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

by Laura Acton

  “Sorry,” both Anastasia and Dan said simultaneously.

  Dan released Anastasia’s hand and reached into the bag of snacks. He tossed the beef jerky to Brody and a held a cola out to him. “You are damned well hungry. I know what you did … what everyone did. Eat something.”

  With two free hands, Anastasia took the soda from Dan and opened it for Brody, then opened the jerky bag.

  Before long, Mason appeared, and he and Blaze rigged safety lines and set about refueling the plane as Mike returned to the cockpit to prepare for takeoff.

  Seaplane – 1130 Hours

  After a harrowing take off, Dan held Brody’s hand providing a calming link for his brother, while Brody, Blaze, Mason, and Anastasia all consumed items from the care package Mike brought. Both he and Patch only sipped ginger ale. Patch because his stomach needed settling, which once they gained altitude his nausea ebbed, and him because Patch would not allow him anything solid before being checked by Dr. Pastore.

  The thought of food remained constant on Dan’s mind as he continued a dialog to keep Brody’s mind actively engaged on anything other than the fact they were on a plane. “What’s your favorite dessert?”

  Brody arched a brow at Danny. “You want to talk about food?”

  “Why not?”

  “Uh ‘cause you can’t eat anything?”

  “So? I can still dream. So, what is it?”

  Brody thought a moment. “Angel food cake with fresh strawberries and tons of whipped cream. I can guess yours … oatmeal raisin walnut cookies.”

  “Nope … though they are my favorite cookie.”

  Mason entered the conversation, as he returned from taking Mike a soda and a few candy bars, “How about strawberry shortcake? I remember how much you enjoyed the strawberries Buzz and Dutch brought you.”

  “No, but I won’t turn down strawberries.”

  Anastasia smiled and shared a funny childhood memory. “I once made a pound cake. My family gagged when they tried it. I guess I mixed up the salt and sugar. I put a half teaspoon of sugar and two cups of salt.”

  They all chuckled, and Patch said, “We’ll keep that in mind if you come bearing baked goods.” Turning to Blondie, he guessed, “Lemon pie?”

  “Like it but not my favorite.” Dan took a sip of soda.

  Grinning as everyone took part in distracting Brody from his anxiety of flying, Blaze was proud of his unit. “How about black forest cake?”

  Mason grimaced. “If it was, it certainly isn’t now … that has cherries in it, and Blondie said he hates cherries.”

  Dan glanced at Brody.

  Rolling his eyes, Brody said, “You gotta be kidding me …”

  “What?” Mason asked for everyone.

  A lopsided grin grew as Dan said, “I’ll never drink a cherry liqueur again, but I love cherries when they are in a cobbler. The best I ever had was made over the fire in a Dutch oven. Had it when I was six … when I went camping with my cousins.”

  Unbeknownst to Blondie, each of the guys share the same thought. I’m going to talk to Jarmal and ask him to make Blondie cherry cobbler.

  Kandahar – Base Tarmac – 1900 Hours

  Their flight back had been delayed at Herat airport, waiting for clearance to take off. During that time, everyone changed into the only dry clothes available. Anastasia’s pack which contained her clothing became soaked when she fell into the sea. So she wore Blondie’s basketball shorts cinched tight and one of Mason’s t-shirts, which ended up looking like a poncho. She cut a length of rope and tied it at her waist to act as a belt.

  Blondie’s clothes were luckily dry since Brody carried his pack over. He shimmed into his jeans and borrowed one of Brody’s t-shirts since he didn’t wear one the day they left, and Julie ruined the shirt he had been wearing. Both Blondie’s and Anastasia’s feet were clad in only socks given their shoes were soaking wet too.

  The others also wore mismatched rumpled items. The disheveled unit disembarked to find activity in a fevered pitch. Most of the commotion appeared to be mission-related as they noted Yankee’s unit boarding helicopters. Blaze had radioed Colonel Sutton to provide their status and need for medical attention, so two ambulances and one vehicle awaited them.

  Though Blondie and Patch wished to walk, medics with stretchers met them at the exit. Blaze grinned as Brody slung Blondie’s arm over his shoulder and Mason did the same with Patch and ignored the medics as they walked their brothers to the waiting medical transports and climbed in with them. Blaze, Anastasia, and Mike got into a waiting vehicle which followed them to the base hospital.

  Master Corporal Murphy glanced over at the seaplane and caught sight of Broderick. He sneered and complained under his breath, “They go on vacation while we do all the work. Perks of being the general’s son.”

  Yankee overheard and recognized Murphy continued to hold mistaken beliefs regarding Dan Broderick. As a former Guardian unit commander, he saw through the operation’s ruse. He also visited Ripsaw in the hospital. A fish did not cause his wound. Yankee didn’t address the issue now because his unit needed to focus on their mission. “Murphy, concentrate your attention on your task, or you might end up with a permanent vacation.”

  William observed his son from a distance with Tom, his worry easing and guilt increasing as Daniel walked with assistance. “I won’t be joining you for debriefing. I think it would be better given what we’ve learned from Dom. I want them free to express themselves. I screwed up in rushing this op. I sent them in without full details, and it almost ended in disaster.”

  Tom remained still. He disagreed but telling William was a waste of breath because his friend believed it to be so. “As you wish. We’ll wait until after Jasper’s assessment to schedule the after-action report.”

  Base Hospital – Exam Room Two – 1915 Hours

  Captain Kate Brewster, at the request of Major Pastore, entered the examination room wondering why she was requested. Although, she suspected this might have something to do with her spending a few hours this afternoon with Colonel Sutton reviewing and signing paperwork for an increased security clearance. She stopped abruptly when she spotted two familiar faces.

  “Hi, Mom. I tried to keep Danny outta trouble, but he is a glutton for punishment,” Brody quipped.

  She began to open her mouth when Jasper entered carrying several clipboards. “Evening, captain. Sutton informed me of your new clearance level. Here are the charts for Broderick, Shea, Lyons, Hunter, Blain, Sròn … Srònai … oh heck, Mason, and Galloway. Seems they ran into some mishaps while on R and R. All test results will be sent with pseudonyms. You will be the only nurse with access to their actual permanent files and results.”

  Kate’s brows arched. “What aliases do you want me to use, sir?”

  “You decide since you will be managing their records. Shea and Mason are in room three, Galloway and Blain in four, and Lyons is in five. Broderick poisoning, Lyons concussion, and Shea severe dehydration are our priorities.” He handed the clipboards to Kate and turned his attention to Dan. “Let’s take that shirt off. I want to check the catheter site. Patch indicated you took a dip in the sea and I need to ensure the waterproof seal held. With no spleen, we will monitor you closely for infection.”

  Dan stripped off his shirt and allowed Pastore to do his examination. He listened as the doctor rattled off the tests he wanted to be performed as Kate made notes. “Doc, I promise to drink if you don’t do an IV.”

  Jasper stopped. “Sorry, not possible. But how about we do an oral sedative, and you go to sleep before Nurse Kate does it. We can do the blood draw at the same time. If we need more blood, the line will be in, and you won’t be exposed to any needles. How’s that sound?”

  Dan blew out a breath. “Yeah, I guess we can do that.”

  “Kate will bring you the sedative while I check on Lyons, Patch, and the others. You’ll be snoozing soon.” Pastore left with Kate following him.

  Brody spun on the stool relieved to be back.
“We made a difference.”

  “Yeah, we did.” Dan laid back and relaxed his sore muscles.

  Base Hospital – Six Room Ward – 2310 Hours

  A grin plastered on Blaze’s face as Winds entered. He embraced his best friend, patting his back heartily. Although he knew from the point of Mike sharing his conversation with Dom that Winds and Ripsaw made it to the base, his disquiet didn’t ease until he set eyes on Winds.

  “Happy to see you too.” Winds stepped back and gazed around the ward at his brothers in various beds. He went to Mason who sat up and gave him a one-armed bro hug, followed by one for Brody too. He headed for Patch’s beside and shook his head. “Seasick? All the shit you go through, and seasickness sets you on your ass.”

  Patch chuckled. “Hi to you too.”

  Winds eyed Patch’s IV. “How long are you all in for?”

  “Blaze, Mason, and Brody overnight for observation. Me …” he glanced towards Blondie, “likely as long as, Blondie.”

  Catching Patch’s drift that Blondie could use a hospital buddy, Winds nodded and turned his attention to the kid. “How did you do his IV and have you heard anything about his kidney function?”

  Blaze said, “Pastore gave him an oral sedative and waited until he nodded off. He did it mostly so he could do a blood draw. Didn’t take long for him to fall asleep since he barely slept the past two days. He’s been out about three hours. Pastore is running tests and said the results would be available in the morning. Where is Ripsaw?”

  Winds grinned. “He hobbled over to visit Anastasia when we learned from Mike she is staying due to a concussion. Ripsaw said something about wanting to offer to give her a sponge bath.”

  The guys chuckled, and when they quieted, Patch asked, “How is his leg?”

  “Excellent. He’ll be laid up a few more weeks as it heals, but Pastore was impressed with your treatment of his wound. He is still taking a course of antibiotics. The infection was staph I think. What about the rest of you? Mike said you went without food.”

  Blaze stretched out on his bed. “We’re alright, the doc is only being cautious with our cover story. Apparently, we all accidentally consumed some weird fish which causes hallucinations.” He yawned, as fatigue caught up with him.

  “Get some rest. I got Blondie overwatch tonight.” Winds took a seat near Blondie’s bed and pulled out a Russian language textbook.

  “What do you have there?” Brody inquired.

  Winds grinned. “Figured it was about time I expand my language skills set. Go to sleep, I need to study.”

  As his buddies nodded off, Winds set the book down. The worry he experienced the last two days finally began to ebb away. He glanced at the door hearing the distinct sound of Ripsaw on crutches. Winds put his finger to his lips as Ripsaw appeared in the door and moved to him. He spoke quietly, “They’re all okay. How about you go back to the barracks.”

  Ripsaw hobbled to the open bed. “I’ll sleep here unless they kick me out.”

  Winds picked up his language book as he gazed around the room again. This is the best damned unit I’ve ever been with!

  Mike Galloway’s Quarters – 2345 Hours

  Mike eased himself down on his bunk after popping two ibuprofens and washing them down with water. He stared at his phone and brought up his dad’s number. Doing the mental calculation, subtracting eight and a half hours he figured it would be three fifteen in the afternoon Montreal time. He pressed call and lay his head on his pillow.

  “Hello, son,” Charles said with a smile in his voice. He swiveled away from his office desk and looked out the window at the beautiful clouds and blue sky, his worry easing dramatically.

  “Hi, Dad.” Mike paused then said, “Thank you for your help. I didn’t mean for you to be pulled into my world.”

  “Michael, I’m happy you called. Son, your world is mine. I may not be aware of all you do, but I know my boy, and anything you are involved with must be worthwhile and in the best interest of the just and righteous. My participation has been quite limited, and quite frankly, I worried I might’ve said something wrong and caused …” he trailed off unable to speak the words your death.

  “Actually, you helped more than I can tell you. How are you and Mom doing, and my sisters?”

  “Everyone is well. Did William tell you I was planning a trip to the Middle East next week? It will be a short one, a few days only before I return home.”

  “Yes. Where exactly?” Mike shifted getting more comfortable.

  “Oshar. I have business to discuss with Ifran Al Sattar.”

  Mike bolted upright and his ears buzzed as his thoughts ran rampant at the name Al Sattar and the location. Panin … that is where the rat bastard is. The general had not authorized a mission to deal with Panin, he was understanding and shared his desire to go after the man, but military resources would not be sanctioned for a personal vendetta.

  He declined when William suggested he take a couple of weeks of leave to heal and spend time with his family. Now his mind changed … “I have a bit of R and R. Why don’t you stop over here and pick me up before you go to Oshar? I would love to spend some time with you. Then I can head home with you and visit the rest of the family.”

  Charles smiled. “I would like that. I can introduce you to Ifran. He is the Crown Prince. I used to conduct business with his father Umar, but Ifran took over from Umar ten years ago. We have a long history with them. An honorable family. I need to offer my condolences too. Umar’s youngest son recently passed away from an allergic reaction to cherries. Quite unexpected and sad.”

  Interesting spin. “When will you be here?” Mike’s mind began to plan as he listened. This would be a prime opportunity to get into Oshar to find Panin, but he needed Dom’s help so he didn’t mess up his family’s business.

  Great Minds

  65

  June 4

  Base Hospital – Six Room Ward – 0900 Hours

  Jasper shared the news, “Patch’s early intervention with the bentonite clay and peritoneal dialysis means you will suffer no permanent kidney damage. We will remove the catheter today and release you tomorrow provided your urine output is adequate.”

  “What about food … can I eat yet?” Dan gazed hopefully at the doctor, wishing for something more than liquids.

  “Yes. I ordered oatmeal from Jarmal for your first meal. If you don’t experience any pains or problems, you may eat anything you want after that, though cut back a little on the spicy. Can’t try each variety of Jarmal’s five-alarm chili in one sitting. However, there is one restriction. No alcohol consumption for at least a month. I don’t want you taxing your kidneys or your GI tract. Although there’s been no more cramping, I don’t want you to develop a bleeding ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorders.”

  “Done.” Dan swiveled to grin at Patch. “I owe you.”

  Patch shook his head and grinned. Relieved his actions turned out to be the right ones, and Blondie wouldn’t be plagued by renal impairment.

  Jasper turned to Patch next. “Want to keep you until tomorrow too. The IV will stay to help with rehydration. If you can keep food down, I’ll remove it later tonight.”

  Pivoting to face the remainder, Pastore didn’t divulge his real reason for the cover story he devised on the fly last night. “You are all free to go unless you want to bunk in here another night. I can make the case either way.”

  Blaze stood, recalling the activity on the tarmac. “Release us. The beds might be needed for other soldiers.”

  Jasper nodded. “Give me about an hour to submit the paperwork.”

  As he strode out, Kate entered smiling and carrying a bowl of hot oatmeal chocked full of raisins and walnuts with a sprinkling of cinnamon. “Heard someone is hungry.”

  A wolfish grin covered Dan’s face as he reached for the oatmeal and a satisfied, “Mmmm,” escaped after the first enormous bite.

  Base Hospital – Anastasia’s Room – 0920 Hours

  Mike knocked and opened
the door a crack as he called out, “Okay for me to come in?”

  “Yes.” Anastasia pulled her covers higher as Mike entered. She viewed his bruised face, noticing the swelling was down in his left eye, and it opened fully today. “I’m sorry, but I never thought ...”

  Taking a seat near her bed, Mike sighed. “I’m still a little angry with you.”

  Anastasia put up a hand. “Wait, please … let me explain.”

  Mike nodded and remained silent.

  Her hand went to her lower abdomen, and she took a deep breath. “I didn’t describe you. Not intentionally. I used Tyson, my ex-fiancé, as a template for Timur Romanovich’s attributes. I relied a bit too much on reality to ensure I kept my statements consistent with the officer.

  “Tyson shaved his head and wore a beard. His features are similar to yours, but I never thought anyone would ever mistake you for the man I made up. I didn’t recognize how alike you were my depiction when you shaved your head. But I’m still sorry … I should’ve realized. Can you forgive me?”

  Recalling what Anastasia shared with him in the Anzhi-Qala hotel room, Mike understood why she would use Tyson as a model. The art of lying required you to keep things straight. Using her history would allow her to do that. “Nothing to forgive. I understand now. How are you doing?”

  “Fine, but tired. The doctor is keeping me one more night for observation. Can you do something for me?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “I would like you to arrange to deliver cherry cobbler to Dan when he is cleared for food.” Anastasia beamed a bright smile at Mike.

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thanks.”

  Mike rose. “Rest now.”

  Anastasia closed her eyes, wishing she could sleep for an entire week as she drifted off again.

  As Mike left, he spotted Ripsaw making his way down the hallway. Perhaps now that the mission is over, those two might get together. There appears to be a spark between them which might light up if given half a chance.

  General Broderick’s Office – 1000 Hours