by Laura Acton
His weary eyes moved from the image of Daniel Broderick to Ifran as he entered the room. “What did you discover?”
Taking a seat next to his father, the only other person in the room, he allowed his conflicted emotions to be viewed. “Difficult to find information without using our resources, but like you—”
“Yes. Too sensitive to go beyond you and me.”
“And Saleet and Jaasir …” Ifran sighed. “I sent Fakhir’s remaining guards on a fool’s errand for the next few days so they cannot identify Broderick. The last thing we need is for Shareef to get wind Fakhir’s killer is under our roof and protection. I’m making inroads with him, but Shareef’s temper still runs too hot and has a long way to go before he learns to rein it in fully.
“As to what I gleaned by speaking with Fawzi, Daniel is General William Broderick’s only son. The Broderick family maintains an illustrious heritage of service for many generations. All males serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Specific details on Daniel are sparse. I did not dig as hard as I might since I didn’t want pique Fawzi’s curiosity.
“My skills on the internet are abysmal … though I did a rudimentary search, I found many Donald Blain’s and even with a photo he could be anything from an airline pilot to a zoologist. Though given the rank of Charles’ son, and how they operated in the Cherry Club, my bet is all three are military.”
Umar nodded. “My guess too. The haircuts, body language, and their calm and collected demeanors speak of discipline.”
“I’m conflicted, father. I want vengeance for Fakhir’s death … but Daniel’s honesty in describing his actions and motives gives me pause. Each word spoken corresponded with the recollections of our own men, including how Fakhir’s deeds contributed to his death.”
“Ifran, I too struggle with what to do with Broderick, unsure if we can trust him not to reveal Fakhir’s immoral behavior. I recognize I own a share of my son’s demise as well. Had I reined him in and denied him the means to live as he did, he would not have met Panin Savelievich and therefore would not have been in his den of iniquity when these men showed up to rescue the children. However, I am sure we can never allow Savelievich to be tried publicly for his crimes. The dishonest man would seek to ruin us in a heartbeat.”
“Agreed on Savelievich.” Ifran studied the monitor. “I spoke with Jaasir before I returned. I tasked him with subtly learning more about them. He will report to me later tonight.”
“You gave him leave to speak English?” Umar reached for his tea.
“No, you did.”
“I did not.”
A smile crossed Ifran’s face. “Yes, father, you did when you instructed both Saleet and Jaasir in English.”
Umar’s shoulders sagged. “I am becoming an old man if I made a grievous error such as that.”
Ifran’s features softened. “Not old, only a bit weary after carrying the weight of so many on your shoulders and dealing with your grief over the loss of your youngest son. If you wish, I will handle things this afternoon so you may rest for a few hours.”
“Yes, that would be advisable.” Umar rose and laid a hand on Ifran’s shoulder. “Allah blessed me with a dutiful and honorable son.”
After Umar left, Ifran increased the volume to eavesdrop on the men in the visitor suite, hoping to find clarity to assist him in his decisions.
Al Sattar Palace – Guest Suite – 1310 Hours
Dan paced the common area adjoining the three bedrooms opening into the suite. He and Blaze shared the room with two twin beds while Mike and Charles took the larger ones with queen-sized beds. The accommodations appeared to be set up for guests with children based on the layout.
After arriving in the room, Jaasir, asked about his dietary needs. He wanted to say sarcastically ‘anything that doesn’t contain poison,’ but refrained and requested sealed bottled water only, not wanting to speed up his demise.
When Jaasir only stared at him, Charles interceded and spoke to the guard. With no idea what Charles said, Dan decided Arabic would be the next language he studied if he lived. Now though, his mind ran through many scenarios. None of them ended with him leaving here alive. Dan halted at the window, wishing for a cool breeze to help him think.
As Blaze reclined on one of the low couches, he recognized Blondie’s agitated state. His thoughts were as disturbing as the ones he presumed rolled through the kid’s mind. When they followed Saleet to their quarters, he noted many guards roaming the palace. Getting out without harming anyone would be nigh on impossible.
He glanced at the closed door to Charles’ room. Mike entered with his father an hour ago to engage in a private chat. Blaze’s brows rose at the thought of private. Nothing in this room would be confidential. He, Blondie, and Mike all quickly spotted the hidden cameras most people would miss. Blaze figured bugs had been strategically placed around the rooms too.
Standing Blaze turned to Jaasir who now sat by the door. “Are we confined to this suite or may we take a stroll outside?”
“You are honored guests, not prisoners. Although I must accompany Mr. Broderick, you are both free to go outside. There is a garden if you would like to visit.” Jaasir stood.
“How about it, kid? You want to grab some fresh air?” Blaze placed a hand on Blondie’s shoulder when he didn’t answer. “Earth to kiddo, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Dan drew his eyes away from the grove of trees, wishing he could climb one.
“Yeah, me too. Who wouldn’t be under these circumstances? But I asked if you wanted to join me for a walk outside.” Blaze’s reason for going out was two-fold. One, he recognized Blondie needed open air to relax, and two, he could recon the exterior to add to his possible exfil plan.
“Are we allowed?”
Boy, Blondie must be distracted to miss the entire conversation. “Yeah, but Jaasir comes with us.”
Al Sattar Palace – Garden – 1330 Hours
Though hot, a gentle wind blew in from the Gulf bringing relief from the oppressive humidity. Aimlessly, Dan ambled along the edges of the vast lawn. His eyes landed on the gaggle of children kicking a ball around in the grass.
It appeared the emir’s extended family all resided here. He wondered if any of the kids were fatherless now … he had no idea if Fakhir had been married. Images of Fakhir’s eyes played in his head … first the ones that looked at him with lust, then those filled with fury as Fakhir aimed at Ripsaw.
Mike joined Blaze and Jaasir who sipped iced tea while seated at a shaded table on the patio. He accepted a tall glass of tea and relished the cooling effect as he swallowed.
“Where is your father?” Blaze inquired.
“Resting. Jet lag. His system is still on Montreal time.” Mike scanned the area and located Dan. “My father trusts things will work out.”
Jaasir attempted to do as Ifran ordered as he said, “In the club, you thanked me for saving your son’s life … you are not related.”
“Son of my heart. He is a special man willing to risk his life to protect others,” Blaze said as he studied Blondie. The kid appeared as if he was walking to the gallows. Shifting his attention to Jaasir, he queried, “Why did you save him? You must’ve witnessed what occurred in the foyer.”
Knowing no listening devices were located in this area, Jaasir spoke from the heart. “I could not abide with Fakhir’s choices. My duty is to shield the emir’s family even when I disagree with them. However, I am also a father to many lovely girls, and my eldest two are the ages of the ones in that room. You brought Kevlar vests for the girls. I understood perfectly you came to recuse them and were not buyers trying to abscond with them.
“I have seen men Savelievich poisoned before. This may sound coarse, but I didn’t expect him to survive. In principle, I did my job, eliminated those who might reveal Fakhir’s presence.”
Blaze stared. “Why didn’t you shoot me? I was not poisoned and could’ve revealed his presence.”
Fakhir glanced down then met the hazel eyes.
“I wanted Daniel to live. I wished to give him a chance. He is a valiant warrior with honor. Fakhir possessed none. I told my uncle this. He is aware I spared Daniel’s life.”
“Your uncle?” Mike turned confused eyes on Jaasir.
A grin played on Jaasir’s face. “My mother is sister to Umar.”
Screaming from across the yard interrupted any further conversation as all three men rose and started running towards the children who shrieked. Upon arrival, they found Dan on the ground holding his calf.
“What happened?” Blaze took a knee beside Blondie.
Dan’s furrowed brows indicated pain. “Cobra got me.”
A boy of ten started rapidly speaking in Arabic to Jaasir. When he finished, the child dropped to the grass and stared at the golden-haired man with awe as his thin body shook with adrenaline. Jaasir spoke into his walkie-talkie requesting aid immediately. “I failed in my duty to protect you from harm. Help is on the way. Remain still. Can you describe the snake?”
“Straw colored background checkered with brownish spots running along the body. The belly was cream colored. The reddish eyes had round pupils. It held an attack stance, spreading its neck into a hood, and hissed.
“I didn’t move fast enough. This isn’t your fault. I will make that clear. I couldn’t let the cobra strike the boy. He is so little the venom would’ve killed him faster than help could arrive.” Dan blew out a ragged breath. He expected to die, but not by snake bite.
“Blaze pulled Blondie back to rest against him. “Poisoned again. Damn, kid, you have the worst luck ever.”
Leaning back, accepting Blaze’s help, Dan said, “Technically, it is venom, not poison.”
“Splitting hairs again. Regardless of the difference between injection and ingestion you are still in deep shit again.” Blaze’s grip on Blondie’s shoulder increased.
Ifran ran at full tilt to the yard. When he came to a stop, he picked up the youngster and started searching over his body. Finding no fang marks, he hugged his son to him as his heartbeat began a slow descent to normal. “Jaasir, what happened?”
Rising, Jaasir said, “Daniel saved your son from what he believed was a cobra. From his description though, it might be a hooded malpolon.” He pulled out his phone and began an internet search on snakes.
Anwar tugged on his dad’s shirt and spoke Arabic. “I ran after the soccer ball Majdi kicked into the bushes. The snake reared up and hissed at me. I froze, scared it would bite me. That man,” he pointed to the blond, “ran over really fast and moved between the angry snake and me, lifting me up and away right before it struck.”
Several more adults and all the children gathered around, all hearing Anwar’s tale as Ifran stared at Daniel.
Mike stood behind Blaze wearing a worried mien. “What is a malpolon?”
Jaasir pulled up an image and showed it to Daniel. “Does this resemble the one that bit you?”
“Yes, it does. The red eyes are the same.”
A relieved sigh emitted from Jaasir. “A false cobra. Although not a cobra, the moila snake’s fighting habits mimic one, and they can be quite aggressive. Fortunately, their venom is non-lethal.”
The tension in both Blaze’s and Dan’s bodies ebbed out. Blaze took on more of Blondie’s weight as the adrenaline crash caused him to sag. He softly squeezed the back of the kid’s neck as he asked, “How is a bite treated?”
“Cleaning the wound to prevent infection and antihistamines to ameliorate the symptoms of the toxicity,” Jaasir said.
Taking no chances, Ifran directed the medical personnel to carry their guest to his room and provide all appropriate treatment. He followed until his wife rushed over to him. He stopped to reassure her Anwar was unharmed and left their son in her care before heading to his father’s room.
General Broderick’s Office – 1400 Hours
William set the after-action report on his desk and allowed his eyes to close. He focused solely on breathing to calm the emotional storm brewing inside. The situations the men encountered and their actions revealed each was indeed a guardian of the innocent. To be precise, he needed to add several women to the list too … Anastasia, a young woman named Natia, Mary Catherine, and the sisters of Sacred Heart Abbey.
Without Daniel, Dom’s daughters would’ve … he didn’t like to think about what would’ve happened. Without the others, Daniel would’ve … likewise, he pushed the thought of what could’ve occurred away. He opened his eyes and closed the file before turning his attention to Tom. “Commendations are in order. I would like you to start the paperwork for the concealed versions of the following awards.
“For the entire group, the Medal of Bravery for acts of courage in hazardous circumstances. Also, the Meritorious Service Cross. I believe their highly professional actions brought considerable honor to the Canadian Forces. Additionally, Daniel, Ripsaw, and Mike should receive Sacrifice Medals for their injuries.”
Smiling and agreeing wholeheartedly, Tom offered one more. “I believe Dan’s actions merit the Star of Military Valour also. He demonstrated distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy. The unit’s description of his actions while poisoned rise to that level.”
A proud expression covered William’s face as he gave a slight nod as Merrill buzzed and informed him Private Bransworth requested to speak with him.
After entering and being told to be at ease, Bransworth said, “Sirs, I detected searches on Donald Blain, Mike Galloway, and Daniel Broderick originating from Oshar. I was able to get ahead of whoever was seeking information on Broderick and deleted all data.”
William stopped him. “Are you saying Daniel’s history was not scrubbed?”
“Yes, sir. Nothing of consequence exists for Blain and Galloway, but items which should’ve been deleted when the master corporal joined the Guardians were still out there. I initiated a check on all the Guardian’s identities to ensure they are secure. To my surprise, I discovered background material on Hunter and Broderick. I ascertained Corporal el-Younis was assigned to clear their histories, but he apparently did a poor job, or only went through the motions. I’m not sure which at this point.”
Tom arched a brow. “Unlike him. Wonder why he dropped the ball.”
Unnerved by the fact Daniel and Brody might have been at risk due to the failure to cover their identities, he said, “Tom, contact his CO and find out what happened. This cannot be allowed to occur again.”
“Will do, sir.” Tom turned to Bransworth. “Anything else to report?”
Bransworth couldn’t hold back the smile. “One thing, sir. A report from Cold Lake, Alberta indicated Gennadiyevich had been recaptured. A friend of mine who works for the RCMP in the area told me it turned out to be false.
“He shared with me that your nephew Scott was taken into custody by an overeager Mountie. The supervising officer, cleared the error when she asked Scott for his name. Your other nephew, Adam, arrived at the station about an hour later, bringing Scott’s wallet from his quarters to prove his identity.”
William chuckled. “Trouble with twins.”
Bransworth shot his CO a confused look and Sutton waved him off as he said, “Thank you, private. You’re dismissed.” Once alone, Tom grinned at William. “Scott is surely unhappy about being suspected of being Maks. He undoubtedly resembles Maks more since they are closer in age.”
Reaching for his coffee, William said, “This is a topic I cannot discuss with any of the family. I’ll have to act surprised if any of my brothers bring it up. If I don’t, they will wonder how I became aware of the mix-up.”
After taking a sip, he set down the mug. “Bransworth … you are lucky to have found him. An exceptional resource. Fill out paperwork for a Meritorious Service Medal for him. His proactive actions have been of considerable benefit in this mission and discovering the oversight of wiping Hunter’s and Daniel’s histories.”
Tom smiled. “Will do.”
Al Sattar Palace – Reception Room – 1530 Hours<
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Umar offered refreshment as everyone sat at the circular table in the same places as they had only hours ago. As he waited for Saleet to secure the doors, Umar studied the three men who accompanied Charles into the room.
Dan sat erect, hiding his surprise at being called back to this room and noted the sealed bottle of water Jaasir set at his place as he served the others coffee. The aroma of the dark brew called to him, and he wished he wasn’t suspicious of drinking it. He blinked his heavy lids, the antihistamine making him a bit drowsy. He only accepted the medication after Blaze actively encouraged him to do so … close to an order, but not quite.
Once all were served, Umar spoke, directing his comments to Broderick. “Actions speak louder than words in measuring a man’s true character. Before you arrived, I set an edict not to search for the blond man who killed Fakhir.
“Jaasir was vocal and honest regarding the events in the club and disclosed he spared your life on two occasions. I am sadly aware of who my son was and regret I did not curb his abhorrent tendencies. Although his lifestyle disgusted me, I loved him. A father’s love is blind to some facts.
“I was satisfied to leave the matter lie until Saleet and Jaasir recognized you. When you spoke honestly of your actions and admitted your part in his death, I experienced a crisis of conscience. I required time to weigh my fatherly desire to seek vengeance for Fakhir’s life against the facts presented.
“Before Ifran came to my rooms, I made my decision. His tale of your heroics, putting yourself in harm’s way to save my grandson and future emir of Oshar solidified my choice is right, justice is served, and honor satisfied.
“In the unlikely event my other sons learn of your role in their brother’s death, I will remind them you saved Anwar willingly and without reservation. All are aware you took action believing the snake to be a lethal cobra and with no knowledge Anwar is Ifran’s son. Our laws are served, a life for a life, a replacement for the one taken. May Allah bless you with a long, fruitful life, Daniel Broderick.”
