GUARDIANS: Mission To Rescue Innocence (Beauty 0f Life Book 7)

by Laura Acton

  Thoughts of the hazing incident slammed into Dan’s head. “Trapped in a box isn’t much different than being tied up in a sleeping bag. Can’t Patch just knock me out?”

  Brody blanched. He failed to make the correlation of Danny being restricted similarly and unable to swim to save himself. With false confidence, he assured Danny, “It will be okay. I’ll be right there holding your hand when you most need me. I promise once onboard you’ll be freed immediately and you will be wearing a personal floatation device this time. I will not break my word.”

  Dan’s eyes searched Brody’s. “If they find out I’m afraid of water, they …”

  “They won’t. If you could be completely unconscious, I would make sure that happened, but Blaze brought up a critical point. Transferring to the seaplane will be risky. You can’t be oblivious to your surroundings. If you fell in …” Brody’s voice became choked up. “I’m not gonna let that happen, but … Danny, you can’t be wholly incapacitated.”

  “But I’m gonna shake nonstop and freeze up,” Dan said with a hint of fear.

  Brody reached out and steadied Dan’s tremoring hand preventing the ceramic mug from slipping. “Shaking is easily explained away with your current condition. As for freezing, I don’t think you will. You’ll be going from the yacht to the plane, leaving your fear behind.”

  Partly trying to lighten the mood and partially covering his own anxiety, Brody chuckled. “Besides, if anyone is gonna freeze it’ll be me. ‘Cause after we make into to the aircraft, I will be facing my fear. I’ll distract you while in the water if you distract me when we are in the air.”

  Permitting Brody to take the mug, Dan lifted a cracker and nibbled. Brody’s aerophobia worsened after their unit crashed. Dan still carried a bit of guilt for allowing the fire to scorch Brody’s arm. And although he bore no visible scar from the burn, the memory seared into Brody’s brain and justified his fear of dying in a fiery crash, burning alive.

  Dan managed a smile. “Okay. You get me through the cruise, and I’ll get you through our flight, and we’ll both be happy to be back on terra firma.”

  They talked about the changes to the plans as Dan slowly drank the broth and gnawed on saltine crackers. With all the drugs clouding Danny’s mind, Brody wanted to make sure Dan retained all the essential pieces. Once Brody was satisfied Dan was prepared for exfil, he changed topics.

  He shared with Dan something he learned last night. The news would make Dan happy. “The abbess and Sister Maria told us they located five of the kid’s families already. Relatives are traveling here from various locations, and the first one will be arriving in four days.”

  Dan smiled. “That’s awesome.”

  “Yeah, one of the families is for the oldest boy, Misha. Apparently, he didn’t like his parent’s curfew and ran away believing they were too stringent and he was old enough to take care of himself. His first night away from home one of Panin’s goons grabbed him while he slept in an alley,” Brody imparted.

  “I’m happy for him. I bet their rules don’t seem too restrictive now.”

  Brody’s head bobbed in agreement and voiced something he would only ever say to Danny. “Wish when I was sixteen someone, anyone, gave a damn about me. I could’ve been gone for days and my foster parents wouldn’t have bothered to lift a finger to report me missing.”

  “I care about you, brother. Wish we met as teenagers.” Dan gazed at Brody, the brother of his heart. The one man he trusted beyond measure. The person who understood his issues and never once belittled him for his insecurities.

  Brody chuckled. “Well, you were technically a teenager … though, you acted older than any eighteen-year-old I ever met. But I know what you mean … we both had sucky lives until we connected in boot camp.”

  Sighing at Brody’s words, Dan thought about Bella … the bright spot of his teenage years. Without her or the police officer who found him, he might’ve ended up dead or possibly in a similar situation as Misha or Brody.

  Exhaustion creeping in, Dan accepted Brody’s help to take another sip of chicken bouillon. A wild thought from left field popped into his head, and he said, “I would love to have a bowl of Maisie’s chicken soup right about now. She made the best soup ever.”

  His brother could still surprise him with pieces of his past, Brody’s expression turned quizzical. “Who is Maisie? I don’t think you ever mentioned the name before.”

  Dan smiled and shared, “Maisie Craig. She is Doc Landry’s wife. She ran a general store in the little town near where Wilson took me skiing. I came down with pneumonia after I jumped into a lake to save a little girl who fell through the ice while skating. Anyhow, Maisie made homemade soup for me. It was the only thing I would eat.

  “Heck, it was all I kept down for a few days. I haven’t thought about Maisie in years. I guess all this talk of water, being sick as a dog, and the chicken broth made me think of her.”

  Brody grinned and said, “You didn’t hesitate to help the girl. Focus on her while on the boat, and you should be able to calm yourself.”

  Dan shook his head. “That won’t work Brody. I still suck at swimming. The reason I ended up ill … inhaled too much water as my head kept going under. And I wasn’t terrified of drowning back then.

  “I still remember what it was like to take one last breath, knowing it was my last. To go under for the final time when Warren could no longer hold on to me. The blackness which surrounded me.”

  He tapped his chest, crumbling the cracker in his hand. “The burning here as I held my breath for as long as I could … which is a hell of a long time. I sank into the darkness, unable to do anything … entirely helpless and knowing with the next breath I inhaled my lungs would fill with icy water and I would die. All those emotions come back every time I’m near open water.”

  Dan drew in a ragged breath as remembered blackness surrounded him, and his body trembled. “Deep water scares the shit out of me, Brody. The mere thought of being on a boat in the middle of the sea has me quaking. I’m not sure I can do this, but I have to try because I cannot fail the unit. They won’t leave me behind, and this is our only exfil option.”

  Brody took the cup and set it down. “I think this shaking is more related to you overexerting yourself. How about you lay down and rest. At this moment, don’t think about getting on to the yacht. Focus on resting. Together we’ll handle this, and the guys will never be aware of your aquaphobia. Rest now.”

  Utterly wiped out from the physical exertion of drinking soup combined with floundering psychologically, Dan allowed Brody to help him lay back and brush away the crumbs.

  Their brother bond strong, Dan trusted Brody. He will safeguard me, and the others will never know water scares me shitless. In turn, I will distract Brody during the flight and maintain his confidence too. This is what brothers do for one another. We shored up the other when we needed it most, and we always take care of each other without fail. Fears of air, fire, and water will never defeat us while we avow solidarity on earth.

  Brody positioned Danny on his side and placed the basin within his reach as a precaution in case his repast decided to make a reappearance. His brother’s eyes closed as soon as his head hit the pillow and his breathing cadence indicated sleep in less than a minute. Good, he needs rest to regain his strength. Perhaps I should tell him about the four angels. Nah, he’ll think I’m nuts.

  A small wisp of a melodious voice whispered to him, “The angels are not manifestations of a fractured mind or figments of your imagination, my sweet boy. Believe. Guardian Angels are with you to strengthen and guide you on your path. Keep faith.”

  Picking up the cup, he smiled, buoyed by the sense his mother was near and by finding Danny drank almost all the broth. He realized Danny managed to eat six crackers too. He hoped they stayed down.

  Brody turned to take the tray back to the kitchen, and his smile faded when he found Blaze staring at him with a concerned expression. Crap! How much did he overhear? He moved forward, hop
ing to avoid talking to him, but Blaze stood and silently followed him out.

  When Angels Communicate

  56

  June 1

  Sacred Heart Abbey – Kitchen – 0555 Hours

  Brody finished washing Danny’s mug, as the omnipresent gaze of Blaze bore into his back. Avoiding him was unrealistic, he recognized that the moment he connected eyes with him in the room. Nevertheless, Brody took his time, dragging out the chore the sisters proclaimed they didn’t need to do, yet each of them insisted on completing so as not to be a burden.

  He glanced at the wall clock before him and wondered what cosmic fate intervened as he saw a second set three identical numbers. First, 4:44 a.m. when Dan awoke, and now, 5:55 a.m. This abbey did strange things to him. A thrum of energy coursed through his veins ever since he sang with the nuns.

  As he slowly dried the mug, more of his mother’s words seeped in. She talked of angels often. His belief in guardian angels came from her. She also had an interest in numerology and imparted little tidbits to him.

  One stuck out now given the hands on the clock. On their special trip to the mall, he helped a woman when the battery on her wheelchair died. With permission, he pushed the lady’s chair all the way outside to her van, up the ramp, and locked it in place in the driver’s area. Before he left, she gave him a tip … all the cash in her wallet … five dollars, five dimes, and five pennies.

  He ran all the way back to Mom with a huge grin. With the money, they were able to take five funny pictures in the photo booth. He learned about triple fives that day. He could almost hear his mom’s dulcet voice explaining the meaning to him right before taking the snapshots.

  Five is a powerful number. Triple five amplifies its power and indicates a positive change is coming. When angels communicate 555 to you, be receptive to letting go of what no longer serves you and trust your instincts. Maintain faith, release your fear and doubt, and embrace what is offered.

  Brody nodded as if listening to his mom again. He inhaled, placed the cleaned mug on the shelf, exhaled, and turned to bite the bullet.

  Drawing deep down, Blaze waited with the patience of Job as Brody decided to face him. He wanted to rage and yell, but Brody’s avoidance spoke volumes. He maintained a calm exterior, but his tone held the note of authority. “Why didn’t you tell me Blondie is terrified of water?”

  As he held his CO’s gaze, Brody retorted more harshly than he intended, as fear of breaking Danny’s trust seized him, “Because it is none of your damned business.”

  Blaze’s eyes flared, giving credence to his moniker, as his concern for the son of his heart surged. He failed to maintain his composure as he snapped back angrily, “Everything to do with the safety and running of this unit is my business.”

  Fiery hazel eyes locked on jade orbs as a glaring contest ensued. Blaze released first as he blew out a breath to regain self-control. What the hell am I going to do? He raked his fingers roughly through his jet-black hair before allowing one hand to squeezed the back of his neck. He growled in frustration and began to pace, struggling for a path forward and wishing for words of wisdom from his father.

  Brody exhaled gradually, somewhat in shock he spoke to his commanding officer in that manner. So much for letting go of fears and doubts and being open to change. Shit. What should I do? Blaze’s point is well-founded, but I gave my word to Danny not to divulge his aquaphobia.

  Murmured words tickled Brody’s ear hitting him on an unconscious level. “Trust, believe, embrace change.”

  Taking a moment to study Blaze, noting how upset he appeared, Brody’s mind whirled. Trust. I can trust Blaze. He will never hurt Danny. None of them will. They proved that many times over.

  Offering an olive branch, Brody said, “This never surfaced as a bone of contention for us being stationed in the desert. I promised Dan not to tell. He has been through too much and taken too many blows to his ego lately. He views this as a weakness. I don’t, but that doesn’t mean crap. Only how Danny feels is important now. Dan’s reason is valid … neither trivial nor irrational.”

  Blaze quit pacing, calmer now and ready to listen. “Tell me, please.” He sat on the bench, his voice weary with concern, “I genuinely care about the kid … more than I ever imagined. I need to cover his six, and I can’t do that if I’m unaware of his issues.”

  Brody considered the emotion in Blaze’s voice. Although a struggle for him to divulge a confidence, he realized Blaze overheard them so he would not be disclosing the secret. He only asked the why of the phobia. Brody blew out an aggravated breath deciding what, if anything, to communicate to Blaze.

  To stimulate open dialog, Blaze took the first step, trusting his instincts. “I’m not certain if it is apparent to you … but, if not, allow me to make something crystal clear. It took me a while to realize … hell, Winds recognized the signs first … it didn’t visibly manifest until after we rescued Blondie.”

  Realizing he babbled, Blaze got straight to the point. “Blondie is the son of my heart. Affection snuck up on me. I’m not sure what triggered my mindset, but the thought makes me happy. I only have his best interest at heart. So, if you can, I would appreciate you sharing why water frightens my son.”

  Two unexpected emotions warred in Brody for a moment. The first, overjoyed for Blondie … he needed a father figure with faith in him. Second, envy … he wished for a father as solid, capable, and caring as Blaze. His first emotion won. Sucking in a breath, he sat across from Blaze and made a decision. He opened up to change and prayed this led to a positive result.

  “Please, I want to help if I can,” Blaze prompted again.

  “Alright, but Blondie can never learn I told you. I’m only revealing to you what instigated his fear because you overheard us talking. If you had not, I would never betray my word.”

  “Duly noted. For the record, you are not disloyal. You are protecting him. And as you said, I found out when Blondie said ‘deep water scares the shit out of me.’ You are only filling in details.”

  Brody drummed his fingers absently on the tabletop. “It all started with a stupid hazing incident gone wrong. After we completed MP training, we somehow drew the same duty station, CFB Gagetown, which thrilled us. New to the base, we took every opportunity to make new friends … difficult to do for Danny with the last name Broderick. It seems like most people either hate him without provocation or only want to befriend him thinking he will garner them special favors.

  “Six guys in our squad invited us to join them on a camping trip to Grand Lake. We jumped at the chance … they seemed to be the rarity for Dan … guys who honestly sought to become buddies. We had a fun time with Warren, David, Zane, Raoul, Harry, and Brad on the drive … lots of lighthearted razzing. We arrived late afternoon and set up camp on the beach.

  “The day of the trip was close to my birthday, so Danny brought a bottle of Jack Daniels for me, and he must have told the others because I ended up with five bottles as gifts. Sitting by the campfire that night, I shared my bounty, and we all imbibed more beer and JD than prudent.

  “Me and Danny fell asleep first, and when we woke before dawn, we were bound tightly in our sleeping bags. We all laughed as Danny and I strove to escape. David came up with what he thought was a hilarious way to initiate us. Alcohol severely impaired judgment as they hauled us on the boat, still bound in our sacks, and drove around the lake joking about tossing us overboard.”

  Brody’s voice became quiet. “A fight broke out between David, Warren, and Zane. Warren insisted they go back to shore and release us, said we were suitably hazed. Zane and David wanted to continue. Harry gunned the motor when David, a bit of a hothead, struck Warren. Raoul grabbed hold of Zane. Brad held me. Warren stumbled, knocking him and Dan overboard.

  “Wanting to return fast, unfortunately, Harry turned too sharply for the speed and flipped the motorboat. David hit his head when we overturned and was knocked unconscious. Harry and Raoul rescued him and pulled him onto the capsized hull. Ha
rry stayed with David. Zane kept me afloat while Brad used his knife to cut my bindings, releasing me from the bag.

  “Once freed, me, Zane, Raoul, and Brad started swimming toward Dan and Warren. I’m a strong and fast swimmer. I tried so hard to reach Danny. They screamed for help … their terrified pleas echoed in the morning mist.” Brody rubbed at his ears as if Danny’s panicked shrieks rang in them even now.

  “They kept going under. Warren is a poor swimmer, one reason he argued fiercely to stop the hazing. Danny sucks at swimming too, but securely tied in the sleeping bag, he could do nothing to stay afloat … dependent entirely on Warren to keep his head above the surface. At forty-five degrees, the water temperature hindered our efforts, zapping our energy rapidly.”

  Brody’s voice became thready and thin, “I was too far away and too late. Danny cried out for me to save him one more time as Warren’s grasp on him failed. I witnessed Dan go under, then Warren too before he popped up once more. When I reached where Danny went down, I dove for him so many times I lost track of time. I couldn’t see anything … a dark, dense mantle enshrouded us. I refused to give up, and by the grace of God, my hand bumped into him. Air trapped in his bag kept him from sinking to the bottom.”

  His vocalization crackled with emotion, “Dan was essentially dead when I brought him up. No discernable pulse. He drowned. I bawled as the coast guard rescue team pulled us out of the lake. I grieved all the way to the hospital. I thought I lost Danny all because of some stupid drunken prank.”

  Taking a steadying breath, Brody continued with a stronger voice, “The doctors told me about a mammalian reflex which sometimes occurs when someone drowns in frigid water. As they warmed him, Danny’s heart started beating again. I still contend a miracle from God occurred.