by Laura Acton
I don’t want to lose my family. I must talk to Ray, Bram, Lexa, and Dan. Team alchemy is essential, and I must find a way to fix this FINE mess. I need to choose my words wisely … do better than I did with Dan. My life is all about talking. Words hold power. The right words resolve problems, and wrong ones destroy. Jon and I lobbed word grenades at Dan and not only did they cut Dan to shreds, but they also blew back on us, wounding almost everyone on my team.
Determined to resolve this muddle, Nick smiled at the night dispatcher as he exited the lift and approached the desk. “Hello, Peter.”
Surprised by Pastore’s presence, Peter glanced up from his paperwork. “Sergeant Pastore, what brings you here in the wee hours of the morning?”
“I need a copy of the sting transcript.”
Peter turned to his computer. “Sure, not a problem. Give me a moment to print it for you.” Peter tapped away, and as the pages printed, he retrieved a folder. When it finished, he clipped the sheets and placed them in the file before handing the call record to Nick. “Man, that’s a thin file for the number of hours you were there. You guys sure didn’t speak much. Anything else you need?”
“No, but thanks. Catch you later.” He pivoted and started for the exit. Though we were silent during most of the operation, the words contained in this transcript will end the careers of two people I care about, unless I can figure out a way to mitigate the issue.
St. Michael’s Hospital – Loki’s Room – 10:55 a.m.
“Ray. Hey, Ray. Ray,” Loki called out trying to wake his friend up, but he remained dead to the world. He woke up ten minutes ago and for the last five had been endeavoring to rouse Ray, needing to find something out. He couldn’t believe he forgot to ask yesterday.
He glanced around, and the only thing within reach was a washcloth and his water cup. He grabbed the rag, wadded it up, and threw it at Ray. Yeah! Direct hit. Two points. He pumped his fisted arm down. When Ray still gave no reaction, Loki resorted to getting loud, despite his ever-present headache. “Ray! Wake up!”
Startled by Loki’s yell, Ray jerked and ended up on the floor. Blinking and striving to focus, he said in the concerned voice, “Loki, you okay?” He scrambled up and rushed toward the bed as fast as his stiff muscles would allow. Sleeping in that chair was murder on his back and neck.
When his eyes finally focused and his hearing registered all the sounds around him, Ray wondered what the heck was going on. Loki sat there laughing his head off … so hard tears were forming in his eyes. “What the hell, Loki?” Ray said allowing a bit of irritation to seep into his tone.
Calming, primarily because the chortling amped up his pain, Loki said, “Sorry, buddy, but I didn’t expect you to fall out of the chair. Funny though.” At Ray’s glare, Loki stifled the remaining mirth. “Sorry, but you’re hard to wake. I needed to ask you something important. It couldn’t wait.”
Ray settled down. “What is so imperative you had to knock me outta my chair?” Despite Loki’s amusement, Ray perceived whatever concerned his best friend was indeed critical, and he noted the pain lines forming on his brow too.
“Did anyone call my ma? She will be distraught if not.” Loki hated to distress his mother. If he didn’t call or show up, she would be worried sick. And after all the stuff in the past six months, his ma suffered enough.
Ray patted Loki’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring grin. “I called her last night about seven. I wouldn’t want her to be wondering where you were. She said to tell you she will be here this afternoon.”
He smiled at the relief on Loki’s face. “She asked if you were allowed regular food. I expect you’ll be getting a quite care package.” Just thinking about Mrs. B’s cooking made Ray salivate. He checked the time, noting he needed to go home to grab something to eat and shower before meeting with Bram.
Taking a moment to figure out how to leave without arousing Loki’s suspicions further, he hit upon a practical reason. “Hey, bro, will you be alright if I head out for a while? I could use a shower and change. I’m quite ripe after being in these clothes for two days.”
Loki studied his brother who hadn’t left his side and appeared wiped out. A part of him felt guilty Ray had stayed, but a more significant piece appreciated his gesture. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be fine … um, make that okay. I got cute nurses and a call button. Before you go, would you mind refilling my water pitcher and finding the remote for me?”
Happy Loki appeared to be doing better, Ray did both before asking, “Anything else before I leave?” When Loki shook his head, Ray gave him a quick tap on the shoulder then strode to the door.
At the doorway, he turned back. “Call if you need anything. I’ll be back after dinner tonight. Save me a piece of your ma’s bread.” He received a grin and a nod from Loki before pivoting and strolling down the hall towards the elevators. Dropping the façade maintained for his brother’s sake, Ray’s psyche took over. Mentally F.I.N.E., he prepared himself to deal with the team’s mess.
Bram’s Home – 11:05 a.m.
Kellie leaned on the doorjamb gazing at Bram sprawled out on their bed. Bright and early this morning she packed up their girls and drove them to their grandparents to spend the day. She sighed, recalling when Bram arrived home yesterday, he was a complete mess. She made him a sandwich and ensured he drank a glass of juice before putting him to bed. He slept straight through, and although she didn’t want to awaken him, he needed to get ready to visit Ray.
She moved to the bed and sat on the edge, taking in his peaceful visage, so different than yesterday. Her gentle teddy bear always took it hard when anyone on the team was injured, but to have Dan, Loki, and the new girl all hurt tilted his world. Running her fingers lightly over his arm, she crooned, “Bram, honey, time to wake up. It is a little after eleven.”
Bram stirred, flickered his eyes open, and smiled upon viewing Kellie’s lovely face and bright eyes. She leaned down, and they kissed before he pulled her into a tight hug and held her for several minutes. “Morning, Beautiful. The house is so quiet. Where are the munchkins?”
Kellie pulled back a bit and gazed into his caring blue-green eyes. “With my parents. Thought you could use the quiet. If they were here, they would’ve been pouncing on you by eight.” Kellie stood. “Alright, up and at em. I’ll pour you coffee while you shower. You do need one.” She wrinkled her nose and waved her hand in front of it.
Bram sat up, caught a whiff of himself, and chuckled. “Two days without one will do that. I’ll be down in a few.”
Fifteen minutes later, refreshed from sleep and a hot shower, Bram joined Kellie in the kitchen. He sat at the table, his stomach rumbling as he eyed the double-stacked ham and cheese sandwich and side of potato salad next to a steaming cup of coffee. “You take such wonderful care of me. I don’t deserve everything you do for me, and I would be lost without you. Thanks.”
Kellie responded by kissing his cheek and sitting beside him with her lunch plate. She understood they both needed and cared for each other equally. Differently but proportionately. Each fulfilled essential bits of the other’s needs in their relationship. As such, she perceived he needed to talk, so she remained silent during lunch as Bram gathered his thoughts. After they finished and cleaned up the dishes, she joined him on the couch.
“Things are … a … real … FINE … mess! I’m livid. Part of me wants to slam my fists into Jon’s face and mete out an equal measure of the pain he inflicted on Dan.”
Confused, Kellie said, “Wait, I don’t understand. I thought those ex-cops beat Dan. What did Jon do? How did he hurt him?”
Sucking in a deep breath and exhaling gradually, Bram reined in his wayward thoughts and focused on the issue at hand. He considered how much he should tell her, then decided to share all he knew, trusting Kellie implicitly. She would, as always, keep whatever he divulged to her confidential.
He outlined his dilemma, sparing no details and ended, “So … I’m not sure I can work with Jon anymore. I’m half tempted t
o walk into Gambrill’s office and tell him exactly what Jon did. We’ve been friends for so long, and I hate to do that, but he can’t treat Dan that way. It isn’t right. Jon should know better … especially after the Proper Care and Feeding of Dantastic meeting where we realized how badly we all screwed up.
“Another reason I hesitate telling Gambrill is what would happen to Dan and Lexa. Neither one deserves to be kicked out of TRF because they are attracted to one another. I understand the reasoning behind the non-frat policy, but in this case, I don’t think it fits the people involved.”
Kellie fought to keep her anger tamped down since it wouldn’t help Bram in any way, shape, or form. He required a calm, thoughtful response, and that is what she would give him. “You might not have any say in what happens to Lexa, Dan, Nick, and Jon. You overheard all this on your headset. Won’t it be in the call transcript?”
Bram’s face fell, and he lowered his head into his hands. His voice came out strained, “I didn’t think of that. Our team will be ripped apart if Gambrill ever reviews the details.”
“Doesn’t he read them?”
Lifting his gaze to Kellie, Bram’s head shook slowly. “Usually he reads the summary Nick writes. The transcript is sometimes used in court, but mostly we use it for debrief and ongoing training when things go sideways.”
Kellie considered the information a moment. “This certainly is a tricky one. Until you find out if the brass gets involved, perhaps you and Ray should approach Jon and Nick as you would a situation on the job?”
“What?” Bram waited for Kellie’s reasoning.
“Well, you said Jon should’ve known better, and I believe he is regretting his words and actions. We know him well, he isn’t a spiteful man, and he does care about Dan … all of you. His concern causes him to overreact on occasion. As for Nick, he is between a rock and a hard place. We all recognized his affection for Lexa, though he cares for Dan too, but he is the sergeant and as such must enforce the rules.
“Do for them what they should’ve done. Afford them the opportunity to speak, and role model the behavior you want from them. Remember your TRF motto, talk before tactics, and apply it to your teammates. They deserve to be treated respectfully and given a chance to rectify their blunders. They are human after all … none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes.
“I believe they will meet your expectations. However, if they don’t, you have options. If after everything, Dan can no longer trust Jon or Nick, and he leaves Alpha, perhaps you can transfer teams with him. He would need a friend, and you’ve always been one to him.”
Kellie sighed. “Oh my, Lexa and Dan. My heart breaks for both. They are well suited for one another. Although Lexa will deny to her dying breath, she needs a protector and a man who will compliment her temperament. Dan needs someone like Lexa … a woman who will love him unconditionally. Once Lexa commits, nothing will ever tear her from his side.
“I pray they can work things out, but it is best if you don’t involve yourself and allow them to navigate things on their own. Whatever transpires between two people in a relationship is between them. And having everyone taking sides and weighing in will only complicate things, making it harder for those two to sort out their feelings.
Kellie stopped and clasped one of Bram’s hands. “Patience, kindness, and an open ear and heart are what you need to deal with Jon and Nick today. Listen, seek to understand, be the friend to them they should’ve been to Dan, and things will work out.”
Bram leaned over and kissed his wife. As his hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb gently stroked her cheek. “I love you more than words can ever express. Thank you for always listening and offering your insights. You are right. They messed up, and I must give them the opportunity to fix this. I would want the same chance if I fouled up.”
Smiling Kellie said, “And about the other part. I see no reason to tell Loki or Kinsey at this time. For one, Kinsey isn’t a permanent member, so this doesn’t concern her. As for Loki, you don’t want to hurt him. Loki’s loyalties will be conflicted. If Gambrill becomes aware of the predicament and changes to your team are imminent, Loki should be told, but until then, limit his pain. He’s already been through a proverbial wringer this year.”
Bram pulled Kellie to him and embraced her, grateful for the sound advice she gave him. She was right. Lexa and Dan didn’t need others interfering with their private business. He would not pry, even if he suspected they renewed their relationship. He silently hoped they would. Kellie shared his belief they were well matched.
“Thanks, Beautiful. I need to be leaving for Ray’s in a moment.”
“I’m always here for you. I’ll keep dinner warm for you if your meeting with Nick and Jon goes long.”
Bram shifted, grinned, and passionately kissed his lovely wife. Releasing her, he stood. “Will the girls be back tonight?”
“If you want a night with only you and me, Mom and Dad would be happy to keep them, and our girls will be over the moon to stay, Dad spoils them.”
“Let them stay over. I’d love to spend the night showing you how much you mean to me.” Bram kissed her once more then strode to the front door.
Kellie curled up on the couch after Bram headed out. I love Bram with all my heart. He is so caring. I hope everything works out with the team … and with Lexa and Dan. They are perfect for each other.
Jon’s Home – 12:10 p.m.
Jon didn’t sleep well last night. His brain would not shut down as he continually rolled through what an utter jackass he had been. Ever since he crawled out of bed at six this morning, he posed unanswerable questions to himself. Where is Dan? Why did Dame Ridgewater move him? How is he doing? Will Dan forgive me for the way I treated him? When will I stop reacting over-the-top with the rookie?
He poured another cup of coffee and trod barefooted to the family room, seeking the comfy couch to vegetate until he had to prepare to go to Nick’s home for the dreaded confrontation with Bram and Ray.
“Hey, Dad. I’m gonna go over to Jake’s house to hang out for a while. I’ll be back in time to babysit Joey since Mom is at that thingy-ma-jig and you need to go to Uncle Nick’s,” Kent said as he popped into the room.
“I’m not a baby!” Joey pipped up from where he sat playing his favorite video game.
Jon peered at Joey and grinned. “No, you’re not.” He turned to Kent. “Appreciate you changing your plans today to stay with Joey. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, but I’ll leave cash on the counter for pizza for dinner in case I run late.”
“Cool. Thanks. Be back in a bit.” Kent turned and bopped out of the house, intent on grabbing his basketball from Jake so he and Joey could shoot hoops this afternoon instead of sitting inside playing video games.
Jon settled in, and his eyes gazed at the TV, but his mind was not on the game Joey played. He had been busy all morning checking on his team … well, the ones he could speak with at the moment. He called Kinsey to check on her, glad to find out she was doing well. She shared with him it hurt to chew, so Kane made her mashed potatoes and chicken soup.
He was surprised she had a fiancé but happy for her. Seemed an odd couple to him … a tough as nails female officer and a mild-mannered real estate guy. But everyone needed someone, and even matches which appeared strange from the outside may be perfect.
Jon also called the hospital and spoke with Loki. Fortunately, the doctors had not seen any severe effects of the chloroform thus far, but they wanted to keep Loki until tomorrow before deciding whether to release him. Loki said his ma would be bringing him a care package … no doubt there would be enough food to feed the entire staff on the floor. He planned to visit Loki tonight after meeting with Nick, Bram, and Ray, if the event Jen coordinated ended on time. If not, he would go once she returned home.
He shifted his thoughts to those he had not spoken to. Loki told him Ray stayed with him until about eleven then went home to shower. Jon recalled the rage he witnessed in Ray and understood now
that if Father Lopez had not come into Ray’s life, he might’ve met Ray as a member of the BDC.
An altogether unpleasant thought, which fostered another one as he rubbed his aching jaw. Bram packs a powerful punch. I damn-well deserved what Bram meted out and more. I wonder if Bram deliberately chose his words, ‘Dan’s gone’ to inflict pain. No. Bram isn’t one to do something like that. He must’ve been overpowered by the distressing events. We were all on the razor’s edge with little sleep and in a raw emotional state.
His unsettled mind skipped across the record and thought about the pictures he had seen in Ridgewater’s home. Dan lived with her before he joined the police force. There is still so much about Dan’s life I don’t know. What I do know sucks … three months of torture he endured at the hands of sadistic terrorists and Plouffe’s machinations which caused Dan untold grief for six years.
How did Dan end up living with Ridgewater? Would he confide in her? Is that the reason she moved him? And how in the world does Dan know the Prime Minister of Canada? The general is a high-ranking military man. Is that connection through the Brodericks or Ridgewater?
Jon felt like a heel. Dan received an overdose of pain in two days. He reamed Dan after making assumptions, but Lexa blasted him with unkind words as she broke up with him. Lexa did a number on Dan. I’ve been dumped a time or two before Jennifer, but I can’t imagine being told I was loved, worthless, and to kiss off all in the same sentence.
Dammit! How am I going to repair my relationship with Dan? This situation certainly fits Dan’s definition of fine. I need help fixing the mess I created, but I’m at a loss on how to proceed. Jon was pulled from his musings by Joey.
“Daddy, lookie I won,” Joey called out as he turned to his dad and pointed to the TV.
“First place. Wow.” Jon set his coffee on the table and moved to the floor next to Joey. He couldn’t do anything about Dan or the rest of the mess at this moment, so he focused on his son, fulfilling a vow he made to be a better father, more engaged than he had been in a long time. “How many races have you won?”
