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

by Laura Acton

  Sneak Peek:

  BREAKPOINTS

  Slow Spiral Down

  Beauty of Life - Book Eleven

  Alpha Team is on a slow spiral down.

  Each person has a breakpoint and the members of

  Toronto’s elite tactical team are no different.

  A series of life-changing events put

  each of them into situations they never imagined.

  Will they come together, or will their

  actions and decisions rip the team apart?

  December 1

  Toronto - Alley – 9:15 a.m.

  Jon Hardy raced after the fleeing subject into the alley. Aggravation engraved his features as his breath created fog in the crisp air as he puffed. If Dan were here, this jerk would be in custody already. I’m going to read Mack the riot act for screwing up. He refocused on his quarry, mindful of the slippery ice on the road. “Mack, come in from the north and cut him off.”

  Hot on Jon’s heels, Ray was a bit ticked off with Mack. Their temporary member failed to follow Jon’s instructions, and as a result, the drug dealer rabbited. Rounding the corner, Ray’s boot hit a slick spot. Legs went out from underneath him, and he landed on his shoulder and back, the impact knocking all air from Ray’s lungs. His head, though cushioned and protected by the tactical helmet, bounced on the ground, leaving him stunned.

  Pursuing their subject in a TRF SUV, Lexa came to a controlled halt and slammed the gear into park as she opened the door. “Ray is down.”

  “I’m good,” Ray breathlessly answered, not wanting Jon to lose the subject to check on him. He sucked in a gulp to re-inflate his lungs and winced.

  “Subject now heading west,” Jon called out again. Mack should’ve blocked the exit to this backstreet by now. Where the hell is he? Pouring on speed, wanting to end this stupid and unnecessary run, Jon turned left at the outlet.

  Brakes locked, someone screamed, a body went flying into the air coming down with a sickening thud. Metal grinding against metal cascaded as a chain reaction of vehicles crashed into one another. Jon had little time to react.

  Glimpsing the rounded eyes of Mack Wilford, a second before he leapt, Jon tucked and twisted his body to protect his head. Jon’s back rammed into the windshield, leaving a torso-sized indent of crackled glass. He rolled off the SUV’s hood, landing in a grimy, slushy snow pile on the side of the street.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 1:15 p.m.

  Sergeant Nick Pastore scanned his gathered team, relieved neither Ray or Jon ended up seriously injured. Both would be sore and bruised for sure, but it could’ve been so much worse. Nick’s gaze moved to the contrite temporary officer they selected from the pool of pre-qualified candidates as interim coverage for Loki. Jon laid into Mack for almost a half-hour, and that was after Inspector Pope, and the Non-partisan Review Board grilled Mack due to the death of the subject. Mack was in for another round of mentoring from him, but in private and not unsympathetically.

  His phone buzzing drew his attention, and he grinned. “It’s Dan.” He accepted the call and listened as he observed Lexa adjusting the ice pack on Ray’s shoulder as Bram held a quiet conversation with Jon, likely offering to drive him home. Nick fielded a few questions and reassured Dan everyone was alright before hanging up.

  Nick met Jon’s quizzical eyes. “This morning’s call made the news, and Dan learned about it when Jeff picked him up from the base airport. He’s on his way to Scott’s home now and wanted to make sure you all were okay.”

  “Thought Loki would be transported to Ottawa first.” Bram recalled the late-night call he had with Dan yesterday. They didn’t speak much. His friend only needed a little grounding after a nightmare and didn’t want to wake Loki, who had a rough day and needed sleep.

  “Plans changed this morning. Dan said Loki and Scott insisted he be the first one flown out.”

  Ray chuckled. “When I spoke to Loki last night, he claimed Dan was going stir-crazy confined to a hospital. He swore every time the snowcat fired up its engines, a spark of mischief entered Dan’s eyes, and Loki thought for sure Dan might make a run for it.”

  Grinning at the mental image, Nick said, “He did sound somewhat relieved. Anyhow, they should all be at Scott’s place before dinnertime.”

  “Why didn’t they all leave at the same time?” Mack Wilford inquired.

  Trying not to be harsh with the temp who made a rookie mistake today, coupled with poor road conditions, Lexa turned to Mack and offered him a slight smile. “The army has a lot of personnel and supplies to return, so there’s only room for one gurney at a time. Their injuries would make sitting on the hard jump seats for an hour painful.”

  “Oh.” Mack wished he had kept his mouth shut, feeling like a dunce once again. Today, he royally messed up, almost killed his tactical lead, and any aspirations of becoming a permanent TRF constable. He needed to step up his game to be considered for Baldovino’s spot if Alpha’s techie didn’t make it back to the team.

  All eyes focused on the doorway when Commander Gambrill entered. He didn’t appear pleased, which they all understood, because none of them were happy about how the warrant call ended.

  Walter cleared his throat as he studied the team. “Alpha is stood down for the remainder of this shift and your next two as well. Hardy, Palomo, you are to go home and rest.” When Jon began to object, Walter raised a silencing hand. “Smacking into a windshield is bound to leave you aching for a few days. Alpha can’t operate safely with only four members, although Bram would be quite proficient at running tactical for you.”

  “I only slipped, I’m alright,” Ray interjected.

  Walter eyed the ice pack on the information officer’s shoulder. “My decision. Charlie Team will cover your shifts, and I have a special assignment for Alpha. Donating blood for Baldovino was admirable. Everyone here, including me, are quite proud of you. Without your assistance, we would’ve lost a fine officer. Thank you.

  “As for the assignment, Tia suggested TRF lead a police force blood drive. Alpha will visit each division to give a presentation on the value and virtues of giving blood. Your hours will be classified as community relations duties, and this should help with our public image after today’s unfortunate tragedy.”

  Ray grinned, liking the project and believing he needed to do something to show his appreciation to Tia for her suggestion. “If it is only speaking, I should be up for going out.”

  Nick took the opportunity Ray’s offer provided. “Sir, if Ray participated, that would allow me to spend time with Mack.” His gaze communicated more than his words as he held Gambrill’s eyes. The rookie needed mentoring and reassurance after today, especially if they wanted to avoid a similar scenario.

  “Okay.” He pinned Jon with his eyes, “But you are to take two days off. One Broderick is enough to deal with in TRF.”

  Jon snorted. “Completely agree, sir.” Spending a couple of days with his family sounded nice … and to be honest, by tomorrow, he might not want to move a muscle.

  This time Mack did keep his lips sealed, though he itched to understand what the commander’s remark and Hardy’s response meant.

  As Gambrill left, Lexa turned to Ray, “I’ll give you a lift home tonight and pick you up in the morning. Maurita can spoil you.”

  Ray grinned. “Thanks.”

  “Alright, boys and girl, you heard Gambrill, we’re off shift as of now. Bram, I assume you’re driving Jon home.”

  “Yep. Let’s go, buddy” Bram peered at his best friend, relieved Jon lived after being hit by Mack when the rookie swerved to avoid adding to the pile-up caused by the subject darting into the street and getting himself killed.

  Scott’s & Lily’s Home – 1:30 p.m.

  Dan scanned Scott’s massive basement when Jeff disengaged his hold after helping him down the steps. He hobbled to a chair with an ottoman in front of it, and cautiously lowered himself. Lifting his injured leg, he settled his foot on the cushioned footstool, thankful for the walking
cast. It eliminated the need for crutches, which would be near impossible with his arm still in a sling due to his still-healing shoulder.

  The open space had been configured with three hospital beds and individual tables near each on the east wall. A gathering area in the middle contained two couches, three plush reclining chairs, and an assortment of other chairs, one of which Dan selected. A seventy-inch TV had been mounted to the west wall, and he spotted two game consoles and multiple controllers on a shelf below the flat screen. Likely Kyle’s and Zach’s contributions to the rehab room.

  Noting the walled-off area to the south, across from the stairs, Dan said, “Big changes down here since last year.”

  His cousins, Jeff and Kyle, both plopped down on a couch as Erik chose a wooden chair. Erik’s expression revealed pride of workmanship. “The best one is the full bathroom Scott and I installed last summer. None of you will need to tackle the steps to use the facilities.”

  “Perfect place to keep you corralled, unless you’re willing to crawl up the staircase,” Jeff jested.

  “Nothing will keep me down here if I want to escape,” Dan retorted, but with no desire to go anywhere.

  Kyle popped up, went to the mini-fridge, and grabbed a soda. “Dan, you want one?”

  “Nah.” Dan rested his head on the back cushion, surprised how much the trip from the Blue Mountains to Ottawa exhausted him.

  “You doing alright, Runt?” Jeff’s tone held a tinge of concern, logging his cousin’s pallor but not remarking on it … lessons learned from the past.

  “Yeah, just tired, Mudbucket.” Dan shut his eyes.

  “How long until the guys arrive?” Kyle sat on the arm of the sofa and opened his beverage.

  Jeff glanced at his uncle for the answer since he and Kyle had been tasked with retrieving Dan from the airport while Uncle Erik organized logistics.

  Erik set his coffee mug down. “Loki is due in about an hour or so, and Scott should arrive by seventeen thirty if they don’t run into any delays.” Recognizing his nephew’s fatigue, he offered, Vicky will be down with lunch in a few minutes, but if you would rather take a nap, the sandwich will keep.”

  Cracking one eye open, Dan shook his head. “Maisie’s chicken soup was great, but been looking forward to decent solid food.”

  Dan’s quiet reprieve didn’t last long as the Broderick females descended on him, bringing Rune Lindroth with them. His mom said the family hired the male nurse to assist with home care. In Rune’s brief introduction, Dan learned the massive Swedish man immigrated when he married a Canadian woman and enjoyed his profession.

  Rousting him from the comfy chair, Rune became Dan’s human crutch as his mother and aunts insisted he move to his bed, which turned out to be the middle one. To his displeasure, the walking cast was removed and placed across the room on a desk he had failed to notice in his initial scan.

  Yvonne smiled at Dan. “Now. There will be no shenanigans like when Ann took care of you when you had Scarlett Fever. You are to follow the rules set out, which includes bed rest and taking all your medicine.”

  Dan noted Jeff’s snickers in the background and rolled his eyes as he responded. “Yes, Mom. I will comply fully.” Dan frowned when his mother sneezed several times. “Are you well?”

  “I’m dandy.” Yvonne sneezed again.

  Ann moved forward, having noted earlier Yvonne appeared sluggish and worried the cold weather flared up her sister’s chronic fatigue syndrome. “Yvonne?”

  Turning to Ann, Yvonne asserted herself again, wanting to be here for her son. “I’ll be fine.” Her words might’ve been more convincing if not punctuated by three more sneezes.

  Ann’s brow’s arched. “Danny comes by his stubbornness honestly. He got a double dose from you and William.” She peered over Yvonne’s shoulder to Dan. “I’m taking your mom home and putting her to bed before she does more than she should and spirals down into a full-blown episode.”

  Although worried for Mom, Dan understood she would be in excellent hands. He decided to keep the mood light and quipped, “Lead by example, Mom. You do what’s best for your health, and I’ll do the same. Deal?”

  Resigned to her fate, hating CFS, Yvonne nodded. “Yes. Love you. I’ll call later to check on you.”

  Vicky appeared with a tray and set it in Dan’s lap. “If you want seconds, just send someone up.”

  Rune moved to his desk to review the charts sent with Dan, and the whirlwind of females ambled up the stairs. Dan breathed a sigh of relief and lifted his sandwich as Kyle asked, “What did you do when you had Scarlet fever?”

  Dan munched on his meal as Jeff told how Scott chased Dan around to catch him so Kyle’s mom could give him his medicine. Kyle and Jeff laughed when Erik shared that he tanned Scott’s hide for dangling Dan off the cabinet and threatening to drop him.

  “Man, I missed all the fun.” Kyle semi-pouted.

  “Not all. This should be entertaining.” Jeff chuckled.

  Dan scowled at Jeff. “You promised to run interference for me.”

  “Oh, I’ll keep my word, but watching the ladies fuss over you will be hilarious.” Jeff belly-laughed, and Kyle joined in.

  Erik only smiled … yes, this would be amusing, and even more so when his son arrived. Scott had no more tolerance for mother-henning than Dan. He silently wondered how Loki would deal with the plethora of caring women. He would, if necessary, intervene, but only if their well-meaning efforts produced adverse outcomes.

  Checking the wall clock, the one he installed earlier today, Erik said, “Jeff, Kyle, time for you to be heading back to base. We don’t want to leave Loki waiting if his flight comes in sooner than expected.”

  Dan finished his meal as his cousins ascended the stairs. He turned his gaze to his uncle. “Thanks for arranging everything.”

  “This is what family does, Danny.” He smiled, still astounded they were blessed to have Danny back with them after so many years of misconceptions. “How about you take a nap before Loki arrives?”

  Nodding, Dan yawned and stole a glance at Rune. With only Erik around, he said, “Um, I could use a dose of pain meds.”

  Surprised beyond belief, Erik picked up a book, trying to maintain an impassive façade as Rune brought Dan painkillers. There is hope for Danny yet. He is growing and learning to trust us again.

  New Series … Coming Soon!

  ZULU SIX

  Strike Force Zulu

  Book 1

  Who will become Zulu Six?

  Master Chief Jake Marshall selected each

  member of Zulu Team, the Navy’s premier

  strike force, to fill a required niche or skill.

  As a whole, the tight-knit, six-man unit

  added up to more than the sum of their

  parts … necessary to accomplish

  dangerous and covert missions.

  Choosing a new man wasn’t easy,

  particularly in a team of badass individuals

  who understood the value of teamwork.

  If Marshall chose wrong, team dynamics

  would suffer, and from his experience,

  that got people killed.

  Chapter One

  Virginia – Zulu Team Room

  F

  inn McBride glared at the five photos pinned to the corkboard. Calloused fingers of one hand raked through his ginger locks, while the other hand fiddled with a dart as he attempted to make his choice. Zach and Grant had thrown theirs without hesitation, and one picture now possessed two darts while the other four remained pristine.

  “Throw the damned dart, Finn.” Master Chief Jake Marshall leaned against the table and eyed his newly anointed number three. Like the rest of his guys, Jake was not ready to choose a new Zulu Six. He would prefer to operate as a five-man team and not replace Levi, but Lockwood over-rode his desire, threatening to make the selection if he didn’t pick a rookie today.

  “Still deciding.” In truth, Finn didn’t want any of them, nor did he aspire to
be Jake’s new Three. He preferred being Zulu Four. Three was only one step from Two, and Finn never desired to be either One or Two. Leading a team would never be his style, and he didn’t fancy Three’s responsibilities either.

  Finn didn’t want to mentor, shepherd, or whatever politically correct term was presently applied to babysitting the team rookie. But short of leaving Zulu, which would never happen while he could do his job, the position was his, earned via capability, seniority, and the trust of his team leader.

  He shifted his moss-green eyes to the opposite wall, the one with photos of the men who had gone before, previous members of the Navy’s elite strike force who died or were discharged due to injury. Team Zulu was a one-way street, unlike most SEAL teams. Once in, always in.

  Yes, men retired, but by an unwritten law, no one ever transferred out of Zulu while able-bodied, which made selecting a new member a challenging task. They needed to be a tight-knit unit to accomplish the missions assigned to them. If they chose wrong, team dynamics would suffer, and that got people killed.

  Finn settled his gaze on Levi’s photo, which was added last month after he received a medical discharge. Though Finn never truly got on with Levi, he never wished for any brother to be taken out of action the way the previous number three had. His hand dropped to his left side and absently rubbed his most recent scar as his mind returned to the night all hell broke loose.

  Flashback – Three Months Ago – Village in Algeria

  Pinned down, bullets flying, Finn growled as he applied pressure to his wound while Jake radioed for ETA on the Quick Response Force. Since their usual support team hadn’t traveled with them, they were reliant on whatever QRF happened to be in the AO. Taking another peek at Levi’s position, Finn noted the RPG destroyed the side of the building with stairs.

  Though wanting to make a run for Three’s location, it would be suicide, especially with a bullet in his side. Finn groused, “Intel was shit. Supposed to be ten, not a whole army.”