by Laura Acton
Loki thanked God for his TRF family and strove to prove himself worthy every shift. Tonight, he would endeavor to use every tactic he learned from his teammates to save as many people as he could from the Bartons’ wrath.
“How much longer until the surgeon is ready to work on Jonas,” Noah barked at the female doctor.
Vanessa flinched, noting the increasing irritation and lack of patience. Though it pained her to say this out loud, she leveled her gaze at Barton and stated, “If Dan’s leg had to be amputated, it might take several more hours.”
Scott blanched, the little remaining color drained from his face, except for the pink kiss of fever on his cheeks. He opened his eyes and met Loki’s worried gaze. He disliked his inability to offer reassurance because from what they both witnessed, the speed at which Dan deteriorated and the infection spread meant amputation might be the outcome. As it turned out, Loki bolstered him with a whispered comment.
“Keep faith. Dantastic is a walking, talking miracle.”
Nodding, Scott couldn’t stop the shiver coursing through him. Both cold and hot at the same time, Scott realized he was in trouble. He tried to deny it at first, but as time wore on, he couldn’t negate the fact an infection had a hold of him too. He wondered if it came from his wound, or if he contracted it when cleaning Dan’s. Either way, he needed to hang on because Loki needed backup. Facing the Bartons alone would be a death sentence for the techie.
Closing his eyes again, resting to conserve his energy, Scott’s mind landed upon their only hope. Uncle Will. Scott prayed the call went through, and his uncle arranged for a unit to come to them. Faith. Scott would maintain his belief good would triumph over evil. Help would come. Dan would keep his leg. Everyone would go home alive. He would be able to embrace his wife and children once more.
Aircraft En Route to Blue Mountain
Seven men grouped around a tote in the middle of the plane using it as a table as they planned their tactics and studied maps of the terrain and blueprints of the hospital. Sergeant Rupert Price wished he had his full team. Not because he questioned the three temporary member’s abilities, but because he didn’t know their mindsets.
Rupert decided to wait until they were in the air to divulge a critical piece of information supplied to him by General Broderick. He and his men never gave credence to the crap said about Daniel Broderick, but many in their ranks did and still held erroneous beliefs regarding him.
Though Price never worked with or met the younger Broderick, as far as he was concerned, all the rumors were bullshit. The Brodericks were men of honor and served their country for generations. Hinder’s, Vinson’s, and Thorson’s reactions would determine how he split the assault teams. He retrieved his phone from his pocket and cleared his throat.
Doug Forbes glanced at his best friend and unit leader, a man he would follow without question. “Rup, what’s up?”
“You’re all aware of our HVTs, the Bartons,” he motioned to printed snapshots beside the maps. “I’m now going to show you photos of the priority hostages and TRF officer who is attempting to manage the situation.” He pulled up the first image and turned the device for them to view. “This is Dante Baldovino. He goes by Loki and is the technical and explosives specialist on Toronto’s Alpha Team. He is the one negotiating.”
Price pivoted his cell and swiped across before displaying a picture with two blond men. “These two are Scott and Daniel Broderick. Both are injured.”
Forbes squinted as he stared at the men. “Thought General Badass had one son, not twins.”
Watching closely for reactions, Price noted everyone except Vinson nodded with puzzled expressions which didn’t seem to contain malice. The sniper’s countenance became unreadable, which worried him. His tone rock-hard, Price snapped, “Viper, you got a problem?”
Pulled out of his surprise, Marcel shook his head as he met the sergeant’s gaze. “No problem, Sarge. Just didn’t expect Dan to be one of the hostages or injured. Shit. He never gets a damned break. Thought he would be part of the TRF team coming to help.”
Price blinked. “You’ve met the general’s son?”
“No. But I’d like to. I want to apologize for not…” Vinson trailed off, almost divulging things he was not at liberty to discuss. He settled for a slight deflection, “For not setting Murphy on his ass when he badmouthed Broderick. Served with Buzz and Dutch for two years. They knew Dan well. None of the shit Murphy spewed was remotely correct.”
Vinson chuckled and pointed to the other blond. “I didn’t believe Dutch when he told me Dan had a twin cousin named Scott who served in the Navy, but hell, this proves he was tellin’ the truth.”
“Cousin?” Forbes took Price’s phone for a closer look.
“Yep. Eight years older, according to Buzz.” Vinson sighed. He missed the two men who showed him the ropes when he was a rookie. Through their words and deeds, they taught him the meaning of keeping faith, solidarity, and the value of brotherhood. Unable to be with them for their final mission, he would now keep faith with the man Dutch and Buzz considered a little brother. He would do all in his power to ensure Dan survived.
Price nodded, pleased to find the three harbored no ill-will for Dan Broderick. “Alright. As we discussed, we’ll split into three teams after we enter. Forbes, you, take Thorson and Ramos to the ER. Welch, you and Hinder secure the patients on the second floor. Vinson, you’re with me, and we’ll clear the remainder of the ground level.”
An airman tapped Price on the shoulder, notifying him they were almost to the drop zone. They gathered up the maps and prepared to jump, checking each other’s packs, ensuring they were secured before donning their oxygen masks. They lined up at the rear of the plane, and when the ramp lowered, without hesitation, one by one, they walked into the storm of the century, willing to go above and beyond to save the lives of strangers.
Seven men rocketed downward, headfirst, buffeted by gale-force winds. Reaching the right height, each soldier repositioned his body and unfastened the latches binding his gear. Once the packs descended and dangled below them, they pulled their ripcords to unfurl their chutes.
As predicted, the blizzard blew them in all directions. Upon landing, they radioed their GPS positions to Price. After clicking their boots into special skis and extending the collapsible poles, the soldiers plotted a course to the rendezvous point.
Vinson noted his position to be furthest away from the unit. He would be setting the timetable. He gritted his teeth and started at a fast pace, time being of the essence. Every minute delayed due to weather might mean a life lost. Vinson put all his effort into skiing, thankful he still possessed two legs and to be doing the job, which gave him purpose.
Stark Realities
42
November 24
Helicopter En Route to RCMP Substation
With one hand, Lexa held on tightly to the seat while the other offered a tangible and hopefully comforting link to Boss as the helicopter pitched and yawed in the storm. She had to give Boss bonus points for climbing aboard. His phobia of flying was as pronounced as her fear of being buried alive.
As they had waited for the helo to land outside TRF headquarters, Nick’s pale yet determined face told the full story. Though petrified, he wouldn’t allow his fears to stand in the way of going to help members of his family. She knew as they all did, Nick suffered a significant loss with the murder of his wife and son, and he built himself a new family with their team. Each one of them precious to him, yet probably none more than Loki, who was like a son.
Lexa understood Boss’ mindset, especially since he became her surrogate father, and he viewed her as a daughter. Family without blood ties was a concept she learned to embrace after joining TRF. She needed them all as much as Boss and Dan did. She couldn’t imagine life without her team. Dating Dan put her position on Alpha at risk, and Lexa refused to allow any man, not even Dan, access to the deepest recesses of her soul to avoid the heartache of abandonment.
Her heart lurched in unison to the helo’s movement, bringing her back from her contemplations, now mindful of the pressure exerted by Boss squeezing her hand as they bounced, buffeted by the forceful winds. Turning to him, she plastered on a reassuring smile. Peering into his kind yet anxious eyes drove home the incongruence of her most recent thoughts.
I do rely on men. Nick, Jon, Bram, Loki, and Ray have been fixtures in my life the past six years, well, five for Loki. They would never forsake me, and Boss would jump into a plane to save me in a heartbeat.
How am I able to confide in Boss, allow Bram to comfort me, be open with Loki, Ray, and Jon, and believe none of them will abandon me, but I can’t give Dan the same measure of trust?
The she-devil on her shoulder whispered in her ear. Because love scares you. You don’t see Dan as a father or a brother. He isn’t like your other teammates. You’re afraid of losing yourself if you give him your heart. You're a coward.
Lexa started an internal argument with her devil. Am not. I’m cautious. Men are fickle, and he will leave me once he conquers me.
Laughing, the cruel imp taunted her. And you call yourself a profiler. When did Dan ever give you that impression? What action or word tells you he will discard you? You acknowledge you broke Dan’s heart. What does that say about you?
Stumped, and not sure how to answer at first, a sad thought filtered in. Preemptive strike. I hurt him before he hurt me. I ended our romantic relationship before Dan dumped me.
Taking a seat on Lexa’s shoulder, the sneering devil nodded. Yep. You’re one cold bitch. Boss thinks you are the heart of the team when you are, in truth, a heart destroyer. You know, Dan only started hanging out with Loki because you shredded him to pieces and tossed him away like worthless garbage. Neither Loki nor Dan or for that matter, Scott, would be in trouble now if not for you.
Lexa blanched but fought back. Not true. Loki wanted to be Dan’s friend. And they went on a simple skiing trip. Plus, I didn’t make him and Loki behave like kids and race for the showers. And I sure as hell didn’t send a snow bunny to attack him or direct the Bartons there. This isn’t my fault.
Shrugging, Lexa’s devil changed the subject. What are you going to do if Dan loses his leg? He couldn’t be on Alpha Team. You wouldn’t be breaking the rules if you dated him. Wouldn’t be in jeopardy of losing your place on the team. Could you trust him with your heart then?
Lexa took a shaky breath and shivered when stark reality hit her, glad the icy draft covered for her body’s reaction to her disturbing thoughts.
“Cold?” Bram called to Lexa.
“Yes,” she replied via the headset built into the ear protection the co-pilot provided each of them when they boarded. They hit another air pocket, causing Lexa’s head to whack into the side of the helicopter.
Bram leaned forward, concern lighting his eyes. “Lexa, you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Lexa rubbed the tender spot.
“Fine?” Jon queried her use of the forbidden word. Well, not prohibited, but one which must be questioned when uttered by any of them.
Lexa sighed and met Jon’s gaze. “We’re all FINE, but my head is alright, and my mind will be in the game by the time we arrive.”
Jon nodded in full agreement. The circumstances were fouled up. A fun ski trip for their teammates should’ve never turned into a deadly situation.
Nick scarcely listened to the exchange as he concentrated on quelling his irrational fear, but his rational mind was not helping much at this point. It kept up a litany of reasons for him not to be flying, and the first held the most weight. Any sane person wouldn’t be in a helicopter in this blizzard.
However, concern for Loki, as well as Dan, Scott, and the innocents in the hospital, compelled him to climb into a flying eggbeater. He appreciated Lexa’s warm hand to hold, and Jon’s steady hand on his back, both grounded him and helped keep his fear at a manageable level. His family would always go above and beyond for one another.
His musings turned to the young man whom he embraced as a son. When he first met the quirky officer with stellar technical skills and ability to disarm complex bombs, Nick experienced an instant connection and desire for him to be on his team. Dante Baldovino lived up to the meaning of his name and moniker. Always a steadfast, brave friend who could make them laugh.
Nick shivered, both from the frigid weather and at the thought he might lose another son. Though the possibility existed every day, every shift, every time Loki disarmed an explosive device, tonight, the son of his heart faced homicidal madmen alone. Death for everyone in Craig Hospital was a high and wholly unwanted probability. Dear God, please let the general’s men arrive in time to save them all.
Ray braced himself as they hit another rough patch. His thoughts centered on Loki. From what Gambrill told them, Loki was uninjured and trying to negotiate with cold-blooded killers. He hoped for a successful, non-lethal solution, but given the Bartons’ penchant for violence and utter disregard for human life, the blunt truth did not appear favorable for his desired outcome.
He feared for Loki’s life because his brother would put himself in front of someone to protect them. Though not as reckless as Dan, Loki possessed the same spirit which drove every one of them, the desire to defend others. And in this case, Loki would be the only person capable of stopping Noah and Jonas Barton. Or at least endeavoring to contain the situation until help arrived. A hand on his shoulder caused him to turn to Bram, who sat next to him.
“Loki is smart. He won’t take unnecessary risks.” Bram patted Ray’s back, wanting to alleviate some of the ripples of anxiety he read in Ray’s customarily placid exterior.
“I hope not.” Ray left his other thoughts, unsaid. He’s been spending a lot of time with Dan. He might’ve picked up some bad habits since he’s got a bit of idol worship for Dantastic. And his emotions play too clearly upon his face. Noah Barton might use Loki’s concern for Dan against him.
Further conversation halted when a familiar voice came over the headset and said, “Almost there. Hang on. The landing is going to be rough with these crosswinds.”
RCMP Substation
Their pilot had not lied. The winds buffeted them so much they all cringed, wondering if they would make it down alive. Both Jon’s and Lexa’s hands were squeezed mercilessly by Nick, who sat between them and hung on for dear life. Once the skids touched ground and the pilot gave them the okay to disembark, they piled out of the helicopter and rushed through the storm to the substation to meet with the military medical team and substation captain who arranged for the snowcats.
Second Lieutenant Broderick turned to his co-pilot and grinned. “Damn, that was close. I’ll be back in a moment to help you secure the helo. I need to speak with Sergeant Pastore before they head out.” He unstrapped his harness and hopped out of the cockpit.
Zachary Broderick raced inside, pulling the door closed behind him. He recently trained to fly in these conditions but didn’t think he’d have real-world experience so soon after his course. Stomping to remove the snow from his boots, Zach scanned the interior and rubbed his hands together. He located Alpha Team near a table set up with coffee and strode towards them.
Bram spotted Zach and poured him coffee. “Big surprise to find you are the one who flew us here.”
Accepting the offered cup, Zach grinned. “Yeah, sorry, I didn’t identify myself sooner, but I focused on getting everyone here in one piece.”
His expression one of disbelief, Bram said, “A few times I thought we might not make it. You’re an excellent pilot.”
“Thanks. I don’t see Dan or Loki. Can you tell me what’s up? My CO only told me to go to Toronto, pick up a TRF team, and fly them here.”
Bram grimaced. He hated to be the one to tell Zach about his cousins but briefed him on the situation.
Zach clenched his fists as harsh reality slammed him. “Damn, Dan, Scott, and Loki. Want to go with, but my orders are to wait here. If I knew Dan and Scott were…” he trailed off,
aware nothing would’ve changed.
As they sipped hot beverages, Ray and Lexa listened to the conversation between Bram and Zach while Nick and Jon engaged with RCMP Captain Lundgren and Army Captain Tadman, who oversaw the medical team.
Lexa went to Zach and embraced him because he appeared distraught. He clung to her a moment before pulling back and flashing what she now termed the trademark Broderick lopsided grin, something most of Dan’s cousins had in common with him. The only one who rarely smiled was Adam. His more stoic demeanor reminded her of Dan when he first joined TRF.
“Thanks, Lexa. I needed a hug. You be careful out there. I wanted to fly you guys directly there, but that would be suicide in this weather.”
Ray patted Zach’s shoulder. “Stay positive. You got us here. We’ll get to them and ensure Dan and Scott are brought back here if they require an airlift to St. Michael’s.”
Zach nodded. “I trust you all, and I’ll be ready when you arrive. For now, I gotta help my co-pilot. Godspeed.” He pivoted and hurried out as his gut churned, wishing he could do more than ensure the helicopter was prepped for a return flight.
Less than five minutes later, Alpha Team loaded into one snowcat while the medical team crammed into a fifteen-passenger snowcat and one configured as an ambulance. Three vehicles set off for Craig Hospital with everyone hoping the hostages were alive and the Bartons contained by the time they arrived.
Hospital – Surgery
Ron stared at Dan’s face to avoid viewing the open wound. He had one unmanly trait, the sight of blood sometimes made his stomach turn, and he couldn’t fathom cutting into someone’s flesh. Averting his gaze was necessary, so as to not embarrass himself in front of everyone, in particular, Minna. Though to save face, if anyone asked, Ron would claim to be monitoring Dan for any signs of rousing in case he became combative again.
