by Laura Acton
“But don’t fall into the trap, so many officers do. Don’t become jaded. Remember people are generally nice. Your job will expose you to the worst side of citizens on a daily basis, and you must remember why you wanted to be a constable. To serve and to protect. The vast majority of people are decent and caring. It only takes a few rotten apples to wreak havoc.”
Brody laughed. “Remember when we were stationed at CFB Edmonton and sent to CFB Cold Lake for our emergency medical and evacuation procedures fresher training? That was about eight months before we tried out for Special Forces. We had a great time once you quit puking.
“Do you remember the cute little RCMP officer who pulled me over near Beaver Crossing for speeding down AB-28 because we were running late? Thanks to you I might add. If you had not eaten at the roadside stand, we wouldn’t have had to stop for you to puke so often. No, I guess you wouldn’t remember her, you were green to the gills.
“We never did find out what gave you food poisoning, but you ate so much crap at the stand. I swear your leg is hollow sometimes. Thought I might need to practice my paltry medical skills on you that day. Wish we knew Patch back then. He would’ve fixed you up in a jiffy.
“Anyhow, so I’ll tell you. She pulls me over. I stop because I’m an obedient citizen.” Brody snorted. “When she approached, I pointed to you as you had your face buried in the plastic bag and puking yet again. I told her I was rushing you to the base hospital. She gave you one glance and didn’t even ask for my license. She escorted us all the way there at top speed.”
“Wish I asked for her number. I don’t recall her name … Mc-something. I was captivated by her eyes. The intriguing shade of hazel with golden flecks filled with compassion once she spotted you. Damn, she was stunning though. She looked like a keeper. Hmmm, now that I think of it, she seemed more your type than mine. Auburn hair, petite, and a dazzling smile.
“Sorry for rambling, but this ties into what I was thinking about you becoming a cop. You must search for the beauty of your life to shore you up when dealing with all the garbage you’ll face. Find someone who will walk beside you in life and keep you focused on the positive. Someone from whom you can draw strength and slow down with to enjoy the sunrises.
“I promise she’s out there. You just need to be patient to find her. Perhaps you already have, and if so, I told you so. In honor of the compassionate, petite, hazel-eyed RCMP officer I added the next song.”
Dan listened to the lyrics of ‘It Was Always You’ by Maroon 5 and a strange butterfly sensation fluttered in his stomach. Petite, compassionate, auburn-haired, and golden-flecked hazel eyes describes Lexa. She also grew up in Cold Lake and went to university in Edmonton before joining the RCMP. Brody said Mc something … could it have been her? Nah, it couldn’t be. That would be too weird. On the other hand, bizarre shit happens to me all the time. Next time I call her, I’ll ask. Would be kinda cool if Brody met Lexa.
When the song stopped, Dan paused the CD. “Brody’s gift of his voice. I’m going to make you each a copy of these.”
Mason wiped his eyes as he connected with Blaze’s in the rearview mirror and noted a similar pooling. He placed his hand on Blondie’s knee as Jim, Winds, and Blaze each reached out and placed a hand on their brother’s shoulders. No one spoke for several moments, each lost in their memories of Brody.
Winds ended the silence, “Aren’t Lexa’s eyes hazel?”
Dan chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, yeah they are.”
“Brody’s a prophet,” Jim softly said.
Knocking on Dan’s window broke the men apart as Dan turned and found Scott. He lowered the window, and Scott inquired, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, were coming. Wouldn’t miss a game where the Leafs are gonna wipe the ice with your team,” Dan said.
“Defector! You should be supporting the Senators. You’re from Ottawa,” Winds stated.
Dan shrugged with a grin. “I live in Toronto. Jim’s with me and the Maple Leafs. Right, Jim?”
Jim chuckled. “I grew up in Vancouver and am a Canucks fan, but I suppose since I transplanted to Toronto, I should root for the hometown team. Besides Ottawa’s team has never won the cup.”
“Well, your precious Leafs haven’t won one since sixty-seven. About the same thing,” Winds retorted.
Mason grinned. “Too bad the Montreal Canadiens aren’t playing. They’d decimate both those teams.”
As Scott chuckled and headed for Adam’s truck, Dan rolled up the window, and Mason put the vehicle in gear, joining the rolling caravan heading for the arena. Dan turned on the CD again and let it play, noting the smiling faces of Mason, Jim, Blaze, and Winds.
Dan’s Truck En Route to Hockey Arena
Leaning back in the seat, Blaze listened to the music and allowed his mind to wander. All the guys appeared happier than he had ever seen them. Winds, Blondie, Mason, and Jim especially.
Being a medic in Special Forces had taken a toll on the man. It was one thing to go on a battlefield to care for unknown soldiers, able to distance one’s self from those suffering, but quite another be the one everyone turned to when your brothers are screaming in pain and bleeding out.
Jim walked through hell. The investigation revealed their unit was always assigned the riskiest and most physically demanding missions in the years Blondie was with them. Plouffe was a purely evil man with no redeeming qualities to subject Blondie and the rest of them to that.
While he was in the midst of it, Blaze had known things were different than previous times in the field, but in hindsight, he recognized he wore blinders thinking terrorist activity had only heightened and believed the general pulled the strings. In retrospect, it became clear, Plouffe handpicked the missions he assigned to them. Well, most.
Some missions required the unique skills of the Guardians. As pissed as he had been at the time, the general was right to send them to rescue Dom Savoy’s girls. No one except Blondie spoke Russian and could’ve pulled off the impersonation of Maks. Though, without Jim, they would’ve lost Blondie and Ripsaw on that mission.
Winds noted the wistful look on his best friend’s face. “What are you thinking about?”
Blaze pulled out of his head and glanced at Winds. “Just how different things are this year. Life’s good.”
About to respond, Winds clamped his mouth shut when Brody’s voice came over the speakers again. The cab became silent, hanging on his every word, each relishing hearing him again.
“Hey, Danny, I know you always liked ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith hoped you enjoyed that one. Keep singing with me and dream on. The next up is another Aerosmith tune, ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady.’”
Brody laughed heartily and then snorted. “This song reminds me of the time Winds kissed that guy. Remember? We went to the base bar while you recouped from being impaled. Winds was totally hammered when he walked up to the bar to buy another round. Next thing we know he is making out with a long-haired blond.”
Laughing again, Brody said, “When the dude spoke in deep bass and told Winds it was the best kiss he had in ages, I laughed my ass off. Winds ended up on the floor looking confused and mumbling ‘lady is a dude.’
“Blaze picked up Winds and took him back to the barracks. In Winds’ defense, a military bar isn’t where you would expect to find a pretty dude with long hair. Do me a favor and razz Winds about that one. Maybe get him some mouthwash or give him an apple and pin a note on that says before kissing look for an Adam’s apple.”
Winds stared at Blondie in stunned disbelief. “You have to be freaking kidding me. He’s a prank master after death too.” His eyes welled with tears and Winds’ voice shook a bit, “I never thought I would hear him again. Thank you for sharing this. He sure comprehended what you needed. I miss him.”
Dan nodded. “Me too.”
Right Place, Right Time
5
December 26
Canadian Tire Centre – Suite – 6:30 p.m.
Dan stood and stretched, rol
ling his shoulders to relieve some tension. He took the three stairs into the suite and noted they were out of soda and water. Though plenty of beer remained, Dan couldn’t drink any alcohol while taking his meds. He tilted his head towards the exit. “I’m gonna go grab an iced capp. Can I bring either of you anything?”
“I’ll go with you.” Blaze and Scott said simultaneously.
Dan chuckled. “Don’t need babysitters. I’ll be back shortly.” He spoke a little louder to the others, “Anybody want anything from concessions?”
Jim eyed the spread of food Mrs. Broderick arranged for them. “Can’t think of anything else we might need.”
The roar of the fans and the announcer indicated the Senators finally scored. Until now the score had been three to zero in favor of the Leafs.
Winds popped up and ambled into the lounge area to grab another beer as he bragged, “We scored.”
Making his way to the door, Dan retorted, “Leafs are still up by two.”
“Well, they won’t be for long. Senators are on fire.” Winds never attended a game in a suite and was having a blast. “Hey, still taking food orders?”
“Yeah, what ya want?”
“Some of that awesome fudge with walnuts.” He reached for his wallet.
“Put that away. My treat. Call it a Christmas present.” Dan grinned as he exited. Winds loved chocolate just as much as Lexa.
Winds shoved his billfold in his pocket, twisted off the beer cap, and returned to his seat. Blaze and Scott glanced at each other then at the clock, but action on the ice drew their attention, and they became involved watching as a whole team brawl erupted after one player slammed another into the wall.
Canadian Tire Centre – Main Concourse – 6:33 p.m.
Strolling towards the concession area, Dan passed the guest services booth. A frantic voice drew his attention from his own deliberations on whether to stop at the restroom before going to the Timmy’s to grab an iced capp and getting Winds’ fudge. He noted a slim brunette anxiously speaking to a guest representative at the booth. She seemed remotely familiar, but he couldn’t place her face.
Upset and worried, Julie Pinchas’ voice shook. “You have to find my niece. She was right behind me, I turned to pick up the hot dogs, and when I turned back around she was gone. Her father is searching, but we need help.”
“Ma’am, she may have wandered off,” Barry replied.
“No! Jaylah wouldn’t do that. She understands she is to stay with us.” Julie took a deep breath to calm herself. As a former MP, she understood freaking out wouldn’t help in this situation.
“Did her parents fill out an Ident-A-Child?” Barry pulled up today’s log.
“Yes. Jaylah McCallister. My sister’s name is Lacey McCallister. We are all sitting in section 210, row C.”
“Alright, she was issued the bright orange wristband. Someone needs to go to your seats and wait there patiently. I will notify our representatives to be on the lookout for a lost girl and bring her to you. Can you describe her for me?”
Julie’s hands clasped tightly. “Lacey is already there. Jaylah is six years old, about three and a half feet tall, and forty-five to fifty pounds. Her hair is medium brown and falls just below her shoulders. Her eyes are brown. She is wearing blue jeans, a long sleeve red and white Senators jersey, a puffy white jacket, and a red knit cap. Oh, and her sneakers are red too.”
Dan continued on as the representative radioed the girl’s details, they were well equipped to handle lost children. He decided the call of nature needed to be dealt with first and headed for the men’s room. As he walked, he scanned the crowd searching for a child who matched the description he overheard.
Canadian Tire Centre – Restroom – 6:35 p.m.
Entering and going directly to the urinals, Dan went about his business as he listened to a man scolding a boy in one of the stalls as the child cried. It ticked him off. Poor kid being yelled at to put his jacket on. He finished and moved to the sink.
After he turned on the water and soaped up, he studied his image in the mirror. The bruising on the side of his face turned a sickly shade of green and with any luck would be gone by the time he returned to work on the second. His mind went to Lexa and the possibility she might be the RCMP officer who pulled over Brody. Perhaps I’ll call her before going back to the suite.
Peter Glazas shoved the clothes into his pack as he pinned a glare on the meek child now standing in the corner whimpering. “Now, you do as I say and no more trouble or I will spank you until you learn to do as you are told.”
As the girl shrank further away and her eyes welled with tears, Peter smiled. He loved being in complete control. He chose well, and his plan would work this time. He would make a clean getaway because everyone would be looking for a girl. Thoughts of the pleasures to come made him giddy. After four years in prison with no way to sate his appetite for young girls, he was rather horny. He couldn’t wait to take her to his apartment.
Peter stood, put the pack on his shoulders, and gripped the youngster’s arm with one hand. “Now, not another word out of your mouth or you will be severely punished.” He yanked open the handicapped stall and jerked her arm pulling her with him.
Dan flicked his eyes towards the man and child. He noted the man’s receding hairline and the beady blue eyes. He wanted to intervene, but it was not his place to tell a parent how to discipline their child.
Peter stopped dead in his tracks as he eyed the blond man’s reflection. It can’t be … how the hell? His current plans disregarded for a moment, Peter growled as he took one step forward. “What the hell are you doing here, Maks? I swore I would kill you the next time I saw you.”
Locking gazes with the beady-eyed man via the mirror Dan’s gut clenched. Being called Maks made him want to hurl as the Makhachkala mission popped into his head. Though, his senses went on high alert with the threat. Slowly Dan turned to face the man, taking in his surroundings and noting the little boy with tears in his eyes and quivering lips. Keeping his voice level, Dan said, “You are mistaken. My name is Dan, not Maks.”
“I never forget a face. What game are you playing, Maks?” Peter increased his grip on the whimpering girl.
As much as Dan wanted to keep his eyes on the angry man, he allowed them to flick down to the boy and inventoried … short cropped hair, brown eyes, black pants, a blue jacket which appeared over-sized for the boy’s small frame. The last item he noted, red gym shoes. He returned his gaze upward. “No game. I can prove I’m Dan. Want to see my ID?”
Peter scrutinized the face before him. On closer inspection, he appeared younger than Maks, and the eyes a darker blue. “Sorry, you just … I mean … you and Maks could be related.” He gripped the girl’s arm tighter and started for the door needing to make his escape, realizing he almost did something which would impede his clean exit with the girl.
Dan breathed a sigh of relief as the guy and boy exited. He had no desire to engage in an altercation over mistaken identity. He grabbed a couple of paper towels, dried his hands, and strode to the trashcan to toss them.
Freezing in place as his eyes spied a bright orange wristband and a mass of hair, Dan’s gut clenched. Using the towel, he picked up the edge of the band and turned it over to read. His heart sank. Red sneakers, brown hair, and eyes … Jaylah McCallister. Dropping the wristband, he raced out the door.
His eyes searched left and right. Glimpsing a flash of red, he spotted the pair moving briskly towards the stairs. Dan took off at a fast jog and scanned for security, seeing none. Reaching for his phone, he dialed 911. When the call was answered, he reported, “My name is Dan Broderick. I’m a constable with Toronto TRF. I’m currently in the Canadian Tire Centre on the main concourse. I’m following a man I believe has abducted a child. He is heading for the stairs at gate three.”
Dan went on to explain what he overheard and what he found in the restroom. He maintained his distance but kept the subject in sight. He had no idea if the creep was armed, but
knew he was not, so confronting him would be stupid. The safety of Jaylah and the others in attendance remained his priority, so he followed and provided as much detail to the local police as possible.
Outside Canadian Tire Centre – 6:55 p.m.
The dispatcher rapidly transferred his call to Sergeant Ben Samuels of the Ottawa TRF. He gave an update to guide the TRF team to their location in parking lot six and Samuels indicated they were five minutes out.
As he approached his vehicle, Peter smiled. This is easy. Not a soul suspected. Peter did a cursory check before unlocking the van. He spotted the blond not far behind him. Is he following me? Could that actually be Maks with plastic surgery? No, Maks would be long gone if he escaped jail. Regardless of who he is, I’m going to have to get rid of him. Sliding open the side door, Peter unslung the pack, tossed it into the rear, lifted Jaylah in, and reached for his Glock tucked under the front seat. He flashed the handgun at Jaylah causing her to scream. In a menacing tone, he said, “Stay put and quiet or I will hurt you.”
Jaylah quivered and cried as she curled into a ball.
When he witnessed Jaylah being put in the vehicle, Dan put on a burst of speed, closing the distance between them. He didn’t want to intervene, TRF was on their way, but he couldn’t allow this man to drive off with Jaylah. He shouted, “Police. Stop. You’re not taking Jaylah McCallister anywhere.” Dan halted about five feet away.
Jaylah peeked between her fingers and saw the man from the bathroom. “I want my mommy.”
“Shut up!” Peter pointed his weapon at the whimpering girl.
Cringing and curling tighter, Jaylah cried.
Spotting the Glock, Dan took several steps closer. “Don’t hurt her.”
Peter whirled around. “Stay back.”
“No one needs to be hurt. Let Jaylah go.” Dan raised his hands, palms outward. He tried to channel Boss or Lexa to help him negotiate.
Smirking, Peter leveled his gun at the Maks look-a-like. “You might be a cop, but you aren’t armed, and there is nothing you can do to stop me. Now, back up or my first bullet is for you.”
