SERENITY: A Path Home (Beauty 0f Life Book 6)

by Laura Acton

  Loki supplied information. “The south entrance is closest to the pond.”

  Nodding, Jon rapidly formulated a plan as Echo Team arrived.

  Fully geared up, Sergeant Crispin Winter and his team approached. Crispin asked, “How can you use us?”

  Jon explained, “Loki, Nick, and Ray will engage the group with the hostage and birds to negotiate. I’ll take Trevor and Brett as team one, and we’ll go around the long way to the north side for the same reason. Bram, Noel, and Carl, team two, take up a position near the south side of the pond to cover in case the subjects bolt. Team three, Crispin, Heath, and Sean, head to the picnic area and get the hostages out. Dan, stay on the subjects at the pond and Lexa you cover team three in case any subjects move in that direction.”

  Nick nodded. “Let’s go.”

  Loki and Ray grabbed a shield and everyone headed in their assigned directions breaking off into the four groups.

  Both Dan and Lexa took out their cutting tools and swiftly cut a small circle through the plexiglass for their rifles. If they needed to take a shot, they must be prepared and shooting through plexiglass would cause the bullet to stray enough that their shots would not be accurate. Lives depended on accuracy. Once finished each called in that they were in position.

  Dan focused on the subject who hauled the hostage to his feet. He noted the man wobbled as he stood and a trickle of blood ran down his face. “Hostage is now standing but unstable and needs medical attention. Subject has his gun pressed to the hostage’s side and is prodding him to walk.”

  Tia communicated, “EMS en route.”

  Aviary Sanctuary – Inside – 4:30 p.m.

  Noel, Carl, and Bram moved into position. Bram crouched down near some bushes while Noel and Carl took cover further away behind other foliage. He quietly informed, “In position.”

  Jon, Brett, and Trevor found locations and then called out, “Team one ready.”

  Waiting, unseen close the man-made pond, Nick pitched his voice soft so he couldn’t be overheard. “Crispin, have you gotten the hostages out?”

  “On our way out now. I’ll interview them outside and relay any details which might help.”

  Nick glanced at Loki and Ray. “We’re on.” The three revealed themselves to the subjects who remained near the pond because their hostage wavered and stumbled as he walked. “Police. Stop right there.”

  Five subjects turned, spotting three police officers behind shields. The two in front turned and aimed their guns at the officers but waited for instructions from their leader.

  The stocky, short man who held the hostage shouted, “We are leaving. You three can’t stop us. Mr. Faroese here will be a stuffed goose if you don’t cooperate and back off.”

  Now that he had their attention, Nick started negotiating from behind the shield Loki held. “I’m Sergeant Nick Pastore with the Tactical Response Force, can you tell me your name?”

  “My name isn’t important. What is important is that you lower your weapons and let me and my men walk out of here now,” the short subject declared.

  “No one has been seriously harmed so far. I’d like to keep it that way. How can we resolve this peacefully?” Nick took a few tentative steps out from behind Loki with his hands out.

  “Well, Nick, we can end this if you simply move out of my way and let me leave. If you don’t, you’re dead where you stand ‘cause my men are loaded with hollow point rounds,” the subject taunted.

  “I have the solution.” Dan’s stomach clenched hearing the type of ammo. He refused to lose a single member of his family today. He calculated angles and how fast he could take out three armed subjects.

  Nick stepped back to cover behind Loki’s shield. He suspected this was going to be a long standoff if something didn’t give. The subject was intent on leaving. If they’re armed as claimed, Nick couldn’t allow them to go, not that he would anyway. They were contained at the moment and needed to be disarmed here. Talking them down would be challenging. “It would be a lot better for talking if I could call you something.”

  The subject pulled his hostage, the director of the sanctuary, to the side a bit and said, “See this,” as the gun he held pushed into Mr. Faroese’s side showed, “This is my ticket out of here. Plain and simple, you back off now or Mr. Faroese dies.”

  Nick took a small breath, deciding a show of force was necessary to change the man’s mind. “I won’t lie, I can’t let you leave. You are surrounded, and we have two snipers on the roof who can take you out before you can fire. It’s their job, and they’re the best. I would prefer everyone to remain safe. Please put your weapons down. Two birds are not worth dying over.”

  All the subjects glanced around and observed six more police officers around them as TRF constables revealed themselves. But none of them located the snipers. The sergeant might be lying about snipers, but the nine officers they did see were intimidating.

  The two men holding the kakapo birds bent to slowly put the birds down as the lanky one said, “I’m not dying for some birds.”

  “Pick that bird back up,” the short, thickset leader said.

  “No!” Hans carefully raised his hands, palms outward, and started backing away from Alsatian. “You said this would be an easy job. In and out and no one would know, and nobody would be hurt. I only did this job because I needed money to buy a Christmas present for my kid. I’m not about to die for some stupid birds.”

  Alsatian became enraged. His lackey defected too easily. He should’ve been more selective, but the timing prevented that. “Pick the bird up! We’re getting out of here. They won’t shoot if we have a hostage. Those birds are worth millions to the right buyer.”

  Backing up a few more steps, Hans shook his head. “Not worth the risk.”

  “I said pick it up. Or you die.” Alsatian moved his hand holding the gun and aimed it at Hans.

  Hans’ eyes opened wide, but he stood his ground. “You’re not going to shoot me, Alsatian.”

  The other subjects stared at their leader. Crap he’s gonna kill Hans. Hans didn’t understand how fast Alsatian turned insane when someone challenged his authority. They’d seen more than one man die due to Alsatian’s rage.

  Though, in the face of so many police, one of the gunmen started to lower his weapon. “Hans is right, Alsatian. We’re outnumbered three to one.”

  “Shut up, Goswick, or you’re next!” Alsatian stated harshly.

  Nick whispered, “Dan, PapaGolf if that finger moves to the trigger.”

  “Copy,” Dan said watching closely.

  Nick directed his comments back to the leader. Having heard a name, Nick tried, “Alsatian, you don’t want to do that. Stop. Put the gun down, and everyone gets out of here unharmed.”

  Hans took another step back.

  Alsatian moved his finger about to squeeze the trigger.

  In the space of that fraction of a second, Dan took the shot.

  The rifle report was heard as Alsatian dropped to the ground with a single well-placed shot between the eyes.

  Loki, Ray, Jon, Trevor, and Brett rushed in yelling, “Drop your weapons,” as the other subjects stared at Alsatian then dropped their weapons quickly and put their hands up.

  Carl, Bram, and Noel covered them, but the gunshot also startled the six geese near Bram. Six extremely angry, fourteen-pound, Canadian geese began honking and racing towards Bram. They started to attack him, flapping their six-foot wings and trying to peck him. Bram raced away as Noel and Carl suppressed laughter and covered the rest of the guys.

  Bram was chased by the geese for about twenty yards, and two of them flew up pecking at his head, as the others bit at his butt and legs. They finally relented once the intruder was far away from their nests. Bram stood stunned for a few minutes as the now placid geese waddled back to their pond. He rubbed his backside where he had been nipped twice. Damn. I never expected anything like that. Geese are mean and dangerous.

  He glanced at the guys who held the subjects in cus
tody and stood staring at him with smirks on their faces. Crap! This one is gonna feed jokes for a loooong time.

  Aviary Sanctuary – Roof – 5:00 p.m.

  Dan pulled his headset out and sat down after the remaining subjects had been cuffed. He leaned against the concrete wall to which the plexiglass dome was secured. He didn’t feel the biting cold of the snow seeping through the seat of his pants. Dan bowed his head—taking a life was always so hard.

  Images and details ran through his mind repeatedly. Dan clearly saw the moment the subject’s finger moved to the trigger. He understood it would be his word only. No one was close enough to see Alsatian’s action, as such NRB would scrutinize this call. He was aware questioning would be intense and take considerable time today even though he had orders from Boss. Needing a moment to regroup, Dan decided to let NRB come to him.

  After packing her gear, Lexa walked close to Dan on her way to the fire escape. “Good shoot, Dan.”

  Dan only peered up at her for a second then he dropped his head back down without speaking. Both knew protocol, and it was essential to follow it today. So he was not surprised when Lexa didn’t linger to offer support. That would come later if he needed it.

  He, Lexa, and Jon rarely talked about the lethal shots they had to take, but they offered emotional support by being near. The whole team had neutralized at least one subject, so they understood what it felt like, but he, Jon, and Lexa had taken the most lives. It was not a bragging point. It only differentiated them from the others. The emotional toll added up. Each person had been someone’s baby at one point in their lives.

  Tonight, Dan would be visited by nightmares. It happened every time he took a lethal action. The form of which he could not predict. Sometimes he relived the shot, other times he was assaulted by older memories, and sometimes it was things that hadn’t actually happened. Like the weird one, he talked to Bram about when the snakes held his unit and Alpha team came in as elephants to save them. Dan began to prepare himself mentally for dealing with the NRB questioning.

  Several minutes later, a male voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “I’m NRB Agent Toulouse. Constable Broderick, you are sequestered. Please hand over your weapon and gear.”

  Dan glanced up. NRB and the name Toulouse was emblazoned on the jacket. He stood and handed his rifle over then removed his gloves and put them in the second bag held open for him. “My kit is all right there,” Dan said motioning to the ground next to him.

  On autopilot, his world still a bit muted and surreal, Dan started for the fire escape. His boot hit an icy part of the roof, and he slipped but caught himself before he fell.

  Toulouse asked, “You alright?”

  Dan nodded. “Yeah, watch your step there. It’s slick.”

  “Thanks.” Toulouse side-stepped the slippery spot. He didn’t understand how someone remained so calm and unaffected after taking a life. Snipers were unquestionably a different breed from most cops.

  Who’s Buying Rounds and My Dads

  24

  December 17

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:00 p.m.

  Bram sat quietly as the rest of the team milled around. They were waiting until Dan arrived before heading out to the Gus’ Pond. The teasing had started on the way back to headquarters, but it was more restrained than it might’ve been because a subject had died.

  Striding in, Nick said, “Just got off the phone with Dan. He’s on his way. He said he wanted to shower and he would meet us at the Pond.”

  Jon stopped his pacing and turned to Nick. He knew the shot was justified, but always worried until the ruling. “The decision?”

  “Legal use of force. No issues.” Nick heard the collective sigh which mirrored his own a few minutes ago.

  Bram swiveled to face Nick. “I’ll wait for Dan and drive him over, so he doesn’t have to ride his bike after today. You all can grab us a table.”

  The team nodded and headed out without further comment, each ready to put today behind them and relax.

  Sean, Echo Team’s techie, entered the briefing room snickering as he saw Bram. “You’re so lucky the cameras were all down in that place. Otherwise, Loki would have a photo of you being attacked by those geese plastered around headquarters and video playing on a loop.”

  Bram smiled. “Small blessings!”

  “Did they break the skin?” Sean asked as he sat down to fill out a report.

  “No, but I’m gonna be requesting goose for dinner on Christmas.”

  Sean burst out laughing. “I know who to tag as the subject if the aviary is missing any geese.”

  Bram chuckled, and conversation stopped as Sean delved into his report. Fifteen minutes later he glimpsed Dan coming out of the stairwell. He went to meet him.

  Surprise evidenced on his face, Dan stopped when Bram approached. “Don’t tell me everyone waited? I said I’d be there.”

  “They went ahead to secure a table. I’m gonna give you a ride to the Pond and home tonight. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning also. Now go shower and change. I’m so ready for a beer after today,” Bram said.

  Pleasantly surprised Bram stayed and offered to drive him, Dan accepted without hesitation. “Thanks, appreciate the offer. Give me ten minutes.” Dan hurried off to the lockers.

  After the grilling he received at NRB, cycling home would help clear his head, but the night had become rather cold and tomorrow’s weather report called for snow early in the morning. So Bram’s friendly offer to give him a lift was agreeable.

  Dan needed to think seriously about getting a vehicle like he told Loki. When I return from Ottawa, I need to make getting one priority, so I don’t inconvenience the team. I won’t drive every day. Only on bad weather days. Two other benefits are the team won’t mother-hen me to death, and I won’t be a burden on them.

  The Pond – 7:45 p.m.

  Bram rubbed his hands briskly as he and Dan entered the Gus’ Pond. The temperature dropped considerably since leaving headquarters, and the wind had picked up. He caught sight of the team. “They’re in the back, Dan.”

  “Yeah, I see,” Dan replied walking behind Bram. He slowed his pace as he looked down trying to dislodge the zipper on his jacket. Dan wanted to open it because the bar was toasty warm, but his zipper got stuck mid-way down.

  As he ambled after Bram, focused on his annoying zipper, he didn’t notice a big man push his chair back from a table and begin to rise. Dan ran smack dab into the chair knocking it out from underneath the man. Taken by surprise, the man lost his balance and began to fall. He fell in Dan’s direction, and they landed on the floor with Dan under the man.

  Gerry scrambled up. “Whoa, sorry. Had a few too many tonight it seems. Can’t even stand without falling.”

  Dan winced. The weight of the man hit him square in the chest. Damn! I avoided doing anything to stress it today, and it was feeling better—until now.

  Seeing the blond man wince, Gerry bent down. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He reached out a hand to help the smaller man up.

  “No. Not at all. My fault. I should’ve been watching where I was going.” Dan took the offered hand and stood. “Sorry.”

  “No worries mate,” Gerry said as he glanced at his date when she came to stand next to him.

  A tall woman smiled and hung on Gerry’s arm. “Gerry, honey, let’s go. I need to drive you home before the storm hits.”

  Gerry nodded. “Gotta go. Have a good night.”

  “Drive safe,” Dan said as he continued to the team’s table.

  Having seen the fall, Jon asked, “You okay, Dano?”

  “Yeah, my fault.” He struggled with the stuck zipper again. The damned thing wouldn’t come down. Time to get a new jacket. Giving up Dan sat on a bar stool resigned to being hot and uncomfortable, his displeasure showed on his face.

  Lexa pursed her lips together to hide her smile at Dan’s pout. She understood he would be sweltering soon in the over-warm bar because she removed her jacket for the same reason. Rea
ching out, Lexa turned Dan to her and grabbed the metal zipper tab. With a swift tug upward then down, the zipper magically undid all the way.

  “Thanks. How’d you do that?” Dan graced Lexa with a lopsided grin.

  “Talent.” Lexa tilted head with a sly smile.

  Loki chuckled. “So Dan, we took the liberty and ordered the first round. On you of course.”

  Dan groaned. “Of course. Next two are on you, golden poultry boy.”

  Loki sputtered. “Hey, I wasn’t hurt either of those times. By that definition, you owe one for being a frozen sniper.”

  The team all chuckled, and Nick said, “Jon’s buying the next round. Four stitches trump flying hens and a golden sugar and onion ring bath.”

  Jon shook his head. “I believe Ray’s eight stitches beat mine. So round two is Ray’s responsibility, and I’m number three.”

  Ray sipped his beer. “Nope. Your stitches plus bruised shoulder from whacking into the beams beat out my simple cut.”

  As Jon and Ray debated who owned rounds two and three, Dan glanced down at the cold beer in front of him then waved to the waitress.

  Casey came over and said, “What ya need, Dan?”

  Dan took out his wallet, removed his credit card, and handed the plastic Casey. “This round is on me. Can you also bring me a root beer? Oh, and an order of onion rings for Loki. He has a hankering for them lately.” He turned and winked at Loki, not suppressing his grin.

  “Sure thing, sugar. Back in a jiffy,” Casey said as she sauntered away.

  “Har de har har. Real funny. Perhaps I should order you a pear icee?” Loki retorted, grinning and delighting in their playful repartee.

  “Then I’ll order you roasted hen with a side onion rings and golden sugar-coated yams,” Dan countered, needing this banter after today. He pushed the beer to the center of the table. None of them touched alcohol after a lethal shot. That was a path to destruction none wanted to go down.

  When Dan moved the mug, both Jon and Lexa realized the team’s mistake in ordering Dan a beer and were glad he decided not to drink it.