by Laura Acton
Afterward, he phoned Sonia for the same reason, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. An hour later he received a call from Sonia … Ma broke the news to her. He stopped on a picture of Sonia and sighed. “Sonia has no place to stay now. The authorities gave her two hours to pack her personal items and evicted her from the apartment.”
Dan halted halfway to Loki. “Why?”
Loki peered up at Dan. “Cause her apartment was rented by Amedeo Systems. I’m gonna have to figure out how to pay for a place for her and come up with her summer tuition … at least this semester is paid in full.”
Whacked hard by the realization of his part in this, a growing sense of responsibility toward Sonia’s circumstances plagued Dan. More tongue-tied than before, he nodded and only said, “I gotta go.”
Loki caught a flicker of emotion in Dan’s eyes and for the first time correctly interpreted the source. “This isn’t your fault. I’m the one who started digging.” He surged to his feet, photos spilling all over the floor.
Both bent to pick them up at the same time and collided heads. Loki dropped back on the sofa rubbing his forehead as Dan crouched and retrieved several snapshots.
Dan focused on the beach scene of a gangly teenage Loki, the wayward lock of black hair flopped down as usual. He sucked in a breath as he landed on a young Sonia, just a little girl sneaking up on Loki with a bucket full of water. Unsure why he did so, Dan flipped through the happy family photos.
Perhaps because as a teen he wished for family … not realizing he possessed one. Shocked, he stopped on one of a younger Gina standing with a man. Dan turned the snapshot towards Loki. “Do you know that man?”
Loki gazed at the picture. “Why?”
“Do you recognize him?” Dan shifted to the open seat next to Loki.
The rest of the team’s attention was drawn as much by Dan’s question as his tone. Lexa moved in closer and sat on the arm near Dan to peek at the image as did Ray but from the other side of Loki.
Raking the errant lock back, Loki smiled. “Best vacation ever. Narciso was in Italy, and it was just Ma, Gina, Sonia, me, and Gina’s boyfriend. A great guy, he loved tickling eight-year-old Sonia, and she adored him. Gina was eighteen and Ma liked the fact he was stable and more mature than Gina … husband material she told my sister. Didn’t work out.
“He had to leave unexpectedly. If I remember right, he was a soldier and got called away. Gina met Erico after Rich left. Love at first sight for them, or so Gina says. But I liked Rich too. He never treated me like a kid. When they were dating, he showed me a couple of defense moves after Gina told him I got bullied at school.” Coming out of his memory, Loki turned to Dan. “I think his name was Rich Press-something.”
“Richard Isha Preston Jr.” Dan’s grin grew.
“Yeah, that’s it.” Loki gaped at Dan. “How’d you know?”
Dan tapped the photo. “Ripsaw!”
“Your Ripsaw?” Lexa grabbed the snapshot as Nick, Bram, and Jon all crammed around her to glimpse the man, their eyes widening with surprise.
“Yes.”
“Holy smokes, it is a small world!” Loki exclaimed.
Dan sifted through the old photographs, searching for another one of Ripsaw and when he found it, he stopped and stared. His voice came out soft. “I don’t have any pictures of him.”
“Take them all if you want. Or I can make you copies,” Loki offered.
Thirty minutes later, after Loki went through the entire album locating shots with Ripsaw in them, Dan bid everyone goodnight, taking only one with him as Loki piled the others on the table, promising to make prints for Dan. After tucking the photo in his inner pocket, he zipped up and straddled his Ducati.
Tilting his head to gaze skyward, Dan rubbed his ear as an idea formed. He grinned as he put on his helmet. Too late to call Bella now, but I’ll contact her tomorrow and get the ball rolling.
Brody smiled and turned to Ripsaw. “Danny received your suggestion. He’ll look after your Gina’s sister.”
Grateful, Leonardo put hands on both Brody’s and Ripsaw’s shoulders. “Thank you! Due to your kindness, this is one burden Loki won’t have to bear.”
Dan’s Apartment – 9:25 p.m.
Pouring the water into his coffee pot, Dan was aware he would need an extra dose of caffeine in the morning since sleep would be intermittent. He never slept soundly after a lethal shot. He checked the timer and considered whether he should try to lie down now. In the next eight hours, since Jon canceled workout, he might manage to achieve four crappy hours of sleep.
Part of him wished he had not thrown out the sleeping pills. Though he never wanted the humiliating scenario of mixing up meds to occur again. As Dan shuffled to his bedroom a knock on his door caused him to reverse direction. Putting an eye to the peephole, he pulled back after viewing the visitor and contemplated feigning sleep. Another rap spurred him to yank open the portal. “Why are you here?”
Taken aback, Lexa stared. “I can leave if you don’t want me here.” She pivoted, her mind racing trying to figure out the animosity he flung at her.
“Wait. I’m sorry. Not in the best mood.” Dan reached for Lexa’s arm.
Turning back to him, Lexa softened. “I should’ve called.”
“Come in.” Dan stepped back making room for her, and he noted she carried her go bag. “I’m not pleasant company,” he said as she entered and he closed his door.
Dropping her bag at his entrance, Lexa placed her palm over his chest. “Not here to talk. Ray and Boss are staying with Loki. Jon has Jen, and Bram’s got Kellie.” She then told a small white lie, “Figured both of us could benefit from not being alone tonight.”
When Dan didn’t argue, she slipped her hand into his and led him to his bedroom. Once there she pushed him gently on the bed. “Sleep.”
Dan stood when Lexa moved to the other side. “Not a good idea to share a bed, I’ll take the couch.” He intended to grab his pillow, but Lexa snatched it from him. “Lexa.”
She patted the mattress and tried to lighten his mood. “I don’t bite. Well, not often and when I do you like it.”
Blowing out a breath, Dan shook his head. “Nightmares. It isn’t safe for you. I don’t want to hurt you unintentionally.”
“You won’t. I trust you.”
“Not a matter of trust. I’ve lashed out at Blaze, Mason, Winds, Jim, Ripsaw, and even Brody during one.” Dan raked a hand through his hair as exhaustion caused his shoulders to sag.
Getting to her knees, Lexa crawled over to Dan and reached out for him again. “I promise to keep a safe distance if you start thrashing. Now, come lie down, we both need sleep.” Reluctantly, Dan joined her, and she nestled against his chest, languidly tracing ever smaller circles hoping to relax him.
Jon’s Home – 9:30 p.m.
Sitting in the tiny desk chair, his elbows on his thighs, Jon stared at Joey in his racecar bed. His nephew-son meant the world to him, and he gave thanks every day his parents and Jackson allowed him and Jen the honor of raising Joey as one of their own. Today, he almost faced losing another brother. Pain seized his heart. Rare tears began to flow, and he lowered his head.
Joseph floated next to his brother wishing he could relieve his anguish and guilt. “Jon, my death is not on you. I failed to listen. I wish I had been more like Jackson and you … then my son would have his biological father helping him grow.” He laid a hand on Jon’s back. “You are an excellent dad … better than I would’ve been. Thank you for loving Joey as your own.” He faded as Jen entered the room, she always seemed to recognize when Jon needed her.
Coming up behind Jon, Jen wrapped her arms around him. “Honey, time to come to bed. You’ve had an exhausting day.”
“I almost lost Jackson. If he died, it would’ve been my fault. I didn’t make sure Narciso’s hands were empty before I let Jack move in.” He inhaled raggedly and exhaled in a rush. “Jack’s kids might’ve been fatherless now.”
“But they aren’t. You c
an’t control everything. Jackson called while you were at Loki’s. I invited him to dinner tomorrow, your parents too. Jack believes he is to blame. He told me he should’ve stayed back and ordered the subject to show his hands. He is carrying around guilt for putting you in the position of witnessing him at the wrong end of a barrel.”
“Not his fault. My operation. My responsibility,” Jon declared.
“You all are constables. I’m not going to play who’s culpable. In the end, you all did what was necessary to come home to us. That is all that matters. Four children still have their wonderful fathers tonight.”
“Thanks to Dan. If it were me in his position, my shot would’ve been too late. Dan is faster and more accurate than me,” Jon admitted.
Leaning forward, Jen kissed Jon’s tear dampened cheek and whispered, “Your secret is safe with me. Now, come and keep me warm in our bed. I’ll make your favorite pancakes in the morning.” She released him and stood.
Jon moved to his knees and bent over Joey to kiss his forehead. “Sweet dreams, Son.” He rose, took hold of Jen’s offered hand, and stopped a moment as he exited to gaze back at Joey before turning off the light. Sighing, he followed Jen to their room, halting again, this time at Kent’s room to peek in. “Night, kiddo. Mom’s making blueberry pancakes for breakfast.”
“Cool. Night, Dad.” No one told Kent what occurred today, but he surmised it was something terrible since Mom talked on the phone with Uncle Jack for two hours, Dad spent time at Uncle Loki’s, and Mom was making Dad’s favorite breakfast. He sighed, happy his dad came home … unharmed.
Bram’s Home – 10:00 p.m.
After making the rounds to his girls’ rooms, Bram ended up in Sharlie’s, sitting in the oversized rocking chair, one which fit him perfectly with enough room to cuddle all four girls if they squeezed in tight. In his arms, he held his littlest one. Smiling he gazed at Sharlie who grew leaps and bounds like her sisters did in the first two years. The beauty of life played out for him daily.
Sighing, Bram understood not all days were beautiful. Today had been rough on everyone, no one left unscathed by what might’ve transpired and what did. No one wished for Narciso’s death, but in the end, their hands remained clean. And if he were honest, Bram would always choose Jack over Narciso. Ricigliano selected his path long ago and died as a result of his actions. Unfortunately, leaving four of Bram’s teammates reeling from the events.
None of them liked ending a life, and Dan would likely be dealing with nightmares. One reason why his fully charged phone lay on the nightstand. He would be available if Dan reached out. Though Dan rarely shared his dreams, he occasionally needed a human connection, so Bram often stayed on the line, remaining quiet as Dan calmed enough to fall back to sleep.
Bram was glad Dan missed debrief. It became almost as chaotic as the actual event. Jon wouldn’t listen to Jackson and took the blame on himself for Narciso getting the drop on his younger brother. Shades of Joseph’s death crept into the discussion, but in reverse. A fair share of self-recriminations flew around from all three teams, but Boss put a stop to everything, pointing out each member did their part and the only two who died made poor choices.
Though that didn’t stop Loki from being a mess. Nick insisted Loki take two days off to be with his ma and sisters. Ray would be in later than usual tomorrow, after dropping Loki off at the airport so he could fly to Montreal. Boss helped Loki arrange for Sonia to fly in from Vancouver too.
Kellie stood at the doorway gazing at Bram. Her husband found solace in rocking his daughters. A huge teddy bear with a heart of gold. When he began singing a soft lullaby, she moved in and brushed her hand across his shoulders. “She is sleeping. A song isn’t necessary.”
“Yeah, but I enjoy singing to her. Remember when my voice was the only thing which would soothe her?”
“Yes.” Kellie spied Bram’s phone. “How late are you planning to stay up?”
“Depends. If Dan calls, as long as he needs me.”
Kellie embraced him from the side. “I’ll make sure to brew extra strong coffee for you. Alpha Team is lucky to have someone like you on their team.”
Bram grinned at Kellie. “I’m lucky too. We take care of each other.”
“I’m well aware. The knowledge allows me to sleep. Love you. Night.”
“Love ya more. Goodnight, sweetheart.”
Loki’s Home – 11:55 p.m.
“Nooooooo!” Loki thrashed about, fighting with his covers, believing them to be restraints preventing him from reaching his team as a bright light filled the room and Narciso laughed while spraying his family with bullets.
Ray shook Loki. “Wake up. You’re only dreaming.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Nick rubbed his face. This was the second nightmare Loki experienced in the almost two hours the son of his heart fitfully slept. Tonight would be difficult for his entire team. He had yet to fall asleep himself as images played in his head too. Though being here for Loki was his priority … would always be one for him.
Rising from the depths of Hell, Loki opened his eyes, and his surroundings came into focus. He groaned. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you guys … again.” He sat and shifted his butt backward, so his back rested against the headboard.
“Want to talk about it?” Nick asked as he lay a hand on Loki’s knee.
“Essentially the same. This time Narciso and not the Cignottis killed you all, and I couldn’t stop him. I was wrapped up in electrical tape and wires.”
“We’re all still here. Narciso can’t hurt you anymore, and the crime family doesn’t know who participated in the raid.” Ray tried logic to calm Loki’s fears, doing so helped him to cope with his own worries. Loki’s description of the man who attacked the cop and lineman reawakened his past and concerns he had buried after Luis Garcia’s body parts had been found.
Ray’s mind tried to work out why or how a Blooddrop Crew member would be involved today. Before Loki’s latest screaming episode, he decided to contact Detective Sanchez tomorrow to ask if the BDC had linked up with the Cignotti family. Though highly improbable, it was the only logical reason he came up with for why one of them would mess with the electricity.
Loki nodded. “I know … and I’m glad.” He turned to Boss and earnestly asked, “Do you think someone is following us? There is no other explanation for that red-capped guy to attack the electrician.”
Nick patted Loki’s knee. “You said yourself Mr. Mina indicated he used to live in their territory. It is possible Orlando was the target and not us. Based on all the calls we’ve gone on over the years, there are numerous possibilities. May only be a coincidence the assault happened in conjunction with our raid.”
Without realizing it, Nick’s words helped settle Ray’s worries. Ray said, “How about a nightcap of hot chocolate with loads of mini-marshmallows?”
“Yeah, thanks. Sounds good. I’ll help.” Loki scooted off his bed.
All three headed to the kitchen, each appreciating the others being with them as they coped with the ramifications of today’s events. As Nick put the water on to boil, Loki grabbed the cocoa and marshmallows, and Ray got out three mugs. Alpha Team took care of their own … always would.
Simple Pleasures
48
January 31
Dan’s Apartment – 5:45 a.m.
Warmth and a light scent of jasmine greeted Dan as wakefulness returned. He inhaled the fragrance and reveled in Lexa’s body heat on his left side. As his lids gradually lifted, he found his room still dark and wondered what time it was and focused on his bedside clock. The red numbers displayed 5:45.
Astounded, Dan realized he slept straight through the night with not a single nightmare waking him. A grin spread across his face as his hand splayed on Lexa’s back. She calms the demons in me.
He closed his eyes, savoring the languidness of the morning, figuring he had at least thirty minutes before he had to rise. His fingers lightly caressed Lexa’s butterfly tattoo as he cont
emplated what his future would be like if he could go to sleep with her every night.
A gentle touch roused Lexa from slumber. She resisted, wanting to stay in her dream world where everything was butterflies and beauty. A place she longed to live in, one which didn’t include stupid protocols which might separate her from a man she cared about and perhaps one day love. A guy like no other, who challenged her to express her softer side more openly.
Noting the change in Lexa’s breathing, Dan said, “Morning, beautiful.”
Her groggy voice whispered, “How did you know I’m awake?”
“Bat hearing,” Dan quipped.
Lexa smiled and tilted her head to peer up at him, close enough to make out the wow grin on his face. “Sleep well?”
“Yes. Not one nightmare,” Dan truthfully answered. He shifted them, so both lay on their sides facing one another. “Need to find a way to thank you appropriately.” His lips hovered over hers.
“You’ll figure something out.” Lexa closed the gap, melding her lips to his.
TRF HQ – Women’s Locker Room – 6:55 a.m.
Lexa pulled her hair up and slipped on a hair tie to make a ponytail as she gazed at her reflection, lost in thought. Her smile increased recalling Dan’s method of thanking her … slow and oh so enjoyable sex. His kisses excited her … as always making her ready for him. He entered her bit by bit as his thumb continued to rub the perfect spot, taking her on an extended pleasure cruise.
Justine Forge, the only other female TRF officer, pushed open the door, ready to go home after a long shift with Charlie Team. She stopped when she spotted Lexa at the mirror. Lexa’s countenance spoke of someone well satisfied. “Appears you had a terrific date last night.”
Her reverie broken, Lexa glanced at Justine, kicking herself for letting her guard down at HQ. She couldn’t deny her thoughts to Justine, they played too plainly on her face “Not last evening, but yes.”