by Laura Acton
Vanessa smiled at Jeremy. “I can always count on you to have excellent timing. In about an hour, I need you to carry Ethan upstairs since the elevators are out. That way, we can make him more comfortable, and his parents can stay in the room with him.”
Maisie entered and noticed tension in Ron. “My boy, whatever is the problem? You look like your best friend died.”
Ron’s voice came out a little hoarse, “Not my best one, but my friend nonetheless. We have a serious problem.”
His remark got Maisie’s, Vanessa’s, and Landry’s attention.
“What problem?” Landry turned to them as he dried his hands.
Ron opened his hand and revealed the name tag. “This belonged to Bruno Ramsey. Jeremy found it in Officer Bartonella’s pants, covered in dried blood. We think he’s not a real Mountie, and he killed our friend Bruno.”
Maisie’s hand flew to her mouth as she moved closer to Landry. Her husband wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap.
“Oh my!” Vanessa paled.
Steeling himself, Ron said, “Don’t worry, we have help. Loki and Dan are police officers with the TRF in Toronto, and Scott is in the Navy.”
“But two of the three are in no shape to help.” Vanessa shivered with the notion of a murderer among them and freely roaming the hospital, but her whip-smart mind conjured up another thought. “What about the wounded man he brought in. Do you think he is involved?”
Jeremy’s eyes rounded as Ron blew out a breath and conceded, “My guess is highly likely. Don’t see how he would keep him alive if he weren’t complicit. Otherwise, he would risk being found out.”
“So two murderers or at least an accomplice or accessory,” Vanessa stated the obvious as everyone nodded.
Remaining calm, Landry scanned the group. “For now, we act like he is a Mountie and don’t be lettin’ on we suspect anything. Jeremy and Vanessa, you two stay here to care for Ethan. Ron, if you escort Maisie and me back to the ER so I can examine Dan’s leg, you can inform Loki also, and we’ll allow the trained lawmen handle this situation.”
Ron nodded. “A sound plan. Jeremy, I need you to relax and try to be yourself. Stay close to Vanessa and Ethan. Bring Ethan’s parents in here and lock the door. I think that would be best for now.”
Jeremy’s voice cracked a bit as he replied, “Okay, Ron. I met Bartonella upstairs, he kinda freaked me out. He was searching all the rooms. He is wearing scrubs and his gun. Be careful, I don’t want to lose another friend.”
Ron patted Jeremy’s shoulder. “I will … promise.”
Nick’s Home – 7:15 p.m.
Nick turned on the TV and sat on his comfy couch to eat his take-out dinner. Not in the mood to cook tonight, he stopped by Jarmal’s Fire Stick Grill. Jarmal made him a new recipe, a gorgonzola lamb burger with pickled cherry relish with a side of sweet potato fries. His mouth watered as he opened the box, lifted the burger, and took a huge bite.
The luscious flavors burst on his taste buds at the same time his phone began to ring—terrible timing. Nick hurriedly chewed as he fished out his cell and almost ignored the call from an unknown number. He swallowed by the fifth ring and answered, “Hello.”
“Good evening, Sergeant Pastore. This is Lily Broderick.”
Nick grinned. He liked Lily. She had done a fantastic thing for Dan when she asked her father to ensure Dan’s cousins were around to help him recover after he was shot in the chest. “Evening, Lily. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
“I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, or it isn’t too late.”
“No, only relaxing on the couch doing nothing in particular.” Nick gazed longingly at his hot, delectable meal, but it would be rude to chew while on the phone, so he let it sit.
“Scott wanted me to contact you. He, Dan, and Loki got caught in the extreme storm. They doubt they’ll be able to return in time for their shift on Thursday since the forecast predicts two more days of steady snowfall. He will call again when he can, but they’re using a borrowed sat phone with little battery and no charger, so he needed to keep our conversation short in case they need to use it for an emergency.
“They aren’t at the rental cabin, though. A ski patrolman had a snowcat and offered to give them a ride to the closest hospital to get Dan checked out. I think the name of the facility is Craig Hospital.”
All thoughts of the burger flew out of Nick’s head. “Why would Dan need a hospital?”
A short laugh emitted from Lily. “Well, according to Scott, two aggressive snow-bunnies targeted the guys … literally, it seems in one case. One of them ran into Dan on the slope, and he hit his head on a tree. Dan insisted he was alright, and so did the first aid folks, but we all know Dan. Better safe than sorry. They decided the cabin was too remote and did not want to be stuck there if Dan needed help.
“Scott also said something about hitting his thigh with his ski pole. I swear those two are so accident-prone.” Lily chuckled. “They really shouldn’t be allowed to take winter trips together. Scott’s and Dan’s moms shared a funny incident with me.” Lily went on to relate the oil pan sled incident.
Nick was laughing by the time Lily finished. “Glad Loki is with them. Wait, scratch that … Loki would think a waxed pan made a grand sled too. Though it is good they’re in a hospital, I feel bad for Dan. He surely hates them. To be trapped in one and not be able to leave will drive him nuts.”
“Yes, but if he did knock his head too hard, at least he’s in the right place for help. It would be awful if they were stuck in the rustic cabin with no phone, no electricity, and no way for them to seek assistance.”
As Nick agreed, crying began in the background. He smiled, recalling all the photos Dan shared of his godchildren. “I should let you go. Your babies appear to need you. Thanks for giving me a heads up.”
Standing and heading for the bassinet, Lily said, “My pleasure. Oh, and thank you again for the monogrammed pink and blue baby blankets. I use them often. They are so soft. If Scott contacts me again, is there anything you wish me to convey?”
“No. Wait. Tell my guys Jon planned a workout solely for them to shed the extra pounds from all the s’mores they’re eating.”
Lily laughed. “Will do. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“You too.” Nick hung up and reached for his lamb burger. After taking another bite, he found it cooler, but no less tasty. Snagging the box, he set it on his lap, leaned back on the couch, and put his feet up on the coffee table. Ready to relax and savor his meal. Nick chuckled.
Leave it to Dan and Loki to attract killer snow-bunnies and Dan to suffer a concussion on a ski trip. Perhaps I should instill a rule no one is allowed to go on vacation with Dan. Wait, no, someone should always go with him. That way, when trouble finds Dan, one of us can watch out for him.
The last thought spurred an uncomfortable sensation. I hope they don’t cross paths with the Bartons. Nah, who’s to say they are still in the area? But there is the missing Mountie. Oh, God, with Dan’s luck, they might encounter them and end up with a bigger problem.
Strategies
37
November 24
Hospital – ER Treatment Area – 7:20 p.m.
Loki wrapped a comforting arm around the petite nurse’s shoulders when she shivered upon realizing the men who killed Bruno were the murderous Barton brothers. From briefings Loki received over the years, Noah Barton possessed no qualms about committing homicide and seemed to enjoy the act. “It will be okay, Minna. They are not aware we know their true identities. We’ll keep it that way until we devise a plan to keep everyone safe.”
Dan’s mind, although not firing on all cylinders, appeared to be lucid enough at the moment to discuss tactics. He hoped he didn’t begin to hallucinate again, which might be bad for all involved. He peered at his teammate and said, “Loki, when you checked out the area, did you see any way we can secure the patients and the nurses in one section?”
Shaking his
head, Loki answered, “There are two wings upstairs, but no doors separate them. The nurses’ stations are in the middle of each wing, with the elevator and stairs accessible to both sides. Since the kitchen and pharmacy are on the ground floor, they need access to the stairs to bring medication and food to their patients.”
“Crap.” Dan’s initial idea to protect the hospital staff and patients in one area wouldn’t work given the layout.
Scott contemplated Dan’s potential strategy. “Tactically, would it be better to group them all in one wing or keep them separated as they are now if we can’t safely lock them in?”
Dan considered the two options. “Depends. Closer together might be simpler for one man to defend.” Dan’s pointed gaze at Loki indicated they all understood who the man would be. “But if something goes wrong, it becomes easier for the subject to harm them.”
“Like shooting fish in a barrel,” Loki remarked.
“Yeah. Separated, they might stand a better chance. But I think we should focus more on how we go about taking Noah into custody. Perhaps we can lure him in here under some pretense, perhaps Jonas is upset, and we need his help to calm him. With both you and Scott armed, we could take him by surprise and disarm him before he hurts anyone.”
Loki nodded. “They are ruthless. He and his brother mowed down anyone unlucky enough to be in those banks. I seriously doubt he will give up and will most likely try to shoot his way out. We must prepare for this contingency.”
Scott glanced over at Jonas, and like the others continued to keep his voice to a whisper. “Noah won’t want to leave until the bullet is removed from Jonas. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of pretending to be a cop and concoct the story of Jonas being a carjack victim.”
“True … they possess a brotherly bond.” Loki snorted. “At least they aren’t completely amoral. Might be able to use that to our advantage.”
Dan arched a brow. “Um, neither of us are all that skilled in negotiation. We should make this as simple as possible. Perhaps restrain Jonas now, since he appears to be sleeping … reduce the risk somewhat. And no one but the three of us should be in here. Minna and everyone else needs to be secured upstairs before you confront Noah.”
Scott nodded. “Sounds like a workable plan, except you gotta be out of here too, Dan. Particularly since you’re unarmed and incapable of …” he considered his words carefully not to disparage his cousin’s abilities and chose, “walking at the moment.”
“No. That might alert him to something being up.”
Loki scrunched his brows. “Dan, I don’t agree … no correlation since you are injured. We can move you to the surgery area.”
Minna peered at Loki. “Might set him off. Noah might become upset because Doc Landry is treating Dan before his brother.”
“She has a valid point,” Dan agreed.
Loki ran his hand through his hair. “It’s too risky for you to be in here. If things go sideways, you can’t move to defend yourself.”
“With your logic, Scott shouldn’t be in here either,” Dan pointed out.
Scott eyed Dan. “I’m not prone to experience a hallucination in the middle of a scuffle. Besides, Loki needs someone to cover his back, and you’re in no condition to be his backup. It’s unsafe for you to be here … puts you, me, and Loki at more risk. Two against one, Danny. You’re out of here.”
Ron, Maisie, and Doc Landry entered the room, cutting off their conversation as Ron pushed Landry right to Dan’s bed. Loki, Scott, and Dan shared a look which conveyed they would continue their discussion later, so they didn’t spook the others until they developed a firm plan.
Maisie went to Dan and clasped his hand. “I’ve been so worried about you since your cousin showed up at the store. I’m not sure if you remember me, but I surely remember you.”
Dan smiled in spite of the situation. “I would never forget you, Maisie. I’m happy to see you again. You made the best chicken soup I ever had.”
“Funny you should bring up my soup. I brought some with me.”
A soft rumble came from Dan’s stomach, causing both to chuckle. “Guess my stomach heard you and is putting in an order for later.” Dan turned to Landry and said, “Hi, Doc. Been a long time.”
Pressing his palms on the armrests of the wheelchair, Landry pushed up as his knees creaked. “According to Scott, you be testing my skills again, youngen. Gonna take a look-see. You appear a might better than Scott described. Fever must be down some if you’re coherent.” Landry lifted the sheet and removed the bandage to begin his examination.
Dan swiveled his head, unwilling to view his infected shin again. He winced and hissed as the surgeon probed.
“Have you seen Wilson lately?” Maisie started a conversation to distract Dan from Landry’s ministrations.
“A few months back. He reminded me of the cabin we used to rent when I was a teen.” Dan continued to converse with Maisie as she asked about Wilson, and their discourse morphed into reminiscing about the past. He appreciated her attempt at providing him something else to focus on.
Minna went to gather a few items Landry requested. She remained nervous and shot a glance at Jonas, but kept her mouth shut on the topic of the Bartons because she didn’t want to worry the others and the doc needed to concentrate on Dan’s injury.
Scott sat back and observed as the doctor examined Dan’s infected wound. He prayed his leg could be saved. Scott fully comprehended how much the TRF meant to Dan, and he wanted his cousin to be able to continue doing what he loved. An amputated leg would devastate him. Scott held his breath, waiting for the assessment.
When Doc Landry stood, Ron pulled Loki away to talk to him. He reached into his pocket and brought out the name tag. Ron glanced at the carjacking victim, noting he appeared to be asleep. No need to cause the man undue worry or alert him if he were involved, Ron kept his volume low. “I think we got a huge problem.”
Ron showed Loki the tag. “We don’t believe the Mountie is real. We think he killed Officer Bruno Ramsey and stole his uniform. Jeremy found Bruno’s name inked into the shirt and his tag in the pants. Bruno’s a friend. No idea who Noah Bartonella is, but this doesn’t sit right. I’m telling you because you and Dan are cops and Scott is in the military. You guys will know what to do.”
Loki nodded. “We are aware of who they are, and yes, it’s a problem. When Dan woke coherent, he thought Jonas looked familiar. I had my suspicions regarding Noah and retrieved our off-duty weapons from our gear.” He shifted his glance to Jonas, making sure he had not roused.
Though to be safe, Loki continued a little lower, unsure if Jonas might be faking sleep. “We are working on a plan. At this point, it might depend on Doc Landry’s assessment of Dan. Hold on a bit, and we will develop a strategy. You said, we. Who else knows?”
Ron whispered, “Vanessa, Jeremy, Landry, and Maisie. Vanessa and Jeremy are with Ethan in the recovery room. They plan to move the boy upstairs when he is stable. Until then, Ethan’s parents will remain with them. I made sure Jeremy locked the door to keep them more secure.”
“Smart thinking,” Loki patted Ron’s shoulder and grinned.
Loki’s attention shifted from his conversation when Dan’s heated voice said, “I will not go under general anesthesia. That is final! I can’t afford to be out of it now. And absolutely no needles for a local. I can handle the pain. I managed without painkillers at the cabin, and I can here too.”
Scott’s tone indicated his level of frustration with his cousin. “Quit being stupid and stubborn. The procedure the surgeon must perform is painful, more so than when I cleaned your wound. He needs to cut into you, go deep to debride the wound and explore for whatever it is that is causing this damned infection. It will be way worse than what we did. Let them put you under. No need to experience ungodly pain. Loki and I will cover the other.”
Loki said to Ron, “Excuse me. I gotta stop World War Three before it starts.”
Ron grinned as Loki stepped back to
Dan’s bed.
Approaching the bed, Loki noted the glare of wills going on between two intractable Brodericks. Needing to defuse the situation, Loki first peered at Scott and mimicked the calm tone Boss used in negotiations. “Scott, no anesthesia. According to the Proper Care and Feeding of Dantastic manual, it is to be avoided whenever possible. Dan does not come out of anesthesia well.”
Turning to Dan, Loki added, “Dan, you’ll take the local. The same manual says the doctor can administer nitrous oxide to zone you out, so you don’t give a crap about the needles. And as you recall, within five minutes of stopping the nitrous, you’ll be your old, stubborn self again.”
Loki’s gaze moved from one to the other as they processed his words. When he perceived resistance forming in Dan’s eyes, he held up the sat phone. “I can always call Boss or Jon to order you, or perhaps you would rather I give Jim a ring and let him talk to Doc Landry. I’m sure Jim will be calling you Blondie in no time. Your choice, comply, or I take drastic action.”
“Okay, nitrous and a local,” Dan grumbled.
Scott relaxed and smiled.
“Glad you see it my way.” Loki gave Dan a subtle wink.
Landry emitted a soft chuckle. “Loki, I like you. A workable solution. Minna, please prep Dan and move him to surgery. His condition is the higher priority since Jonas is stable.”
Landry resumed his seat in the wheelchair. I’m getting too old for long hours on my feet. But I’ll do what is necessary. Ethan is going to be fine. Thankfully, I removed his appendix in time. Another hour or so, it would’ve burst, and Ethan might’ve died.
He did not like the appearance of the infected area. If he were a betting man, he would lay odds the urgent care facility, which provided Dan’s initial care missed something. Perhaps a deeply embedded piece of foreign material. He also surmised the course of antibiotics prescribed to Dan might be ineffective on the strain of bacteria introduced to the wound.
After he got Dan sorted out, he would deal with the GSW. Landry decided he would focus on his area of expertise and leave the other matter to Loki and Scott and perhaps Ron. Landry trusted them to keep them all safe.
