SECRETS: Passion, Deceit, And Revenge (Beauty 0f Life Book 8)

by Laura Acton

  Faltering, Tammy’s eyes sought the lawyer for direction. “Um, I’m not sure where to start.”

  Leroux encouraged, “Wherever you deem best, ma’am.” He resumed his seat at the table and took a moment to scan the tribunal panel. Crusty old Taggart’s eyes softened towards Tammy. An excellent sign.

  Her hand coming up to toy with her pearls, Tammy said, “Well, um, I was seven months pregnant when Aaron died. I became extremely emotional in my grief. All I could think of was Aaron would never meet his dad. Um, Aaron is what I named our son … Aaron Daniel Plouffe.

  “Anyway, I was a disaster, and since Dan was the only one with Aaron when he died and had been injured too, we had to wait to learn the details. I stayed with Aaron’s parents from the time we were informed until the memorial because my mother had to work and well, I was in no shape to take care of myself. That is when I spoke with Nigel the most.

  “He seemed solicitous and played into my state of mind urging me to pull Dan aside at the funeral and beg him to tell me what happened. He encouraged me to take him to the gazebo in the back, telling me it would be quiet and Dan didn’t like crowds.

  “My mom and Genevieve Plouffe, Aaron’s mother, took me to my apartment to dress to for Aaron’s funeral. While in my room, my eyes landed on the micro voice-activated audio recorder I use to practice my lectures. An idea popped into my head as I gazed at my baby bump in the mirror.

  “I grabbed the device and put it in a pocket. I thought having a recording of Aaron’s memorial service and what Dan said would be something I could share with our son when he got old enough to understand. I turned it on as the family gathered and waited to be seated, by the time we entered the sanctuary, I had forgotten all about it, as my emotions made me a scattered mess.

  “After the service, at Nigel’s urging, I sought out Dan ….” Her eyes flicked to Dan. “I noted his face covered in bruises, an arm in a sling, and a brace on his wrist. He should’ve still been in the hospital, but he came to pay his respects to Aaron. I learned later from Frank, all the security at the church was there to protect Dan, but at the time I remained oblivious and made my request, which he graciously accepted.

  “As we sat on the bench in the church’s gazebo, Dan shared with me what he was allowed.” Tammy’s eyes teared up, and she brushed them away. “He told me Aaron’s last words were of love for our unborn son and me. That was right before a gunshot rang out. As I stared at General Broderick who laid on top of Dan, I thought they were dead, and I fainted.

  “I came to inside. I’m not sure how much time elapsed, but Dan and his father were both back inside, and a paramedic desperately worked to save Dan’s life. It was so quiet in there as everyone silently prayed for him to live, at least that was what I was doing.”

  Angry brown eyes turned to Nigel. Tammy glared for a moment until she pointed at him with her index finger. “He was laughing. A sick and sadistic sound given the events. When General Broderick, wounded in the shoulder, stormed over to the major and yelled at him, I realized I had been duped.

  “Nigel said awful things. I think he admitted to trying to kill the general years ago all to further his career. Nigel is a vile, despicable man who put Aaron’s unborn child at risk for some vendetta. I slapped him and told him what I thought of him.

  “I went to apologize to General Broderick for luring Dan outside, and he was so kind to me though I was the one who unwittingly put his son in a position of jeopardy and got them both shot.” Images of Dan lying on the church floor covered in blood crept in.

  Stopping to regain her composure, Tammy’s hand reached out for a water bottle. She uncapped it and took several sips before continuing. “I collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Diagnosed with prenatal hypertension due to stress, I ended up on bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy. My precious boy was born healthy two months later.

  “It wasn’t until yesterday, as I started to pack Aaron’s things away to preserve them for our son, that I ran across the recording device. It was still in the pocket of the clothing I wore the day of Aaron’s memorial. It was dead, but I found the charger and well, I listened to it wanting to hear Dan telling me Aaron’s final words again.

  “I was shocked by everything it picked up. I promptly called Aaron’s friend Frank and asked what I should do with it. He told me to contact TRF Commander Gambrill. Two hours later, I received a call from Aaron’s grand uncle who works for the RCMP. This morning I woke to a phone call and found I had been booked on a fight here today with my mother so she could care for little Aaron, and Frank Hudson as protection detail.”

  Leroux stood and held out the device. “Is this your mini recorder?”

  “Yes.”

  “Prosecution would like to submit this as exhibit sixty-six and play the audio for the panel.”

  Knowing he was on the Titanic with no lifeboats left, Plouffe cautiously peeled the tape from the bottom of the table and palmed the weapon, keeping it hidden under the tablecloth. He would wait to make his move once everyone was distracted by the recording.

  Unseen by human eyes, frantic activity occurred as guardian angels whispered warnings and instructions to their charges. If the humans had not been so preoccupied as the recorded voices played, they would’ve noticed most of them rubbed their ears, and began shifting positions.

  Unconscious of their motions, like puppets reacting to a master’s hand, Mason moved several paces closer to Blondie as Mike did to William. Angus took two steps toward Judge Bellerose, while Duncan’s movement placed him nearer Tammy. Russ and Hal left their places at the exits treading further into the room.

  Blaze’s eyes scanned the area as the air became heavy with a coppery scent, which hit him at a gut level, firing neurons, screaming at him, ‘Blondie’s in danger.’ This same odor had come to him inside the church as Plouffe said, ‘You’re intelligent, Blain, but perhaps a bit too slow.’ He began to stride forward, instinct telling him to cover the kid as an internal panic rose since he was on the opposite side of the room.

  A malicious smile came to Nigel’s face. As if in slow motion, his hand positioned on the gun, his finger slipped into the trigger guard, caressing the metal and putting slight pressure on it. He selected his target … it must be the man at the root of all my problems. William Broderick will die today, and if possible, I’ll take out my toy soldier too. Plouffe chose his timing, knowing exactly which words would create the most distraction. The ones which would cause excruciating memories for his nemesis.

  On his way, Blaze noted Winds changing position too, now standing between the clerk and Taggart. Only halfway to his destination, wanting to run, Blaze cringed as the recording played Jim’s voice frantically yelling, “You can’t die on me now. You can’t! Stay with me, brother!”

  In a fast, fluid motion, Plouffe stood and aimed.

  A sense of déjà vu overcame Blaze, worried he was again too late to stop Plouffe, as he shouted, “Cover Blondie!”

  Catching Plouffe’s motion out of the corner of his eye at the same time Blaze yelled, Dan launched himself at his dad, taking both of them to the floor in one swift motion, both grunting as a massive weight landed on them.

  Before Blaze bellowed, the compulsion to reach Blondie intensified in Mason, and he was not alone. Launching himself in a last-ditch effort to cover the distance, Mason’s airborne body collided with Mike’s and Tom’s, all three piling on top of Blondie and the general.

  A fraction of a second before the sound of a single gunshot rent in the air, in an act of desperation to save Danny, Brody stepped between Plouffe and Danny, spread his massive wings, shielding all five men on the ground. “Lord, help me!” A burst of bright, white light emanated from his heart.

  Reacting to the noise and flash, Duncan pushed Tammy under the table, covering her with his body, believing a bomb exploded. Angus did likewise with Judge Bellerose, also assuming an explosive had gone off because a gun would not produce an illumination which seared his eyes.

  Two
more shots sounded as William’s bellow from the recording filled the room, “If my son dies you’re a dead man, Plouffe!”

  Plouffe’s body jerked, and his arms went limp as the compact pistol tumbled from his grasp. The last thing his living eyes saw was the face of the man who killed him. Amber eyes of a lion bore into him with no mercy as Winds roared, “Go to Hell, Puffy!”

  On autopilot, or at least that is what Martha would claim since she had no conscious recollection of her action, she shut off the playback, and the room descended into silence as the body of Plouffe wobbled upright for another second before crashing down on the concrete floor.

  Taggart, the other four panel members, the clerk, Leroux, and Bonomi all stared at the double-tap holes in Plouffe’s chest as blood began to ooze out and soak Plouffe’s uniform jacket, turning it a darker shade of green.

  Rising from his earthly body, Nigel felt no pain, but fury filled him as he watched both Brodericks helped up and discovered he missed both. His eyes then lit on a glorious, glowing angel with wings of pure white. He focused on the jade green eyes as recognition hit him. “Hunter?”

  “Yes. You may have succeeded in having me killed, but you are no longer a threat to Danny or his father,” Brody replied.

  “I shot directly at William. He should be dead!” Plouffe growled.

  Brody touched his chest with an open palm, and a golden glow surrounded his right hand before he closed his fingers. A beautiful smile graced his face as he extended his arm and unfurled his fist, palm up. “I am growing stronger and learning more abilities every day.” A tinkling sound of metal bouncing on concrete accompanied Brody turning his hand over.

  Plouffe stared at the bullet from his gun for several seconds before lifting his gaze to Hunter again. “You stopped my bullet?”

  “Yeah, surprised me. Didn’t know I could do that. Not sure how or if I can repeat the action, but this time, yes, I did.” Brody glanced over his shoulder at Danny as Mason fussed over him, worried his immense weight caused him harm. Dan, in turn, brushed off the concern, as he insisted he was alright and the general was the one on the bottom of the heap and to focus on him.

  The air took on a burnt, sulfuric odor and Brody returned his attention to Plouffe. “He’s coming. Judgment day is upon you.”

  Not understanding, Plouffe demanded, “Who is coming?”

  Yankee shook his head and grimaced. “I always hate this part, but in this case, I won’t lose any sleep. He reaped what he sowed. There isn’t a shred of light in him to redeem. His soul is black as tar.”

  Ominous cries of millions of souls in pain amplified as the area around Plouffe became increasingly hot, and the stench of burning flesh assaulted his nose. Darkness descended over him as the shadow of an enormous, terrifying monster appeared.

  Petrified, Nigel’s eyes widened with abject fear as he gaped at the creature’s dark as a moonless night body, and twelve huge wings made of fire, which glowed fiery orange. Red eyes glowered at him from a hawkish head with long, curled horns spiked at the end. The sinister being reached out a clawed hand and pointed to him with a long, sharp-tipped talon.

  A chilling voice declared, “I am Archangel Samael, Prince of Demons, Venom of God, Angel of Death. Many know me as Satan. You served me well in this life, and now your soul belongs to me for eternity.”

  Plouffe screeched as something grabbed his ankles and began to pull him downward. Heat licked at him, and his wails of terror turned into shrieks of ungodly pain as Samael’s demons dragged him into the bowels of Hell.

  Samael turned and stared at Daniel, a descendant of Hamon. He wanted his soul for his collection because he could use Daniel’s power and strength to wreak havoc and spread evil in proportions not seen in a millennium. Samael only needed to achieve a tiny foothold then Daniel would fall into darkness, never to rise again. Directing an intimidating glare at Brody, Samael prophesied, “One day Daniel’s soul will be mine.”

  Defiantly Brody stood straight and proud. “You can try, but you will not win. Danny’s soul is protected by me. He will always choose the light and the beauty of life.”

  Samael laughed evilly. “We will see. I have much planned to tempt him.” As he faded, the screams of the damned dwindled along with him.

  “I refuse to allow Samael to win.” Brody blew out a breath and eyed Yankee.

  Putting an arm around Brody, Yankee grinned. “Hamon chose well. With you by his side, Dan’s soul and heart will remain light-filled regardless of the trials Samael brings forth.”

  Noting Brody’s waning ethereal glow, Yankee said, “You need to recharge. I’m not sure how you stopped that bullet, but it certainly took a massive amount of energy. We’ve got Danny covered for you. I doubt any of the guys are going to let him out of their sight for at least several hours.”

  “Thanks.” Brody took one last glance at Danny and smiled before his wispy essence disappeared.

  Hamlet with More Bodies

  35

  January 26

  Club Ed – Courtroom – 1655 Hours

  Winds surrendered his Heckler & Koch USP straightaway to the nearest senior officer once he neutralized the threat, laying his handgun on the table before General Taggart, and taking two steps back. His keen eyes turned to the gallery, praying today would not be a repeat of July nineteenth. A smile came to his face as he viewed both Brodericks standing.

  Righting himself, William took a ragged breath in as he scanned his son for injuries. Not finding any, and not caring who would witness his emotional public display, he pulled Daniel into a tight embrace. “I don’t know how, nor do I care, I’m damned glad you are unharmed, Son.”

  Astounded by his father’s unexpected action, and relieved he moved fast enough to save them both from Plouffe’s last attempt at murder, Dan hugged his dad back as fiercely. “Me too, Dad.”

  Crawling out from under the desk where he had been pushed, General Bellerose stood and took in the scene before him. This whole affair resembled Shakespeare’s Hamlet with more bodies … thirteen based on testimony given thus far, the ultimate count yet unknown. The bard would’ve been pleased with this tale of unparalleled betrayal, treachery, and treason. Thankfully, the final act ended with the count rising by only one, the villain died.

  Now with the curtain dropped, he inspected the remaining players in this tragedy as none were untouched by the events in this room. Corporal Weber now assisted Ms. Middles into a chair and tried to keep her from viewing the dead body of Major Plouffe. A staunch rule-abiding man, Taggart rose and in an uncharacteristic move, reached out to shake Master Warrant Officer Simons’ hand. Noting the pistol lying on the tabletop, he discerned Simons must’ve taken out Plouffe.

  His roving eyes moved to the prosecution team, where three heads almost merged as one, whispering words he could not overhear. After observing the awed expressions of Srònaich O’Naoimhín, Sutton, Galloway, and Blain, Bellerose’s gaze ended on the Broderick males as father and son embraced.

  Realizing he must again take charge, Bellerose commanded, “No one leaves the room or discusses what occurred. This incident must be investigated.” Turning to his clerk, he said, “Contact Lieutenant Ruellan and instruct him to report posthaste. He possesses the appropriate clearance to take statements.”

  Duncan uncapped a water bottle and held it out to Tammy. “Here. Take a sip. Did I hurt you in any way?”

  Shaking hands accepted the kind gesture. “No. I’m fine.” Resisting the soldier’s efforts, she turned, first glimpsing Dan and his father standing unhurt then allowed her eyes to fall to Nigel. His vacant orbs stared up at nothing. Unsure of what she expected to feel, she only experienced relief the evil man was gone. He caused too many people unspeakable misery in his lifetime.

  The back door of the room unexpectedly opened, and Major Paul Newton, commander of Club Ed, entered with two armed soldiers behind him. “We heard gunfire. Is everyone …” he trailed off finding Major Plouffe’s body laid out on the concrete floor with blood
pooling on the gray epoxy coating.

  Bellerose ordered, “Seal this room. The only one allowed in or out at the moment is Lieutenant Ruellan. In the meantime, Major, I expect you to recall all personnel who had access to this room and sequester them. Someone supplied Major Plouffe with a weapon, and I intend to discover who and punish them to the full extent of the law.”

  Surprise still evident on his face, Newton nodded, pivoted, and exited to comply with the order.

  Leroux stood, and said, “Your Honour, I am not making an accusation, but I must point out Lieutenant Ruellan had full access as well. With that in mind, someone else needs to be involved in taking our statements.” His eyes glanced again at Plouffe and added, “And the medical examiner should be contacted as well to handle the major’s body.”

  Bellerose resumed his seat. This unforeseen outcome must be dealt with according to procedure. “I concede your point.” To the court clerk, he directed, “Contact the base coroner and recall Ruellan for questioning. I’ll communicate with the Judge Advocate General to inform him of the situation and the need for an investigative team.”

  Both Dan and William released one another and turned as one to view the remains of the man who targeted them for years. William let out a long sigh as he sank into a chair. His adversary, a snake who hid his endeavors so well for decades, was now dead. A weight lifted as he refocused on Daniel. It is now safe for my son to return to the military where he belongs.

  Club Ed – Cafeteria – 1730 Hours

  Master Corporal Jose Montoya strode into the prison’s cafeteria, after being pulled away from a family dinner. He had no clue what was going on. The out of the blue text message only said to report back to work immediately. Upon arriving, he was stripped of his phone, patted down, read his rights, told he was sequestered, and taken to the café by base MPs. Spotting Navarro among all Club Ed staff, Jose headed towards his friend.