by Laura Acton
Nick hung up, his expression grim as he turned to Loki, Ray, and Lexa. “Allie is being transported to St. Michael’s. Kellie is with her and Bram is following with the rest of the kids in their van. Her parents are out of town, but Jon said reinforcements are coming, though Bram didn’t indicate who.”
“How is Allie?” Lexa’s hands crushed an empty water bottle.
“As far as Jon knows now, a broken leg and contusions, but they will rule out other injuries at the hospital. What worries me almost as much is the other details Jon communicated.” Nick removed his hat and resisted rubbing his face as he fought for control.
“Boss, what?” Loki’s knee bounced.
“The description of the vehicle is no help, but the witnesses claim the driver wore a red ball cap. Might not be anything, not like red caps are rare in Canada, but …”
“But the fact Loki was attacked by someone wearing one, makes you concerned. Especially after what we learned about the Blooddrop Crew. Though, nothing I read indicated they would stoop to targeting a child.” Lexa squeezed the bottle again, satisfied by the loud crunching, as a part of her wished this was the throat of the person who dared hit Allie and drive off.
Ray glanced at Boss, wondering if he should expose his long-ago affiliation with the bloodthirsty gang. Alonzo’s intimidation had been targeted at him, and since he was in jail, Ray didn’t think much of the threat, but now with Loki and little Allie … he questioned if the threatening words held merit. Nick gave him a slight shake of his head which Ray interpreted as he still didn’t need to reveal his secret past.
They talked about it privately after Dan recalled the tattoo. Though to be fair, he didn’t disclose Alonzo’s menacing words. Ray hesitated because Lexa’s thoughts were in line with his knowledge of how the gang operated when he was a teen … children had been strictly off limits.
Loki’s voice came out doleful. “Don’t think Narciso would go after anyone but me, but if the mafia is involved? All bets might be off.”
Ray put a hand on Loki’s shoulder. “Doubt this is remotely related. For all we know, this could be only a terrible accident.”
Loki nodded and glanced at Dan’s chair, wishing his contact had some news, but he realized investigating a murder or possible murder which took place nearly thirty years ago would be next to impossible. So he needed to be patient. As he stared, another thought popped in. “We should contact Dan. He would want to know Allie’s been hurt. He loves all Bram’s girls, but she is something special to him.”
Lexa yanked her phone from her pocket, surprised she was not the one to think to call Dan. “I’ll contact him. I’m sure he will want to sit with Bram until we are off and can go.”
St. Michael’s Hospital – Emergency Room – 6:40 p.m.
Long, fast strides took Dan past the information desk as his eyes searched the waiting room. He zoned in on Bram holding Leslie, Jon cradling Sharlie, and Emilie curled up in the chair beside Bram clasping her sister’s hand. After jogging over, Blaze and Winds trailing him at a more sedate pace, Dan halted.
His mind discerned Kellie and Allie missing from the group and Leslie’s soft sobbing. “I’m here. What happened?”
Bram explained. “Allie was hit by a car in a parking lot. Kellie is with her. She sustained a fracture to her lower leg. I haven’t heard more, and the doctor is with her now.” He stood, still holding his eldest daughter.
Dan’s heart lurched. “What can I do?”
Inclining his head to empty chairs away from the others, Bram moved to them. Once attaining more privacy, Bram’s eyes conveyed sadness, as his hand went comfortingly to Leslie’s back. “She believes Allie being hit is her fault. I wondered if you would talk with her?”
Discerning why Bram asked, but unsure he was the right one to help, Dan nodded anyway. He pitched his voice soft, “Leslie, will you sit with me so your dad can go check on Allie?”
Reddened, watery eyes with soaked lashes peered at Dan, and his heart broke as Leslie clung to Bram. She didn’t want to budge from her haven. Keeping his tone calm, Dan tried again, “Why do you think you are to blame?”
Rivulets of tears streamed down Leslie’s cheeks. “I didn’t hold her hand.”
“Then it is your fault—”
Bram glared as he interrupted Dan. “What the heck?”
Dan put up a hand. “As much as it was my fault when I held the hand of my little sister when she was killed by a car.”
Blinking, Leslie’s face screwed up in confusion not sure which question to ask first, settling for, “Your sister died?”
“Yeah. She was your age. Only seven. I was nine and the big brother. I should’ve kept her safe. That was my job.”
“But you held her hand?” Leslie didn’t understand.
Dan opened his arms. “Wanna sit with me, and I’ll tell you why?”
Leslie peered up at her dad and back to Uncle Dan then reached out to her honorary uncle. “What was her name?”
Ignoring the continued buzzing of his phone, Dan hugged the guilt-ridden child and said, “Sara.” He moved off into a secluded corner and sat with Leslie in his lap.
Bram stared for a moment, unsure of Dan’s tactic, but trusting him to help Leslie regardless of his method. He turned and glanced at Jon, for the first time noting Blaze and Winds stood there too, wearing civvies. He walked back and asked, “Can you two stay here if Jon is called away while I head back to check on Allie?”
“Absolutely,” Blaze responded as Winds cuddled Emilie in his chair and asked her if she wanted him to tell her a story of a golden-haired prince who rescued two sweet princesses from a mean wolf’s lair. Blaze hoped Winds didn’t use too much realism as he recognized it would be based off the Makhachkala rescue mission.
After Bram left, Jon said, “Not that I’m not happy you’re both here, but what are you doing back so soon?”
Blaze sighed and took a seat next to Jon. “I’ll explain later. Not the appropriate place to talk. Can you tell me what happened?”
Jon launched into the explanation.
Brushing through Leslie’s hair in a soothing gesture he liked, Dan finished his explanation, hoping he made sense to the young girl. “So, if I’m not to blame for holding Sara’s hand, you can’t be blamed for Allie not taking your hand. Bad things happen sometimes, and it isn’t anyone’s fault.”
Sad eyes stared at Dan as Leslie pondered his words. “Sara was my age?”
“Yes.”
“She never grew up?”
“No. She is forever seven. Want to see a picture of her?” When Leslie said yes Dan shifted to grasp his wallet. He never showed this photo to anyone except Brody, but somehow it seemed necessary to give Leslie a glimpse of his cherished sister. He didn’t want Leslie consumed by guilt for something out of her control … she was too young and shouldn’t be burdened. He slipped out the snapshot of him and Sara on their ninth and seventh birthday and turned it so Leslie could view them.
“Her golden hair is like yours, but her eyes are green. How come she doesn’t have blue ones like you?”
“Sara’s color matched our mother’s emerald green.”
“Why are you both wearing birthday hats? Was it her birthday or yours?” Leslie traced the yellow party hat.
“I’ll tell you a secret, but you gotta to keep it to yourself.”
Leslie nodded. “I can keep secrets. I never told Mommy that Emilie flushed her favorite lipstick down the toilet.” Leslie giggled and put her hand over her mouth. “Oops.”
“Your secret is safe with me. We’re wearing hats because we shared the same birthday.” Unsure why he told her, Dan felt a zing of warmth in his heart as he shared.
Tilting her head with furrowed brows of puzzlement, Leslie asked, “Are you twins?”
“No. Remember, I was nine when she was seven. We just happened to both be born on February ninth, two years apart.”
“I think that makes you special twins.” Leslie laid her head on Uncle Dan’s chest. “I
hope Allie is okay. I don’t want her to be hurt.”
“None of us do.” Dan stroked Leslie’s back as the little girl cuddled up to him. Soon he noticed her respiration changing to a slow regular pattern. Poor girl is exhausted by all the stress. Dan continued to hold her close as he stared at the image of his little sister. Miss you so much, Sara.
The buzzing of his phone again brought him out of his reverie. Dan put his picture back in his wallet, stuffed it into his pocket, and fished out his phone. Whispering, so he didn’t wake Leslie, he answered, “Hi, Lexa.”
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:00 p.m.
“Why the hell didn’t you answer your phone? I’ve been trying to contact you for fifteen minutes,” Lexa huffed out, secretly relieved he finally answered, worried something might’ve happened to him too.
“Been a little busy, I’m at the emergency room. Bram requested my help with Leslie.” Dan shifted slightly to make Leslie more comfortable.
Lexa grinned. “So, you are Bram’s reinforcements.”
“What?”
Lexa shared what Jon said and then asked about why Bram needed help. When Dan relayed how Leslie blamed herself, Lexa’s heart experienced two emotions. One, hurt for Leslie, the girl who held a special place in her heart. The other, joy because Dan helped Leslie. Before ending their call, she said, “We’re off shift now. We’ll be heading over after changing.”
She took a moment to think about the men of Alpha Team … each one a strong and caring man, who displayed tenderness to children. A slight smile graced her face as she rose and hurried to change. They are all truly compassionate men.
Everything but the Kitchen Sink
20
January 15
St. Michael’s Hospital – Emergency Room – 10:00 p.m.
Weary yet relieved, Bram ambled out to the waiting room. He found his daughters with Alpha Team, Blaze, and Winds. Sharlie lay nestled in Lexa’s arms, Emilie in Loki’s, and Leslie remained in Dan’s. All three sleeping, covered with blankets, most likely gathered by Boss from a nurse.
He noted Jon and Dan were still in their uniforms same as him, but the others had changed. The remnants of meals purchased from the hospital café, vending machines snacks, three milk cartons, and many paper cups of now cold coffee. His team took care of his girl’s needs without even being asked.
Nick straightened in his seat as he noticed Bram. “How’s our girl?”
Sinking into a chair, Bram managed a slight grin. “They will be keeping her overnight for observation, but so far everything internally looks alright. Her leg fracture is a clean break, so they didn’t need to do surgery or put in pins. The orthopedic pediatrician doesn’t believe it will cause problems with any growth plates. No other breaks, only some scrapes to her face which will heal.”
A collective sigh emitted and Nick shared, “We arranged for Trevor McBride from Echo to cover your shift tomorrow. Cooper Geiger from Delta will take the day after. If you need more time, let me know, and I’ll coordinate things for you.”
Dan chimed in, “If you want to stay the night, I can babysit at your place. I’m not expected until ten at the Fifty-first Division.”
Jon added, “Jen plans to pick your girls up in the morning before Dan needs to leave. She can bring them by for a visit when Allie is ready if they don’t release her. And if they do, Jen will keep them at our place until you settle Allie in at home.”
Bram grinned and nodded.
“I plan to stay and help Dan tonight and tomorrow morning. Our taskmaster will graciously allow me to miss workout if I bring Timmy’s with me at seven.” Lexa winked at Jon who chuckled.
“You all are wonderful. Thanks.” Bram let out a deep breath. He dug in his front pocket for his keys and handed them to Dan. “There are frozen waffles in the freezer. My girls will like those for breakfast with strawberry jam slathered on them.” Bram moved to each sleeping girl and kissed their foreheads. “Thanks for taking such good care of them tonight.”
Jon stood and pulled Bram into an embrace as he patted his back three times. “Anything, anytime. We’re family.” He released him before saying, “Ray and I will clean up this mess. The rest of you can head out.”
Dan shifted Leslie to rest her head on his shoulder as he rose. “Bram, if it’s alright with you, can Blaze and Winds crash at your house with me?”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll help you with getting the girls in the van before returning to Kellie and Allie.” Bram pivoted, and the group made their way out of the waiting area into the cold night.
Bram’s Home – Kitchen – 11:00 p.m.
Lexa entered to find Dan setting up the coffee maker while Winds and Blaze sat at the table. “Sharlie’s all set for the night. I’ll sleep on the floor in Leslie’s and Emilie’s room.”
Dan turned and leaned against the counter. “No, I plan to sleep there, I want to be close to Leslie tonight. You take the spare room. The guys can take the couches and chairs in the family room.”
“Horning in on my girl?”
“What?”
“Leslie’s mine, Emilie’s Loki’s, and Allie’s yours.” Lexa clarified with a grin.
Dan chuckled. “Who pray tell is Sharlie’s?”
“Why Jon’s of course. Didn’t you notice he went all soft and doey-eyed holding her tonight? I wish he and Jen had a girl … would love to see him be twisted around her little finger as Allie does to you.”
Blaze grinned. “Winds gave Loki a run for his money with Emilie.”
“You got a soft spot for little ones, don’t you?” Lexa eyed Winds.
“He does.” Blaze glanced at a scowling Winds. “Well, it’s true.” My friend would have a brood by now if he married as planned. Glad Sally’s views on soldiers came out before the ceremony because Winds certainly deserves better.
Dan shifted his gaze to Winds. “Unless you ever decide to divorce the military I guess you’re stuck with being an uncle.”
“I’m better off being a bachelor. I’ll happily be the cool uncle who spoils your kids rotten and sends them home for you to deal with.” Winds snickered.
“I don’t have kids. You’ll need to settle for Jim’s and Heather’s.” Dan’s phone began buzzing and when he checked who was calling him grimaced slightly. “Hey, Jarmal. Sorry for leaving a huge mess. I needed to rush, Bram’s daughter was hit by a car. She’s got a broken leg and will be okay. I’ll take care of it in the morning.”
“Man, I’m sorry to hear that, which one?”
“Allie.”
“Ah damn, she is so precious, like a little peanut. Hey, about your truck. When I left and found it in the parking lot like that, I returned to my office. I talked with Loki at Jim’s wedding about security systems and took his advice. The updated cameras were installed on the tenth.
“Got state-of-the-art, crisp, digital images of four teenage punks trashing your vehicle. They don’t look older than fourteen or fifteen. Never seen them around, but I’ll email you a copy of the file. Perhaps Loki can run them through facial recognition, and you can nail them.”
“Thanks. Appreciate that. I’ll arrange for a tow truck to move my truck before you open.”
“No worries.” Jarmal opened his email program.
An idea popped into Dan’s mind. “Can I ask a favor of you?”
“Sure.”
“Would you bake me a couple dozen peanut-butter-chocolate-chip cookies? They’re Allie’s favorite. I can pick them up when I finish work tomorrow around seven.”
“Be happy to. I just sent the images. See ya tomorrow. Night.”
“Thanks. Bye.” Dan hung up and turned to Blaze. “Got video of who slashed my tires.”
Lexa grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Someone cut your tires?”
“Yeah. Apparently, four teens.”
“This is getting ridiculous. We didn’t say anything at the hospital in front of young ears, but the driver of the car which hit Allie wore a red ball cap.”
Dan ten
sed. “Seriously?”
“Yes.” Lexa uncapped the bottle and took a long drink.
“Do you think this might all be related to Plouffe?” Dan queried Blaze.
“Plouffe?” Lexa’s eyes widened. “How does the major link to any of this? He’s in prison. Isn’t he?”
“He is,” Blaze confirmed. “But that didn’t stop him from striking out at the general via an intermediary.” He gazed at Blondie, conveying the question with his eyes whether he should inform Lexa tonight or not.
Dan sighed. “Blaze’s unit is here to keep an eye on Alpha Team. I planned to stop by HQ tomorrow and tell everyone.” Dan went on to explain what occurred, excluding parts Lexa didn’t need to know, such as being tasered.
Lexa’s brows arched as she let out a soft whistle. “We’re swimming in intrigue. A malevolent major, murderous gang, and Italian mafia.”
“Mafia?” Winds turned confused eyes toward Lexa.
“Oh crap. Thought maybe you knew already.” She peered at Dan. “You didn’t tell them?”
Dan grinned. “Didn’t have time.” He launched into an explanation of Loki’s issue and finished with, “A mutual friend from France is investigating for me. He’ll contact me if he finds anything to prove Loki’s theory.”
Keeping Dom’s name private, Blaze said, “If anyone can unearth the truth it will be him.” Then he turned his attention to Lexa. “I’m covering Blondie, but you may pick which one of my men shadows you.”
“No, she can’t! I called dibs,” Winds exclaimed. “We discussed this. Besides Blondie, she is the most likely target. She deserves the best coverage.”
Lexa couldn’t help teasing the amber-eyed man, “Conceited much?”
Winds crowed, “If ya got it, flaunt it.”
They all chuckled before Lexa conceded, “Winds is okay, I guess. Though, I would prefer no one. I can take care of myself. Perhaps Winds should cover Bram’s or Jon’s families.”
“We can decide tomorrow. We need to grab some shut-eye now.” Dan started out of the kitchen and threw over his shoulder, “I’m sleeping in Leslie’s room. Night.”
“Wait, I said I am.” Lexa trotted after Dan.