by Laura Acton
“We should’ve trashed you and not your locker.” Constable Barrios moved towards Broderick, glowering and raising clenched fists. “Let’s teach this turncoat a lesson he won’t soon forget.”
A hard voice from behind the officers barked out a command, “Stand down now and clear out.”
Gould whipped around. “Who the hell are you?” His eyes landed on a brawny man with jet black hair and piercing eyes which he swore contained flames. The man next to him possessed a feral glare and lion colored eyes. Both men intimidating not only in their demeanor but also in their physiques. Muscular, well-toned men who stood at least six foot tall.
Happy but surprised to find them here, Dan eyed Blaze and Winds.
“If he told you, he’d have to kill you, but I’d listen to him if I were you. He doesn’t much care for people who bother Blondie,” Winds said.
Bouncing into the room, oblivious to the tension, Ivy’s bright voice chimed, “I brought my card, so you can…” She trailed off noticing the standoff. She recognized Gould and his cronies, the guys her mom warned her to stay away from. “Is there a problem here? Should I contact Captain Fleetwood?”
Dan took control. “No problem. Gould came down to do his requal. The rest were leaving. Isn’t that right?” He stared at the six others.
Realizing Broderick was no easy target now with backup, the men grumbled and left as the other four policemen who needed to test entered. Winds and Blaze assumed positions on the back wall, remaining silent as they enjoyed watching Blondie run the patrolmen through their assessments.
Focusing on his job, Dan couldn’t help but wonder at the appearance of his unit brothers. When he finished with the group, and he gave Ivy the paperwork to run up to Fleetwood, he turned to them. “What brings you here?”
“Hi to you too, kid,” Winds said as he pushed off the wall.
“Got your messages. Sorry I couldn’t respond before now, out of the country.” Blaze pointed to the wrist. “Something you want to explain?”
“Not particularly. I’m sure Jim told you already.” Dan sat on the edge of the desk. “Thanks for showing up when you did.”
His face breaking out in a grin, Winds boasted, “You could’ve taken them all no problem. Even with one wing hampered.”
Dan snorted. “Glad you’re so confident in my abilities. I’m done for the day. Let’s get out of here, and I’ll buy you a beer.”
“And we’ll treat you to water, based on Jim’s report.” Blaze cocked his head at Blondie until he received a nod.
Fire Stick Grill – 5:30 p.m.
Jarmal delivered two beers and one strawberry lemonade to his VIP table, his trademark grin wide and his eyes lit with glee. “So glad you two finally had an opportunity to visit my place.”
Blaze accepted the beer. “Been wanting to come, but duty prevented us.”
“Well, at least you’re here now. Whatever you want, even if it isn’t on the menu, tell me, and I’ll whip it up for you.” He turned his gaze to Dan. “No chili or five alarm burgers for you yet, but I do have cherry cobbler. Turned out to be a hit the night I made a batch for Lexa to take to you. Added it to my menu and it’s one of my best sellers now.”
After the guys ordered and Jarmal hustled off to the kitchen, Blaze said, “Care to enlighten us why seven men wanted to beat the tar out of you in a police station?”
Not desiring to share but trusting both men with his life and aware they would keep what he disclosed to themselves, Dan started, “Has to do with my time in the Fourteenth Division, the reason I left and joined the Army. Those guys, with Gould as ringleader were the worst of the lot after I worked with IA to provide evidence against my training officer and three others.”
Dan shared a summary of what occurred, leaving out parts which would cause Blaze and Winds to seek out Gould and the others to mete out unit justice. He finished by saying, “So, I handed in my resignation and never thought I would be a constable again. That is until, well …”
Blaze’s hand landed on Blondie’s shoulder understanding full well the circumstances which brought the kid back to the Toronto Police Department. “You have us and Alpha Team now. You are not alone out there. We will always back you up.”
Aiming to shift the subject and put unpleasant memories to bed, Dan asked, “So why are you here? You could’ve called.”
“To deliver a message from Colonel Sutton. One he didn’t want to be given over the airwaves.” Winds set down his beer and pulled out a jamming device, flicking it on.
Interest piqued at why Winds turned on the signal jammer, Dan waited and shifted his eyes to Blaze when Winds did.
“There was an attempt on Mrs. Badass’ life while in St. Lucia.” Raising a hand as Blondie started to react, Blaze continued, “Relax. Both are okay, no harm came to them. Badass didn’t want to worry you, but Sutton insisted you be told since this relates to the court-martials.
“We have not determined how Plouffe got messages out, but the man apprehended by Mike and Craig talked right before the idiot jumped off the cliff to his death. Do you recall Corporal Tapia?”
Dan nodded. “One of the asshole guards who tasered me. What did he say?”
“Claims Plouffe put a hit out on your entire family and anyone close to you to make you both pay. Wish I had dealt with Plouffe in the church. Anyway, we believe there might be a connection to the attempted attack on Loki.”
Dan’s mind reeled. “How? I told you in the message I left that we determined it is probably gang-related given the man’s tattoo and our no-knock warrant. Unfortunately, Guns and Gangs didn’t possess a photo of any member of the Blooddrop Crew which resembled him.”
“That’s the connection. After Tapia died, we did a full background on him. Turns out Tapia’s cousin, Luis Garcia, is a Blooddrop Crew member, and Tapia had been living with him ever since he was booted from the military with his BCD. We can’t determine if Tapia joined them or if they are involved in Plouffe’s schemes, but you need to be aware and keep your head on a swivel.”
“Well, shit. Will Plouffe ever stop fucking with my life?” Dan blew out a breath as angry eyes stared at the table. After thinking through strategy, Dan lifted his eyes to Blaze. “Have you investigated this Garcia?”
“One of the reasons we are here. Badass and Sutton want us to track him down and bring him in for questioning … quiet-like, hence no uniforms.” Winds took a swig of his beer.
“I can help.” Dan’s fist clenched as he thought about killing anyone who dare harmed his mother.
Blaze tapped Blondie’s right hand. “Nope. You’re grounded. Leave this to us. You go about your life as normal. We’ll cover your six.”
“You’re gonna shadow me?” Dan’s jaw dropped.
Winds broke into a huge grin. “No easy task, but yeah for the time being. We’ll be watching for anyone tailing you.”
Worry spiking as he thought about his family, his team, and mostly Lexa, Dan asked, “But you said Plouffe’s hit was for those we care about. Who is safeguarding them?”
“Your uncles, male cousins, and Jim have all been given a heads up. My unit plus Drake from Mike’s team is here and will be overwatch for Alpha Team. Mason and his guys are distributed to cover other family members. Mike and his other men are guarding your immediate family, Jack is now in France keeping an eye on Becca.” Blaze stopped as Jarmal delivered his spicy burger.
“Enjoy. Need anything else, holler.” Jarmal beamed as they all nodded.
Dan glanced down at his bland food and sighed, partly because although it would be tasty, it was not his preferred cuisine, but primarily because of the crap the demented major brought into his life. He wondered if he would ever be free of the man’s machinations.
Their conversation became minimal as the three men dug into their meals.
Parking Lot of Imagination Craft Shop – 5:50 p.m.
“Leslie, grab Allie’s hand.” Kellie shifted Sharlie to her right arm as she released Allie’s left hand to dig for
her keys. Running late, she spent too much time indulging the girls in the store, but they did love making crafts, and she wanted them to find the items they wanted to create unique birthday gifts for Bram and Dan. With Bram’s birthday coming up on the thirtieth and Dan’s on February ninth, her girls begged to come today.
“Allie, stop!” Leslie cried as her sister rushed across the aisle.
Leslie’s shout and squealing tires caused Kellie to drop her purse, the contents spilling all over and forgotten, as she screamed, “Allie!” Horror filled eyes watched as her little girl crumpled to the ground in slow motion and a sedan sped off. After rushing forward, Kellie’s knees hit the asphalt as tears welled in her eyes. “Baby, stay still. Don’t move, sweetie. Mommy is here.”
Several shoppers gathered, phones to their ears, as each called 911. Leslie picked up her mom’s phone as she and Emilie moved closer. Tears streaming down their cheeks, they stared at Allie who shrieked in pain, her leg in an unnatural position and bloody scrapes on her face.
Brushing her tears away, Kellie handed off Sharlie to Leslie, then held Allie’s hand with one hand as she caressed her cheek with the other, all while whispering soothing words and keeping Allie immobile until help arrived.
“Mom, should I call Dad?” Leslie offered. When her mom nodded, Leslie made the call. Her voice shaky she said, “Daddy, Allie’s hurt bad, come quick! A car hit her and just drove away.”
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 5:55 p.m.
Jerking up out of his chair upon hearing Allie’s screams in the background, Bram almost dropped his phone. “Where are you?”
“The craft store. Daddy, come fast. Allie’s leg is bent all weird.”
One glance thrown at Boss, Bram said, “I gotta go. Allie was hit by a car.”
The team reacted with gasps, exclamations, and worried expressions. Jon rose from his seat. “I’ll drive you. Where do we need to go?”
“Imagination Craft Shop near my house,” Bram relayed as he ran for the TRF garage. “Leslie, I’m on my way. Stay on the line with me, sweetie.”
“Daddy, she got hit because I didn’t grab her hand in time,” Leslie sobbed.
“Oh, sweetie, this isn’t your fault. The driver is at fault.” Bram’s mind reeled. He didn’t want Leslie to carry any guilt, accidents happened and they couldn’t always be prevented.
He spoke soothing words as Jon sped through traffic with lights and sirens on. Time stood still for Bram. He needed to be there for all his girls … now!
Compassionate Men
19
January 15
Parking Lot of Imagination Craft Shop – 6:05 p.m.
Coming to a halt, Jon jammed the SUV in park as Bram jumped out and rushed to Kellie. A paramedic unit and patrol cars surrounded the scene. Jon moved towards the officer who appeared to be in charge. Approaching from behind, at first, he didn’t recognize the man, but when he turned, Jon’s gut clenched. “Do you have any leads on the fleeing vehicle?”
Dane Gould stared at Hardy. “Butt out. This isn’t TRF territory.” Turning from Hardy, Gould spoke to his partner. “Doubt we’ll find anything. Besides, the witnesses say the little brat raced out into the middle of the row.”
Jon spun Gould around and slammed his back into the cruiser door. “The victim is a four-year-old girl and my teammate’s daughter. If I ever hear you refer to her as a brat again …” Jon trailed off before he said something he would regret. “I want the details, now! Clearly, you don’t intend to give this incident the focus it requires.”
In the back of Jon’s mind, he wondered if the hit-and-run might be related to the gang attack on Loki. Thanks to Guns and Gangs Detective Sanchez, they had been educated on the ruthlessness of the Blooddrop Crew, and he wouldn’t put it past them. Though the intended victim might’ve been Kellie and not Allie because it would take a cold-hearted bastard to target a child.
“I don’t need to tell you a damned thing. Accidents aren’t within TRF’s jurisdiction,” Gould growled out as he moved Hardy away. “And ramming me against the squad car, that’s assault on an officer in the line of duty.”
“Gould, don’t go there. It’s his friend’s kid. Cut him some slack,” his partner advocated. Constable Jesus Reyes peered at Jon with compassion. “Sorry about the little girl. We don’t have much. No plates on the vehicle. One witness looked for them as the car sped away and said they were missing.
“An older sedan, none of them caught the make or model, only that it was blue with primer on the right back bumper. Not much to go on. There are no security cameras in the parking area.”
Noting the helpful officer’s name, Jon nodded. “What about the driver? Any description?”
Jesus said, “Nothing much there either. A red ball cap and possibly Hispanic or someone with a tan. It all happened so fast, and most witnesses were focused on the little one. I sure hope she is alright.”
“Thanks. Send a copy of the report to Sergeant Pastore at TRF.” Jon turned and observed as Allie was loaded into the ambulance and Kellie climbed up with her before the doors shut. Bram held Sharlie as Leslie and Emilie clung to his legs. With nothing else to gain from Reyes, Jon walked over to Bram.
“Hey, buddy. How’s Allie?” Jon said as he approached.
Sucking in a breath and releasing it gradually, Bram pulled his eyes away from the receding ambulance. “Broken leg, scrapes, and bruises are what they know at the moment.”
“You okay to drive?”
Taking another steadying breath, Bram nodded. “Yeah, if I had Kellie’s keys. I forgot to ask for them.” A tug on his pants caused Bram to shift his gaze to Emilie. “Yes, sweetheart?”
Rubbing her runny nose, her sad voice said, “Mommy dropped them over there.” She pointed to Kellie’s purse.
“You stay here. I’ll gather her things.” Jon strode over, picked up the purse, and put the items back inside. Returning to the group, he handed the van keys to Bram and Emilie reached for her mother’s purse, so he allowed her to take it. “I’ll follow you to the hospital. Can I call Kellie’s parents for you to pick up the girls?”
His eyes cast to the asphalt, fixated on Allie’s blood, Bram drew in another shaky breath. “They’re out of town. Our neighbor Mrs. Hobson might be willing to watch them for me.”
“Daddy, no,” Leslie cried. “I don’t wanna leave Allie. It is my fault.” Tears renewed as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Reaching for Sharlie, Jon also snagged the keychain from Bram so his friend could turn his attention to Leslie. He held out a hand to Emilie. “Kind of chilly out here. Let’s get you in the warm van, sweetie.”
Emilie slipped her tiny, cold hand in Uncle Jon’s huge, toasty one and walked with him as her eyes remained on her sister and daddy. “Not Leslie’s fault. Allie ran when she should’ve stayed with us.”
Sliding open the side door, Jon settled Sharlie in her safety seat and buckled the now sleeping little one in before lifting Emilie inside. “Accidents happen. Sometimes no one is to blame.”
Though in Jon’s mind the description, as minimal as it was, red ball cap, made his gut scream this was no accident. Someone deliberately targeted one of their family, be it Kellie or the girls. They would find out who, and when they did, the bastard would learn family is off limits.
Bram lifted Leslie in his arms, hugging her close as his daughter bawled. He sought words to console her, but none came to mind. He now comprehended the heartbreak William Broderick suffered … or partially … Allie was alive, but he embraced an inconsolable child as William did with Dan, and his heart appreciated the ungodly helplessness of the situation.
An idea began to form, perhaps …. Bram pulled his phone out and hit speed dial. When the call connected, he jumped right in without pleasantries. “I need your help. Meet me at St. Michael’s emergency room as soon as you can. I’m on my way now.” He hung up without waiting for a response and hastened toward his van.
After kissing Leslie once he strapped her into her booster s
eat, Bram took his keys from Jon. “Reinforcements are coming to the hospital.”
“I’m still following you and will stay unless the team is called out.” Jon patted Bram’s back. He would wait to share with Bram what he learned until they found out Allie’s condition. However, he would be telling the rest of the team while he drove.
Fire Stick Grill – 6:20 p.m.
Dan stood. “I gotta go. Now.” He yanked out his wallet and threw down two twenties, way more than needed to pay for his meal.
As Blondie shoved his billfold into his pocket, Blaze rose. “What’s going on? Where are you going?”
“No clue, but Bram needs my help. One of his daughters is distraught. Going to St. Michael’s ER.”
Winds shoved the last of his burger in his mouth, then pulled out cash to cover his and Blaze’s meal. “You go with Blondie. I’ll follow in our rental.”
Dan and Blaze trotted out of the restaurant as Winds flagged down Jarmal and thanked him for the delicious meal.
Outside Fire Stick Grill – 6:23 p.m.
Dan gaped at his truck. The entire bed was filled with stinking trash. Though crappy, that wouldn’t have stopped him. What did was the four slashed tires. The truck wouldn’t be going anywhere. “Well, Shit! I don’t have time for this juvenile crap of Gould’s.”
“You think Gould did this?” Blaze stared, dumbfounded.
“Yeah, they did this type of thing to my locker.” Dan clenched his fist.
Expecting them to be gone by now, Winds came to an abrupt halt when he reached them and noted the state of Blondie’s truck. “Hell’s bells.” He tossed the car keys to Blaze. “Go. I’ll call a tow truck and wait here. Any place in particular, you want your vehicle taken?”
“Leave it here for now. Jarmal won’t mind. I’ll deal with this later.” Dan strode to their car, and the guys followed.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 6:25 p.m.
