by Laura Acton
Dom appreciated Anastasia’s sharp intellect. “It would be easier to receive help there. Andrei, your family is welcome to stay with mine while we resolve the issues. We will request her birth record, police reports on her disappearance, and do DNA testing to provide the familial match as proof she is Natia.”
“You can go on the boat with the guys.” Knowing Anastasia enjoyed the water, Mike smiled at her and received one in return.
Blaze nodded. “Sounds like a workable tactic. So, when do we leave?”
“I can arrange a modified passport by tomorrow. My girls, Andrei’s family, Winds, Ripsaw, and I can leave in the afternoon. We drop Winds and Ripsaw off and head to France. I will make arrangements for the aircraft depending on when Patch says Dan can travel. Mike and Blaze leave by air while the others go by water. We only need to coordinate a rendezvous point in the Caspian Sea. After transferring to the plane sink the vessel, so no trace remains.”
Mike liked the plan. “I take them to their destination and return the seaplane. You meet me and fly me back before returning to your home.”
Everyone bobbed their heads in agreement except Andrei. “But what about the rental company? Shouldn’t we return it?” Andrei asked.
“They will be reimbursed appropriately. We cannot chance anyone linking these men to be being here so the yacht must be sunk,” Dom said.
Blaze added, “Reimburse the car rental agency for the vans too. We destroyed them for the same reason.”
“Done,” Dom remarked. He would divert some of Panin’s funds to cover the costs. He did not like destroying property and those honest businesses, although insured, should not be out any monies on his account. It was only right Panin’s assets be used in this manner.
“All this cloak and dagger. I feel a bit like James Bond.” Andrei smiled. God indeed works in mysterious ways.
Anastasia winked at Dom. Andrei had no idea how shady and convoluted covert ops could become. This one might be considered child’s play in comparison to some she experienced. “I will come with you and explain some things to your family to keep everyone safe and help you prepare Natia.”
Andrei poured Elsa’s milk and followed Anastasia out of the kitchen.
Blaze stood and said, “I’ll inform the rest of our stratagem. Dom, I assume you have business to attend to. Your girls are safe with us.”
Trusting Blaze, Dom nodded. “Thank you. Mind if I take Mike with me?”
“Smart plan. Better if no one is alone outside the abbey.”
Winds stood also and headed out with Blaze to their room. “Let me tease Mason and tell him he is dressing as a nun.”
“Your life, buddy. Been a blast knowing you. Have one question. Where do you want your final remains sent?” Blaze chuckled.
Winds laughed as he rubbed his palms anticipating Mason’s reaction.
Sacred Heart Abbey – Unit’s Room – 0800 Hours
As Patch finished his color comparison controls, Blaze and Winds entered the room. He had noted Blondie became quieter over the past minutes and finally turned to check if he was napping. His face fell when he spotted Blondie curled up on the bunk and squeezing the life out of Brody’s hand as Mason paced. “Why didn’t you tell me he is in pain?”
“Because you’re focused on something important and we need to know how much of that shit is in his system,” Brody said.
“I can manage,” Dan ground out between clenched teeth.
Blaze strode over. “Can we give him something?”
“No, Patch needs him awake. He’s testing for diquat levels now, and if they are high, Blondie will need more bentonite,” Mason conveyed. He understood but didn’t like the fact Blondie was hurting one damned bit.
Patch began the duplicate analysis on Blondie’s contribution, praying for the palest green. The others in the room faded into the background for Patch as his eyes continually flicked between his wristwatch and the sample solution as the two minutes necessary before adding the final reagent seemed to stand still. He wanted badly to dose Blondie now but couldn’t until he got the results.
Blaze’s mind forgot all about telling them about the exfil plan as he took a seat next to Blondie and laid a hand on his back. “Hang in there, kid.” Pivoting his head, he asked, “Patch, how long?”
They all glanced at Patch when he did not answer and saw him intently staring at mirrored results as a slow grin spread on his face.
“Now.” Lifting both vials, he turned and beamed as he held them aloft for the guys to view. “Light green!”
“What does that mean?” Winds asked.
Setting down the specimen and moving to his pack he said, “Means I’m sending Blondie to lalaland. No more dirt smoothies. Minimal diquat is in his system. His chance for recovery with no or negligible long-term effects just improved. Though, I need to continue the peritoneal dialysis until his output improves.
“Putting you to sleep now, Blondie. When you wake, we’ll try some clear liquid.” Patch administered a full dose of painkillers with a sedative.
“Okay. Thanks,” Dan said as the medication rapidly wrapped him in a cocoon of blessed relief.
The room settled into silence as each man gave thanks the diquat poisoning was minimal. Brody broke the reverie. “What did you decide for exfil?”
Winds’ eyes lit with mischief. “Well, the only way Mason isn’t going to be recognized is if we dress him in a nun’s habit. The abbess is working on finding one for us.”
Everyone laughed as Mason growled. They bantered back and forth for several minutes before Blaze put a stop to it and explained the real exit strategy. Patch, Winds, Mason, and even Blaze were in such high-spirts at the thought of getting Blondie and Ripsaw to a hospital soon that none of them noted Brody’s quiet demeanor and increased anxiety.
As the others dispersed, Brody sagged in the chair, reached out for Danny and laid a hand on his slumbering brother. What the hell am I gonna do?
Inner Recesses
51
May 30
Sacred Heart Abbey – Chapel – 1500 Hours
On his way to the abbey’s kitchen, at Blaze’s behest to take a break and eat something, Brody halted when the crystalline voices chanting a liturgy filled his ears. The pure tones seeped inside soothing him. He leaned against the wall, shut his eyes, and listened, soaking in the sounds.
Mary Catherine caught sight of one of the men as she approached the chapel. A soft smile came to her face as she noticed his attentiveness to her sisters singing liturgies. She slowed her pace and coming to a stop, serenely said, “Would you like to come inside with me?”
Eyes flew open with surprise as his pulse quickened. He had been so drawn in by the music he lost track of staying alert. “I was only on my way to the kitchen. Blaze insisted …” he trailed off. She didn’t need to know Blaze read him a bit of the riot act to rest … that Danny would be okay, though it would take time for him to recover fully … again.
Mary Catherine perceived a golden aura surrounding this young man. The glow intensified at his heart. God has touched this man’s heart and soul. He is a bringer of light. One who shields and defend the souls of Hamon’s descendants as they walk the earth. She reached out a hand to his, sensing this earthbound guardian needed succor to bolster him. “Come with me.”
Not resisting, Brody allowed the abbess to draw him inside and sat in the back pew where she motioned him. He bowed his head when the nuns stopped and peered at him. Brody hated to interrupt.
“Please stay and listen,” Mary Catherine said.
“Thank you. My beloved mother used to sing Amazing Grace to me. On Sundays, we enjoyed singing hymns. The ones which gave me the most comfort are Ave Maria, How Great Thou Art, and Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”
Although she and the sisters didn’t sing hymns on a daily basis, their choir put on a fundraiser at Christmas time and were well acquainted with the songs he listed. Mary Catherine made a decision. She smiled, grasped his hand again, and led him to the
front as she said, “Sing with us.”
Brody blushed. “I don’t speak or read Russian.”
“It is no matter. Most of my sisters speak English. Today we will praise the Lord in your language and hymns.”
“I can sing a few in Latin,” Brody brightly smiled, anticipating singing.
Mary Catherine turned to her sisters. “A special guest is joining us today, so we will change things and sing some of his favorite hymns.”
Sister Maria beamed at the young man. “What shall we start with?”
Without hesitation, Brody said, “Amazing Grace.”
For the next hour, Brody’s rich baritone melded with lilting alto and soprano voices as they sang hymns which filled Brody’s mind and heart with joy and beautiful memories of Sunday afternoons with his mother. The music seeped in deep, restoring his balance and faith, strengthening him once again.
After the others filed out, Mary Catherine said, “Sit with me a while.” She moved to the front pew.
As Brody sat, he said, “Thank you. My mother used to say music soothes the soul and lights the path to the beauty of life.”
“I agree.” She clasped his hands and noted the aura surrounding him shone brighter than before. “Your mother is a wise woman.”
“Was. When I was nine, my father murdered her. He’s dead now too, his passing I don’t mourn. The world is better off without evil like him.” Brody couldn’t believe he shared information so easily.
“I am sorry for your loss. Do you have siblings?”
Brody’s hand slipped into his pocket and fingered the pocket knife Dan gave him only four days ago. He pulled it out and showed the jade and sapphire inlay on one side. “I have brothers of the heart. Danny …” he turned the knife over showing the inscription, Brothers Forever, “gave me this on my birthday. I like how the sapphire and jade is intertwined … like us.
“My life was bleak until I met him. Somehow, we both recognized we had a connection when we first spoke. Outwardly I was an utter mess, and he appeared put together, but he was as much a mess inside as I was outside.”
He gazed into the nun’s kind brown eyes. “I still worry for his soul. I try so hard to bring him light. My brother is one-of-a-kind and selfless. Though, he carries a heavy burden of unjustified guilt for a death he could not prevent. The loss of his sister drives him to put the lives of others before his.”
A tear slipped out. “I almost lost him again. I cannot live without him. The darkness invades me. I fear if he dies I will turn into my father. He keeps me in the light and … and …”
Mary Catherine thumbed away the tear running down his cheek. “Fear not. The Lord’s light will sustain you.” She placed her hand on his heart. “Your destiny is written, and you will not fall to evil. You possess all you need in here. The pure heart of a guardian. You are God’s warrior, and you will always protect your brother well. He is safe in your hands and you in his. Together you two represent the beauty of life.
“When darkness comes, believe, and you will find the promise within you. Your spirit illuminates your path and dispels shadows. You will never be parted from your forever brother … even in death. God blessed you, son of Hamon.”
The touch of the nun’s hand on his chest infused him with warmth like his mom’s caress did. Her words both comforted and confused him. Son of Hamon? He grinned though and said, “Thank you. Today brought back pleasant memories of my mom.”
“She must have been a beautiful lady.”
His mind’s eyes conjured an image of his mother smiling as she sang. His vision removed all traces of bruising. “Yes, she was.”
“You will see her again one day.”
“I know. I feel her presence. Sometimes I think I hear her whispering to me when I need her most.” Brody stood. “Thanks again. I need to go back now. Blaze is probably ready to send out a search party for me.”
Mary Catherine rose. “He is an exceptional leader. Keep faith in him. He will not let you down.” As the young man’s stomach rumbled, she said, “Come with me to the kitchen, and we will prepare an afternoon repast.”
The two strolled out as Catherine asked about his mother, sensing he might want to reminisce more about the happy times with her. She listened as he opened up and shared a memory of his ninth birthday when he went to the mall and they took funny photos in a booth.
Sacred Heart Abbey – Andrei’s and Tatiana’s Room – 1600 Hours
Moving her hand to her now golden blonde locks, Natia tucked her loose hair behind an ear as she stared at her reflection in awe. Wearing her sister’s mint green blouse, comfortable faded jeans, and a new pair of sneakers, the image she beheld was one she never thought to gaze upon. Her voice soft, she choked out, “This is the first time in a decade I am wearing decent clothing. I never thought … I would exist again.”
Anastasia smiled as Natia’s inner beauty glowed. Recalling a poem by Jerrell J. Ferguson, one she often read as she learned to accept the external scars left by Tyson’s brutal attack, she recited from memory, “Deep inside the inner recess, the soul of soul’s address. Carefully crannied from view, lives the spirit of you. So the surface shows, but not everyone knows.”
Pulling her eyes from the mirror, Natia turned to Anastasia, and her eyes welled up. “That is a beautiful poem. How can I ever repay your kindness?”
Anastasia took a step forward and handed Natia a tissue. Her tone gentle, “Dry your eyes. There is nothing to repay. In fact, we are still in your debt. Have a seat on the chair so I can take your picture.”
Moving to the seat, Natia asked, “Can I say thanks to the others personally.”
“Smile.” Anastasia snapped a photo of a beaming young lady. “Later, but first, how about we bring in your sister?”
Natia nodded as she stood. Nervous about what Tatiana would say, she bit her lower lip and clasped her hands in front of her.
Tatiana entered, excited to witness the transformation. She stopped in her tracks as her eyes opened wide, her jaw dropped then grew into a broad smile, and she breathed out, “Aaaah. So lovely. You are the essence of our mother.” She rushed to Natia and enveloped her in an embrace. “I missed you so much. My heart and soul rejoice now.”
Standing off to the side, Anastasia observed as Andrei, Luka, and Elsa all came in and oohed over Natia’s new appearance. Anastasia had little to do with the change, only helping to dye her hair and give it a little trim. Natia was quite skilled with makeup and allowed to do her own to her tastes, the garish face she wore in the club was now a natural beauty. She chose a light pink blush and earth tones for her eyelids. Anastasia couldn’t wait for the guys to meet the true Natia … the one who now externally reflected her inner spirit.
Sacred Heart Abbey – Unit’s Room – 1630 Hours
Returning to the room with a tray laden with sandwiches, fruits, and two bowls of broth, Brody hoped Danny was awake, and Patch would allow him to eat the chicken bouillon. When he entered he smiled, finding Danny conscious and seemingly not in severe pain as his brother sat in a semi-reclined position propped up by pillows. “I come bearing gifts from the sisters.”
He noted the room only held Mason, Patch, Danny, and Ripsaw. “Where is everyone else?”
Mason set down his book. “Dom needed some assistance, so Mike, Winds, and Blaze went with him. Anastasia is with Natia prepping her.”
Noticing the bowls, Patch turned to Blondie. “Would you like to try a bit of chicken broth?”
Lifting his lids at Patch’s question, Dan declined with a brief shake of his head, dreading he would start hurling again.
“Come on, Sunshine. A few spoonfuls for me, please. You haven’t eaten anything in two days now,” Mason encouraged. Guilt still ate at him for not smashing the damned glass of vodka.
Mason’s concerned tone got to Dan. “Okay, for you, Gorgeous.”
Brody broke out into a broad grin as he brought over the bowl and handed it to Mason. Since he got Danny to agree, he would let him handle thing
s for now. He returned to the table and picked up Ripsaw’s bowl. “Hungry, Ripsaw?”
“Starving.” He eyed Patch. “Can I have more than broth?”
“Maybe. Eat the soup first, and if you are still hungry, I’ll find you something more substantial.” Patch adjusted Ripsaw’s pillows, sitting him up so eating would be easier. With Ripsaw’s fever down another degree, it appeared the antibiotics were working, and the last wound cleaning helped.
Mason lifted the spoon to Blondie’s mouth. “Smells delicious.”
Dan opened, feeling like an invalid having Mason feed him, but lifting his arms seemed impossible and took too much effort. As the warm liquid slid down his throat, his stomach awakened and roared loud enough that Brody turned and stared at him.
“Damn, who let the lion in here,” Ripsaw quipped.
The guys chuckled as Dan shook his head.
Bringing another spoonful up, Mason said, “See, you’re hungry.”
“Yeah, but I’m not looking forward to barfing it up.”
“Maybe you will keep it down.”
“The way my stomach is churning and burning, I doubt it. Spewing my guts out hurts so damned much,” Dan said without thinking.
Mason lowered the spoon as renewed concern surged through him. He realized he used Sunshine to garner Blondie’s compliance. “If you would rather not, I won’t hold you to it.”
Dan flicked his eyes to Mason noting the crinkles at the corners of his downcast eyes and furrowed brows. Damn, I worried him more, didn’t mean to do that. Wanting to break Mason out of his apprehensive mood he blinked his eyes dolefully and asked in a suppliant voice with a feigned British accent, “Please, sir, I want some more.”
Surprise lit Mason’s countenance as the words struck him before he burst out laughing. “Damn, Blondie, that’s the last time I read to you. I thought you were asleep.”
“I like Oliver Twist.” He gave Mason a lopsided grin.
