

  “We need someone to sit over there and read Christmas stories to the children. Is that something you would be willing to do?”

  Dan grinned and kissed Caroline’s cheek. “Yeah, sounds like fun.”

  His steps light, Dan strolled over to the area as thoughts of long-ago entered his head. He thoroughly enjoyed reading to Sara and Becca. It was one way he helped out his mom every night from the time he learned to read. Sara begged him for just one more story each night, as their mom stood in the doorway smiling at them.

  Mom would nod, he would pick another book, and by the time he was halfway done Sara would be sound asleep. When he went to his room, Mom tucked him in with a kiss, then gently stroke to his hair as she read to him until he fell asleep. Home had been a happy place before Sara died and his heart yearned to find a path there again.