by Laura Acton
Harriet came in with smiles carrying a platter. “Dinner is ready.”
Dan swiped his eyes and faced his godmother with a grin. “Smells delicious.”
They all took their seats. Dinner conversation was lighthearted and centered around the details of Dan’s visit to Ottawa and Harriet’s and Walter’s plans for when their kids and grandkids came to visit.
Near the end of dinner, Dan’s eyes froze on a photo of his police academy graduation with him standing next to Bella. It was at a different angle than the one Wilson took for Bella. “How did you get one?”
Harriet turned to see which one Dan pointed at. Her smile broadened. “We attended your graduation, and I took that one for your mother. I kept a copy.”
Dan blinked as a sudden realization hit him. His sapphire eyes flashed with comprehension, riveting on Walter. “It was you? All these years I thought Bella worked magic and got me into the academy early, but you were the one.”
“Guilty as charged. Though, I must tell you. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t think you were ready. You more than met the qualifications. Very mature for your age, whip-smart, spoke multiple languages, and could out shoot anyone I knew.”
Dan sank down into his chair and shook his head as his gaze fixated on his dinner plate. Coming to grips with all the unknown help he received growing up sometimes overwhelmed him. His perception was so off the mark it wasn’t funny. He lifted his eyes to his godfather. “Thank you.”
Walter frowned slightly. “I’m not so sure you should thank me. I still feel guilty about what caused you to leave and join the military. That should have never happened.”
“Not your fault, sir. None of it. Not Brogan Snow and his cronies, and not what happened after I blew the whistle on them. Without that time in my hip pocket, I wouldn’t have qualified for TRF. I never thanked you properly for giving me a chance here. I appreciate your faith in me, sir. I enjoy what I do and believe I make a difference here. I won’t let you down.”
Walter grinned. “You do us proud. I’m relieved things worked out for you.”
Harriet’s eyes misted as she rose. “Time for dessert. If I remember correctly, you enjoy cherry cobbler.”
Dan gave his lovely godmother a WOW smile. “Love it!”
When they finished with dessert and coffee, Harriet insisted Walter drive Dan home instead of Dan taking a cab. Harriet kissed Dan’s cheek right before he left and said, “I’m so pleased you came tonight. Enjoy your time with the family. And give your mom and dad my love.”
“I will and thanks again for having me. Dinner was wonderful.” He strolled out to the commander’s car.
Walter kissed Harriet. “I’ll be back in a bit, sweetheart.”
“Drive safe.” Harriet waved to Dan once more before closing the door. That went rather well tonight. Dan seemed to be in a much better place than I have ever seen him. I agree with Yvonne. There is hope for William’s and Dan’s full reconciliation. Walter’s words might settle into Dan’s heart and help him see things from his father’s point of view. Yes, William made mistakes, huge ones, but he truly loves his boy.
Harriet strolled to the couch, settled in, and pulled a throw blanket over her. She stared at her beautifully decorated tree. Every year she created an ornament for her and Walter and one for each of their children. As she gazed at each ornament, memories of those years flooded back and brought her joy.
Their tree now only sported the ones she made for them. The kids had families of their own, and she had given them their ornaments to put on their trees. Harriet loved the photo Dan shared. His tree is one Dan will always remember.
Dilemmas and Unexpected Visitors
43
December 21
Jon’s Home – 8:15 p.m.
An enormous grin broke out on Jon’s face as he entered Joey’s room, surprised and happy to find his youngest still awake. He strode forward and scooched Joey over as he sat down on the racing bed next to him with his back on the headboard and plopped his long legs on the mattress, his calves and feet hanging off the edge of the short bed. “Having trouble falling to sleep?”
Joey nodded with a worried frown.
“Why?”
“Billy said the abommmibabble snow monster ate all the reindeer except Dasher and Santa won’t have enough room to pack my drums in the little sleigh he has to use.”
Jon pulled Joey into his lap and tilted his chin up, so they met eye-to-eye. “Who is Billy?”
“Paul’s big brother. He’s eight.”
“Hmmm. I’m not sure he is right. I’m sure I would’ve gotten an alert if Santa’s reindeer were eaten.”
Joey gaped at his daddy. “You know things like that?”
“Sure. How about this … I’ll call Uncle Loki and ask him to look it up right now? You know he has an in with Santa.”
Eyes widening, Joey’s head bobbed up and down.
Jon shifted his son and pulled out his phone to call Loki.
Loki’s Home – 8:15 p.m.
Staring at the files, heartsick and stomach rolling, Loki wondered if he should’ve opened up to Dan today. Perhaps he would’ve offered some advice. He gazed at a photo of his real father—one of the few he possessed.
It was taken when his father visited family in Italy, right before he died. Deep yearning tugged at him. What would my life be like if he lived? Would I be the same person? Loki flipped open a manila folder, one he kept locked in his desk drawer to prevent his ma or sisters from viewing the contents.
His dilemma affected the people he most cared about. If he said anything he could destroy their lives, and his too. He had no way to prove anything. Loki almost wished he never started researching his father’s life. He’d opened a real Pandora’s box.
Loki’s eyes landed on the first photograph in the file, and his stomach roiled as bile threatened to rise when he stared at the two men standing together, arm-in-arm and smiling. His father, Leonardo Baldovino, on the left, and his ex-stepfather, Narciso Ricigliano, on the right. One he yearned to meet. The other he wanted to kill.
An emotion so foreign to him, that Loki swirled in a red mist when his search for information on his pa resulted in damning details regarding Narciso … a snake who … who almost certainly murdered his best friend. Not that he could prove it. The Italian police ruled his pa’s death an accident.
He closed the folder as his face screwed up tight and his fists clenched. “Even if I can prove this, do I dare say anything? What would it do to Ma to know she married Pa’s murderer? And Sonia … if this is true, then her pa is a cold-blooded murderer. How would she handle that?”
Shaking with emotion, Loki yanked open the drawer, tossed the odious file inside, and slammed it shut. “I can’t do this right now. Maybe never.” He turned the key, locking away all the pain, doubt, and ugliness of what he discovered, partly wishing he had never used the skills he developed searching for evidence on Plouffe and Pletcher to research his own past.
His ringing phone startled him. Glancing at the caller ID, he was surprised to see Jon’s name. Are we being upped for a critical call? He quickly answered. “Hey, Jon. What’s up?”
Jon’s Home – 8:17 p.m.
“Loki, I have a favor to ask. You’re on speaker phone with Joey and me. Seems Joey heard some news which is upsetting him and I need you to check with your Santa contact to verify if it is true. Can you do that?”
Perplexed, Loki replied, “Suuuure. What news?”
Joey’s voice rang out, “Billy says Santa’s reindeer were eaten by the mean addommidabble snow beast. Now he can’t bring me drums.”
Loki suppressed a chuckle. His voice taking a serious tone. “Let me get right on that.” He tapped on his computer, hastily searching for a photo which would suffice as the jolly fat man’s reindeer in stables.
Jon said, “Told you Uncle Loki would help.”
Worrying his lower lip, Joey snuggled up close to his daddy as his eyelids grew heavy.
Loki found
what he wanted. “Alright, Joey. That report is false. I just instant messaged with Santa’s elf in charge of the reindeers. They’re all merrily eating in their stalls. I’m sending you a picture now.” He hit send.
Jon’s phone pinged and he pulled up the photo. Joey leaned over and studied it carefully. “So they can still fly?”
“Yep. The elf said they’re fit as fiddles and raring to go on Christmas Eve. Oh, and the abominable snowman is actually really nice. He only had a toothache. Remember when Rudolph met him and then the dentist elf, Hermey, came along and helped him? If Billy tries to tell you mean things again, you call me, and I’ll give you the straight story. Okay, little buddy?”
Joey nodded and hugged his dad. “Otay, thanks, Uncle Loki. You’re the bestest.”
“Thanks, Loki. Hope I didn’t interrupt anything important,” Jon said as he hugged a now content and sleepy Joey. His team was the best.
Loki glanced at his drawer. “Nothing that can’t wait. Happy to help. Catch ya on the flipside.”
Jon hung up and asked Joey, “You think you can sleep now?”
“Un huh. you’re bestest too, Daddy.”
After setting Joey down, covering him up, and kissing his forehead, Jon straightened up. “Night, kiddo.” As he turned to leave, Jon saw Jen standing in the doorway smiling at him.
He flicked off Joey’s light as Jen wished Joey sweet dreams. Jon wrapped his arm around Jen’s shoulder, and they strolled to their room together for an early night. Family. I love my family. Thank God, Dan is such an excellent shot, or I might not be here with them tonight. I can only imagine the nightmares Joey would’ve had if a snow leopard ate me today.
Loki’s Home – 8:30 p.m.
Loki hung up. Helping Jon and Joey centered him. He stood and went in search of his ma. A nightcap of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and a couple of cookies would set things right. For now, he would leave the damned file alone. Perhaps after the new year, he might talk to Dan or possibly Boss and get their opinions on how or if he should proceed.
Seeing Loki enter the kitchen, Donata beamed at her son. In rapid-fire Italian, she said, “I made us some hot cocoa and Florentine.”
Loki pulled his mother close, hugging her tightly. Ma is always here for me. Speaking from the heart, Loki expressed his love for her, “Ti amo, Ma.”
Tourterelle Boutique – 8:45 p.m.
Finding the street quiet and parking not an issue, Lexa pulled to a stop in front of the boutique. Her hands gripped the steering wheel, conflict warring in her. His words continued to ring in her head, Lexa, it isn’t like that. I’m having dinner with Gambrill. I just don’t want the rest of the team knowing.
Her own words haunted her. You can fuck anyone you want. Her grasp increased turning her knuckles white. “No, no he can’t!” Releasing one hand, she swiped at the welling tears blurring her vision.
Boss’ words crept in. It’s about Dan. I can see you’ve developed some insight into him. Unable to halt the waterworks, a river started down her cheeks. “Insight, yeah some amazing insight. Accuse him of bedding another woman when all he is doing is dining with his godfather.”
Drawing in a shaky breath, Lexa let the tears fall as she wrapped her arms around herself. Her carefully crafted world was crumbling around her. All because of a man with striking sapphire eyes and a silly lopsided grin which made her insides flutter like butterflies.
Ten minutes later, cried out but no closer to a resolution, Lexa wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Not one to give in to tears often, the release of tension she felt afterward calmed her mind. She turned and stared at the little shop. The light was still on, likely staying open later since it was the holiday season.
Fortifying herself, Lexa exited her Jeep and took a wavering step toward the door. This is madness. Utter madness. I can’t even begin to afford that pendant. What am I doing here? Forcing herself, she took one step after another until she was at the door. Her hand shook as she grasped the handle and pulled.
Miriam smiled in greeting as the lovely, petite, auburn-haired woman entered the shop. “Hello, may I help you?” As the woman moved closer, Miriam noted the red eyes—she had been crying. “Are you alright, dear?”
Lexa nodded. “Yes. I was in here several days ago, and you had a butterfly necklace made of sapphires, amethyst, and diamonds. I wondered if it might still be available?”
Miriam’s eyes softened. “No, I’m sorry. We sold that one. I have other butterflies if you would like to take a look.”
A hiccup gasp escaped as Lexa turned away, eyes watering again. Taking a steadying breath, Lexa wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
Miriam moved out from behind the counter. She came close, and her aged yet delicate hand tentatively rested on the upset woman’s shoulder. Her voice soft and kind, “Oh, dear. My husband Micah is a master jeweler. He would be able to make you a similar one if you wish.”
Pulling herself together, Lexa shook her head. “I only wished to view it again. It reminded me of a happy time as a child.”
“Liar!” her devil scolded. “You wanted to buy it because you desired a special memory of the one day you could openly show how you truly feel about Dan in front of your team. You want a keepsake of what might be with Dan if you only open your heart and let him in. A love which can turn two bodies into one heart. When are you going to stop being a twit and a coward?”
Miriam watched a myriad of emotions cross the younger woman’s face. It was no mere childhood memory. She wondered if this petite woman was the one Micah said the young officer loved. Perhaps she was, and if so, they may be pure turtle doves. The conflict and uncertainty in her lovely eyes touched Miriam’s heart. “Dearie, I’ve lived a long life but can tell you, no matter how long it is, it’ll never be long enough. Life’s too short not to embrace every small chance at love. For when you have love, you possess everything of import.”
Lexa stared at the woman. Can she read my soul? “It isn’t easy.”
“Love never is. It’s messy and scary. Opening your heart and allowing someone to take up residence is the most frightening thing in this world, but so worth the risk. I count my blessings for every moment I spend with my true love, Micah. If he were to die tomorrow, God forbid, I would grieve deeply, but also rejoice in the life I was able to live with him.”
Her hazel eyes locked onto warm brown ones, trying to assess the truth of her words. Lexa drew in another deep, unsteady breath.
“I was about to make a cup of tea. Would you care to join me?” Miriam offered as she motioned to the back of the store.
Unsure why, but not resisting, a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Lexa’s mouth as she followed the kind grandmotherly lady to the rear.
Dan’s Apartment – 9:40 p.m.
Stopping at the tree a lopsided grin bloomed. An evening ritual on returning to the apartment, he would gaze at his Christmas tree, if only for a little while. He hadn’t seen it with lights on yet, so he flipped the switch. He felt the stirrings of magic from his childhood as the colorful lights twinkled.
His finger brushed over Lexa as his turtle dove. Wanting to call her, Dan realized she was probably asleep by now—four thirty in the morning came early when running eleven days in a row. The reason for their intermittent schedules became clear to him in the past ten days. Their job was physically and emotionally draining, and they needed time to recoup between shifts.
After turning off his lights, Dan shuffled into his kitchen, blowing out a breath as he loosened his tie. He took his pain meds, filled the carafe with water, poured it into his coffeemaker, then added a filter and grounds to the basket. Setting the automatic timer his smile grew … a gift from Lexa. It faltered as he wondered what he might give her in return. Will she accept a present from me?
He yearned to give Lexa the butterfly pendant, but he understood now was not the right time. Possibly some sort of tool she could use for renovations. God, how impersonal! But then again, she likes renovating, and in a w
ay, that would be personal and something useful like the coffee machine.
As he contemplated which tool, Dan acknowledged he didn’t know as much about her as he should. He knew what she liked in bed, but a relationship was more than sex. What’s her favorite color? Why did she decide to be a cop? What are her ambitions and dreams? Why doesn’t she talk about her family? Why did she move from Cold Water, Alberta to Toronto?
Pondering how to go about learning more about her, he sauntered into his bedroom. Pulling off the tie then folding it neatly Dan put it away in his drawer. Shrugging out of his coat, he went to his closet and hung it up. Kicking off his shoes, nudging them into place on the floor of the closet with his toes, Dan began to unbutton his dress shirt. He toed off his socks then stooped to retrieved them and dropped them into the hamper along with his shirt.
Need to do laundry soon, Dan thought as he pulled his t-shirt off and added it to his dirty clothes hamper. He undid his belt and took a moment to touch the hidden knife. A gift from Brody the first Christmas they spent together. Glancing up on the shelf, Dan eyed the shoebox containing a few of Brody’s personal items. Before he gave much thought to his action, Dan reached up, pulled the cardboard box down, lifted the lid, and perused the contents.
His eyes misted as he spied Brody’s single dog tag. Fingers wrapped around the thin rectangular metal piece held on a standard issue ball chain. His thumb stroked over Brody’s name as a single tear rolled down and splashed on the engraved aluminum. “I miss you, Brody. God, how I miss you!”
Dan returned the box to its place, minus the military tag. Needing to feel close to his brother, Dan did something he had been unable to do before. Slowly he put the chain around his neck and let the chilled metal rest over his heart. Where it touched his skin, a warmth started to grow and spread.
Brody placed his ethereal hand over his tag and Danny’s heart, and a golden light began to glow. “I’m here, always here. I’m in your soul and heart. Heal brother, heal and live. I’ll walk this path with you and protect you.”
