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

by Laura Acton

  “No … things are foggy until the day I woke at Bella’s home about ten days afterward.”

  Producing a warm smile, Wilson replied, “The answer is yes. Against doctor’s orders, your mother insisted on coming to you as soon as your father told her, which was the day we found you. She refused to leave your bedside for a week. Though the general didn’t want to put his foot down, when your mom’s health deteriorated due to the CFS, he adamantly requested she return to Ottawa. I provided Yvonne daily updates on your progress after she left.”

  Already exhausted, with the full dose of medication onboard Dan’s lids became heavy, and he allowed them to shut as he murmured, “My mom never stopped loving me … my dad too.” He drifted off into a painless sleep.

  After adjusting the covers over Danny, Wilson sat back and whispered, “Anyone who truly knows you, loves and values you. Never doubt your family, both chosen and blood will always be here for you in your time of need.”

  Quietly observing Danny, his mind returned to Dan’s comment regarding Loki. Wilson understood how much not being there for his friend bothered Dan. Racking his brains, Wilson strove to recall things Dan shared with him about Loki. He is a prankster. He likes sci-fi and older funny movies. He is the geek and bomb tech of the team.

  Beaming as an idea popped into his head, Wilson retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialed. He spoke to the person on the other end of the line then hung up satisfied. Loki is innocent in this mess and voluntarily put himself in a dangerous position to help Bella. Regardless of what Danny decides to do about the team, without a doubt, Dan will approve of my action.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – Loki’s Room – 5:00 p.m.

  Loki woke from a food-induced nap. His ma was the best. She stayed while he ate and fussed over him. He was glad nausea stopped before she arrived because she brought him fabulous chicken parmesan, pasta alfredo, chicken soup, fresh bread, and two dozen chocolate cream filled cannoli pastries. She made so much there were tons of leftovers. Ray and whoever might stop by would be in for a treat.

  At a knock on his door, Loki said, “Enter.”

  A young man in a delivery uniform came in carrying a package. “Are you Loki Baldovino?”

  Loki nodded yes.

  “Then this is for you. Please sign here,” The delivery man said as he handed him a clipboard and set the package on the table. Loki signed, and the man exited the room.

  Loki stared at the plain brown paper package with no names on the outside. The bomb tech in him immediately examined it with an expert’s eye. He spotted nothing out of the ordinary, but he picked up the knife from his table and adeptly probed around anyway. Carefully, he slit open the paper, removed it, and examined the unmarked box.

  After determining nothing unusual with the container, Loki lifted the lid. What the heck?

  Loki smiled as he withdrew a DVD of The Three Stooges ‘Men in Black.’ He loved this one but didn’t own a copy. He couldn’t wait to watch Larry, Moe, and Curly go completely crazy in a hospital, scrambling around on horseback, on go-carts, and operating on a guy with a pneumatic drill.

  Next, he pulled out a flying, screaming monkey slingshot. His grin grew as he thought about how much fun he would have flinging it at people. Lastly, he spied a typed note at the bottom.

  Loki,

  Sorry, I can’t be there for you now. Just a couple of things to help you pass the time. Thanks for getting them, buddy.

  Dan

  The message choked him up. Dan always thought of others. Loki wondered for a moment how Dan found out but then realized Dan had resources none of them did … like whoever unearthed the truth about his pa’s murder. He leaned back and sighed. “Right back at you, buddy. Wish I could be there for you too, but you are in excellent hands with your family.”

  Overhearing Ray’s and Bram’s voices coming down the hall, Loki prepared the flying monkey for action. With an excited gleam in his eyes and a huge grin, Loki waited for his first victim.

  Demolition and Demons

  40

  May 14

  Lexa’s Home – 3:00 p.m.

  Sick of crying, Lexa picked up the sledgehammer and smashed it into the wall needing an outlet for her anger and pain. Although not the smartest idea given her current physical state, Lexa decided to take out this wall and make a more open floor plan between the dining area and the kitchen. Everything was so totally messed up, but at least she found a way to release her pent-up emotions in a somewhat positive … albeit destructive … manner.

  As she swung, her mind turned to Dan. After her morning therapy session, she forced herself to go to St. Michael’s hospital intending to talk with Dan. He was severely injured. The laceration of his liver was life-threatening if the internal bleeding didn’t stop, and he needed people to be there for him like he was for her after Nores shot her.

  Upon finding Dan’s ICU room empty, her heart lurched before she figured he must’ve been moved to the step-down ward or his own room. But Nurse Bunker told her she was very sorry, but Dan had departed. Shaken to the core by the word, she fainted. Lexa wanted to blame passing out on not eating this morning, but the thought of Dan dying pierced her soul.

  Coming out of her daze, she witnessed three ICU nurses laying into the nurse with a fury she didn’t believe possible from the caring women. According to Nurse Clarry, that was the last time Bunker would utter thoughtless words to family or friends of patients. A transfer out of the critical care unit, remedial training, or both would be in her future. Lois also explained Dan left on May ninth with an excellent prognosis, and in the care of his loving family.

  When she arrived home, Lexa curled up on the couch with a pint of chocolate ice cream in her lap as she tried to comfort and calm herself. She switched on the TV for the first time in a week.

  She never watched much of the boob-tube, only occasional sports with Dan or some stupid chick flick when she desired to cuddle in Dan’s protective arms. Though she loathed and rarely viewed news programs, she kept the channel tuned to the midday newscast. The talking heads hardly ever presented the correct facts, usually chattered on with stupid off-base commentary, and used sensationalized words. The broadcast typically contained only negative stories. Lexa experienced enough bad at work, so when off-shift she preferred to focus on positive things to restore her balance.

  A perky blonde with too much makeup animatedly gossiped with a metrosexual dude as Lexa turned up the volume. They speculated about why a constable would hit a restrained subject. When Ray’s official TRF photo flashed up on the screen, it caught her attention.

  Shocked to find out Ray was being investigated for assaulting a subject in custody, her jaw dropped further when the blonde said, “They’re supposed to be professionals, and although the accused allegedly injured two of Constable Palomo’s teammates that doesn’t give him the right to strike a handcuffed prisoner. The probability of being hurt as an officer is something they signed up for and why they’re paid high salaries. As citizens, we expect those who enforce our laws to follow them. They are not above the law and Palomo should be held accountable for his brutality.”

  Yelling at the television, Lexa spewed her anger, “Stupid bitch, we’re not robots. We possess feelings. We often deal with the scum of the earth and must make split-second, life and death decisions while putting our lives on the line to save idiots like you. And high wages … are you kidding me? We work twelve or more hours every shift, are on call twenty-four-seven, and you make more as a talking head for an hour a day without taking any risks!”

  She shut off her TV, boiling as she paced. Her fury changed directions as she ranted, “How come the team didn’t tell me someone was hurt? Who is hurt and how bad? I’ve only been gone a month. Do they no longer believe I’m part of the team? Did Boss decide to replace me but hasn’t bothered to tell me yet? Have they abandoned me like my father and brothers?”

  Halting in the middle of her dining room, Lexa surprised herself when she punched through her wall
. She gaped at the hole she made, and her thoughts shifted to Dan. He always pounded the heavy bag when pissed off. The release gave her satisfaction, though her knuckles stung. That is when she decided to knock down the wall … albeit with the proper tools.

  Before traipsing to her basement to acquire the sledgehammer and a dust mask, she called Boss, needing to find out who was injured. Her emotions got the better of her, and she raged at him for not informing her. Once she calmed a bit and allowed Boss to speak, he told her about Loki and Kinsey. Both were alright, and Loki returned to work today.

  Boss also said he needed to talk to her about the kiss he observed at her birthday party, but wanted to wait a week. She would stew over that all week, but Boss wouldn’t budge in his timing though she pushed him to come over today to discuss the issue.

  After hanging up with Boss, she worried Loki would believe she didn’t care about him because she didn’t visit him and check on him. Had she known, she would’ve been there in a heartbeat and stayed with him, especially after his last stint in the hospital when Panther tried to kill him with heroin. To allay her worries, she phoned Loki, but only got his voicemail after three rings, which made her wonder if he avoided her, but then she supposed Loki might be busy training with the team or working on Lucille in his tech room.

  To distract her swirling, negative thoughts, determined to come back stronger than before, she decided to pour herself two hundred percent into rehab, starting with annihilating this stupid wall. Copious amounts of sweat streamed down her face as she wielded the hammer, venting all her anxiety and frustrations on the helpless plaster and wood. A twinge in her injured shoulder caused her to halt.

  Her anger somewhat mollified with the exertion expended, Lexa peered at her demolition efforts. Sinking to the ground, she wrapped one arm around her midsection, hugging herself as she let the heavy sledgehammer clunk beside her. Tears welled unbidden as she equated her heart with the state of the destroyed wall.

  The once solid and majestic protective wall which safeguarded her tattered heart was now crumbling and no longer structurally sound. Bits and pieces of debris lay strewn all over, and tiny fragments floated downward. Tears mixed with sweat as Lexa realized nothing would ever be the same. She loved a man she couldn’t have. Crestfallen, she comprehended the risk she took with him blew up in her face and likely cost her everything she valued in life … including and most importantly, one Daniel William Broderick.

  Castlemore Tavern & Grill – 4:00 p.m.

  Niko studied Henry closely as he entered the tavern. His old friend didn’t appear to be doing well since the attack on the eighth. Niko went to visit Henry on the tenth, worried after he left the beer untouched on the bar the night before and was shocked by what the convicts did to Henry’s home.

  At eighty-three years old Henry was still in reasonably decent physical shape, but the entire house was in such disarray with shattered glass and destroyed furniture. Henry needed rest, and despite weak protests of being able to do so for himself, he yielded. Niko promptly called three friends to come over to help restore order to the home.

  Henry also started coming in daily for dinner rather than three times per week. His friend talked to all the regulars as usual and entertained them with his stories, but Niko believed something was off. Although Henry had not been quite as gregarious ever since Ellie passed away, Niko sensed more was afoot now, but he couldn’t figure out what niggled at him.

  All Henry’s friends were aware Ellie had been the love of his life. The two met at Henry’s tenth birthday when then five-year-old Ellie, the sister of one of his friends, tagged along to the celebration. Thirteen years later, Henry married Ellie on her eighteenth birthday.

  Their marriage produced six children. Sadly, all the kids died in a terrible apartment fire forty years ago right before Henry and Ellie bought their little farm on the outskirts of Toronto. Back then they were really in the boonies, but urban sprawl brought the city closer to them. Niko understood the couple came here to get away from the horrible memories of the fire, and to try to make a new life, just the two of them.

  Niko never saw a couple so dedicated to one another. Although he had been the barkeep here for twenty years, his predecessor told him that Ellie and Henry became the life of the party when they began frequenting Castlemore Tavern shortly after arriving in the area. However, that changed after Ellie was attacked about a decade and a half ago.

  She was never quite the same after being assaulted and beaten by four men while visiting her sister in Toronto. The police never found the responsible men. It saddened Niko to watch as the once vibrant sixty-four-year-old woman become reclusive and fearful. Henry did his best to shelter his wife, but her health continued to decline, until two years and three months ago cancer took her away from Henry.

  As Henry took his usual seat, Niko asked, “How are you doing today?”

  “Fair to middlin.”

  Niko smiled at Henry’s typical answer. “So, any word on when you will get your car back?”

  “They called this morning. Said I can pick it up anytime. Only gotta figure out how to get there. The buses don’t come out this far, and taxi fare would be too much.”

  “I have the seventeenth off. If you’d like, I would be happy to give you a ride up there.”

  Henry smiled. “Thanks, that’d be real neighborly. When do you want to go?” The two made arrangements while Niko served Henry a beer.

  Twenty minutes later, Niko grinned, his worry dissipating a tad as he brought out today’s early-bird special, delivering Henry’s dinner to a table instead of the bar top. Henry appeared to perk up a bit as he joined a couple of regulars at their table and engaged in friendly conversation.

  Two hours later, Henry rose and waved to Niko. “See ya tomorrow. Here’s hoping the daily special will be your famous peameal bacon sandwiches.”

  Niko nodded, waved, and decided to make Henry’s favorite meal tomorrow.

  Jon’s Home – Basement – 8:00 p.m.

  Taking a seat on the bench press, Jon stared at the photos which decorated the wall of his workout area. Moments in time, snatches of happier times … which might all be gone now. Zeroing in on the first team photo taken, after they all pulled their heads out of their asses and realized the rookie placed on their team without them choosing him had been one of the best decisions Gambrill made … ever, Jon’s shame increased.

  Once they accepted Dan into their family … things got better … and worse. Jon’s mind went back to the night in the hospital when Dan spilled out all his hurt … all the pain he endured at the hands of terrorists … the many times he believed he was an outcast … abandoned and alone. Jon still was not sure how he managed to listen to those horrors without displaying emotion, but somehow, he had done what was necessary to help Dan that night.

  His thoughts shifted to almost a year ago … another time he stepped up and used his intuition to avoid a potentially deadly scenario for Dan. Taking Dan’s pistol most likely saved his life. The anniversary of Brody’s death was fast approaching again … but this time, the team wouldn’t be there to keep Dan on an even keel. Jon dropped his head into his hands as he rested his elbows on his thighs.

  I demolished my team’s trust and my friendship with Dan by jumping to conclusions, and I can’t explain why. All that Scott and I heard … how can I justify my actions? My asinine words hurt a man who I care about … a brother. I’m good at pushing others away. I drove a wedge between me, Jack, and Joe. I never got the chance to fix things with Joe … and I doubt Dan will ever accept my apology.

  Joseph hovered near his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. He bowed his head. “I failed you. If I had not been recharging, I could’ve stopped Samael’s demons from spurring you on. Forgive me, Brother.”

  Hamon appeared next to Joseph, his expression one of concern and compassion. “Joseph, do not blame yourself. I have been fighting Samael for eons. His demons are cunning and have been creating havoc for Daniel and those w
ho love him since the boy was born.

  “Samael’s first real attempt on Daniel’s life was when one of his minions coaxed him up on the cabinets when he was three, hoping the child would fall to his death. I was recharging at the time … keeping up with a rambunctious three-year-old wore me out. When I returned, I had to hold him in my arms and sing him to sleep until his parents found and rescued him.”

  “Not the same,” Joseph responded.

  “Yes, it is. Samael will use whoever and whatever is available to his advantage. Those truly close to Daniel are at risk of being manipulated. That is why I continue to help. I should’ve been watching Jonathan closer while you recharged. I will not make that mistake again.

  “The unique dynamic between Jonathan and Daniel is ready-made for Samael to influence, but also possesses the power to ensure Daniel remains in the light. Jonathan is as critical to Daniel’s survival as the rest of his family. With your whispers and the love of his wife, Jonathan will find his way.”

  Both Guardian Angels turned as Jen entered the room.

  “Thought I’d find you hiding down here again.”

  Jon lifted his eyes and read her expression. None too happy with me of late. He had pulled away again from Jen and the boys, not fit to be around them. His mind in disarray as he struggled to fight his demons and fix what he wrecked with his scathing verbiage.

  Pulling over a folding chair, Jen sat facing Jon. Her husband frustrated her lately. “Talk to me. More is going on than you let on. You are stressed. Not surprising after the past six months. They’ve been fraught with mayhem involving every member of your team. With the whole BDC gang thing, the revelation of Loki’s dad’s murderer, Lexa shot, Dan abducted and beaten by the horrible ex-cops, Loki being hurt during your sting operation, and now the charge against Ray … your mind isn’t home when you are.

  “Our boys are noticing. Joey asked why you are so grumpy all the time and Kent, … well, he’s older, but you can’t have missed how he is giving you a wider berth when you come home. And me, you haven’t, we have not …” Jen sighed, knowing Jon would understand they had not been intimate, not even a hug or kiss in the last week. “I miss you … whatever is going on, I would like to help if I can.”