by Laura Acton
“Anything you need. But first, I must escort Anwar back to his mother’s room. She will be worried.”
His expression trusting, Anwar smiled as he turned to Dan and raised his arm to mimic the snake again as he hissed.
Nick wondered about the gesture but remained silent.
“I remember the false cobra, Anwar.” Dan copied the motion.
“He remembers you.” Shareef’s jaw dropped.
Anwar reached out to touch the golden hair. Remaining still, Dan allowed Anwar’s touch and ended up with the young man hugging him again. This time Dan held him until the teen pulled back, not wanting to set him off again.
Shaking his head, Shareef said, “You made an impression on him at an early age. Embracing is his way of telling someone he feels safe with them. He is guileless, yet shy of most people. For months he only allowed his parents and me to come close.” Realizing he had an audience, Shareef stopped and addressed all. “Thank you for your efforts. If you will excuse me, I will take Anwar to his mother now and return to provide you with my statement.”
EMS entered and began to assess Reece. Nick strode over to speak with Inspector Pope who appeared once the call went out about an incident at the conference.
Jon eyed Dan but held his tongue. The rest of the team followed suit, but Dan realized he was in for it in debrief. He sucked in a deep breath and exhaled gradually as he headed for the security room to check on the lieutenant governor.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 9:30 p.m.
“… and if you ever, I mean ever, pull a dumbass stunt like that again you will be off Alpha Team!” Jon finished haranguing as he stopped pacing and glowered at Dan.
“Jon could’ve killed you. You want him to have to live with that?” Ray belted out, losing his cool.
Dan turned away from the team and raked his fingers through his hair as he gazed at the city lights. Debrief had been more difficult than he imagined. Jon was merciless in his ranting over the last hour. Boss and Bram stared at him with disappointment, and now Ray hit below the belt.
Shooting Jon and Ray a glare full of daggers, Lexa growled, “Low blows. I don’t like what he did any more than any of you, but neither of you better go there again. Dan is part of this team … this family.”
Loki gaped at Ray. “Lexa is right. I can’t believe you of all people would say something that mean to Dan.”
“I only stated it in a way that might get through his thick skull. He can’t go rogue. Boss told him to hold. Jon took a shot because he expected Dan to stay put.” Ray defended his position.
Arguing renewed among all the team except Dan, everyone expressing intense emotions regarding the incident. Dan remained quiet and stared out the window. Today began so well and ended in disarray. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on the cold pane of glass, wishing for a cool breeze and pondering how he might make them understand.
Floating near Danny, Brody lay a hand on his shoulder as he turned to his fellow guardian angels. “Do something. Danny doesn’t deserve to be treated like this. He did what was necessary to save both souls today.”
Joseph sighed. “My brother is not in a mood to listen. He rarely is. Muleheaded, but his heart is in the right place. He doesn’t express concern well. You must realize what is going through his head. If he killed Dan, it would eat him alive. Much like how killing you consumes Dan.”
“But he didn’t. Danny is too fast, and he survived.”
Kaitlin smiled as Lexa defended Dan when Jon started in on him again about proper protocol. “With your help, Brody.”
“And Joseph’s. If not for him, Jon’s finger would have reached the trigger at his usual speed. That fractional hesitation is the difference between life and death today.” Esteban hovered near Ray trying to imbue him with calm. The day Ray joined TRF was the happiest day for him, his best friend found a true calling and made a difference in many lives. Usually, Ray maintained his equanimity and paid attention to his whispers, but not today. Though, he understood Ray’s concern … Dan did take too many risks.
A proud papa, Leonardo grinned when his son united his voice with Lexa’s in supporting Dan. His boy grew into a superb man. Although he wished he could have been there to protect him physically from Narciso, he did shield Dante’s spirit ever since the day he died. Every night when Loki was a child, he would cradle him in his arms and whisper loving words to his little boy. His efforts kept Loki in the light when he could’ve been pulled down a dark path with all Narciso’s cruelty.
Janie listened to her team of angels. Brody was right, the diatribe aimed at Dan must stop. She leaned close to Nick. “Careful. His wounded soul is still fragile. Dan needs support and guidance, not anger. Time to rein in your team. A gentle hand on his back will do more to help him than words.”
Nick rubbed his ear as a slight, soft buzz sounded. A moment later he stood and walked to Dan. Laying one hand on the rookie’s back and raising the other to indicate a halt in the discussion, he addressed the team. “Stop! Enough.”
Jon stared at Nick. “Not enough until Broderick promises me he won’t do something as asinine again.”
The warmth of the Boss’ hand on his back caused Dan to lift his head and turn to the others. His eyes locked on gunmetal gray ones as he said, “I’m sorry, but … if I can protect someone, I will. No one needed to die today. It was a move I knew I could make.”
Gently, Nick asked, “How?” When Dan peered at him, he clarified, “Help us understand.”
Dan blew out a breath. “I can’t say much.”
“Tell us what you can then.” Nick returned to his chair. “I suggest everyone sit and listen.”
Jon sat and crossed his arms over his chest, an indicator he remained unhappy. When Nick shot him a glance, he loosened his body, set his hands on the chair armrests, and leaned back. “Okay. I’m listening.”
A knock on the side door interrupted them, and Peter opened the door. “Sarge, before Tia left she said to bring you the file on Berry when it came in.” Receiving a nod, Peter delivered the folder and hurried out.
Lexa said, “What does his record show?”
Nick took a few minutes to review the information before relaying the details. “Corporal Berry sustained a GSW to his leg, which ended his military career. A year ago, today, his unit was ambushed as they escorted a water truck to a village whose well had been fouled in fighting with insurgents.
“Sergeant David Wilder, his CO, was killed in action, and the other four men in the unit also sustained serious injuries. Reece was honorably and medically discharged in August after extensive medical rehab. He received a Sacrifice Medal and the Medal of Bravery for actions taken to save the lives of the men until a rescue unit arrived.”
Dan sat in his chair when Boss finished. The room remained quiet until he spoke. “I disobeyed the Boss. I’m fully prepared to accept any penalty for my insubordination, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.” He put up a staying hand as Jon’s mouth opened. “Listen, please.”
Clamping his mouth shut, Jon nodded.
“I was in the right position and possessed no doubt about my ability to disarm Reece.” He blew out another breath. “It is a technique Ripsaw drilled into everyone after Blaze got cut attempting the move in a similar situation. Blaze demanded the highest standards, so we practiced until we were all proficient. I wouldn’t have suggested disarming him if I was not entirely certain I could do it without an innocent being injured.”
Loki spoke up, “Do you consider yourself one of those innocents?”
His choice of words had been deliberate to exclude himself but to hopefully satisfy the others. Dan gazed at Loki as he waited for him to respond.
As the seconds dragged on, Loki raised his brows. “Well?”
Struggling to come up with an answer Dan said, “I once took a vow to be a guardian of innocence … I will never break my word.”
“Is that part of Special Forces?” Ray inquired as calmness finally settled over him.
>
“Sort of.” Dan spoke a truth, but not one which would reveal the existence of the Guardian units. “It was an oath I made when I joined Blaze’s unit.” Then to deflect, he turned to Nick. “So, what is my punishment for disobeying your command to hold?”
Listening to his internal voice, the one which urged him to be careful with a fragile soul, Nick considered his options. Technically, he should write Dan up for his insubordination and file a formal reprimand. Though, he didn’t think that would serve any purpose. He also weighed his knowledge that Dan would never disobey unless the situation was dire … the soldier in the rookie remained quite evident.
What he wanted, what they all wanted, was for Dan to recognize he was as valuable as the rest of them and they would be equally devastated if anything happened to him. They needed to mentor him and guide him to make the shift from soldier to cop. Dan continued to make strides in that arena, but still had a long way to go.
However, he must also convey the seriousness of his breach of protocol. He couldn’t let him off with only a verbal warning. Nick rubbed his ear as a buzz sounded again … the motion corresponded with an idea. Affecting a stern countenance, Nick said, “Your action put yourself at risk. We can debate the issue as to whether your decision to act was right or not, but the fact remains, you disobeyed a direct order which put you in harm’s way.
“Out there, we work as a team, and we need to trust each other. There are times for debate, and I am willing to listen to suggestions, but when Jon or I give an order, we expect it to be followed. We have the priority of life protocol, hostages, officers, subjects. Notice that officers come before subjects … even when a subject is a good person experiencing the worst few minutes of their life. Our job is dangerous, but we aren’t expendable.”
Nick locked gazes with Dan. “You are not expendable. We care about you, and you are an important member of our team. I never want to call your parents to inform them you died because you placed more value on a subject’s life.”
Dan cringed at the thought of his mom receiving that call. Boss’ stern but caring words affected him, unlike Jon’s bellowing. He bowed his head to hide the emotion roiling within him.
When Dan lowered his eyes, Nick realized he made an impact. “That said, though I should file a formal reprimand, I won’t. Instead, you will be responsible for counting ammo for the next two months. Use the time to reflect on how much you mean to all your family.”
Surprised sapphire eyes raised and gazed at warm hazel ones. He couldn’t believe there would be no official record of his failure to follow a superior’s command. Although, the thought of counting ammunition for months almost made him wish for a written warning. “Yes, sir.”
Nick turned his gaze to the rest of the team, assessing their reaction to his action. He read varying emotions. Jon appeared somewhat mollified with a small smirk showing … likely because they all hated tallying ammo. Bram gave him a slight grin, indicating he approved. Ray returned to his placid countenance and nodded. Loki didn’t look pleased. With his words of support for Dan, he most likely believed the punishment too harsh.
He grinned as Lexa placed a hand on Dan’s bicep and his smile increased as the heart of their team spoke.
Pleased by Boss’ decision, Lexa touched Dan’s arm. “Hey, we all care, and we are happy you are still here. Perhaps you can teach us all that move.”
Dan glanced at Lexa. “Sure.”
Jon relaxed his body. “Unless anyone has anything more to say, debrief is finished.”
Turning to Dan, Loki said, “I have one question.”
“What?”
He lifted his right arm and mimicked Anwar’s motions. “What is this all about and how do you know royalty and a baron?”
Dan arched a brow. “That is three questions.”
Loki grinned. “So?”
Realizing Loki would hound him until he answered, Dan chose to share details which were no longer secret and didn’t violate the securities act. “Baron Wildingham is the father of the general’s lead security man, Mike Galloway. So, it is more that my parents know him, not me.”
“And this?” Loki waved his arm again.
“When Anwar was ten, I saved him from a snake which behaved like a cobra.” Dan refused to say more, they would have to wonder about the rest.
Loki’s eyes rounded and when Dan remained quiet he pushed, “Really? Where, when, details?”
Jon stood. “Debrief is over. Loki, Dan has said all he can on the subject. Don’t pester him, lest you want a reminder of the corn maze.”
Grimacing as he recalled what Dan disclosed, Loki clammed up.
Nick rose and said, “Long day. Everyone go home and rest.”
Jon agreed. “No work out tomorrow. See you all at seven.”
Wanna Come to My Place?
77
January 5
The Pond – 8:30 p.m.
Dan sipped his beer as Loki teased Bram about coming in this morning with glitter in his hair, courtesy of Allie running pell-mell down the stairs, tripping, and Bram catching her as the open baggie of glitter flew into the air and dusted everything in sight. The last four days of shift had been predominantly uneventful. They served a few no-knock warrants, taking down a drug dealer and a couple of Blooddrop Crew leaders.
Things with Jon mostly normalized, though he wished now, he received a written reprimand. Jon ended up assigning him to count ammo for all the teams, not only his, to drive home his disapproval of the way Dan stopped a member of the gang from fleeing when they executed the warrant. The chore sucked, but overall, Dan was happy. He enjoyed his work and being with his chosen family. Nonetheless, he missed spending time alone with Sexy Lexie since they had yet to find an opportunity to be together after work.
Exhausted by the events at the conference and the arduous debrief on the second, Dan went straight home to bed without company. The evening of the third, he met up with Blaze and Winds before they returned to Ottawa. His news about Anwar’s misfortunes cast a pallor on their festive occasion. Last night was a no go too because Lexa’s friend Hailey showed up at headquarters, back from Amsterdam for two days, and she wished to hang out with Lexa.
A tap on his arm had Dan turning to Loki. “What?”
“I asked if you thought Bram would look better in pink or gold glitter.” Loki beamed, having fun tonight.
Dan chuckled. “Pink. Definitely pink. Gilt is your color sugar man.”
Bram chortled recalling Loki covered in golden sugar and onion rings. He fist-bumped Dan.
Tired, Nick said, “I’m heading home. Enjoy your days off …” His phone ringing cut the rest of his sentence. The team glanced at each other wondering what was up when Boss said, “Commander?” Their curiosity didn’t last long as Nick hung up and turned to the group with concern etching his features.
“Sergeant Winter suffered a dislocated shoulder, and Carl is being kept overnight at the hospital due to a concussion after they tumbled down a flight of stairs when a subject barreled into them during a domestic violence call. With both the sergeant and tactical lead out of commission, Gambrill assigned us to take Echo Team’s next four shifts. They are on the noon to midnight rotation, so I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Jon set down his partially consumed beer and eyed the team. “No more alcohol. Plan to be at headquarters at ten forty-five. We’ll do a shortened hour workout tomorrow so you can stay up later to reset your internal clocks.”
Ray set his beer on the table, wishing he refrained from ordering a second one, though he wanted to drink tonight. Serving the warrant on the Blooddrop Crew today stirred up unpleasant memories, mainly when Alonzo Nores taunted him in the same manner as when they arrested him last August. Luckily, the others were too busy with subjects to overhear the man’s jeering threats … little piggies like him deserved to die. If meant to be intimidating, Alonzo failed, but it still brought to mind things Ray would rather forget.
A grin on his face, Loki peered at Ray. “You w
anna come over and play Beasts of Nephilim. I got the expansion pack.”
Needing to get out of his head, Ray chuckled. “Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun.”
“Dantastic, you want to join us?” Loki asked.
“Thanks, but not tonight.” Dan grinned thinking he and Lexa might be able to swing some time together.
“Come on, what is better than playing Beasts?” Loki pestered.
Bram rose from his chair as he said, “Night all. I’m gonna go home to my lovely wife. And Loki, think about who you are asking that question of.” He chuckled as he put on his coat.
A wicked grin played on Ray’s face. “Sinner has a few hours to play with the ladies. What will it be tonight, brunette, blonde, or a raven-haired beauty?”
Dan only cocked his head and arched a brow. Better to let the guys believe he dated a lot of women since it provided a useful cover.
“I’m outta here too. Kent is still up, and since I’ll miss his recital tomorrow, I should spend some time with him tonight.” Jon rose and grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair.
As the team cleared out, Lexa and Dan bid each farewell. When only they remained, Dan leaned in close and whispered, “Ray was off the mark. Tonight it will be a lovely auburn-haired beauty. Wanna come to my place?”
Lexa laughed. “Sure.”
Dan’s Apartment – 11:55 p.m.
Lexa plopped down on Dan’s couch as he put away the cookies and leftovers from their meal at the Firestick Grill. It had been a while since they stopped for dinner there and once Jarmal closed, he joined them to shoot the breeze. They stayed longer than planned when D’Ante sat down too.
Noting a cardboard box on his coffee table, Lexa peered inside and her eyes rounded as her mouth formed an o. Inside, surrounded by white tissue paper, lay a curved dagger similar to the one Reece held to Shareef’s throat. The hilt, jade green instead of white, was inlaid with diamonds and onyx with delicate gold scrollwork. Beside the box lay quality stationery with what appeared to be an official crest on it and a missive written in Arabic script.
