by Laura Acton
“Serves you right.” Lexa bent and retrieved the long pole, then with exaggerated seductive moves, began to apply the paint to her walls again.
Dan stood still, his whole being on fire, skin singed by the heat emitted by Sexy Lexie’s motions, and his hose ready and willing to extinguish the inferno which burned whenever he was near her. Sucking in a breath, he decided two could play dirty. He whisked off his boxers and sauntered into her view.
Lexa’s eyes flared with desire. This man continually surprised her. She loved drinking in his body … every last bit of him. His striking sapphire eyes, handsome face, broad chest, washboard abs, muscular arms, toned legs, firm ass, and well-endowed sword. He drove her to distraction, plowed through her defenses, and made himself at home in her heart.
Dragging her eyes from the proof of his arousal, Lexa noted his Cheshire cat grin. How to retaliate? An idea popped into her head, and she dropped her paint tool into the pan, unconcerned about the tiny splash. She moved closer, her body almost touching his, and started to undulate.
Dan’s body possessed a mind of its own, mirroring Lexa’s fluid actions. As she stepped back, he drifted forward keeping the distance. She went right, and he shifted left. She rotated her hips forward, his responded by going back. The sensuality of her gesticulations not lost on him, but unaware of anything else, he focused solely on reflecting her flowing movements.
Fully aware, Lexa changed her pace to the music’s rhythm. Her eyes locked on Dan’s noting his glazed one as she danced him around the room like a puppeteer. She smiled, realizing he would be astonished to learn he could do more than waltz. Breaking the spell when the song ended, Lexa said, “Thanks for the dance, now back to work.”
Dan blinked. “Dance?” He checked around him and found they were now on the opposite side of the room.
“Yep. I figured anyone with your grace couldn’t possess two left feet. You only needed the right incentive.”
A genuine, stunning smile lit Dan’s face. “Wanna give me private lessons?”
Lexa laughed. “How about after we finish painting?”
Dan strode to the pan and eagerly picked up Lexa’s roller. He liked the idea of being able to dance with Lexa. “Let’s get a move on.”
Sixty minutes later, the walls finished, brushes cleaned, tarps folded and stored in the basement, furniture put back, and both showered, they returned to Lexa’s living room. At Dan’s insistence, they remained au natural.
Lexa moved in close again, and her sultry voice said, “Follow me, soldier.”
“Yes, ma’am. Where you lead, I’ll follow, but dancing will be our secret. Otherwise, I’ll have to lie to the team about how I learned.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Lexa began to move, and Dan shadowed her.
House Across from Lexa’s Home – 11:45 p.m.
Winds approached Blaze carrying a cup of coffee, glad they were able to secure this rental. It made the perfect location for ops command. “My shift. Anything to report?”
“Nothing except Duncan and Drake reported back on duty ten minutes ago.” Blaze kept to himself the shadowy images he witnessed dancing in the window before the lights across the street shut off. Lexa’s a remarkable lady if she can teach Blondie to dance.
Taking his seat on a stool, Winds sighed. “Wish we would catch a break and find out how Puffy communicated with Tapia. Not that I mind overwatch, I only wish Blondie and company did not need the protection.”
Standing, Blaze stretched his back. “Right there with you. Though, it has been interesting getting a glimpse into Blondie’s new life. I’m glad he ended up with Alpha Team. If Brody were here, he’d probably claim guardian angels had something to do with it.”
Winds’ brows rose. “You know, after everything the kid’s been through and survived, I’m beginning to think Brody was right. I mean, what are the odds of him ending up with a team who cares about him as much as we do? And to boot, he finds Lexa. Blondie’s never focused on the same woman for more than a few weeks at most.”
Blaze nodded but changed the topic. “I spoke to Sutton while you slept. General and Mrs. Broderick returned yesterday. The general is going to ask to move up Plouffe’s court-martial. It is slated for late February, but he wants it to begin as soon as possible given this situation.”
“I assume you’ll follow Blondie there.” Winds scanned the area with the high-powered night vision scope, finding all quiet in the sleepy neighborhood.
“You’ll be coming too. Sutton will send Hammer’s unit to cover the TRF families. He needs us there as security in the courtroom since our unit is well-versed in what occurred.” Yawning Blaze started for the bedroom.
“Night.” Winds settled in for overnight overwatch. His mind rolling over everything Plouffe did to the kid, and as a result what he put the rest of the unit through for six years. “Prison is too good for him. Wish I could sell him to a bunch of terrorists like he did to Blondie,” Winds muttered.
Taking a sip of coffee, he shifted his eyes to the computer monitors displaying the exteriors of all the team’s houses the unit set up on the first day of protection. A necessary tactic to ensure each man received rest breaks since they could not put two men on each location.
He inserted his earpiece, clicked on his comms unit, and ordered, “Downtime for Angus, Russ, and Hal. I’ll cover the Baldovino, De Haven, and Hardy residences for the next six hours.”
Loki’s Home – 11:50 p.m.
On edge and unable to sleep, Loki sat in his spare room which doubled as an office. He now kept a photoshopped picture on his desk. His father appeared so happy in the snapshot of him and Narciso that Loki asked his high school friend Sergio to work his magic and substitute the murderous Narciso with an image of himself. He stared at the photograph which appeared authentic, wishing he and his pa could’ve been together like that in real life.
To keep his mind occupied, he pulled up the documentation on the latest software for the new bomb robot. The commander put him in charge of outfitting the replacement for Lucille. As a result, he spent time researching so their tool would be state-of-the-art.
He discussed several options earlier today with the other TRF explosive experts, Curtis, Larry, Jarred, and Sean. All agreed on this software since it was comprehensive and possessed the broadest range of sensing capabilities.
The Kolff Robotics Division donated funds to the Toronto Police Department requesting the monies be used to replace the robot obliterated when the bomb exploded. A friendly civic gesture, especially since one of the company’s yahoos locked half their team in the building.
Loki slowly exhaled as he read the same paragraph twice without comprehension. When his phone pinged, he glanced over, smiled, and typed a response. Yeah, can’t sleep. Wanna come in and discuss bombs?
Sure.
Let me disarm the system. I’ll be at the door in a minute. Loki popped up, strode out of the room, shutting off the light as he exited, and went to his front door. After typing in the security code, he swung open his door and grinned. “Come in.”
Master Corporal Angus MacDonald entered. “Thanks.”
“Want something to drink? Got coffee, tea, soda, milk, water.” Loki shut the door and rearmed his system.
“Milk sounds wonderful,” Angus said as he stood in the center of the room. Milk helped him to relax and sleep. The stress of long stretches of overwatch made sleeping difficult … his mind didn’t like to shut down.
Loki returned a few minutes later with two glasses of milk and a plate of cookies. “Ma made these today, so I can take some to Allie and her sisters tomorrow. I swear the little one is being spoiled rotten.”
Taking a seat, Angus smiled. “She deserves to receive extra-special treatment. Terrible some idiot hit her and just drove away. You guys find any leads on the driver?”
“Nope. Nothing panned out. Not even reviewing the traffic cams. Any news on how Plouffe pulled off communicating with Tapia?”
“Unfortunately, no.�
�� Angus dipped a cookie into the milk. “What’s keeping you up? I would think you would be exhausted with your long days.”
“Stuff. Bet you’re tired too. Do you ever sleep?”
Angus chuckled. “Yes. Can’t tell you our secrets but we have the ability to cover multiple locations and rotate rest periods. This one is mine. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be in here. How’s it going with Lucille Junior?”
“Not junior, just Lucille. She is gonna be better, stronger, faster,” Loki bragged in his trademark animated way.
“So, you’re building a bionic robot.” Angus quipped, enjoying Loki’s company. They first met at the Grand Citadel while protecting Blondie after the gang war, but with him on guard duty in the hall and Loki busy digging up dirt on Plouffe, they didn’t have a chance to share pleasantries and interests.
Loki chuckled. He liked Angus, and they chatted a few times over texts in the last few days, discovering they shared a fascination with things that go boom. Well, technically, disarming devices before they went boom.
The two men spent a companionable half hour discussing the latest techniques and sharing a couple of funny stories about close calls. Humorous now because no one died or were injured … badly.
Finishing off his milk, Angus stood. “Thanks. I enjoyed talking with you. I gotta grab some rest now. Keep me apprised of Lucille’s progress.”
“I will. Glad you stopped in.” Once Angus left, and Loki set his alarm again, he strolled into his bedroom, relaxed enough to fall asleep. Lying in bed, Loki grinned. If not for Dan joining our team, I would’ve never met Angus … a man I now readily call a friend.
Edmonton, AB – Club Ed Solitary Block – 11:55 p.m.
Major Nigel Plouffe stared at the wall of his cell waiting for shift change. He wanted news from Tapia’s efforts to take out Yvonne Broderick. He decided to first hit the general where it hurt most ... kill his wife.
Footsteps down the hall alerted him. He stood and went close to the bars. He kept the grin from his features as the private approached. It took time, but he finally found a target, a man with weaknesses and an ax to grind … even if said ax had been built based on lies. “Any news?”
Private Javon Nicholls whispered, “General Broderick and his wife returned to Ottawa yesterday. Appears Tapia failed.”
Anger surged in Nigel, and he growled, “Find out what the hell Tapia is doing and tell him I want her dead before the trial.”
“Yes, sir.” Javon hurried away, not wanting to be caught.
Plouffe paced in his tiny cell. Yvonne chose Broderick when she could’ve had me. Now she can live … no, die with her choice.
Steadfast, Lovable, and Brave Friend
23
January 23
TRF HQ – Loki’s Tech Room – 8:00 a.m.
“Dantastic’s in the house. Whoop! Whoop!” Loki exclaimed and went to fist bump Dan as his teammate entered his designated technical room. It took only a second for him to note the missing brace and his face lit with glee. “Are you back today?”
“I wish. No, one more week before Dr. Fraser releases me.” Dan held out a box to Loki. Using connections with various Special Forces members, he arranged to procure a few gadgets for their techie. He blamed himself for Loki staying too long while attempting to defuse the bomb because they were locked in the underground levels. Lucille might’ve survived if he waited before going in. Plus, he wanted to make up for the pants mix-up too.
“Brought you something. Call it a peace offering for pulling the uniform hoax on you. I understand what it is like not to be believed when you’re telling the truth. I’m sorry my joke upset you.”
Loki’s eyes lit with amusement. “Oh, never apologize for a prank. That was ingenious. But you do realize I’ll eventually seek revenge.” Snickering he said, “I might swap out your bicycle with a unicycle.”
Dan groaned. “No. Please, no more unicycles.”
Chuckling, Loki eagerly accepted the package, and his grin increased as he opened the plain cardboard box and peered inside. He stared at the military grade sensor. “Where’d you obtain this?”
Shrugging, Dan said, “Connections. How’s Lucille today?”
“Was putting the finishing touches on her, but now I’m gonna need to step back and add this.” Loki’s expression indicated he was happy not to be finished. In the past few weeks, all the techies helped out with rebuilding and outfitting Lucille but doing the work himself gave him pleasure.
Loki’s joyful features helped assuage Dan’s guilt. He hated that he was also the bearer of bad news. “Um, Loki, I received details from my friend. I wanted to tell you in private and let you determine what you want to share.”
The grin faded from his face as Loki shifted his gaze to Dan. He took a moment to steel himself before he set down the box. “Whatever you found out, I want everyone to hear. No more secrets from you guys. You are family, and secrets tend to tear families apart.”
Dan inwardly cringed but maintained a stoic exterior. “So how about going to the briefing room?”
“Yeah. I’ll round up Lexa and Ray. You’ll find Jon in the gun cage counting ammo.” Loki started for the door.
Surprised, Dan questioned, “Why is Jon doing that? As I recall he is thoroughly pissed at me for going in. I distinctly recall him loudly saying that taking inventory on casings would be my chore for eternity.”
Loki crossed his arms over his chest. “Rightfully so.”
Dipping his head, Dan said. “Yeah, but I told the truth. I thought it was the food. Jon still doesn’t believe me, so why is he doing my task?”
Realizing Dan didn’t get it, Loki glared hard at him to make his point. “He is doing it because he allowed you to go in … and Ray too. Jon screwed up as much as you two did.”
Dan stared at Loki. “I didn’t inform them of my wrist. This is all on me. I thought I made that clear in debrief. Ray didn’t mess up, and neither did Jon,” Dan defended them.
Staring at Dan, Loki sighed. “Yes, they did. First, Jon knew Ray was sick and sent him to back you up, putting both of you at risk. Either of you could’ve been hurt if the perp overwhelmed one of you while the other was debilitated. Neither scenario acceptable.
“Second, we all heard your yelp. You don’t typically make sounds when you are hurt, except a soft groan, which we usually miss. So, you yelping means something terrible happened.
“Third, Ray noticed you babying your hand before you went down the stairs and didn’t say anything. We all own a bit of the blame.” Loki blew out an aggravated breath.
“For such a smart guy, I can’t believe you don’t understand or accept certain truths yet. We are a team, a family, and we share the responsibility of ensuring we all go home safe at the end of shift. Our safety is not only on you, and your life is as important as ours.”
Loki decided to disclose information no one told Dan. “Ray comprehends he messed up and should’ve stopped you. I would have. His penance is four weeks of doing paperwork with Boss. He’s been writing reports for hours after shift officially ends.”
Stunned by the revelation, Dan said, “I’m sorry Ray got punished. I tried to tell Jon this is entirely my fault. The wrist, I should’ve said something about, but the kidney injury … hell, I didn’t recognize the symptoms were associated with my kidney.”
“We accept your statement as true. But trust me, we have your back as much as you have ours. This isn’t like the military. There is no Plouffe out there trying to kill you here.”
Dan’s brows rose.
Grasping his words flew in the face of recent events, Loki corrected, “Well, at least we are here and care about you. No one in TRF cares that your father is a general and it makes no difference to us the commander is your godfather. You’re one of us regardless. And though Jon rides you hard, he does so because he wants everyone, including you, to stay safe.”
Having said his piece, Loki inclined his head towards the door. “Shall we round up the team? I’m dying to find out wha
t you discovered.”
Dan nodded, physically following Dante like a shadow. As they set out to gather the team, his mind became engaged elsewhere. He decided he should talk to Bram about Jon’s actions. He needed to make a more honest attempt to understand his TL’s psyche … the man remained an enigma. Bram’s insight would be useful in understanding Jon’s motivations.
After retrieving Jon from the gun cage, he shifted his mindset again. Apprehensive of becoming the harbinger of bad news he began organizing the details he needed to convey regarding Narciso’s betrayal.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 8:30 a.m.
Nick hit the button to turn the glass opaque and closed the door after informing Tia to divert calls to Charlie Team unless necessary. Privacy was required for this discussion. His gaze landed on the son of his heart who appeared as antsy as a cat on a hot tin roof. He smiled as Ray laid a calming and supportive hand on Loki’s shoulder.
Jon got things moving. “What did your contact discover?”
Dan glanced at Jon before refocusing on Loki. “Bottom line is you are right, but this situation is more complicated than you might imagine.”
Sucking in a breath at the punch in his gut, Loki nodded. “Tell me everything.”
His eyes flicked to Lexa, then back to Loki, deciding to address all Loki’s concerns before he revealed other distressing news … things happening to the team might very well be related indirectly to Loki’s father’s history. “Alright. Do you mind if I share what we learned from your ma? Some of it is relevant.”
“I want no secrets, so yeah, go ahead.” Loki’s knee started bouncing.
Dan recapped Donata’s and Leonardo’s early life in Palermo, move to Canada, and how Leo helped Narciso immigrate several years later, after founding Amedeo Systems. He stopped to take a sip of coffee and let the information sink in.
Ray perceived the coiled tension in Loki and wanted to lighten the mood slightly for his friend, so he grinned and said, “Hey, isn’t Amedeo your middle name? Dante Amedeo Baldovino.”
“Yeah. My pa named me. Ma says he liked the meanings of my names.”