OUTCAST: Trust, Friendship, And Injustice (Beauty 0f Life Book 9)

by Laura Acton

  His legs began to give out as the bedroom door opened. The soft light from the hall backlit the man, and Dan could not see his face. But the person moved with lightning speed and caught him before he collapsed. Strong arms held him, bearing all his weight as he was maneuvered into the chair.

  “Dan, I only left you to run to the bathroom. You’re not supposed to be out of bed.” Wilson’s heart began to slow after beating a rapid staccato at finding Danny mid-fall, worried he wouldn’t reach him in time to prevent further injuries.

  Recognizing Wilson, Dan’s guard dropped, implicitly trusting the man who never once betrayed him in his most vulnerable moments and represented safety in the purest form. His voice edged with pain, Dan said, “Remarkable timing as always, Wilson. I don’t think I can make it back to bed on my own without face-planting.”

  “How in the world did you make it over here in the first place and why?”

  “Too cold. Needed to shut the window.”

  Wilson brows knitted in a frown. “You constantly surprise me and often scare the hell out of me too.” He glanced at the now-closed window when he straightened. “Should’ve shut that one too. Sorry.”

  “Where am I?”

  “Don’t you recognize the place?”

  Dan shook his head. “Somewhat familiar but my thinking is foggy, and vision isn’t what it normally is.”

  Wilson crouched to be at eye level and grinned. “We had loads of fun here the winter you and Caspian went snowboarding.”

  Surprised, Dan’s jaw dropped. “Bella’s chalet near Lake Louise? Bella moved me all the way to Alberta? How? When?”

  “Yes. Bella’s jet, yesterday. You and Bella arrived with Dr. Braxton and a nurse named Beth early in the morning. After your mother’s flight from France landed in Ottawa, she swung by her home to gather some of your belongings you left last fall. Hence the lightweight pajama pants you’re wearing. Mike flew us both here before returning to Ottawa.”

  Dan’s gaze flicked to the pants, recognizing them as one of the pairs his mom bought when he recuperated at home. “My mom is here too?”

  “Yep. She wanted to spend the night in this room but listened to Bella when she insisted Yvonne get a decent night’s sleep, and I assured them I would stay with you. Now, let me do all the work to move you back into bed. Otherwise, my head will be on a platter for breakfast. If you can drag your pole along with us, I’ll carry you.”

  “I can walk …” Dan noted Wilson’s scowl, “… with assistance.” The scowl deepened and came with an arched brow. Dan acquiesced because quite frankly moving hurt too damned much and he didn’t relish the scolding he would receive from Mom and Bella if they found out he had been stubborn. “Okay, you’re carrying me, and I’m dragging the stupid pole.”

  Wilson grinned. “Glad you agree.” He lifted Danny in his arms, grateful he continued to workout daily. “You’re not as light as you were when I carried you the first night you arrived at Bella’s.”

  “Not a scrawny sixteen-year-old anymore.” Dan gripped the IV pole and pulled it along as Wilson strode to the bed, crossing the distance in a mere fraction of the time it took him to reach the window by himself.

  Taking care not to jar Danny, Wilson lowered him to the mattress. His concern heightened when Dan moaned as he tucked the blankets around him. “Dan?”

  “My brain is so muddled. I didn’t realize to get warm earlier, all I needed to do was pull the covers over me. I could’ve avoided my little trip. Sorry.”

  “No apology necessary. To be expected. The doc’s got you on some strong meds, and the sedative kept you out for a long time too. Do you need anything?”

  Lying still, Dan’s agony had not abated in the least, so he quietly said, “I could use more pain meds.”

  “Coming right up.” Wilson went to a table, positioning himself to block Danny’s view as he drew the allotted dosage from the vial with a needle. He capped the needle, unscrewed it from the syringe, and dropped it into the red sharps disposal container.

  Before returning to Danny, he wrote the date, time, and dosage in the log book. With his medic training, Wilson knew how to administer the medication via Danny’s IV port, so the kid would never need to view a single needle or wait for the nurse to return from her break.

  Locking the filled-syringe into the port, Wilson injected the contents. “I’m giving you the max dosage. You’ll be knocked out until morning. The doctor said you require complete bed rest because moving may cause the tear in your liver to hemorrhage again. So, don’t you dare step one foot out of bed again, or both Bella and your mother are going to kill me. Is that understood?”

  Dan hurt too much to consider moving an inch. “Understood.” The warm pull of a drug-induced sleep tugged on Dan as he chuckled lightly and his eyelid became too heavy to stay open. He slurred out. “I promise not to get you killed. I’ll behave. Night, Wilson. Thanks for the help.”

  “Night, Danny.” Wilson peered down wearing a slight grin despite Danny’s appearance. Thank goodness he trusts me enough to tell me when he is hurting instead of trying to hide his pain.

  Once Dan’s breathing indicated he had fallen asleep, Wilson moved the comfortable chair closer to the bed so he could watch over Danny tonight. He would remain even though the nurse would be back from her break soon.

  If he had ever married and had kids, he would’ve wished for a son just like Dan. Although Dan probably looked upon him as a friend or kindly uncle, to Wilson, Danny was the son of his heart, and he would move heaven and earth to protect him.

  Relaxing, Wilson let his mind wander, recalling the fun-filled two years Danny lived with him and Bella, and he was grateful Yvonne and William entrusted their son into his care. The young man blossomed and came out of his self-imposed shell with the freedom afforded him those years. He smiled and closed his eyes as the memory of the first trip they made here came to mind.

  Wilson’s Memory – Thirteen Years and Two Months Ago – March 15

  Ridgewater Chalet – 11:30 a.m.

  Wilson carried three bags into the chalet with Danny following him carting two more. He stopped and turned to the teen who gaped with rounded eyes at the interior of Bella’s winter get-away home. “Your room is upstairs, take a right, third door on the left. Drop your gear and help me lug the rest in.”

  Dan stared as he scanned the spacious main room, taking in the massive stonework fireplace occupying one wall, the cozy furniture, the hardwood floors, and plush carpets. Turning his eyes to Wilson, he remarked, “When Bella said she had a little winter cabin, I never expected this.”

  “Well, it is little in comparison to her home in Toronto.” Wilson chuckled as he set down one of the bags which would go in his room on the first level. “I had the same reaction the first time I came here.”

  Bella breezed in from the kitchen wearing a huge smile. “Just got off the phone with my son. Two of my grandkids will be arriving shortly. After you bring in all the supplies, I’ll have hot cocoa ready.”

  Wilson grinned at Bella as Dan nodded and bounded up the stairs. “The speed at which he healed astounds me, ma’am. He only came to live with you a month ago, and the state in which he arrived I wouldn’t have guessed he would be fine now.”

  “He takes after his father in that respect which is good since he bruises so badly, which comes from his mother’s side. Physically he is doing much better. I’m hoping emotional healing will follow suit.”

  Dan reappeared a few moments later his face still showing astonishment. “Bella, the view from my room is awesome, and the balcony is like a tree fort.”

  “I thought you would like it. You always did love climbing trees.”

  Peering at Wilson, Dan said, “I’ll bring in the rest of the stuff.” He bolted out the door.

  Chuckling in wonder, Wilson said, “That boy has a ton of energy.”

  Bella nodded. “William said he is happiest while running, climbing, anything physical. He hates to sit idle.”

  “We’l
l have a grand time then. Does he know how to ski?”

  “Yes, though only cross-country for the past eight years. According to William, he skis like the wind, much like his running, but he hasn’t been downhill skiing since he was nine when his Uncle Erik took Danny with him and his son Scott on a weekend trip.”

  Bella halted as Danny entered with more luggage, she turned and headed back to the kitchen to prepare tea and cocoa.

  Fifteen minutes later as the three sat around the table enjoying hot beverages and a snack the front door opened and a male voice called out, “Grandma, we’re here.”

  “In the kitchen, dear,” Bella responded.

  Dan and Wilson observed as a lanky young man, and a gangly girl strolled into the room and greeted their grandmother.

  After hugging her grandchildren, Bella smiled at Dan. “Danny, let me introduce my grandson Caspian and granddaughter Jacqueline.”

  Though a bit wary of meeting Bella’s family, worried they might view him as an interloper who had no business living with Bella, Dan stood and held out a hand to Caspian. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  Nineteen-year-old Caspian replied, “You too. Do you snowboard?”

  “Never tried, though I can ski.”

  “Perfect. You’ll be a pro in no time. I brought an extra board with me. I think it will fit. If not, the shop in town will have everything you need.” Caspian turned to his grandma. “I don’t have ski boots to fit him, mind if I take Dan now? That way we’ll be all set for tomorrow.”

  Dan glanced between Bella and Caspian, unsure if he should say anything. He didn’t possess any money to buy anything and going anywhere without Bella near him still scared the crap out of him.

  “Can I go too?” twelve-year-old Jacqueline asked, her googly eyes never leaving the cute, blond boy.

  Noting the apprehension on Danny’s face, Bella smiled. “How about we all go? There are a few things I wish to pick up at the store.”

  Mountaineer Ski Shop

  Dan’s brow rose as the young girl who shared similar features and mannerisms with Bella tried to make him take another jacket. “No.”

  “But this one will look good on you,” Jacqueline stated and shoved the ski jacket with edging the same color as his sapphire eyes at him again.

  “I don’t need another one.” Dan stepped back. This whole shopping trip left him unnerved and overwhelmed. So many choices. What boots, jackets, pants, gloves, goggles, hats, board, skis … and the list went on. He had never been asked to make decisions like these. He kept picking the lowest priced items, concerned about so much being spent on him. He didn’t deserve any of this … the clothing the general sent would suffice.

  “Yes, you do. All you got is the ugly military stuff.” Jacqueline turned to her grandmother, assuming a mirror image of the older woman. “Grand-mère, celle-ci est parfaite pour Danny. Il est si beau et cela accentuerait ses yeux magnifiques. Faites-le choisir aussi.”

  Dan found himself gaping again as he translated, Grandma, this one is perfect for Danny. He is so handsome, and this would accent his gorgeous eyes. Make him choose it too. “I speak French. This is too much. I don’t deser … need more.”

  Jacqueline’s jaw dropped as she blushed at being caught calling him handsome. “You do?”

  Stepping in, having not missed the incomplete word deserve, Bella said, “Danny, buying these items for you gives me pleasure. Make an old woman’s heart happy and accept them. Time for you to shed the past and make a fresh start. And Jacqueline possesses a keen sense of style. She is right. This one will accent your eyes.”

  Dan bit his lower lip as he gazed at Bella.

  “Trust me … I want to do this for you, my boy.” Bella moved closer and placed her right hand on his left bicep, applying a gentle touch.

  Tears welled in Dan’s eyes, and he swiftly pivoted so the girl couldn’t see him crying as they leaked out. Wilson stood behind him, and Dan failed to prevent him from witnessing his lack of control.

  “Ma’am, give us a moment, please,” Wilson said as he moved towards Dan.

  Bella nodded. “Come on, Jacqueline, let’s go shop for a new jacket for you.”

  After they left, taking Caspian with them, Wilson motioned to a bench where people could try on boots.

  Dan wiped at his eyes and sat as directed. His head dropped, staring at the ground, ashamed he made a scene by letting his emotions show.

  “Is anger an acceptable emotion?” Wilson asked.

  Dan’s head whipped up at the left-field inquiry. “Yes.”

  “What about joy?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Disgust, surprise, and anticipation … are they acceptable too?”

  “I guess so.” Dan wondered at the line of questions.

  “Those are all human emotions. So too are love, sorrow, fear, and a whole host of other ones. Expressing your emotions is quite natural and not something to be embarrassed about doing.” Wilson lay a hand on Dan’s shoulder. “All this is a bit overwhelming for you, isn’t it?”

  Dan nodded.

  “I have a suggestion.”

  “What?”

  “Do what one of my friends who hates shopping does. He lets his friend who loves shopping make the decisions.”

  “But this is too much. What I already own is serviceable.” Dan’s eyes lowered, and so did his volume. “Besides, I don’t have any money, and I don’t deserve gifts … I killed my sister.”

  Wilson’s heart ached for the boy. Bella clued him into Danny’s past, and this young man carried a burden for seven years which did not belong to him. He understood arguing with him about his perception might drive a wedge between them, so he let that comment lie, and chose another path. “You heard Bella. She wants to do this … she has always been truthful with you, right?”

  Dan drew in a breath before answering. “Yeah.”

  “Any reason to believe she isn’t being honest now?”

  Dan shook his head.

  “Little Miss Jacqueline has an eye for shopping. How about you allow her to make the choices for you and Bella will decide how much to spend? While they are busy, we can walk across the street and grab some warm cherry cobbler and a coffee.” Wilson gave Danny an encouraging smile.

  The thought of leaving this task in someone else’s hands and cobbler appealed to him. “Okay.”

  Wilson stood. “Excellent choice.” He waved to Bella, and when she and Jacqueline returned, he explained Dan’s decision.

  “So, I can pick anything I think would be right for Danny?” Jacqueline beamed, she loved clothes shopping.

  More in control after talking with Wilson, Dan said, “Only one condition. Nothing pink or purple, JD.”

  Jacqueline scrunched up her face. “Why’d you call me JD?”

  A slight lopsided smile came to Dan’s face. “Cause you remind me of Bella … short for Junior Dame.”

  Beaming Jacqueline said, “I like that. Okay, no purple or pink.” She turned to Grandma Bella. “The first one he is getting is this one.” She took the ski jacket with sapphire edging off the rack.

  Dan turned to Wilson, looking for reassurance.

  Wilson flagged down Caspian and said, “Us guys will leave the shopping to you ladies. We’ll be at Stella’s diner eating cobbler.” He slung his arm over Danny’s shoulder and guided the youth out of the store. With time and patience, he hoped to be able to help this young man.

  Bella watched them go, thankful for Wilson’s assistance. Though she loved William dearly, Danny needed a male role model in his life who could teach him that expressing tender emotions was not a sign of weakness … and Wilson fit the bill perfectly.

  Present Day – May 10

  Ridgewater Chalet – 1:20 a.m.

  Wilson sighed. The first trip to the chalet formed the foundation and set the tone of his enduring relationship with Danny. His only regret was allowing Danny to walk away from his dream job when the other constables turned on him after bringing down Snow and his goons.

/>   Leaning forward, Wilson clasped Danny’s hand and spoke to him, although Danny slept. “I vow to you tonight not to repeat my error. I will not allow Hardy or Pastore to force you out of TRF. If anyone is leaving, it will be Hardy. And if it is a choice between you and McKenna staying on Alpha Team, you can bet your ass, I’ll be putting a word in Gambrill’s ear.

  “I know you don’t want that … but no one is going to push you out again if it is within my power to stop them. I should’ve done something before when you endured the injustice from Gould, Barrios, and the other idiot cops who unfairly targeted you, believing you were the one who did something wrong by turning in Snow. If I had intervened back then, you would’ve never suffered through those hellish years in the military.”

  A Real F.I.N.E. Mess

  30

  May 10

  TRF HQ – 4:00 a.m.

  Yesterday, after checking on Loki’s status and finding Ray and Loki sleeping, Nick left the hospital without waking either. Both required rest and he didn’t want to alert Loki to the tension between him and Ray. He drove Jon to headquarters, dropped off the SUV, grabbed his car keys from his locker, and went home. Reaching his house around noon, thoroughly exhausted, he lay down on top of his covers without bothering to change out of his uniform and fell asleep within moments.

  However, his troubled mind ensured he didn’t rest peacefully. After eleven fitful hours of trying to sleep, he got out of bed and paced around his home for five more as he mulled over everything which transpired in the past few days. While prowling his living room, his worry escalated instead of diminished. He did not want either Dan or Lexa to leave the team, but Bozonnet outed their relationship, and it would be recorded in the transcript.

  He wanted, no, he needed to obtain a copy of the transcription and figure out what kind of damage control he might be able to do. Two things might work in his favor. One, none of the task force had been tuned in to their channel so had not overheard. Two, Commander Gambrill habitually read only his summary report and not the verbatim dialog. As he stepped into the elevator, Nick thoughts continued to spin.