by Laura Acton
Dan had a long conversation with his dad and Scott regarding this topic, so he was prepared. Though he didn’t think he needed it, he would agree to sessions with the department psychologist if Boss required him.
For a long moment, Nick considered what Dan said. He excelled at profiling and reading people, but Dan was tough to read. Dan wore so many masks and easily slipped them on to hide his true state of mind. Though his eyes reflected the truth and if he looked close enough Nick could usually find it. He studied Dan, and Dan locked eyes with him. It seemed like the rookie was aware of what he thought.
Rationality, yearning, strength, and honesty, is what Nick perceived in Dan’s eyes tonight. Rubbing his face again, Nick declared, “Let’s play this by ear. Focus on the physical right now. That’s a long, hard road. In a few weeks, we can talk again. I truly want you to return to the team. Though you’re right … part of my job is to protect the entire team.”
Nick stood and laid his hand on Dan’s shoulder to emphasize his next words as he gazed directly into his eyes. “That includes you. That said, you do know it would also harm the team if you don’t make it back. So I expect you to do everything in your power to return to us. We need you. You’re part of our family. I want you to know, even if you don’t make it back, you will never lose us. We’re your family now no matter what. You belong. Whatever we can do to help you we will. You just have to ask if you need something. You understand?”
“Copy that,” Dan said with determination.
“Ready to talk with Lexa?”
“Yeah.”
Nick patted Dan’s shoulder. “Remember, I have my hand your back.”
St. Michael’s Hospital – Room 1030 – 7:55 p.m.
Dan still smiling from Boss’ final words gazed at Lexa as she entered the room and said, “Missed you in the truck. Ray’s not as fun to talk to as you are. They brought you jello? What’s your favorite?”
She stood at the head of his bed and unconsciously stroked his hair.
He relished the sensation and made no comment about it.
“Bored, huh? … Not a fan … of hockey. … Green,” Dan replied and off they launched into their usual multi-leveled conversation.
A few moments into the conversation, Lexa realized what she was doing. She stopped and went to the table to grab a green jello cups and a spoon. A lopsided grin appeared on his face as she handed them to him. They were getting very comfortable being in each other’s company, but the fission of heat and something more was always just below the surface.
They enjoyed their conversation very much. At one point, Dan and Lexa had five topics going at once. So absorbed in each other, they didn’t realize how much time elapsed until a tentative knock sounded on the door.
William hid his smile as he stuck his head in. “Everything alright in here? If so, the others would like to visit, too.”
Dan looked to his dad sheepishly and said, “Yeah, send … them in.”
Lexa shared a quick glance with Dan. They needed to be more careful.
Bram, Loki, Ray, Jon, and Nick all entered. Dan asked where the general, Scott and Lily went. Nick told him they went to eat some decent food and Scott would be back later tonight to stay with him.
“So, you played matchmaker today?” Bram asked.
Dan chuckled. The team discussed the couple for a few minutes.
“You’re going home for a while. Glad to hear,” Ray said.
“Should be … interesting. … Not been … home for a … long time. So much has changed … in the past … few weeks. … I’m not sure … what to expect. … Looking forward … to seeing my mom … though. The general … said she would be … there soon. … Scares me … a bit to go home,” he confided to the team.
“Can we come visit?” Loki asked hopefully.
“Up to the general … and Mom. I’ll be … back every three days … for the first … few weeks. I’ll wrangle … a visit to HQ … if I can. Gonna … miss seeing you … guys every day. … Keep the peace … while I’m gone and … don’t get a … temporary … you like … better than me.”
“Never gonna happen,” Loki, Bram, and Ray all said at once.
Everyone laughed.
“No one can replace Dantastic,” Lexa said and smiled at Dan.
Ottawa – Unit Barracks – 9:55 p.m.
Mason dropped his pack on his bunk. He turned to his unit. His men needed a break, but he was not too sure they were going to get one. “Grab a shower, chow, and some shuteye.”
Pirate, the unit second in command, asked, “Any ideas why they pulled us from the mission and sent us packing post haste on the transport plane home?”
“No idea,” Mason replied.
Lotus grumbled, “I really wanted to be part of the mission.”
Plopping onto his cot, Eagle chimed in, “I’m just glad to be back for a while. Haven’t seen my wife and kids in ages. Hope we stay in Ottawa for at least a few days so I can swing a visit home.”
Riddler said, “Yeah, good to be home but I wanted to go after those bastards, too. They’ve breathed too long and need a dirt nap.”
“Blaze has it covered. Besides, they’re waiting for the intel to come through. We might be back before it does,” Brace said.
Mason strode for the door as he said, “Pirate, get the men sorted out. Gotta to report to Major White.”
“Roger, Sarge,” Pirate said. As he squinted one eye closed, he eyeballed the unit. “You heard Sarge, hit the showers, you’re all ripe, and I’m not eating with you smelling like shit.”
The guys headed to the showers, eager for a long, hot one for a change.
Ottawa – Major White’s Office – 10:05 p.m.
Mason came to attention when he was ushered into the major’s office.
Major Brenden White looked up from his paperwork and said, “At ease Sergeant Sròn … Sròna … Aw hell, Mason.”
Going to parade rest, Mason grinned. Only a few people could pronounce his name correctly. Most gave up and just called him Mason.
White waved to the chair. “Sit. You look dead on your feet.”
Mason lowered his massive frame into the small chair.
“Your unit getting squared away?”
“Yes, sir.”
Leaning back into his chair the major studied the sergeant. “General Broderick requested you specifically for this assignment. You and your men will assist Lieutenant Galloway’s unit in securing the general’s home before the arrival of Mrs. Broderick and his daughter. The general wants it outfitted with the latest technology.
“You are to do a full security assessment and plug any holes and blind spots. Once they arrive, your unit will assist with round the clock protection. The threat of Pletcher is still a viable one. He nearly killed the general’s daughter. We can’t allow him or anyone he might hire to get close. Any questions?”
“Why is the general moving them from a safe house? Was it compromised?” Mason asked needing to know the level of threat they were dealing with.
“No, the safe house hasn’t been compromised. He is moving his family home because his son will be moved from the hospital in Toronto to the general’s home to recuperate.”
“Blondie’s coming to Ottawa?” Mason asked with anticipation. Blaze had shared what occurred. If Blondie was coming here, it meant he made it through the night. His heart soared thinking about being able to see Blondie.
“Yes. Your unit will need to be at the general’s home at zero seven hundred tomorrow to meet with CSIS Agent Bransworth. He will be in charge of all electronics and help ensure the home meets all the latest standards.”
“When is Galloway expected to arrive?”
“Twenty-two hundred local tomorrow. Any other questions?”
Standing up, Mason said, “No. sir.”
“Dismissed.”
Mason pivoted, and an enormous dopey grin covered his face. Blondie … he was excited to see Blondie. It had been far too long since he had seen his little brother. His h
and absently rubbed his chest as he wondered if their scars would look alike.
Edmonton, AB – Interview Room 1 – 8:15 p.m. (10:15 p.m. Toronto)
Corporal Milo Dieterich slowly stood and held out his wrists as he bowed his head in shame. The interview exhausted him. He had been in this room for six hours fielding numerous questions. He came clean with everything.
When the cuffs closed around his wrists, Milo thought he was glad his father wasn’t alive to witness this. He wished his mother and the rest of the family wouldn’t find out how low he sunk. There was a possibility because all this needed to remain confidential given it involved Special Forces personnel.
Lead investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Bonomi placed a hand on the corporal’s shoulders and said, “We appreciate your honesty. At this point, this is as much for your safety as for what you got yourself involved in. The fact you didn’t follow through will carry much weight.”
Milo peeked up at the JAG officer. The despondency evident on his face. “My protection?”
Bonomi nodded. “I’m not at liberty to say anything, but yes, for your protection. You will be transferred to a secure location.”
“Will I also be charged with neglect of my duties about what I did to Major Plouffe?” Milo asked.
Unable to hide his grin, Bonomi shook his head. “Accidents happen. Too bad the major didn’t have better control of his bowels.”
A small smile edged at Milo’s lips.
“You’re going to be fine. Your cooperation and testimony will be a big help, Corporal.” Bonomi placed a hand on the earnest young man and led him from the room. Internally it sickened him how Plouffe and Murphy had used this soldier’s situation to manipulate him. The fact he didn’t follow through spoke in his favor. He was certain the young man would only receive a verbal reprimand in return for his testimony.
Funner Is Not a Real Word
48
August 6
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:00 a.m.
Lexa entered the briefing room with her head down examining her cuff as she finished buttoning up. On auto-pilot, she walked to her chair but stopped three paces away when she glimpsed in her peripheral vision her chair was occupied. She turned and went to an empty chair and sat down.
Loki scooted her coffee to her. “Saved this for you.”
“Thanks.” Lexa stared at the person in her seat. She fought the desire to tell him to get the bleep out of her chair.
Nick stood at the front of the room and prayed his team behaved appropriately today. He could tell Lexa was perturbed the new guy sat in her seat. He should’ve probably pointed that out to the temporary member before he sat down, but his mind had been on other things.
“Morning, boys and girl. First, welcome to your first day with team John.” He glanced at Bram and Lexa and introduced the temporary. “Bram, Lexa, this is John Brewer, Dan’s fill-in.”
Bram reached across the table to shake the temp’s hand. “I’m Bram De Haven. Glad to have you on board. Is there a nickname we can call you? Jon and John can be confusing during a call.”
“Happy to be here. My middle name is Daniel, you could call me Dan.”
Lexa tensed and muttered under her breath, “We already have a Dan.”
“How about Brewer or Brew,” Loki suggested turning to face John.
John shrugged. “Whatever. Just ecstatic to have a shot at TRF. After the bank robbery last year, I thought I ruined my chances completely.”
Jon glanced at Nick noting a slight shake of Nick’s head indicating he had no clue and they would talk later. “Morning training session?”
Nick agreed. “No warrant calls today. That sounds good.”
Fire Stick Grill – 7:00 p.m.
Jarmal Tate shuffled wearily into the office. He sunk down into the small couch and leaned his head back on the soft leather cushion. He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.
D’Ante stared at his brother with concern. “That bad?”
Only one eye opened as Jarmal flatly said, “Remember the fire at the old-folks home about three years ago when five people died?”
His brows rose as D’Ante asked, “Yeah, what’s that got to do with this?”
Jarmal blew out a breath. “You did nothing wrong in the fire, but they raked you over the coals anyway. That’s how I felt.”
“Can you tell me what it is about?”
A mirthless laugh erupted from Jarmal. “Only if I want to spend the rest of my life in Club Ed.”
Curious, D’Ante studied his brother. Aware only of the fact Jarmal had been summoned to CFB Borden and ordered to be there at six this morning and spent the entire day there. It must be something to do with his time in the military, but apparently, Jarmal wasn’t at liberty to say.
Closing his eye, Jarmal reviewed the day in his head. He arrived at six, as ordered, and was promptly escorted to a small room with only a table and three chairs. He waited about forty minutes before a Lieutenant Colonel Bonomi and Major Kenric entered the room. After preliminary details, they lit the grill and smoked his rump roast for hours as they questioned him about his interactions with Dan and his unit.
One of the key things they focused on was how he procured all the special foods for Dan. For a while, he thought they thought he did something illegal. He explained in detail how he procured everything, including his brother D’Ante shipping him walnuts and raisins.
After that, they asked him tons of questions about D’Ante. He explained how Dan arrested D’Ante and how it had changed all their lives for the better. It wasn’t until he told them Dr. Jasper Pastore supplied him with most of what he requested that they let up on him. They closed the interview telling him it was top secret and he would be prosecuted if he spoke to anyone regarding the contents of the interview.
Jarmal blew out a breath, opened his eyes, and sat up. “I wonder if Dan is allowed visitors yet.”
“You could call.”
After pulling out his phone, Jarmal called the hospital. His face fell when they informed him Dan wasn’t taking visitors yet. Jarmal hung up. “Nope.”
D’Ante closed the expenses file he had been working. “Perhaps try calling Lexa. She might give you an update.”
Jarmal considered that but shook his head. “No, I get the impression that might be the wrong thing to do.”
After a knock on the office door, it opened, and the hostess poked her head in. “Jarmal, there is a Jim here to see you.”
“Jim?”
She shrugged. “That’s what he said.”
Pushing up off the couch, Jarmal headed to the front of the restaurant. As he approached, his grin broadened seeing the familiar face. “Patch, my God. Wow, you look as good as a side of prime beef. Whoa! Who’s the lovely cream puff on your arm?”
Jim laughed. “You always had a way with words.”
The two embraced and gave each other firm pats on the back. When Jim stepped back, he said, “I prefer to be called Jim now. I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée Heather Barkley. Heather, this is Jarmal Tate.”
Heather beamed and stepped forward to hug Jarmal.
Jarmal’s eyes grew wide as he looked over Heather’s shoulder at Jim. His grin got bigger.
“Jim told me all about what you did for Dan and all of them. Thank you. The world needs more people like you,” Heather declared as she released him.
The unease over the interview today evaporated with those words. Jarmal replied, “My pleasure to do it. So, you going to marry this guy?”
Heather radiated happiness as she peered at Jim. “Yeah.”
As he waved his hand, Jarmal urged them to follow him. “Come on back. I have my VIP table all set up. Dinner’s on me tonight.”
“I came by for another reason, too,” Jim said.
Jarmal led the way to the table in the back of the restaurant. “And that would be?”
As Jim held the chair for Heather, he answered, “I would like to have some of your recipes you developed for Dan. The on
es you developed with Dr. Pastore to give Dan energy for his rehabilitation.”
Curiosity peaked as Jarmal waited for Jim to sit down. “Sure. Why?”
“Dan’s facing a tough road ahead. I want to pass on the recipes to his mother so she can ensure he eats properly,” Jim explained.
“I didn’t think he got on with his family.” Jarmal was sure that was the case.
Happiness transformed Jim’s face. “Things change. Dan will be going home to recuperate with his entire family.”
Pleased to hear that, Jarmal asked, “How’s Dan? The hospital says he isn’t taking visitors.”
Aware they shouldn’t give details, Heather only said, “He’s improving.”
“I’ll let Dan know you asked about him,” Jim offered.
“Appreciate that. Now, what can I make for you?”
After they ordered, Heather and Jim enjoyed a delicious meal. When they were close to finishing, Jarmal showed up with three bags and several sheets of paper. He grinned as he set them on the table. “Here are Dan’s favorite recipes and one of those bags is for him. The other two are for you.”
Jim opened the bag with Dan’s name on it and smiled. “He’ll love the cookies. He’s getting pretty tired of jello and broth. Thanks for the recipes, too.” He stood and shook Jarmal’s hand and was pulled into another hug.
D’Ante walked to the table with a bottle of champagne and was introduced to Jim and Heather. D’Ante opened the champagne and the four toasted Jim and Heather’s impending marriage. Heather asked them to cater the wedding but told them they didn’t have a date picked out yet. Jarmal told her whatever date they chose he would give them first priority.
CFB Borden – Interview Room A – 10:00 p.m.
Major Martha Kenric finished her write-up of today’s interview. She sat back and squeezed her eyes shut though a half-smile formed on her face. This process was grueling. They learned so many horrible things, but former Private Jarmal Tate was one of the few bright spots in this whole mess. Tate did what he did out of the goodness of his heart with no ulterior motive.