by Laura Acton
“When I returned to duty no one treated me the same. My locker kept getting trashed, literally, not prank-like. They filled it with stinking, rotting garbage and emptied my toiletries all over my uniforms, street clothes, and poured them into my boots. I never said anything, but after about a week of it happening each day, I quit changing at work.
“By then, few of my so-called brothers-in-blue would still talk to me, and Sergeant Blankenship assigned all crap duties to me … not only rookie stuff which I would’ve expected. The other constables essentially ostracized me. In the second week, one of the guys who still spoke to me told me I breached the blue wall of silence. I never heard of such a thing. He explained it was an unwritten rule among officers not to report colleague’s errors, misconducts, or crimes to Internal Affairs.”
Jon connected the dots. “Gould.”
Nodding, Dan said, “Yeah, he was one of them. We attended the academy together. I helped him with his studies, thought he was a decent guy. Wrong! Gould and his trainer Barrios were a couple of the worst offenders.”
Nick’s face hardened as he pulled up the long-ago memory of the house cleaning which occurred in the Fourteenth and a few other divisions. He realized he was right when he suspected Dan’s encounter with Snow might be related, but he remained silent, letting Dan talk.
“The idea, concept, whatever, made absolutely no sense to me then or today. We are constables. We uphold and enforce the law. We catch criminals, even those wearing a uniform, so they face justice. I brought down four dirty cops, and got beat to hell doing it … they should’ve been proud of my efforts, but they weren’t. No one wanted to partner with me. They no longer trusted me and feared I would report every minor infraction.
“Though unprecedented, since I only had three months of patrolling experience, my sergeant assigned me to patrol on my own in the most crime-ridden sections of the division. Being alone … well, I could usually handle myself, but when I called for backup, no one responded. They always had a semi-plausible excuse why they didn’t show. But it left me vulnerable with no one to cover my six. As a result, I experienced several minor injuries.”
Seething upon this disturbing revelation, Jon couldn’t stop the irritation from imbuing his question, “Minor? How minor?”
Dan comprehended the anger in Jon’s voice was directed at those who left him at risk. “Minor, Jon.”
“Like?” Jon lifted one brow and pinned Dan with his TL glare which indicated he better provide details.
Jon won’t let this go until I tell him. Dan sighed. “A twisted wrist, a couple of blows to the head … no concussions, bruised ribs, and various contusions as I arrested criminals without help. Anyway, I dealt with the fallout for a few months believing things would blow over. But instead of decreasing as time went on, the frequency of them not responding to my requests for assistance increased. And the excuses became flimsier with no repercussions from the commanders.
“The thing which disturbed me most were several close calls which put citizens in danger because no one answered my backup calls. I began to doubt I could do my job effectively, to serve and protect, if assistance didn’t arrive when needed.”
Dan stopped for a drink of coffee. “The last straw came when I responded to a domestic violence call. An enraged man dangled a six-month-old baby out a third-floor window. He threatened to drop the child, furious because his girlfriend left him. My numerous pleas for support were ignored.”
Jon’s eyes shot to Nick’s with a ‘what the hell’ expression, but both remained quiet.
Anger and frustration Dan experienced back then seeped into his voice, “The guy gripped the back of the baby’s onesie with one hand and pointed a gun at me with the other while the frantic girlfriend kept shrieking at me to save her son. As things escalated, my repeated requests for backup all went unanswered. The belligerent man became increasingly aggressive. The infant bawled, the hysterical mother cried, the father roared, and I yelled to be audible over the din, but only succeeded in adding fuel to the fire. I was too green and didn’t know how to deescalate the situation.”
Dan’s voice shook with emotion as he recalled the details. “I did the only thing I could think of … I edged as close as possible trying to position myself to grab the kid. Almost there, the man’s eyes changed … scared me and I believed he reached a point of no return.
“I was right … as he released the baby and fired at me, I lunged for the kid and discharged my weapon, hitting the man between the eyes. My fingertips brushed against the onesie, but I failed to grasp him. I screamed as the innocent baby fell from my sight out the window. The image haunts me still today.”
Nick and Jon gaped … unable to form words to express the magnitude of emotions something like that would generate.
Clearing his throat, Dan shoved the memory down. With a mix of sadness and anger, he said, “Though one of the gathered bystanders below caught the infant, and he was unharmed, I had no choice but to leave the force. I couldn’t put the citizens I pledged to protect in danger because of some damned unwritten code I supposedly broke. If it only put me at risk, I would’ve stayed, but it didn’t, and I refused to put innocent people’s lives in the balance.”
Nick found his voice and softly asked, “Were you hit?”
Dan nodded. “Yeah, grazed my side. Stung like hell but my dive for the baby saved me.”
His stomach turned as Jon recalled another of his failures with Dan. “That was your first lethal ever. Did anyone in your division help you through it?”
A mirthless chuckle came out. “What do you think?” Shelving his anger, Dan said, “I talked with Wilson.”
“Who is Wilson?” Nick asked.
“Bella’s security man … former Special Forces. A man I trust and who helped me at a time I was so lost. Bella and Wilson were and always are in my corner. Without Bella, I’m not sure where I would’ve ended up. She took me into her home and loved me when I was a scared and confused sixteen-year-old.” He peered at both of them. “Thank you for protecting her from Snow. She is my second mother.” Dan took another sip of coffee, but the brew did little to chase away his fatigue.
A bit surprised with how open Dan was being, and happy to learn they safeguarded someone important to him, Nick smiled. “You can thank Bram for that. He went with you in the helo and told us of your concern.”
Curious, Jon inquired, “I understand the rationale for wanting to leave the force, but what made you choose the Army? You could’ve transferred to another division, city, or maybe to the RCMP.”
Stifling a yawn, Dan answered, “I thought about a transfer but believed it might follow me to the new division or city. Sergeant Blankenship put me on report. He said I mishandled the situation, and if I had not screwed up the man would still be alive. Blankenship suspended me for two weeks.
“During my time off, I finally confided everything to Wilson, and we had many heart-to-heart conversations. Disillusioned because I wanted to be a cop to help people, but couldn’t without risking innocents, Wilson suggested I talk to Dutch and Buzz to get their perspective on things. With their help, I realized I possessed skills which I could employ to still serve and protect, but in a different way.”
Dan grimaced. “It meant doing something I never thought I would do … caving to my father’s desire for me to join the service. But I did so on my terms. I went the enlisted route rather than the officer one as the general wanted, and I chose to become an MP instead of a sniper.”
A grin graced Dan’s face. “I met this obnoxious, loud-mouthed, mess of a man in boot camp. He dared to answer the drill sergeant’s rhetorical question, and I thought Sergeant Thompson would have a conniption.”
“Brody?” Jon suggested, intrigued by the change in Dan’s expression.
“Yeah, Brody. We became fast friends … figured out early on we both locked others out … kept our real emotions close to the vest. Brody liked to say kindred spirits. His goal was Special Forces, but he followed me into t
he military police. When he was accepted to recruit selection testing, I approached my father requesting special dispensation to apply early. He granted it, and well, we passed and ended up in Blaze’s unit.”
Dan sighed and set the mug on the table. “If not for the blue wall of silence, my life would’ve been on a different trajectory. I never would’ve met Brody or my other brothers … Brody and others might still be alive … I probably wouldn’t be in TRF.”
Mixed emotions flying around in his head and drained Dan peered at Jon and Boss. “Guess I’m not sure whether to curse or thank the officers who made my life hell and left me hanging.”
In an uncharacteristic move, undoubtedly stemming from overwhelming guilt and other emotions he grappled with for weeks, Jon rose and seized Dan’s hand, pulling him to a standing position. He wrapped Dan in a tight bear hug, surprised Dan did not pull away.
As his rookie relaxed in his arms as if he needed the physical connection, Jon increased his hold and said quietly but with conviction, “Dano, that will never happen with us. I will always have your back, and we will never leave you alone. You are family.”
Joe grinned like a loon as his brother embraced Dan. “Well, this is one for the history books. Didn’t think Jon had it in him to show his concern in any manner other than bellowing. Maybe he’s learned to channel Jennifer.”
Chuckling, Janie said, “Or perhaps this proves old dogs can learn new tricks.”
A smile on his face, Brody relaxed. “After the crap with Snow, it takes Danny a while, but once he decides to trust someone … he goes all in. I believe we will begin to see a shift in their friendship now.”
Shocked yet gladdened by Jon’s demonstrative action, Nick recognized the man took to heart his advice. He stood when Jon released Dan, and followed suit, hugging the young man who appeared to need human contact. When he pulled back, Nick noted the pink tinge to Dan’s cheeks.
Somewhat embarrassed with the outpouring of sentiment from his bosses, and bewildered by his tactical lead’s actions yet again … I will never figure out the man … Dan resumed his seat. Worn out from the emotional purge tonight as well as jet lag, he covered his mouth as he yawned.
As Jon sank back into his spot on the sofa, he decided to ask the questions he avoided until now. “Why were you in Kandahar and who are Buzz and Dutch?”
The connections between all the events within the past seven weeks boggled Dan’s mind, and although tired, he said. “You up for another long story?”
Both Nick and Jon nodded, glad to learn more of Dan’s background and happy he appeared willing to share. His openness and inclination to extend a hand of friendship to them would help reestablish and strengthen the trust lost through their thoughtless actions at the bar.
As they listened and asked a few questions, Dan related the painful events which brought him to live with Bella and Wilson, and how he met Dutch and Buzz. He shared what they taught him and that they died in action, but didn’t provide particulars, and neither Jon nor Nick pushed for more when they witnessed the sadness and pain in Dan’s expressive eyes.
After Dan finished, Nick made another pot of coffee, refilled their mugs, and brought out more cookies. After which, Jon and Nick shared some memories from their past with Dan so tonight became a two-way street.
Near midnight, Jon finished telling a funny story about his first foot pursuit of a suspect which ended with him doused in fish guts. Once they all quit laughing, Jon became serious and asked earnestly. “So, Dan, are we good?”
Yawning widely, having been up for over twenty-six hours, Dan nodded, “Yeah, we’re good.”
Nick needed to broach one last thing tonight. He did not want to ruin the comradery, but he had a duty, and Dan would understand. “Dan, about your relationship with Lexa?”
Prepared for the inquiry, Dan met Nick’s gaze directly. “Boss, it is over. We are only friends now, colleagues. It will not affect our work. I won’t allow it to. It would put the team at risk which is something I would never do. Alpha Team is my family.”
He took a deep breath and added, “If however, you do not believe me, and one of us must be transferred, I will be the one to leave the team. Although I don’t want it to come to that, if it does, promise Lexa will stay … she needs the team, and I won’t take her only family away from her.”
Considering Dan’s words and knowing how Jon, Bram, and Ray voted, Nick said, “When Lexa returns, which will still be several weeks from now, we will take it on a day to day basis. If you two demonstrate you can work together without tension, then no one will be leaving. How’s that sound?”
“Reasonable. Thanks.” Dan yawned again. “Mind if I borrow your phone? I haven’t gotten a replacement one yet, and I need to make a call.”
Nick started to rise, having left his cell phone in the kitchen.
“Who ya calling at this hour, Dano?” Jon shifted forward to grab the last piece of shortbread.
“Taxi, I should be heading home now. Requals start at eight, and I’m dead on my feet.” He attempted to stifle yet another yawn.
Nick sat down again. “Stay here tonight. My guest room is always open and waiting for you.”
“Thanks for the offer but I need my gear for requals.”
Recalling his conversation with Gambrill hours ago Nick grinned. “About your requals. I called Gambrill shortly after you arrived and asked him to reschedule for Sunday. I was uncertain how long we would be tonight, and I thought if it went late, you might appreciate waiting another day.”
“Thanks, Boss. Yeah, I could use more sleep before tackling them. Been up since six thirty Kandahar time … going on twenty-seven hours now.”
Realizing Dan never explained why he was in Kandahar, Jon said, “You never said why you went to Kandahar.”
Not wanting to explain twice, too fatigued to talk much more, and desiring to avoid the negative emotions associated with the reason, Dan made a show of yawning. “How about I tell the team on Monday?”
Nick perceived the diversion and stood. “So, how about staying here?”
A bit uncomfortable with the idea of staying at Nick’s place, Dan rose. “Thanks, but I should go home. Can I use your phone, please?”
“Okay, it’s in my kitchen. I’ll be back in a moment.” Nick picked up the plate, and his empty mug to take with him but stopped when Jon spoke.
“No need to call a cab. I can drive you home. And since you won’t be doing requals, if you are up for it, how about shooting a round or two of golf with me in the afternoon tomorrow? Say about one?”
Dan grinned, Jon would have him home before a taxi ever arrived and he was so ready to crawl into bed. “I’ll take you up on both. Golf sounds like fun. But technically it’s later today.” Dan gave Jon a cocky smirk.
“Smart ass.” Jon chuckled.
Dan chuckled as he picked up his coffee cup intending to take it to the kitchen.
“I’ll get those. You two get outta here. I’ll see you both on Sunday.” Nick took the mug from Dan.
After a round of goodbyes, Nick stood at his door watching Dan and Jon drive off. He sighed deeply. Thank goodness we were able to fix this. I’m glad Jon invited Dan to shoot golf, and he accepted. Those two have such an interesting dynamic, and Dan nailed it tonight. Both men are protectors, stubborn, and communication isn’t their strong suit. Life will never be dull with them on the same team … they will definitely butt heads in the future.
Nick ambled to his bedroom, reflecting on all he learned about Dan tonight. Dan’s history is tragic … the young man has been tested so many times and forged under fire.
An image of a Japanese katana came to mind. That fits Dan perfectly. Like a katana, Dan was forged with several types of steel … fired, folded, hammered out repeatedly, and then polished to create a distinctive, rare, and beautiful sword which is flexible yet strong and holds a sharp edge. And like the katana, if cared for improperly Dan may become irreparably damaged. I vow to take better care of Alpha Team’s magn
ificent and unique blade.
Smoothing Things Over
62
June 27
Jon’s Truck – 12:40 a.m.
Coming to a stop at Dan’s apartment building entrance, Jon put his truck in park. Neither were big talkers, and Jon assumed both reached their limit, so remained silent on the drive over. “See ya later today, Dano.”
When he received no reply, and Dan didn’t open the door, Jon turned towards the passenger side and found him sound asleep. The back of his head rested on the glass with his chin tilted at a markedly uncomfortable angle. Damn, Dan can sleep anywhere. The unacceptable nap locations list is growing.
Watching for a minute, Jon hated to wake him. The discussion drained them all, but Dan more so due to jet lag. While appearances might be deceiving, since he still appeared so young and vulnerable, Dan was indeed a fledgling when he dealt with all the crap at the Fourteenth Division. If I could knock heads together for what all those officers did to Dan, I would. Cops ascribing to the blue wall of silence are no better than criminals, worse even.
With extreme caution, wary of startling his rookie, having been the recipient of the former soldier’s defensive moves, Jon shook his shoulder. “Dano, we’re here.” When he didn’t wake, Jon jiggled him harder and called out louder. The regular rise and fall of Dan’s chest indicated he continued to snooze, so Jon tried one more time, but still obtained no response.
Recalling a chat after the time he woke Dan in the briefing room when they all found out the guy could sleep while standing, Dan tended to be a light sleeper. The only time he slept soundly was when sedated, or he felt safe. Warmth spread through Jon as he smiled. Dan must trust me.
Jon attempted to rouse him twice more to no avail. Deciding that hauling Dan up ten flights of stairs was not a desirable option, Jon put the truck in gear and headed home.
Jon’s Home – 1:00 a.m.
