by Laura Acton
Brody and Blondie had been thick as thieves. Where one went, the other was bound to be, unless Blondie did a stint with another unit. Damned General! Mason pushed the thought away and refocused on his brothers. Those two possessed a connection Mason dreamed of having with someone. They were quite the pair, and each fulfilled a need the other required.
Plain and simple, Brody experienced a horrific childhood and craved to be cherished and needed. Blondie filled the bill to overflowing, and Brody never doubted Blondie’s love for him or his need of him. His childhood no better than Brody’s, Blondie desired to be treasured and to protect others. The only real difference between them, Brody’s bastard father was dead while Blondie’s remained alive. Blondie needed the music, light, and humor Brody brought into his life to endure the agony his cold-hearted father put him through.
Hell, the kid needed all of us. Mason still couldn’t believe General Badass cared more about the other men in his command than he did about his own son. The general made Blondie’s life hell on earth, and Mason often wondered how Blondie lived through his six years in purgatory.
He clenched his fists. Did Blondie survive? He slammed his massive fist on the ground beside him. He didn’t know. None of them knew. No one had seen or heard from him since July tenth. Anger caused Mason to bang fists in the dirt several more times. If I returned to base sooner. Only five minutes earlier, I would’ve been able to tell Blondie I do not hold him responsible for Brody’s death, and I will always be here for him.
When he learned Blaze, Winds, and Patch failed to speak to Blondie in the hospital or visit him in the six weeks he was held in the suicide-watch cell, Mason went off the deep end. Each of them sported black eyes and multiple other bruises. How could they fail Blondie so miserably?
After they told him guards had barred them from visiting Blondie every time they tried, because of the review board, something smelled rotten to Mason, so he asked around. That is when he found out Murphy and several others beat the crap out of the kid before he left. The guard who wouldn’t allow them in for visitation happened to be one of the assholes who pounded the shit out of Blondie.
They waited a couple of weeks before everyone could be in the same location, but he, Blaze, Patch, Winds, Baboon, and some other Blondie supporters dealt out unit justice with a vengeance. They would no longer put up with Murphy’s shit nor take care of things inconspicuously. The brawl they started in the mess tent got them all thrown in the brig for several weeks.
Well, not all. Murphy spent a few weeks in the base infirmary with several fractures. Feeling Murphy’s bones crunch under his fists had been satisfying. He would’ve killed the bastard if his old unit and two of his own men had not pulled him off Murphy.
The fact no charges were levied against him or any of them surprised Mason. Colonel Sutton read them all the riot act for brawling and docked their pay for the damages, but no assault charges had ever been filed.
Mason sighed and spoke softly, focused on the brilliant star, “Brody, please watch over our little brother. Keep Blondie safe until we locate him. I promise you, we will find him … eventually.”
Lotus glanced over at Sarge. The giant man could scare the bejeebers outta him. In fact, Sarge frightened him when he joined the unit. It was the day of the mess brawl, and his Sarge almost killed Murphy with his bare fists. Lotus rapidly learned Sarge possessed two sides—teddy bear and grizzly bear.
He never wanted to be on Sarge’s grizzly side because those massive fists were as deadly as bear claws, maybe more so. He witnessed Murphy’s condition after he helped the rest of the guys pull Sarge off him. At first, Lotus believed Murphy was dead … only a bloody pulp laid on the floor.
Softly, Lotus said, “Sarge, I’m still running my deep search. If Blondie can be located, I’ll uncover his whereabouts.”
Mason turned to his surveillance expert and grinned. “Not if he doesn’t want to be found. He’s too well-trained. He can hide in plain sight. Besides, with no trace of him anywhere for the past year, it makes me believe they initiated a blackout protocol.”
Lotus scrunched up his face. “Why would he be blacked-out? He’s out of the military so that wouldn’t apply.”
Shifting so he could view Lotus better, Mason stated, “You forget who his father is and what a bastard he is towards his son. I wouldn’t put it past him to sanction one to make Blondie’s life hell. To cut him off from those who care about him as a form of retribution for choosing to leave the service.”
Lotus nodded. Yeah, he once spied the general from a distance. Lotus never wanted to be closer after the dressing down he overheard General Broderick give Major Plouffe after the brawl. He only caught a snippet before he high-tailed it out of there. The general was pissed the major didn’t maintain better control of the unit soldiers and allowed a fight to start.
Mason laid back down after Lotus nodded and became quiet. Yeah, General Badass might do something to screw over Blondie. He demonstrated a penchant for doing so in the past. He denied every plea from us to go searching for Blondie after terrorists captured him. We went rogue to rescue him and found the kid more dead than alive after three months in the hands of the terrorist bastards.
Taking a deep, cleansing breath in and blowing it out slowly, Mason pushed away the negative thoughts. He focused again on Brody’s star and chose to remember the happy times and laughter they shared for years. There were fun times interspersed between all the bad. None of them would’ve made it through six hellacious years if not for laughter soothing their souls.
Mason chuckled as he remembered the time they found Blondie tangled and hanging in a tree. Man, the kid could even hit the targets while shooting upside down. Damn, I miss Brody and Blondie. Miss them a lot.
He permitted his mind shut down, aware he must sleep at least a few hours before he headed out on his next mission. Terrorism took no breaks, and his unit had been run ragged. Mason couldn’t wait until Blaze’s unit came back online. How the hell did Blondie survive six years non-stop in the field? was his last unanswered thought as Mason drifted off to sleep.
Welcome to Alpha Team
47
May 27
TRF HQ – Locker Room – 5:00 a.m.
Nick entered the lockers and noted all the men except Dan. He had not found an opportunity to talk with Jon about how things went last night. Noting Jon finished dressing for workout, he approached. “Dan here?”
“Not yet. He’s got some personal business to attend to this morning. Not sure when he’ll be finished, but I told him to show up when he is done,” Jon stated loud enough for everyone to overhear.
“How did things go?” Nick inquired.
Jon arched a brow. “We talked. We’re good.”
Nick understood more in Jon’s few words than what they conveyed audibly. And he appreciated Jon would share relevant details with him privately. Jon wouldn’t divulge any confidences with the entire team. Nick played along as he clapped Jon on the shoulder. “Alright.”
Loki taped last night’s creation to Dan’s locker. He stood back and grinned. Ray caught sight and chuckled which drew Bram’s, Jon’s, and Nick’s attention. All three laughed before they headed for the gym.
TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 9:00 a.m.
Dan entered the building rested and happy to be here. The sleeping pills knocked him out completely. He didn’t wake to a single nightmare in the wee hours, unlike the previous five days. Sleep helped clear his mind.
Thoughts of suicide last night had been the product of his emotional and exhausted state. When he woke today, he recalled what Jon said and what he did for him yesterday. He also remembered the sensations he embraced when he returned to work four weeks ago. Happiness and contentment.
Yesterday had been tough. May twenty-sixth would always be a rough day … it held so much pain and guilt. But his team had been here for him, and his tactical lead helped when he needed it most. If not for Jon, he most likely wouldn’t be walking into TRF headquarters now.<
br />
Tia smiled at Dan. He appeared happier and more rested today than he had in the past two weeks. “Hey, you’re a little late,” She teased with a smile.
Dan grinned and quipped, “Jon gave me a hall pass.”
Tia laughed. “The team’s doing inventory in the cages.”
“Thanks.” Dan decided to inform Jon of his arrival before changing into his uniform.
TRF HQ – Gun Cage – 9:05 a.m.
Everyone glanced up when Dan said, “I’m here, Jon.”
Jon smiled. “Excellent. Now go change. Got a ton of ammo waiting to be counted.”
Dan groaned. “It isn’t a glamorous job, but someone’s got to do it. Right?”
“That’s right. And today this your job. No napping, though,” Jon joked.
Lexa leaned on the mop. “Trade ya. I would rather count ammo than mop. Besides, it is hard to nap when you’re mopping.”
“You’re on.” Lexa’s and Jon’s napping comments puzzled him as he pivoted and strode for the men’s lockers.
TRF HQ – Men’s Locker Room – 9:10 a.m.
Surprised as the team, including Lexa, followed him, Dan wondered what was up, but it didn’t take long to find out. He grimaced as he viewed a photo of him asleep in the SUV with a list taped to his locker.
Dantastic’s Unacceptable Nap Locations
1. TRF Conference Room Three
2. Stone Cold Apartment
3. Middle of the Street
4. TRF Rooftop
5. Bottom of a Zodiac Boat
6. Upside Down TRF SUV
7. TRF Elevator
8. Elephant Enclosure
9. Marfont China Shop
10. Backseat of TRF SUV
Dan busted out laughing. That is one heck of a long list. Though, technically, most of those are not napping episodes.
Numbers one, four, seven, and ten were naps he had been caught in. Number two referred to the three days he spent alone in his apartment sick with bronchitis with no heat or electricity. Three he figured denoted Christmas Eve when he was hit by the car. Number five signified when the bridezilla knocked him overboard.
Six represented when he and Bram had been broadsided by the truck as they responded to a call. Eight highlighted his unique encounter with the elephants during the night training session with Charlie Team. Number nine featured his latest fiasco where glass impaled his ass in the china store after sliding on giant gumballs.
While officially not all napping incidents, Dan appreciated Loki’s warped thought process. This is definitely Loki’s work. No doubt in my mind. Dan carefully took the sheet off the locker. He would keep this.
Weirdly, this form of razzing demonstrated to him they cared about him, and they believed him to be a genuine member of this team. The sensation he found a place to belong and a family grew leaps and bounds, especially after what Jon did for him.
He took a moment to gaze at each one of them. He read acceptance in each of their smiles, and a lopsided grin began to form as warmth cloaked him. Can I open up and care again? Do I dare risk losing them too?
The answer moot … Dan already cared. Something deep inside made him realize here is where his fragmented heart and soul would be restored. Well, almost … parts of his heart would never heal. Pieces of it had been lost forever in the sands of the desert, laid to rest with the remnants of Brody’s heart.
He discovered a new purpose … a new place … and a new person to be. He would make it through the pain with the support of his new chosen family. Dan found solace by allowing them to peek behind his shield.
His long-suppressed humor started to blossom again as Dan locked gazes with Loki and held his attention. He couldn’t allow Loki off scot-free for this little prank. With a crooked smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes, Dan said, “Revenge is best served ice-cold.”
Loki laughed. “How’d you figure I am responsible?”
The rest of the team laughed as Jon said, “Who else would it be?”
Dan folded the treasured paper and set it on his top shelf. Everyone except Jon returned to the cage to finish inventory while Dan dressed.
When they were alone, Jon queried, “How are you doing today?”
“Rested. Thanks again.” Dan kicked off his shoes.
Jon went to his own locker and withdrew a gun safe. He went back to Dan. “Your pistol fit.”
Dan took the metal box, instantly noting the newness of the case. This was not something old, sitting around unused in Jon’s garage.
He peered at Jon with a questioning expression. “Thanks, Jon, but why? This is clearly new.”
“My welcome gift. An heirloom deserves a safer place than your bedside table,” Jon said as he handed him the keys. “Would be a shame for something so exceptional to be mishandled.”
Dan grasped the meaning of Jon’s words, particularly the ones not voiced. Jon inferred he should not to pull the trigger on himself. Dan nodded. “Perhaps I should keep this in my closet.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan,” Jon responded before turning and striding out without another word … but wearing a smile. Dan’s response meant he comprehended. Jon would not allow Dan to die by his own hand on his watch. The young man is important to this team—to this family.
Dan sat on the bench and inserted a key. He opened the container and peered at his pistol. His eyes zoomed in on an inscribed, gold-tone metal tag embellishing the inside top of the safety case. Dan teared up as he read.
Welcome to Alpha Team
You belong here, and you make a difference!
Lifting his eyes skyward, a few tears dripped as Dan whispered, “Brody, I believe I found a place to belong again.”
Dan wiped his tears, set the gun case down, retrieved the unacceptable nap locations list, and placed the paper next to the pistol before closing the lid. He grinned. The backseat of the TRF SUV might be an unacceptable place for a nap, but it surely changed my life for the better. I will never regret that nap.
As he placed the box on the bottom shelf, Dan caught the soft sound of the door opening and the distinct footfalls of his favorite person. He rose, turned, and gazed at Lexa as she came to a stop.
Lexa smiled at Dan. The raccoon circles faded a bit today. She moved forward and leaned on the metal cabinets near his. She stared at his t-shirt clad chest a moment. What I wouldn’t give to view him unclothed in the light of day. To caress his muscles and defined abs hiding under his tight-fitting shirt.
She tore her eyes from Dan’s splendid chest and moved up to his face to find a smug expression.
“Like what you see?” Dan deliberately flexed his biceps.
Lexa tilted her head as her eyes danced and the golden flecks of her hazel eyes reflected the fluorescent lights. “I could ask you the same thing when I catch you staring at my ass.”
“Touché.” Dan gave Lexa a lopsided grin. “So?”
His grin distracted her as much as his chest. This man does something odd to me. All I want to do at the moment is kiss him.
Dan leaned down, closer to Lexa, their faces now a mere fraction of an inch apart. As she exhaled, her soft, warm breath caused parts of him to stir. He whispered, “So?”
Drawn to him, Lexa started to lean in when Loki’s voice rang loud in her ears as he slammed open the door and called out, “Lexa, Jon said the ammo won’t count itself.”
Both pulled back simultaneously, and they were a proper distance from each other when Loki rounded the corner.
Lexa cleared her throat. “Coming, Loki. I only came to ask Dan if he wanted to join you, me, and Ray for dinner tonight.”
“Cool, we can take him to the Jamaican Parrot. You ever been there?” Loki asked.
“Nope.” Dan took in a breath, glad he still wore jeans or this would be incredibly awkward, but luckily Loki seemed oblivious to the sexual tension thrumming through him and Lexa.
“You like spicy, right? If so, Ray says this is the best place.” Loki said before rambling on about the restaur
ant.
Lexa decided to leave with only one glance back at Dan. Loki saved her from making a terrible choice. I almost kissed Dan. A relationship is not in the cards for us. We are teammates … which is all we can be.
Dan listened to Loki as he covertly eyed Lexa as she exited. She nearly kissed me. Am I willing to risk everything I just gained for her?
Although unsure, Dan could not deny the irresistible pull whenever Lexa came near. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out against something which feels … Damn, I can’t describe the feeling, but …
Dan grinned and quickly changed into his cool pants uniform … ready to serve and protect.
Keep reading for a sneak peek
at Laura Acton’s third novel
in the Beauty of Life series
Sneak Peek:
Belonging
Hope, Truth, and Malice
Dan Broderick is slowly putting the pieces of his life together after a rough year struggling to find acceptance with Alpha Team. On the day when the last piece fits into place and Dan feels he belongs, events explode around him, threatening his newfound security, his memories, and maybe even his life.
.
July 16
Outside TRF HQ – 5:25 a.m.
Daniel Broderick felt so drained. He managed to open the door of the patrol car without hissing in pain as he moved his right arm. Painstakingly slow he exited as he mumbled, “Thanks for the ride.” Dan used his hip to shut the car door before glancing up at the multi-story Toronto Police Tactical Response Force Headquarters.
Through the open car window, Constable Marc Fargusson replied, “Just doing my job.” As the seasoned patrol officer drove away, he only shook his head slowly. I have been on the job a long time, too long. I have seen too much over the decades, but never something like this. How do TRF constables cope with the stress? Day in and day out they deal with stuff like this. It would take a resilient person to handle the burdens of this job.