WHITEOUT: Above And Beyond (Beauty 0f Life Book 10)

by Laura Acton

  Letting his forehead rest on the wall, Dan fought the urge to bang his skull. If I split my head open, perhaps the relentless noise will be released … or at the very least, I’ll knock myself out, giving me a short respite.

  NRB Office – Outside Interview Room B – 5:25 p.m.

  Dale peered in the room via the little window in the door as he waited for Lexa to finish in the ladies’ room. She asked him to check on her teammate before she left since she wouldn’t be able to speak to him yet. The pacing he witnessed told him Dan was not handling this incident well. The stoic man Dale typically dealt with appeared to be gone, and in his place was one more in line with Loki … nervous and full of anxiety. Dale wished NRB would’ve agreed to Dan’s request, if they had, his client would be doing better now.

  Lexa walked with purpose down the hall towards Dan’s interrogation room. She so wanted to peek inside, and assess Dan herself, but asked Gibbson to do it and made the excuse she needed to stop at the restroom before going back to headquarters. She worried if Dan caught a glimpse of her, he might be angry that she checked on him.

  Though on the surface they appeared professional and friendlier after their talk outside his apartment about a month ago, she didn’t delude herself. She conceded, despite best efforts by both, friction still existed between them.

  Lexa feared things might never return to pre-dating normal, like Dan allowing her to help him. He shut her out most of the time, and when she inquired about him after a hard take-down, she received only deflections instead of the truth. Luckily, it appeared Dan still trusted Bram, and Loki began his campaign to hang out with Dan more often.

  “Did you talk to him? Is he doing okay?” Lexa came to a halt near Gibbson.

  Dale grinned to reassure her. Although Dan appeared stressed at the moment, Dale didn’t doubt the young, blond officer would cope with these events given a little time. “He’s fine.”

  The use of fine spiked Lexa’s concern, but then she realized Gibbson would be unaware of Dan’s definition of the word, acronym actually … Fouled Up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional. “Okay. Well, I guess I’ll talk with him when he returns to HQ. Thanks, Dale.”

  “You’re welcome. And, Lexa.” Dale hesitated.

  “Yeah?”

  He reached out a hand and placed it on her shoulder. “For what it is worth, I believe you all did everything possible today. I’m certain the results of the inquiry will be favorable to Alpha Team, and you will all be back on the job soon. Until then, take some time to relax.”

  Lexa pursed her lips, fighting not to display her emotions in NRB territory. An exhibition of her pent-up anger would not be appropriate or professional in front of the agents and might give the wrong impression. “Thanks. I will.” She pivoted and hurried away.

  After her interview, Agent Mulligan informed her that due to the death of three innocent civilians, Alpha had been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of Inspector Pope’s and NRB’s investigations. He couldn’t tell her how long they would be off, but she expected at least a week.

  NRB Office – Interview Room B – 6:35 p.m.

  After recounting his version and being presented with the use of force chart, Dan pointed to the red zone. “The subject’s handgun moved to the hostage’s temple, and I took the shot.” He slumped in his chair, realizing Mulligan would be wrapping up the interview since the chart typically was the last question.

  Shay closed the file. “Thank you. You’ll be notified of the results after the inquiry concludes. A cab will be here soon to take you to TRF headquarters.”

  “Cancel the request. I prefer to jog back.” Dan grabbed the water bottle he ignored the entire time, uncapped it, and chugged half.

  “It is eight miles, are you certain?” Shay gaped at the constable.

  Dale understood Dan often chose to hoof-it back to headquarters, running appeared to help clear his head. “Yes, he’s certain. If you need to ask additional questions, Mr. Mulligan, you may call me, and I will contact my client.”

  Once the agent left, Dan peered at Dale. “Thanks, as always.”

  “Any time. Like I told the others, take some time to relax. I’m sure this will resolve fast, and your team will be vindicated.”

  Dan stood, nodded, shook Dale’s hand, then strode out of the room.

  Stress Cracks and Support Systems

  2

  September 23

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:30 p.m.

  Bram kept an eye out for Dan as he leaned back in his chair, attempting to remain relaxed. Gibbson called a while ago to inform them Dan chose to jog to headquarters. After two years with Dan on the team, everyone understood their rookie used the time to process his emotions after taking a lethal shot. No one ever begrudged him the extra time it took him to arrive.

  He almost chuckled at the ridiculous thought of Dan being considered a rookie. Although he still wore the moniker because he was the last to join their team, they should quit thinking of him in that capacity. Dan proved himself more than capable, with talents and abilities, none of them possessed.

  Their youngest and newest member made a successful transition from elite warrior to urban constable. And though negotiation skills would never be Dan’s strong suit, he improved and did well connecting with soldiers and distraught teenage boys. Life experiences helped them all in that arena, and Dan’s unique upbringing, coupled with his tenure in the military, gave him insight they didn’t possess, just as Lexa brought a distinctly female perspective.

  Earlier, he called Kellie, warning his wife to ensure the TV remained on the cartoon channel so their little girls avoided the newscasts, which would likely be smearing Alpha Team for failing to rescue all three hostages. Bram would never understand how callous some of the talking heads could be. It seemed like they enjoyed blaming TRF and fueling hatred for the police before the inquiry even started.

  He realized greed and a desire for ratings spurred sensationalizing the incident, but nobody stopped to assess the cost to the family members of those involved … police, hostages, and subjects. The families of Downing, Virk, and Sullivan would endure endless loops of the fire which claimed their loved ones.

  Once the coroner’s forensics officer identified the subjects, if possible, their families would be shocked, and likely experience remorse for actions taken by someone related to them, which caused the deaths of innocents. Bram’s mind roamed over the call details, and he still couldn’t figure out what triggered the escalation. Something didn’t add up, but for the life of him, he couldn’t locate the missing element. He hoped Pope’s investigation would shed light on the reason.

  He shifted his gaze from the door to Boss. Nick continued to pour over the transcript while they waited on Dan. He had been sitting there since they returned to headquarters hours ago. Well, actually, after Pope interviewed him. He, Jon, Loki, Ray, and Lexa had been interrogated too. The inspector dug deep, searching for anything which might fall outside of standard protocol.

  Although today’s ending was sad, horrible, downright sickening, their actions followed procedures to a T, and Bram would be going home to his family with clean hands. They did everything within their power to save everyone, perpetrators included, but they didn’t get to win every time. He accepted the downside to their job … occasionally, regardless of their efforts, the worst possible outcome became reality.

  Bram noted Jon paying close attention to Nick, likely searching for stress cracks. Days like these tended to kickstart Jon’s overprotectiveness of the entire team, but today he focused on Nick, worried the outcome might drive him to drink. Jon would never allow Boss to fall off the wagon. He would hover, and prod Nick to go to a meeting or two of the support group they sometimes attended. One started by former TRF Sergeant Samuel Kelly.

  The retired sergeant recognized this job took a toll on the officers, so he started his group with current cops. Over the years, he expanded to include both active and retired cops, firemen, paramedics, and soldiers,
but he limited it to men. Kelly understood guys often had a difficult time expressing their emotions, so crafted a safe space for those struggling with traumatic events they encountered while serving the public.

  He attended with Jon and Boss a few times, but usually, Bram only needed time with his loving and supportive wife to cope with the stress of bad days. Jon also had a spouse to help. Jen was Jon’s mooring line and foundation, as Kellie was his. The love of a woman went a long way in soothing their souls. His gaze shifted to Ray. Soon their information officer would be in the same boat. Ray’s engagement to Maurita thrilled everyone.

  Loki appeared almost more elated for the impending nuptials than Ray. Those two were on the opposite sides of the spectrum with Ray quiet and calm, and Loki possessing the energy and excitement of a three-year-old in a bouncy house. They connected and filled something the other needed, which relieved Bram today. Ray would ensure Loki would be okay and vice versa.

  Earlier, Loki took a dip in the deep end, believing the bomb going off was somehow his fault. He worried he missed something. Ray calmed his friend by pulling up the video and reviewing the footage with him. None of them found any indication of a dead man switch, and no angle provided a visual of the actual detonator to determine if the device used a timer. They must wait for the fire investigator’s report to understand why it exploded.

  Bram’s attention returned to the entry as Lexa entered in a huff. Oh, boy, she is on the warpath. Pope must’ve riled her too.

  Still miffed by Pope’s cross-examination upon arrival at headquarters after her NRB interview, Lexa stomped into the briefing room, freshly showered and wearing her jeans, blouse, and wedge sandals. Secure in the knowledge, her team would comprehend that her anger stemmed from their inability to save three, make that six people today, she allowed her irritation an outlet. “Pope is a first-class jerk. Why the heck did he need to interrogate me? He could’ve gotten a transcript from NRB.”

  “Uh, Lexa—” Loki tried to stop her before she said something she shouldn’t, but she cut him off.

  “The nerve of the man! He is treating us like we are criminals. Like we did something wrong.”

  “I’m doing my job, Constable McKenna.”

  Lexa’s eyes widened as Pope’s voice sounded behind her. Oh, crud. I thought he left. She turned to face the inspector.

  “Unlike you, I take the time to investigate all avenues before taking action.” Pope’s tone held a note of disdain.

  After the events of today, those were fighting words for Lexa. Fire lit the golden flecks in her hazel eyes as she glowered at the smug man. She opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, but Commander Gambrill, who now stood behind Pope, beat her to the punch.

  “Inspector, your words are unjust and inappropriate. My officers did all in their power to resolve the situation without the loss of life. TRF isn’t afforded the luxury of time you enjoy. In kinetic environments, they rely on their extensive training and use available information to make split-second decisions. Armchair quarterbacking after-the-fact is easy. I stand firmly behind their actions and decisions today, regardless of the outcome.”

  Pope wanted to snap back as he peered at the salt-and-pepper-haired TRF commander. Walter Gambrill’s support of his officers was legendary, but in Pope’s mind, the man wore blinders, believing his constables to be beyond reproach. “My investigation will determine if your faith in them is justified. Now, I’m told Constable Broderick was released from NRB an hour ago. Where is he? I must interview him.”

  “He’s not here yet,” Jon stated.

  “It is a ten-minute drive, at most. I’ve been more than lenient with giving Broderick time to grab a bite to eat before taking his statement.” Pope eyed Alpha’s hard-nosed tactical leader.

  Not wanting to explain Dan’s coping mechanism, Jon only shrugged. “He’ll be here when he’s here and not before.”

  The object of discussion exited the stairwell and came to a halt outside the conference room as he spied the commander and inspector. Dan wiped his sweaty brow and dried his hand on his pants. “Commander. Inspector,” he greeted them since they blocked his path into the room.

  Walter turned, his eyes landing on his godson. “Broderick.”

  Pope took in the sweaty officer, wondering at the cause. “Broderick, follow me. I am set up in room three to take your statement.”

  Dan landed quizzical eyes on Gambrill.

  “Go shower and change first. Have you eaten?” Walter would put his officer’s welfare before Pope’s witch hunt.

  “I’ve waited long enough,” Pope declared.

  Walter pinned Pope with a glare. “You can wait a few minutes longer.” Turning back to Dan, he grinned. “Go. That’s an order.”

  Thankful for the short reprieve, Dan nodded and started for the locker room, but halted when Gambrill reiterated his question about eating. Still not hungry, the thought of eating twisted his gut, he swiveled his head and answered over his shoulder, “No, but I’ll grab something later. Don’t want to delay the inspector longer than necessary.”

  Pope seethed at Gambrill’s high-handedness, but in reality, he knew he didn’t possess a leg to stand on. If he insisted Broderick come with him, his superior would receive a call from Gambrill, and in turn, he would catch an earful. “I’ll be waiting in the room. Ensure Broderick comes straight to me once he is showered.”

  Pivoting, Roman stalked off. His attitude taking a nosedive. Ever since the sting last December at Tourterelle Boutique, his opinion of this group of officers steadily declined. All the kudos for stopping the Sunday Bandits went to TRF, though his men did all the demanding investigative work and reconnaissance to set up the undercover operation.

  Everyone believed Alpha Team to be perfect and the cream of the crop, but Pope knew different. They were as flawed as any officer but received special treatment. The best and most recent example was no charges were filed against Ray Palomo after he assaulted a restrained subject.

  The Hispanic officer was treated with kid gloves by NRB, just as Broderick had been after the gang war in Rouge Park last summer. Broderick was granted an unprecedented exception to the rule by allowing his teammates to provide statements for his actions … particularly in the case of Ted Jitter’s death.

  Roman still believed Bram De Haven covered up for Broderick. The transcript clearly showed neither officer identified themselves or requested the subject drop his weapon before Broderick shot the man while he held a little girl. The action put the hostage in extreme danger and could’ve resulted in her death … just like the three hostages today.

  TRF might profess talk before tactics, but from Pope’s point of view, Alpha Team’s rate of lethal force skyrocketed, and far too many civilians paid the price for their recklessness. It was time to put a stop to their holier-than-thou reign, and he would be the man to hold them accountable.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 9:15 p.m.

  Nick scanned his team after one hell of a day. When Dan joined them after Pope’s questioning, they debriefed. This call shook them to their foundations and would be one they would find difficult to forget. He sighed as he observed the grim and exhausted faces. “As you all are aware, pending the outcome of the incident review, we’re on administrative leave. Go home and try to rest. I’m available if you want to talk … don’t care about the time of night.”

  Loki and Ray rose first, and Ray slung his arm over Loki’s shoulders as he said, “Come hang with me tonight.”

  “Aren’t you going to Maurita’s?” Loki desired to chill with Ray but didn’t want to keep him from his fiancée.

  “Not tonight, brother. She understands. Tomorrow she’s coming over to make tamales. You can join us.” Ray steered Loki out, understanding Loki needed him tonight, especially with Loki’s ma still staying with Gina.

  Rising, Lexa started for the exit and stopped dead when Duke appeared. Crud, what is he doing here? I told him not to come by HQ anymore.

  Duke smiled and nodded
at Nick, Jon, Bram, and Dan, but turned his gaze on Lexa. She appeared wiped out, as he suspected she would be after the fiery ending of the bank robbery. “Figured I would swing by,” he lifted an insulated bag, “a triple chunk chocolate ice cream day for sure.”

  His thoughtfulness halted the snippy remark she was going to make to him about popping by unannounced. Duke was a nice guy. A decent and kind man. “Most definitely.”

  Dan’s heart shattered a little more when Duke put his arm around Lexa’s waist, and they sauntered out together. He wanted to be the one to offer her comfort and to receive solace from her too. Can this day get any crappier? Dan stood and headed for the door. Halfway there, Bram’s hand rested on his back, and he turned to peer at the one teammate he still fully trusted.

  Speaking softly, Bram said, “My phone will be with me at all times. Call me if you need me. Even if you don’t want to talk.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Come to dinner tomorrow.” Bram eyed Dan and detected reluctance, so he used his not so secret weapon. “Allie and the other girls would love for you to visit. They miss you.”

  Unable to deny Bram’s girls, Dan said, “Okay. What time?”

  Bram grinned. He would look out for Dan since Nick had Jon, Jon had Jen, he had Kellie, Ray and Loki had each other, and Lexa had Duke. Whereas Dan had no one special in his life here in Toronto, and it must hurt Dan watching Lexa move on. He wished Duke would stop dropping by.

  “If you want to come by about two o’clock, you can help me put together the new swing set.”

  “Ah, I see … labor for a decent meal.” Dan forced a chuckle trying to appear normal, though he was smack dab in the middle of F.I.N.E. territory.