by Laura Acton
Blaze stood and moved to Winds. “Here. My mess. I’ll clean up.” He reached for his broom.
“No, I got this. You know … there’s one source we have not tried,” Winds said as he swept up the fragments.
Leaning on his wall, Blaze sighed heavily. “It is a no go. I asked Mike when he talked to me about Plouffe in February. Mike’s a decent man, but he is loyal to General Broderick. He gave no hint of being aware of Blondie’s location.”
Winds stopped sweeping as anger welled up in him. “The general is a cold-hearted bastard. He almost killed Blondie with his desire to mold the kid into a perfect killing machine. You would think he would be seeking Blondie if for no other reason than to recall him and pull him back into the military.”
Blaze gazed at Winds. “The general may have already executed the tactic. For that matter, I wouldn’t put it past General Badfather to make it appear as if Blondie left when in fact he never did. Blondie might be off on a black ops mission, and we may never discover his fate … just like my sister.”
Gripping the handle until his knuckles turned white, to avoid punching the wall, Winds ground out, “You think he did that? Blondie was in no shape to do any missions after what happened to Brody. As F.I.N.E. as he was then, it would’ve been a suicide mission.”
“Didn’t stop General Badass before. He sent Blondie on the Makhachkala mission when he was not ready and didn’t possess the proper mindset. If not for Patch, Blondie would’ve died. And if the kid dies on a mission, it would restore the family tradition. Remember, Brodericks don’t quit military service. They die in the field or are forced to retire.”
Blaze reached out to take his broom before Winds snapped this one. A loud crack reverberated as the wooden handle burst into two pieces. Blaze had been too late to save the fifth broom from the same fate as the others.
Winds snorted. “Another one bites the dust. Sorry.”
“No worries. By my reckoning, the tally of my smashed bottles exceeds your snapped brooms by ten to one.” Blaze took both pieces and decided they repeated this conversation too often in the last nine months. Needing to change subjects before they progressed to destroying his walls with punched holes, he inquired, “Have you heard from Patch recently?”
“Yeah, he started his mandatory paramedic training course. He also found a decent apartment.”
Blaze lifted an eyebrow. “Mandatory training? Patch could probably teach the instructor a thing or two. I’m glad he is settling in, though. Brody’s death, almost losing Blondie in the field, the kid disappearing without a word, and Nils’ death, hit Patch hard.”
“Yeah, whacked us all upside the head. Though, I didn’t figure Nils the type to commit suicide. Didn’t think he was as close to Brody and Blondie as us.”
“Winds, stop. You can’t know what resided in Baboon’s head. We’ve seen guys snap for less. Every man’s breaking point is different. I witnessed Blondie’s firsthand. We glimpsed Brody’s, too. No doubt, if Ripsaw and I hadn’t entered the tent when we did, we would’ve lost Brody years ago.”
Retrieving two more ice-cold ale from the fridge, Winds handed one to Blaze and blew out a breath. “You’re right, but I didn’t peg Nils to be that upset. Sure, he grieved like us, but … I don’t know. I didn’t believe Brody dying hit him as hard. Nils had a fiancée and everything. The last time I talked to Baboon, the day before he died, he planned on getting out, marrying, and building a new life with his girl. So, …”
Downing a swig, Blaze ambled to his couch and plopped down. There were no answers, and they also had this discussion too many times. Blaze changed the subject again. “I spoke briefly to Mason while you drilled the guys today.”
Winds sat in the opposite chair. “How’s he doing?”
“Alright. He and his men are tired. Continual missions. Mason said we need to put our asses in gear, finish training, and get back there.” Blaze smiled.
“Did you tell him it is about time his unit pulls its weight,” Winds joked.
Blaze chuckled then sobered as he glanced at the thin scar on his palm. “No, but he’s right. There are whispers in the grapevine about one of the targets we’ve been after. I want to be ready to go into action if he pops his head up. I want to find all those fucking animals and send them straight to hell.”
As he extended his left hand to Blaze, Winds repeated words Blaze said to him almost five years ago. “Blood Oath. They all die, but even hell has standards these bastards don’t meet. Justice for Blondie.”
Gripping left hands tightly, Blaze stated solemnly, “Their life’s blood will soak the dirt before I leave the field. Justice for Blondie. Solidarity!”
Emotional Pendulum
43
April 28
TRF HQ – Gym – 9:00 a.m.
Today turned into a training day for Alpha and Delta teams, and they decided to spar against each other. Dan stood, next to the mat, watching Lexa and Cooper spar. So far, Lexa took Cooper down five times. Delta’s rookie didn’t appear too pleased, but kept going and openly inquired about what he did wrong or how Lexa anticipated his move. Dan and Lexa gave Cooper honest and constructive feedback.
As he watched, Dan reflected back on when he arrived this morning. Cooper came up to him and sincerely apologized for sparring at full force, taking the cheap shot to his groin, and his rude words. They shook hands and parted on decent terms. Aaron apologized too but didn’t offer his hand.
Dan recognized the insincere request for forgiveness and surmised Arron only offered one to appease Sergeant Turpin. Dan was clueless as to what Aaron’s problem with him was but did briefly wonder if Aaron might be related to Major Plouffe, though the surname was common enough it was unlikely. Although, Dan didn’t spend much time worrying about Arron’s motivation because he possessed enough experience to accept not everyone liked him.
After sparring, which he was not allowed to participate in yet, Dan would spend the rest of the day with Ray and Loki in the command truck learning from them. Since joining TRF, Dan had been in the mobile command vehicle only a handful of times and had never been responsible for the auto-scripter or other tech items.
But with him on light duty for the next two weeks, Boss assigned Loki to mentor him in those areas which was Dan’s preferable option. He would rather spend time learning other aspects of this job while on restricted duty than take two more weeks off—the only choices Jon and Boss gave him.
In actuality, Dan looked forward to working closer to Loki and Ray. He liked learning new things, and the tech stuff should be interesting. Well … at least for a couple of weeks if he was candid. What he really wanted, was to be on full active duty, but limited duty would be better than sitting around in his apartment all day doing nothing. He almost went stir-crazy the past few weeks doing so.
The only positive to come from of his time off was that he purchased a couch, table, desk and chair, and a TV for his place. He decided if he was staying it was high-time to buy furniture.
Though in truth, Lexa precipitated his action. She brought him dinner several times, and they ate standing at his island, which at the time he preferred since sitting remained painful. But after the first week home, she drove him to a home furnishing store and helped him select the items on her days off.
Dan enjoyed spending time with Lexa. They began to build a real friendship, though he still couldn’t stop wanting to kiss her every time he gazed at her smiling face. He quelled those desires by focusing on getting to know Lexa, and he genuinely liked the woman he discovered.
“Way to go, Lexa,” Dan called out as she took Cooper to the ground again. She had some unique moves. Bram taught her well.
Lexa grinned at Dan, happy he returned to the team today. She had missed their daily conversations while patrolling. The speed at which Dan rebounded from his injury still amazed her. If it had been her or one of the other guys, they would still be out on medical leave. He is truly Dantastic.
Jon came up to Dan and draped his arm around
the rookie’s shoulder as he said, “Remember, no chasing subjects if we go on a call. I’ll bench you so fast you’ll think an anvil fell on your head and leave you at headquarters if you so much as even think of running after a subject for the next two weeks. Got it, Wile E. Coyote?”
Dan turned and peered at Jon. He spotted the upward tweaking at the edges of Jon’s mouth. Though his tactical leader endeavored to appear hard-nosed and stern, Dan gave Jon a lopsided grin. “Copy.”
Jon removed his arm and nodded as his smile became full-fledged. “Excellent.” He headed over to where Ray and Loki sparred with Jarred Cain and Frank Hudson.
Happiness and contentment settled around Dan as he scanned the gym. If someone had asked him eleven months ago if he would ever feel joy again, he would’ve laughed sarcastically in their faces. Surprisingly, he did feel more at peace than he had in a long time. He made a real difference as a constable for the Tactical Response Force. He used his skills to serve and protect, to save people for the most part.
As Dan continued to observe the team spar, an emotion he never expected to experience again started to spread through him. The first real sense he might belong, may be able to create a life worth living, and these six people might become his new family.
He missed being accepted for himself and being part of a caring brotherhood. Dan realized he wanted to protect Lexa, Bram, Loki, Ray, Nick, and Jon because he began to care for them. Each of them added something unique and necessary to his life.
In Bram, he found a father figure he craved, as he had in Blaze for a time. Bram possessed a kind nature and was unafraid of showing his softer side. Dan spent quite a few evenings over at Bram’s house in the last few weeks. Kellie insisted on ensuring he ate well while healing.
Dan liked playing with Allie, Emilie, and Leslie. They talked him into viewing a princess movie, and though he wouldn’t admit aloud, he enjoyed the cartoon. Spending time with the girls brought pleasant childhood memories of Sara to mind.
Boss, he perceived to be an uncle who he could talk to and count on for guidance when needed. Boss agreed to be his medical proxy without question back in February, which still surprised him. Relief came with the knowledge someone like Nick would make medical choices for him if he were incapacitated. Patch and Brody had been his emergency contacts before because Dan didn’t want the general to make those types of decisions.
Jon became an annoying older brother who harped on him to be more careful because … under the gruff, hard exterior he cared. Dan still struggled to accept that part, though Bram insisted it to be true. Jon remained a hard taskmaster, but Dan understood how to deal with demanding personalities after years of living under his father’s onerous thumb.
Ray and Loki were like fun brothers. Ray brought a sense of calm to him, and Loki brought humor back into his life. He went out for drinks with them a few times as he recuperated. Loki was a hoot but shy around women, which reminded him of Brody.
Both men possessed a respectful attitude towards women and the desire to find the right woman instead of Miss Right Now. He admitted only to himself of being a bit envious of the close bond Loki and Ray shared. Their connection appeared to be similar to his with Brody, and he was thankful they extended their friendship to him.
And Lexa, … well, … Sexy Lexie was extremely special, and it would be creepy to think about her as a sister since he wanted to kiss her … and more, much, much more. His gaze landed on her, noting the way her body moved effortlessly. Yeah, Lexa is one of a kind.
“Dan, how you doing today?” Nick stopped next to Dan.
“Okay. Glad to be back.” Dan gave him a smile.
Nick grinned, and his expression softened. The smile he would take as a positive sign. He patted the rookie’s shoulder. “Happy you’re back too. The team isn’t the same without you.”
Dan nodded. Boss’ words produced a warmth which spread through him, causing him to think of all the times Brody’s words created similar sensations within him. Thanks for caring for me and teaching me to trust, Brody. Perhaps the Beauty of Life does exist … I’m willing to keep my eyes open.
In Dan’s head, Brody replied, “I told you so. I’ve got your six, brother and so does Alpha Team.”
TRF HQ – Command Truck – 3:30 p.m.
Loki finished explaining the auto-scripter operation to Dan, then asked, “So, any more gumball dreams?”
Dan grinned and chuckled. “Not since you brought me the Acme Gumball Execution Kit.”
“Fantastic! I’m happy I helped, and the guillotine worked for you.” Loki grinned broadly. “Grab a notepad, and I’ll give you a quick lesson on connecting to the traffic cams.” Loki pointed to a corner of the truck. “There should be one in the box over there.”
Dan rummaged through the metal box, and he came across a notebook. He flipped it open searching for a blank page when he spotted a page in Loki’s handwriting with several dates and cryptic entries. The last one had the letter G repeated six times with a huge red asterisk at the end.
“Loki, what’s this?”
Turning to Dan, Loki spied his notepad. “Oh, that’s my list of our weirdest days and calls. There’s an award at the annual all team picnic for the team with the weirdest call of the year. I’m sure we are gonna win. Last time we won was when I joined TRF. It involved a bomb, a closet, and a ferocious cat. I’ll tell you the story sometime.”
“Really?” Dan asked intrigued. Loki nodded as Dan flipped to an empty sheet, sat, and asked, “So why do you think we’ll win?”
Loki laughed heartily for several minutes before pulling himself together. “How can we not? I mean no one is gonna top groin, gangs, guns, gumballs, glass and gluteus maximus all on April Fool’s Day.”
Dan shook his head, but couldn’t help chuckling himself at Loki’s infectious laughter. Crap! I’m the reason Alpha Team is going to win this year’s award. He couldn’t mull on that for long, refocusing on Loki as he began a tutorial for linking to traffic cameras.
TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 7:15 p.m.
As Dan headed out of the locker room carrying his helmet and shouldering his go bag, he spied the team gathered around the dispatcher’s desk. He wondered why they all waited there. As he approached, Dan overheard Loki finish telling a joke. One he told Dan in the command truck earlier today. The team laughed as expected.
Loki beamed when he spotted Dan approaching. “Dantastic, about time. You’re gettin’ slow.”
When the remainder of his team turned and peered at him, Dan grinned and shrugged. “Why’s everyone still here?”
Nick smiled. “Two reasons. First, it is Lexa’s birthday, and we’re taking her out for a drink at the Pond. Second—”
Jon interrupted wearing a huge grin. “Second, you’re buying the first round, Dano.”
Dan blinked. Not that he minded paying for a round on her birthday, but by their expressions, he didn’t think her celebration was the reason. “Why?” he asked a little hesitantly.
Bram chuckled as he answered, “Because you got injured. Alpha Team rule. You get shot, you buy the team a round. By the way, my wallet thanks you. I might be able to start saving for my girls’ college funds now, Wile E. Coyote.”
“I was not shot,” Dan countered.
Ray slung his arm over Dan’s shoulders as he grinned. “We changed the rule. Thought you needed additional incentive to take better care of yourself.”
Oh man, I’m gonna go broke if things continue the way they have for the past nine months! Dan chuckled before turning to Lexa with a lopsided grin. “So … today’s your birthday?”
Lexa nodded. She didn’t keep the day a secret, but she didn’t like to make a huge deal of her birthday either.
“It’s her twenty-second birthday, for the tenth time,” Loki quipped.
Jon laughed. “Loki, I wouldn’t tease a woman about her age, particularly Lexa if you want to make it to your next birthday.”
Lexa smiled. “I’m thirty-one and damn proud of every yea
r. Sure beats the alternative.” Her internal count-down clock noted that in ten years she would be the same age as her mother had been when she died. And she had already lived five more years without her mother than with her in her life. The thought depressed her a bit, so she shoved it away and focused on the guys.
Loki innocently said, “I thought you turned thirty-one last year?”
Ray wrapped his arm around Loki’s neck and started to drag him away so Lexa wouldn’t bruise his arms as he laughed. “She told you that so you wouldn’t buy all those balloons with the number thirty on them.”
Loki sputtered, “But … but … that would’ve been so fun. You gotta have a blowout party every ten-year milestone. My ma always does. She says it is important to celebrate each decade.”
“Don’t worry, mio figlio. We’ll celebrate your thirtieth birthday with tons of balloons.” Nick patted Loki’s back in a fatherly manner.
“Okay.” Mollified, Loki grinned hugely.
Ready to leave, Jon started for the elevators. “We gonna stand around gossiping like old ladies or go grab a beer?”
As the team followed Jon out of headquarters, Loki began telling them all how his ma made a huge deal out of his twentieth birthday.
The Pond – 8:45 p.m.
Enjoying himself, Dan listened to the lighthearted banter as he sipped his beer. His gaze kept sliding to Lexa. So, she is older than me by three years. I wouldn’t have guessed, but then again, I’m terrible at determining a woman’s age.
He had been wrong before and paid the price when he took Major Pierce’s daughter of to a bar one night, believing she was of legal age to drink. Lesson learned, never go out with an officer’s daughter if he was in their chain of command.
Dan didn’t have to worry about command chains now … only protocol which expressly forbids acting on attractions to a teammate. If only I transferred to Echo Team, things might be different between Lexa and me. Dan stopped his musing and scanned the guys. No, I’m glad I didn’t transfer. Things were rough at first, but perhaps because of those difficulties things are much sweeter now.