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

by Laura Acton

  Of his nieces and nephews, only Amelia and Kyle remained awake. They were playing video games in the library with Becca, Christopher, his grand-nephews David and Joss, and grand-nieces Abigail, Carol, and Wendy. Apparently, they had all had more sleep last night than the rest of the lot. The sleepers had all been out and about during the wee hours of the morning arranging Operation Merry Surprise. Between that, the late welcome home party they threw for Daniel, and today’s snow battle, they were worn out.

  Yvonne and his sisters-in-law held court upstairs in Yvonne’s sitting room, enjoying afternoon tea after putting the turkeys and roasts in the ovens. He found his brothers lounging in his study and planned to join them once he obtained a much-needed cup of black gold. On his way to the kitchen, he spied Daniel snoozing in the recliner and stopped to gaze at his boy.

  Daniel was covered with the blanket Yvonne knitted him. On his head, he noted the new tuque. The blue and white Toronto’s Maple Leafs winter cap, a controversial gift from Becca. Daniel had happily beamed as he put it on and his cousins all scowled at him calling him a defector—which only made Daniel laugh. God, it does my heart a world of good to see and hear him laugh.

  His son appeared young and peaceful sleeping—he needed rest. The bruise on the side of his head and a bandaged hand came with a full litany of minor injuries he received over the past weeks at work. It appears Daniel is a magnet for trouble regardless if someone is specifically gunning for him as Plouffe did. Perhaps Special Forces would be a safer place for him than TRF. Sad his skills are going to waste as a police officer. Daniel made such a significant difference as a Guardian Unit operator.

  Evidence of Daniels’s skills shone brightly during the hours-long snowball war. His tactics had most clamoring to be on his team. The battles raged between ever-changing alliances—everyone having a grand time. The launchers were fun and depending on one’s ability to pull back the tension line, the snowballs flew anywhere from twenty to eighty feet. It is just like Daniel to think of everyone and purchase enough toys so no one was left out. My son’s giving spirit and desire to help others are deep-rooted Broderick traits.

  Almost everyone earned bragging rights for one or more of the snowball battles. Though Yvonne, Lily, and his sisters-in-law, didn’t play, they created what they called the safe zone on the patio. They stocked the tables with cookies and insulated bottles filled with coffee, apple cider, and cocoa. In between battles everyone made a pitstop to fuel up on carbs and warm up with a hot drink. Lily also entertained little Tony making snow angels and then starting a snowball ammo depot open to everyone.

  As they played, William noted that in addition to himself, Scott, Adam, and Jeff kept close tabs on Daniel. Each of them sensing Daniel hurt worse than he let on. At lunch, Daniel glossed over details of the events in his days leading up to Christmas. William was certain part of that was due to content not being suitable for children, but he understood his son closely guarded his physical ailments and hated admitting he was in pain, fearing it made him appear weak or incapable.

  William smiled as he started for the kitchen, needing the coffee. I can’t recall a better Christmas morning, ever! This tops every year in my fifty-eight years on this earth. The only way this could’ve been better was if my beautiful Sara were alive and here to join in the festivities.

  His thoughts brought back memories of lunch again. This year is the first time anyone mentioned Sara at Christmas since Daniel’s ninth one. That year was excruciatingly heartbreaking. He had raged at the airport personnel and almost got himself arrested demanding they search yet again for the suitcase.

  He received a call mid-morning Christmas day from the airline informing him they located the carry-all on a flight bound for Scotland. He directed them to ship the bag back to Ottawa and asked Mark to retrieve it and forward it to SFTB Yukon.

  Shakespeare’s words still stung, though muted with time. Master Corporal Royce Duffy, Daniel’s primary tutor, had guts and brains. The man surprised the hell out of him when he verbally flayed him after he found out what Daniel received. Fortunately, Duffy learned not to assume and promptly offered a sincere apology once William explained the truth of the situation. That encounter began a life-long friendship with the now retired master corporal. Shakespeare was one of a handful of men William would always trust in regards to Daniel.

  When Shakespeare discovered the gifts stacked neatly in Daniel’s closet two weeks later, William’s heart ripped to shreds again. When the packages remained unopened, William removed them believing they continued to remind Daniel of that horrible day. Over the next few weeks, he covertly added a new, different toy here and there to his son’s toy chest. He ended up donating the original presents to the toy drive the following Christmas.

  After that year, gifts became a primary focus for him. William refused to allow that circumstance ever to be repeated. He even went so far as to buy an extra seat on the plane so Yvonne could carry the presents on. She packed a gift bag and strapped it into the seat next to her and Becca.

  William poured his coffee, carrying his alien mug back into the family room for one more peek at Daniel, still awed he had arranged this surprise for him and Yvonne. Not wanting to wake Daniel yet needing to give voice to his feelings, William said quietly, “You have a heart of gold, Daniel. Thank you for all you’ve done and for bringing Sara back to life at Christmas.”

  Dan stirred, sensing someone’s eyes on him. He blinked open his eyes to find his dad staring at him and holding the coffee mug he gave him this summer. Dan gave him a lopsided grin after yawning.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to rouse you, Daniel.”

  Dan put the leg rest down and sat up. “You didn’t. What time is it?”

  William checked his wristwatch, the new one Daniel gave him, and returned the lopsided smile. “A little after fifteen hundred.”

  Adam shifted and woke, instantly assaulted by a foul odor. His gaze landed on the feet in his face. “Argh! Jeff can kill a buzzard at a thousand yards with those.” Pushing Jeff’s reeking feet away, Adam stretched, and rose leisurely.

  Scott woke at Adam’s not so quiet exclamation. He glanced down at his still sleeping wife. This Christmas was undoubtedly one to remember.

  His feet unceremoniously pushed to the side, Jeff woke. He moved, so he was leaning on his forearms and peered up at Adam. “My feet don’t stink!”

  Zach groaned, rolling away from something offensive. “What died in here?”

  Hooking his legs over Zach’s shoulders, Jeff rubbed his socks in Zach’s face as he cackled. Zach pushed them away exclaiming, “Gross, Jeff! Gross! Don’t you ever shower?”

  Dan chuckled at their antics. “Why do you think I call him Mudbucket? Jeff loves the mud and muck.”

  Jeff turned his laughing eyes to Dan and attempted to glare as he groused, “Watch it, Runt. I might come after you next.” He waggled his toes at Dan.

  Chuckling as he stood, Dan tried to cover a grimace as his muscles sharply protested his movement—he overdid, and his body let him know. “Technically, I’m not the runt anymore. That’s Kyle. He’s low man on the totem pole.”

  William noted Daniel’s pained expression and moved forward quickly. With concern, he asked, “Are you alright, son?”

  Hearing his father refer to him as son would never get old—each time a tiny ember of love sparked in his soul helping to cauterize deep lacerations allowing them to begin to heal. Dan started to respond when Scott interrupted and demanded, “Whatever comes out of your mouth better be the truth.”

  Glaring briefly at Scott, but accepting his family’s worry, Dan softened his gaze. He swiveled his head to address his dad. “Truth is, I’m a bit stiff and sore. Dr. Fraser examined me and said I’m healing well and just need rest.”

  Floored by the open admission, but unable to move without waking Lily, Scott shot Adam a knowing look.

  Comprehending the Scott’s directive, Adam headed into the other room, returned swiftly, and handed something to Dan
. “Here. No arguments.”

  “If he argues, one a whiff of Jeff’s feet will knock him,” Zach quipped.

  “I think I’d rather just take the meds.” Dan grinned and shook out two pills.

  Pleased and surprised his son openly admitted the need for relief, William handed Daniel his coffee. “Wash them down with this.”

  Popping the pills in then taking a sip of coffee Dan swallowed. He scanned the room noting everyone who still slept. He enjoyed himself so far today, and he could tell everyone else did too. Best Christmas ever!

  Zach sauntered over and patted Dan’s back. “Your surprise was well worth the wait. We need to make this a tradition from now on. Paintball in the summer and snow wars in the winter.”

  “Sounds fun to me.” Dan handed the mug back to his father. “I’m gonna pour a cup of my own. Anyone else want some?”

  Everyone indicated yes, and as Dan strolled toward the coffee pot, the doorbell rang. William excused himself to answer the door.

  Scott delicately shifted Lily and lovingly positioned his adorable sleeping wife on a pillow before following the guys to the kitchen to grab a hot coffee and a snack to tide them over until dinner.

  General Broderick’s Home – Front Entrance – 3:15 p.m.

  William opened the front door and automatically said, “Merry Christmas.” His demeanor changed, becoming wary taking in the sight of a tall, reedy man with a dour expression wearing a fur-clad jacket and holding a briefcase. Unsure what this man wanted, he asked, “May I help you?”

  Percival sniffed in the cold. In a nasal tone, he said, “I am seeking Daniel William Broderick. Might he be here?”

  Donning his general mantel, squaring his shoulders, wiping any trace of emotion from his face, William scrutinized the man for any sign of threat to his son. Using his commanding voice, he demanded, “Who might you be?”

  His mood a little crotchety by now, Percival responded allowing his frustration to color his voice, sounding haughty, “I am Percival Belsnickel, of Belsnickel, Befana, and Nicholas.”

  Thoughts of the impending court-martials raced through William’s mind. Could this be a lawyer for one of the vermin? McFergus promised me Daniel wouldn’t be bothered with any of this sordid business until after the new year. His eyes narrowed and iced over, each word spoken dropped the ambient temperature several degrees. “What is your business with Daniel?”

  Freezing, Percival shoved his empty hand into his pocket—his thin leather gloves fashionable but offered no real warmth. This was the third place he visited in his quest to locate Daniel Broderick today. He flew down to Toronto early this morning and stopped at Broderick’s apartment.

  Not receiving an answer, Percival went to his place of work in Toronto. At the TRF Headquarters, after much effort, he determined from the inhospitable dispatcher that Constable Broderick had traveled to his parent’s home for Christmas. After further research, he managed to identify the parents and locate the home of General Broderick—in Ottawa of all places. After a long wait at the airport, he finally boarded a return flight to his origin. His entire day wasted tracking down Mr. Broderick.

  Percival wanted to be done with this task and be able to return home to his family. The firm’s client had set forth explicit instructions and paid rather well for them to act today. So he, Befana, and Nicholas drew straws to decide whose Christmas would be interrupted to carry out this task—he lost.

  Sighing, Percival said, “My business with Mr. Broderick is of a personal nature. I am not at liberty to disclose anything except to him. If he is not here, do you know where I can find him? I have specific instructions to locate him today. I would hate to fail in my duty.”

  William opened the door wider, determining to control the situation. He decided to take this man to his study where he and his brothers could support Daniel. “He is here. If you will please follow me.”

  Stepping into the entry, Percival removed his hat and followed the imposing man. Laughter filled this warm and inviting home, and reminded Percival of what awaited him at home. With luck, I’ll be home within the hour.

  At the study door, he waved the lawyer in as he caught Mark’s eye. “Mr. Belsnickel, please wait in here. I will be back in a moment with Daniel.”

  General Broderick’s Home – Kitchen – 3:20 p.m.

  Striding into the kitchen, after delivering Mr. Belsnickel to the watchful eyes of Mark, Erik, and Ryan, William found his son and most his nephews seated at the island. He went directly to Daniel. “Son, there is a Mr. Belsnickel, here to see you. A lawyer I believe based on his introduction.”

  Dan put his coffee down. “I don’t know the name. Did he say why?”

  “No. He didn’t look happy though. I put him in my study.”

  “Do you think this might be related to the court-martials?” Dan blew out a breath. With my lousy luck, that crap will intrude on a beautiful day.

  “Sorry, no idea. Though, McFergus did commit to not pursuing anything until after the first of the year. If this is related, it isn’t anything to do with the prosecution.” William noted the dismayed expression. “I’ll be there and so will your uncles. We can kick him out if need be. I have no qualms doing so.”

  Despite feeling out of sorts with the lawyer showing up, Dan chuckled at his father’s expression. He could imagine his dad hauling the man out by his ear and dumping him into the snow. “Guess I better find out what he wants.”

  As Dan and William left, Scott stood. “We should follow.”

  Adam agreed as he rose. “I hope, to God, this isn’t something bad.”

  Setting his coffee on the table, Zach suggested, “He was high while on duty protecting Lieutenant Governor Blunt. Perhaps he’s facing charges for that.”

  Scott shook his head. “Highly doubt that. First off, there was nothing he could do. Second, he and his teammates disarmed. Third, Blunt is a proponent of the medicinal use of marijuana, legalizing small quantities, and a staunch supporter of the police. He would never allow the Crown Attorney or other nitwits bring charges against Dan, Loki, or Lexa.”

  “Probably right. We can speculate all day, but instead, I suggest we high-tail it into the study and figure out what’s going on,” Adam said as he pivoted and began to stride out of the room followed by Scott.

  “Right behind you!” Jeff popped up and caught up with Adam and Scott.

  As Zach started out of the kitchen, Kyle headed in, eyeing his three eldest cousins exiting rapidly. “Where are you all going in such a hurry?”

  Snagging Kyle’s arm, spinning him in the direction of the hall, Zach said, “Come with us.”

  Kyle didn’t resist and hastened after his cousins wondering what was up.

  General Broderick’s Home – Study – 3:25 p.m.

  They all entered the general’s study just as a severe looking man said, “My name is Percival Belsnickel of Belsnickel, Befana, and Nicholas. Are you Daniel William Broderick?”

  Dan stood ramrod straight as he answered, “Yes, I am, sir.”

  “May I see some identification which proves you are he?” Percival inquired noticing all the men bore a clear familial resemblance and one who looked to be a twin of the one in front of him just strode into the room. His task was far too important to engage with the wrong man.

  “Yes, sir.” Dan withdrew his wallet and opened it. He showed the man his driver’s license. “What is this about, Mr. Belsnickel?”

  Percival noted the ID stated Daniel W. Broderick, the picture resembled the man, and the address matched. He nodded and then struggled to open his briefcase and remove a thick packet. Percival snapped the case shut, then stood tall and handed over the sealed envelope. “I am here to deliver this to you.”

  “What’s in it?” Dan glanced down at the bulky package.

  “I do not know. I did not work with the client who requested the delivery. Ms. Befana worked with our client, and she was not at liberty to share the contents or the client’s name.” Pulling a folded paper from an interi
or pocket of his coat, Percival stated in an officious voice, “Now, if you will sign this for me, I can take my leave and return to my family.”

  Dan took the paper and moved to his father’s desk. He signed the acknowledgment of delivery and returned the sheet to the lawyer.

  “Good day, gentlemen. And Merry Christmas to you all.” Percival put his hat back on and turned to exit the room.

  William directed, “Kyle, will you please show Mr. Belsnickel out?”

  Kyle being closest to the door nodded and escorted him to the front door before pivoting and sprinting back to the study, not wanting to miss out on what Dan received.

  Standing in the center of the room surrounded by his father, uncles, and cousins, Dan weighed the packet in his hands and examined the exterior. There was nothing on the outside to indicate who sent it. He peered at the general with trepidation visible in his eyes. “I’m a bit worried about opening this. I have no idea what it contains.”

  William guided Daniel to his desk chair and gently pushed him down. “We can leave and give you privacy if you wish.”

  Shaking his head, Dan said, “No. That’s not necessary.” He placed the over-sized envelope on the desk, and his father handed him a letter opener. For a long time, Dan stared, trying to build up the nerve to open the damned thing. Please don’t let this be something to ruin my day.

  Dear Danny

  63

  December 25

  General Broderick’s Home – Study – 3:30 p.m.

  A sigh escaped as Dan grasped the letter opener. Might as well get this over with—don’t have x-ray vision so I won’t know what’s inside until I open the damned thing. He slowly slit the seam of the large packet. Closing his eyes, still unsure if this would ruin his day, Dan dumped the contents onto his father’s desk.

  Cracking his eyes open, Dan noted several letter-sized envelopes and a thin rectangular box about the size of a cigarette pack. Puzzling. Noting a slight tinkling sound of metal hitting when he shook the little box, his eyes roved over the six unmarked envelopes. Reaching for the envelopes, turning them over he found typewritten names. Murchadh-Ailpein Srònaich O’Naoimhín. James Christopher Shea. Donald Montgomery Blain. Nathan Lee Simons. Nils Evander Carsten. Daniel William Broderick.