by Laura Acton
Yvonne poured coffee for each of the men and Kyle helped pass them out. When she finished, Yvonne went to the couch and gently stroked Dan’s hair as he continued sleeping. She leaned down and kissed his forehead before straightening up and focusing her emerald green eyes on Jim. “You only had his best interest at heart. He will forgive you.”
She glided over to Jim and clasped both his hands in hers. “Mr. Shea, I sincerely appreciate all the wonderful care you have given to my son.”
Under the scrutiny of Dan’s mother, Jim blushed. “My pleasure, ma’am. He did the same for us too.”
Yvonne’s smile grew as she turned to gaze at the others. “Captain Blain, Warrant Officer Simons, Sergeant Srònaich O’Naoimhín. My thanks to you also for all your efforts. I understand the lengths to which you men went to safeguard Dan. I will never be able to express my gratitude fully.”
Smiling at the gracious lady, Blaze said, “No gratitude necessary, ma’am. As Jim said, your son returned the full measure to us. I owe my life many times over to him. As do each one of us.”
Winds nodded. “The first mission with our unit he saved all of us. For six years, we covered each other.”
As he absently rubbed his facial scar and stared at Blondie, Mason said, “I would gladly die any day to protect Blondie. I almost killed him once as he attempted to save me. I’ll never forget his sacrifices.”
Kyle blinked at Mason’s words. “You nearly killed Dan?”
Jim interjected. “No not in so many words.”
“Yes,” Mason answered at the same time.
“Their Humvee ran over an IED. Mason was injured, and in his confusion, he tried to remove shrapnel from his chest. Blondie stopped him, but Mason fought back. He did not intentionally hurt Blondie,” Blaze explained.
Rising from the warm cocoon of sleep, Dan registered sounds but buried his head in his pillow, not ready to awaken and leave a place of serenity. He smiled at Sara as she waved to him from Santa’s sleigh. He wanted to go with her, her excitement palpable as she snuggled up close to the jolly fat man for a trip to the North Pole. He waved at his little sister as the sleigh rose in the air pulled by Rudolph. Dan sighed. She is safe and happy.
As the light of day intruded upon his starlight night, Dan rolled to his back and stretched his legs out. The sounds grew more distinct, becoming voices, though not awake enough to make out words or who spoke.
Winds quietly said, “Hey, the kid’s waking up.”
Everyone quieted as Blaze, Winds, Mason, and Jim positioned themselves in front of Blondie to surprise him when he opened his eyes.
Noise ceased, making sleep inviting again. He settled, wanting to burrow into warmth, and reached to pull the afghan over his head, but something in his arms prodded him to blink open his eyes to determine what he held. Bringing the item up as his eyes focused the face of a stuffed Wile E. Coyote stared back at him. As if that was not surprising enough, the bursts of laughter erupting around him caused him to jerk upright, blinking rapidly to focus on the faces of those surrounding him.
A groan escaped as a result of his quick movements, and his hand dropped to his lap. The toy coyote tumbled to the floor as Dan stared at his brothers, cousins, and mother. His eyes moved back to Mason, Jim, Winds, and Blaze. “How?” He shifted and stifled another groan as his muscles protested.
“Aw damn, sorry, kid.” Blaze leaned forward. “Not how we intended to wake you up.”
Jim knelt in front of him concern written on his face. “Pain level?”
Automatically, Dan answered, “Four. Could use my meds.” He blinked again. “Wait. Why are you here? Aren’t you spending Christmas with your soon to be in-laws?”
Winds picked up the stuffed coyote and plopped down next to Blondie. “We decided to surprise you. Jim has a lifetime to spend with them. We missed you. So, … here we are.” He chuckled as he played with the long ears of the coyote. “Sleeping with toys must be a substitute for sleeping with Le—OW! Damn! Mason, you hit hard.” He rubbed the back of his stinging head.
“Ladies are present. Watch your mouth.” Mason deflected and glared at Winds for almost revealing Lexa’s name.
“Sorry, ma’am.” Sheepishly, Winds glanced at Mrs. Broderick.
Yvonne covered her mirth as she said, “Brunch will be ready in about an hour. I’ll leave you boys to your own devices until then.” She stepped forward and kissed Dan’s cheek. “Morning. Hope you slept well.”
“I did. Um, where’d this come from?” Dan pointed to the plush coyote.
“Well, now. You might want to talk to your sister about that one.” Yvonne giggled as she strolled out of the room.
“I’m gonna grab a shower before brunch. Back in a bit.” Dan rose, wincing with the movement. Crap, I hurt more than I should.
Jim stood and picked up his pack. “Dan, I need to examine you.”
“Why?”
With everyone’s eyes on him, Jim became uneasy. A private discussion would be better if Dan got angry with him. “You winced, groaned, and said you’re at level four. You go shower, and I’ll grab some toast and your meds.”
Dan nodded, and both ambled out of the library.
General Broderick’s Home – Dan’s Room – 11:15 a.m.
Sitting on his bed, shirtless and in his jeans, Dan peered up at Jim after being examined and taking the offered pills. “How did you know I hurt this time?”
Downcast, Jim replied, “I was at the hospital when Lexa brought you in to have your hand examined. Just happened to overhear you fell fifteen feet when the roof collapsed.”
“Uh huh. More like you cornered Lexa and Dr. Fraser for details.”
“Yeah, well. I did. Before I say anything else … this is all on me, not Lexa or Fraser. I should’ve let Fraser tell you the truth.” Jim’s eyes flicked down, ashamed and full of worry now that he must admit his error.
“So, how am I? Truthfully this time.” Dan’s voice held an edgy note. He couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the fact Jim had coerced the doctor to be less than forthcoming with him about his health.
“I only wanted you to enjoy your Christmas without worrying about whether you would be on light duty when you returned to TRF. You strained your chest muscles again. But, if you take it easy for the rest of your vacation, you should be fit for duty. Sorry. You wouldn’t have overdone yesterday if I allowed Fraser to be honest with you. I think you are out of any more snowball wars. Perhaps a heating pad will help relax your muscles.”
Reading Jim’s contrition, Dan stood and lightly gripped Jim on the left bicep, offering a tangible expression of care which Jim would understand. “I appreciate the thought, but, Jim, I’m always truthful with you. I expect the same back. That’s how it works for us.”
Crestfallen, Jim apologized, “I’m deeply sorry. Won’t happen again.”
Accepting the apology, Dan said, “Even if I had known, I would’ve done what I did yesterday anyways—it was important to me. I appreciate all you do for me. If not for you I wouldn’t be alive. You’re like my earth-bound guardian angel. Thank you for always taking such good care of me.”
Studying Dan’s eyes, Jim noted no lasting recrimination and a smile started to grow. “If we are getting all sappy, just let me say, it’s been my honor. You are worth it. You all are. We all walked through hell together. I’m glad most of us made it through to better times.”
Dan nodded, “Wish we all did.”
“Me too.” Jim began to pack his supplies after bandaging Dan’s hand.
Pulling his shirt on, Dan grinned. “What a way to wake up. All four of your ugly mugs staring at me.”
Jim chuckled. “Not quite the way we wanted. We’ll figure out something to do which won’t require you to exert yourself today.”
Dan’s gaze settled on his desk and recalled the letters from Brody for each of them. After brunch, he would tell them about the truck and letters.
Brunch with Champions
4
December 26
General Broderick’s Home – Kitchen – 11:30 a.m.
Laughter met Dan and Jim as they entered the kitchen. Around the table sat all the male Brodericks, Blaze, Mason, and Winds. Surprised to see his uncles here, Dan sauntered over and took a seat between his dad and Blaze. “What’s going on?”
“Your mother requested our presence today. So, we are here.” Leaning closer to Daniel he said quietly, “I asked why but she clammed up tighter than a drum. Guess we need to wait until she decides to tell us.” William turned to Yvonne and grinned.
Dan filled his plate with an assortment of food as the guys passed around eggs, ham, scalloped potatoes, strawberry crepes, cinnamon rolls, smoked salmon, croissants, and fruit salad. He dug in with a renewed appetite. The hot shower and pain meds took the edge off, and he felt reasonably decent.
Yvonne surveyed the gathered men and smiled. Only five shy before she could spring her little surprise. The doorbell rang, and she excused herself to go answer the door.
Between mouthfuls, noting the five empty spots, Dan asked, “Who else is expected?”
“No idea.” William sipped his coffee.
Blaze turned to Blondie. “Everything okay between you and Jim?”
“Yeah, we’re fine.” Realizing what he said, he quickly added, “We’re okay. I appreciate why he chose to hide my condition from me. Jim was not being malicious and understands never to do it again.”
“Great. How are you feeling?”
Jim piped in, “Probably not as good as he did when he got high with the Lieutenant Governor.”
“What?” Coffee dribbled down William’s chin as he nearly choked.
Dan laughed. “Interesting day at work.”
“Do tell,” Erik prodded.
As Dan started to explain, his mom returned, and conversation stopped.
William stood immediately, a broad smile plastered on his face. “Dom. What are you doing here?”
“My friend, it is so wonderful to see you.”
Mason, Blaze, Winds, and Jim stared at Dominique Savoy. A man none of them had seen in nearly five and a half years, nor ever expected to see again. Stunned as the general embraced the man, it became clear to them a friendship existed between those two which was older than five years. The impression solidified further when all of the elder Brodericks welcomed Dom by name, but what nailed the coffin shut occurred when Dom greeted Dan.
Dom noted the astonished expressions as he grasped Dan’s hand and said, “Dan, I’m so pleased you are hale and hearty. Becca couldn’t stop singing your praises. Thank you for helping your father accept reason, he can be hardheaded. It is an immense pleasure having my goddaughter staying with me, Becca is delightful.” Dom chuckled at William’s disgruntled harrumph.
About to respond, Dan’s gaze flicked to the doorway. The unit men and Dan’s eyes all became rounded with wonder as they spied two lovely young ladies entering the kitchen chattering away in French to Becca. Their minds aged the Savoy girls and they realized thirteen-year-old Nicolette was close to if not nineteen and eleven-year-old Anna-Marie was now at least sixteen, perhaps seventeen depending on when her birthday fell.
Puffed up like a proud papa, Dom grinned as his daughters came to him. “Nicolette, Anna-Marie, I would like to introduce you to some fine men.” He started with Dan and went around the table ending with Blaze.
Each could only stare, they dare not indicate they knew the teens as the mission remained highly classified for many reasons. It appeared fortune still smiled on Dom’s daughters since neither recognized them. Although given the fact the girls stayed under the influence of a strong sedative the entire time, they likely had no clue who rescued them. Each man shuddered at the thought of what could’ve happened to their innocence.
To break the undercurrent of tension that coming face-to-face with Nicolette and Anna-Marie after so many years caused, Dan turned and asked Becca, “Okay, so what’s up with the stuffed coyote?”
Becca’s eyes danced as she giggled. “Well, brother dearest, he’s your mascot. I seriously think your team should be renamed to Team Acme with all the crazy things that happen to you as you chase bad guys.”
The guys erupted into laughter as Dan shook his head. He didn’t dare share that Loki sometimes called him Wile E. Coyote.
“Nikki and Anna, I want to show you something I designed.” Becca led Dom’s girls from the room as she began describing her latest creation.
Yvonne brought Dom a cup of coffee. “How was the flight?”
Taking a seat between Erik and William, Dom replied, “Uneventful.”
Still, a bit bewildered at Dom’s appearance, William asked again, “What brings you here?”
Dom winked at Yvonne. “A lovely lady requested my appearance.” Turning to William, he said, “Plus some business requires me to be here after the new year, so I modified my plans and came a few days earlier.”
William nodded, knowing not to delve into Dom’s affairs because whatever he shared in the presence of others would not be the truth. “Happy you’re here.”
The back door opened, and Yvonne beamed as Mike Galloway and his men, Drake, Craig, and Jack entered. Mike’s bemused face landed on the general first then turned to Mrs. Broderick. “Ma’am, we came as swiftly as possible. What is the situation?”
Yvonne reached for the coffee pot wearing a sheepish grin. “Sorry for the ruse, Mike. Please take a seat and enjoy some brunch. I’ll explain in a moment.”
All the guys shared glances, trying to figure out what she was up to as Yvonne began to fill four mugs.
After delivering the cups, Yvonne’s eyes roamed over the honorable men. “You are all special to me.” Her gaze settled on Dan, and her smile brightened. “In one way or another, each one of you has had a hand in making my wish come true. Due in part to your efforts, my son found his way home.
“There is no way I can ever repay you for what you’ve done. But I would like to show my appreciation in a small way. I arranged for a VIP box for all of you at today’s game between the Senators and Maple Leafs.”
They only stared when William stood, walked to his wife, and embraced her. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
Yvonne hugged William. “Yes, but I do like hearing you say it.”
Kissing Yvonne’s cheek gently, William said, “You are my sun, my moon, and my stars. I love you more every day.”
After each thanked Yvonne, the men became boisterous as they all began talking about the impending hockey game. Yvonne handed the tickets to William before leaving to join Nicolette, Anna-Marie, and Becca who planned to meet up with the other Broderick women for an afternoon of shopping.
Dan leaned in close to his dad and whispered, “Mom amazes me.”
“Me too.” William beamed.
As the meal wound down, Dan turned to Blaze and said, “It will be a tight squeeze with Mason, but the five of us can take my truck.”
“You got a truck?” Blaze asked, and Dan only nodded.
General Broderick’s Home – Garage – 2:00 p.m.
Dan led the way to the multi-car garage with Jim, Mason, Winds, and Blaze following him. He remained silent about how he acquired his truck, wanting to reveal it outside and away from the rest of the family to afford the guys privacy and the ability to express their real emotions. He stopped and opened the garage door with the remote Dad gave him.
Winds whistled as he gazed at the blue four by four. “Awesome. A gift from your parents?”
“No.”
“You finally decided to buy a suitable vehicle for winter,” Jim said.
“No.”
“Cool intake vent. If you didn’t buy it and your family didn’t give this to you, where’d you get it?” Mason ran a hand along the hood.
Dan took a deep breath, still in awe. “Brody gave me the truck.”
Four mouths dropped open as they stared at Dan. Blaze spoke first. “This is from Brody. How? When?”
A broad smile bloomed on Mason’s
face. “Leave it to Brody to find a way to shock the hell out of us.”
Distant memories came back to Blaze. “My God, this is the vehicle he talked non-stop about on the flight back to Kandahar after we found out about your injuries with Marley’s unit. I had a hell of a time keeping him preoccupied on the trip until he started telling me about a four-wheel drive truck.”
“Why’d he leave you this?” Winds asked.
Dan explained the significance of Brody’s gift as he fiddled with the key. When he finished, he said, “I received it last night. Still overwhelming.”
Jim’s astonishment and joy evident in his expression as he patted Dan’s back. “Wow. Just wow. He loved you so much.”
“Yeah, and I loved him too. I miss him every day, but the gift I cherish most is not this truck … Brody gave me something better.”
Blaze eyed him. “Like what?”
Tossing the keychain to Blaze, Dan said, “You’ll need to drive … can’t on my meds. Actually, it is a gift I want to share with all of you.” Dan moved to the rear door. “Mason, you ride up front with Blaze, so you don’t squash Winds and Jim.”
Mason shook his head. “No. I’ll ride in back. You need a comfortable seat.”
“How about having Mason drive and Blaze can ride with us in the back seat?” Winds suggested.
Blaze handed the set of keys to Mason. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
The five men loaded up. Mason waited until everyone was seat belted before he inserted the keys. “So, what is this gift you cherish?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. Let’s go.”
When Mason turned the ignition, the stereo came to life. As the loud music trailed off, he reached to put the vehicle in drive, but his hand halted when Brody’s voice filled the air. The guy’s jaws dropped again as they listened.
“So, Danny, I was thinking. You should go back to being a police officer, give up the family business so to speak. The general will be pissed but who cares what he thinks. This is your life, Danny. Your dream was to be a cop, and you’ll be an excellent one.”
