by Laura Acton
Lowering himself to the bench, he eyed Juan who appeared as bewildered as him. Jose wanted to ask him if he knew what occurred, but under the watchful gaze of unknown MPs, he maintained silence as instructed. He gazed around, noting the only staff missing were Nicholls, Belington, and Velders.
In his nineteen months working at the prison, he had never experienced something like this. He concluded something terrible must’ve happened but couldn’t fathom what. Though, the changes yesterday to their schedule and requiring them to double up guard duty on the aggressive Major Plouffe made him ponder if the insane man went berserk again.
Over the next twenty minutes, two of the three arrived. When the door opened as Velders entered, they all caught a glimpse of a body bag on the morgue cart. Montoya’s gut twisted, and he wondered if Nicholls might be in the black plastic since Plouffe beat him up once before. I hope not. Nicholls isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, decent enough, but a tad gullible and somewhat of a hot-head.
His mind wandered to the discussion with his family at dinner. His sibling, a psychologist and a lover of literature from the Elizabethan era, particularly the works of the Bard, instigated a dialog on the motivational drives of Hamlet’s characters to help Jose understand a man like Plouffe.
Thinking about his absent teammate, Jose made a comparison to one of the Shakespearean characters his sister outlined. Nicholls is an impulsive person who acts without thinking things through like Laertes. That is likely how Plouffe got the drop on him the other night. Wonder if it played a role today too?
Montoya’s thoughts were interrupted when three JAG officers entered, and a lieutenant stated, “You are all to remain silent. Each will be called for an interview where you will give an accounting of your whereabouts for the last forty-eight hours. Once verified, you will be released.”
Navarro stood and queried, “Sir, this is an unprecedented action. Can you at least tell us why?”
Lieutenant Gauthier informed them, “Someone supplied Major Plouffe with a gun. A probe is being conducted to find the guilty party.”
Juan’s face went white with shock, unknowingly having the same thought regarding the dead body as Montoya. “Did Plouffe kill Nicholls?”
Gauthier blinked. “Why do you ask?”
“Because Plouffe beat the tar out of him one night. Plouffe’s one crazy bastard,” Montoya answered as his friend sat back down.
The lieutenant replied, “No. Major Plouffe is the one who died.” He was taken back by all the muttered comments of relief and expressions of what he could only describe as joy. Pushing his feelings on the matter behind him, having been one of the four lawyers who recused himself from defending Plouffe, Gauthier focused on Major Newton and said, “Sir, I’ll start with you.”
Paul Newton rose, and as he approached Gauthier, he said, “Corporal Nicholls is still unaccounted for.”
“We are aware and taking appropriate steps to locate him.” Gauthier turned and strode from the room with Newton following, flanked by two base MPs. Tonight is going to be a long one. I wonder which one of these men Plouffe managed to pull into his unbalanced world.
Javon Nicholls’ Off-base Apartment – 1805 Hours
Cramming clothes into a backpack, Javon stopped a moment to peer at the three by five framed photo on his dresser. It was the only picture he possessed of him and his brother both in uniform. The day Josh graduated from Special Forces training.
He picked up the snapshot. I did this to avenge you, Josh. Broderick left you and the rest of your unit with no cover. The coward ran away and let the insurgents mow you down. I never knew how you died until the major made the connection we were brothers and told me.
Shoving the photo in his bag, knowing he would never be able to return and wanting a tiny connection to the only family who ever gave a damn about him. Mom ran off with another man when he was ten, and their piece of shit father drank himself into a stupor every night starting the day after she left. His older brother, though quick-tempered at times, took care of him.
Javon hoisted the pack on his shoulder and glanced around determining if he needed anything else. He didn’t possess much since material things didn’t matter to him. He spied one other thing he wanted to take with him. He grabbed the little box containing Josh’s Sacrifice Medal.
As he strode to his front door, he hoped Plouffe’s aim was true. Broderick deserved to die for allowing his brother to be killed. Loud banging on the door halted him halfway across the room.
“Corporal Nicholls, open up. You are ordered to report to base,” Master Corporal Cale Bolton called out in an authoritative tone.
With no back exit, Javon stared at his door. Sweating bullets, he didn’t know what to do. Did Plouffe give me up? How should I play this?
Realizing he would need to go through whoever was on the other side to get away, but not wanting to hurt anyone else, Javon’s shaky hand reached for the doorknob as he stumbled close enough to make contact.
Opening, he was unsure what his expression showed, but his voice came out a bit cracked as he noted the four MPs. “Um, I … what?”
Cale scrutinized the scared man. “We were sent to bring you in.”
“Why? Am I under arrest?”
“No idea and no. All staff was recalled to Club Ed. I need your phone now.”
Perplexed, Nicholls dug in his pocket and handed it over.
“Where is your service pistol?” Cale inquired.
“My backpack. I was just on my way out to do a little hunting.” Javon cringed as he realized how stupid that sounded.
Cale motioned for another MP to take the pack and a third to pat Nicholls down for other weapons as he read Nicholls his rights and explained he would be sequestered. Then they escorted the errant corporal to their vehicles.
Club Ed – Courtroom – 1825 Hours
Once Bellerose contacted the Judge Advocate General, they determined with the sensitivity of the materials, that the ranking officer currently on base would take their statements. When discovering that was CDS McFergus, who had not attended today’s testimony due to a scheduling conflict, JAG deemed there would be no conflict of interest. Three other JAG officers accompanied McFergus and would question Club Ed staff.
After arriving, McFergus noted the men positioned themselves around the room far enough apart to ensure they could not be accused of speaking to others. Setting up in the far corner of the area, he chose to depose the court clerk first so she could assist him with the other statements. Next, he selected Bellerose. “General, please explain what you observed.”
Clovis sighed. “My eyes were on Major Kenric’s laptop, focusing on the playback. Everything happened so fast. One moment I was in my chair as Captain Blain’s voice shouted ‘cover Blondie,’ but I assumed it was on the tape. In the next moment, I’m on the ground under my table with Master Corporal MacDonald covering me as three gunshots sounded. Plouffe’s body was double tapped. Beyond that, I cannot state facts.”
Jerrell nodded. “Thank you.” He then called each member of the panel, receiving much the same story until he reached General Morris Taggart.
Taggart began his recorded statement, “My eyes stayed on Plouffe, assessing his reaction to the contents of the audio recording. Captain Blain yelled for his men to cover Daniel Broderick as Major Plouffe rose with a gun in hand. The captain was not in a position to either take a shot or shield the Brodericks.
“Plouffe shot once in the direction of General Broderick. Master Warrant Officer Simons fired two shots. My attention remained on the front. I cannot tell you what transpired in the gallery.”
“Did Simons discharge his gun before or after Plouffe?” Jerrell clarified.
“After. The soldier’s actions are justifiable against an active shooter. Once certain Plouffe presented no further threat, Simons promptly surrendered his handgun to me following proper protocol.”
Relief flooded Jerrell. “Anything else to add?”
“Not on the record.”
Morris held Jerrell’s gaze and continued, “Plouffe is guilty as sin. From testimony given thus far, he is responsible either directly or indirectly for the deaths of thirteen men, beginning with Grasett, Elkins, and the private almost thirty years ago. And we have not listened to the testimony of all the soldiers involved. I would not be surprised if the exact body count is ever known.
“In addition, his maneuverings have contributed to career-ending actions for at least six soldiers who Plouffe coerced in one way or another to take part in his hate campaign against William and Daniel Broderick. I’m pleased the Brodericks are free from the bastard’s insanity.
“Plouffe’s actions are an utter disgrace, and I plan to exorcise the shame and stigma he brought to the CAF. I will recommend he be posthumously stripped of his rank, honors, and formally evicted from the military. And although unprecedented, I intend to propose all Plouffe’s uniforms and his kit be burned. No soldier would want to wear something sullied by a murderous traitor who is an antithesis of all we hold dear … integrity, decency, and duty.”
Taggart stood. “May I be excused to use the lavatory?”
“Yes. And off the record, I agree with all you said.” Jerrell watched as the general left the room. He then refocused and began the process of interviewing Blain and his men, the witness, Sutton, Galloway, Daniel, and William.
Club Ed – Men’s Lavatory – 1855 Hours
After entering the men’s room and taking care of business, Cale went to wash up as his phone buzzed. Grinning he answered and put it on speaker, knowing he didn’t have much time to talk. “Hey, Denny. Sorry, I won’t be able to have dinner with you tonight.”
“Damn! The roast is perfect. I bought your favorite wine and stopped by the place we went for our first date to buy their famous chocolate cake.”
Cale sighed, as he dried his hands. “Alden, I realize you went out of your way to plan something extra special for our anniversary, but something came up, and I’m working overtime. I’m not sure when I’ll be home.”
“The rib roast will be shoe leather. Damn, I hate the armed forces. One reason it took me so long to agree to go out with you.”
“I know, but I’m not your hard-nosed father. Don’t blame the service for the general being intolerant. Some people will never accept two guys can love each other as much as a man and woman.” Cale leaned against a sink.
“Someday I’m gonna find the courage to tell him. I don’t want to be disowned like Raymond. I can only imagine his reaction. Raymond smoked a joint, the only time he ever stepped out of line. If I tell my father I’m gay, well, he’ll never speak to me again. And as hard-lined and by-the-book as he is, I still love him. He’s my dad after all.”
When Denny stopped, Cale said, “I understand. Your heart chooses who you love, and I will not put you in a position of losing your father’s.” Changing the subject, he smiled. “Sorry again about dinner. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Perhaps when I arrange my next leave, we can take a vacation together. You always said you wanted to visit Banff. We could make it a romantic getaway and hit the slopes for some fun.”
Chuckling, Alden said, “Alright. I’ll wait up for you. I have to head back to Cold Lake tomorrow.”
“Sounds wonderful. I’ll call when I’m leaving, and if the roast is dead, I’ll pick up some Chinese from your favorite place. Love ya.”
“Love you too, bye.”
Cale hung up and checked his uniform in the mirror. With all the high-ranking officers roaming around this place, he wanted everything perfect. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head as a stall opened and he caught the reflection of the man. No mistaking who he gaped at. A lump formed in his throat and his heart froze. I just outed Denny to his father.
Unintentionally eavesdropping on the chat, General Morris Taggart was unsure what to say when his eyes locked on the now speechless man. He already vowed to reconcile with Raymond and would not make another mistake. The testimony of the past two days and the example set by the Brodericks made him realize the value of his family. Only one course of action seemed right. Morris noted the man’s name and rank as leaned over to turn on the tap.
As he proceeded to wash and dry his hands, he said, “Master Corporal Bolton, when you see my son tonight, please tell him I love him, and I accept him as he is. I hope he brings you to dinner at our home soon. Denny’s mother and I would like to get to know the man he loves. Molly is going to be delighted to learn our son found someone to make him happy.”
Dumbfounded, Cale continued to gape at Denny’s father as if the man possessed three heads. Pulling himself from his stupor after the general exited, Cale hit redial. “Um, Denny, you are not going to fucking believe this.”
Club Ed – Courtroom – 1930 Hours
Pacing, Dan’s emotions ran the gambit, swirling every which way. The death of the man who made his and his father’s, and to some extent his mother’s, sister’s, and the rest of his chosen family lives miserable should bring him some sort of joy or at least satisfaction his reign of malevolence had been stopped, but it didn’t.
Plouffe wasted his life seeking revenge which destroyed the lives of so many people, not only those he targeted or used in his schemes, but all the innocent family members and friends caught in Plouffe’s crosshairs. Like the other members of his immediate family. Aaron and I might’ve been friends if the major had not poisoned his mind with lies about me. Perhaps if we had been, the outcome of Rouge Park might be different, and little Aaron would not be growing up without his dad.
His brain made the sad connection that if not for Aaron’s death, none of this might’ve come to light. The interconnections and the way fate screwed with him left Dan with the sense of being a puppet in a play where the author enjoyed sticking him on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sending him up, up, up, only to plunge him down at a sickening speed, whipping him first to one side then another, and taking him in circles over and over.
I want off this fucking coaster. I just want … Dan stopped as his foot landed on something unyielding. He lifted his dress shoe, expecting a rock, and found a piece of metal instead. Only now realizing in the aftermath everyone must have been as shaken as him because no one thought to search for Plouffe’s bullet. Leaving it on the ground, understanding evidence shouldn’t be moved, his eyes tracked the trajectory the slug should’ve traveled. This doesn’t make sense.
“Sirs, I found the bullet I believe was fired from Plouffe’s weapon,” Dan said to the room, causing everyone to turn to him.
William strode over along with the others, and he too calculated the path the projectile should have taken. “This can’t be. Perhaps someone inadvertently kicked it here.”
Dan crouched and viewed the smashed metal. “The damage indicates the round hit something hard. But at the height it was traveling even if I calculate the drop, there is nothing here for it to strike.” He stood, and his eyes scanned the far walls for holes. Finding none, he shrugged. “No idea what happened, but this should not be in this location. This slug should be in a wall.”
Since all depositions were complete, Angus chimed in, “I can’t figure out the light either. I sure as hell thought something exploded.”
“What light?” Dan asked.
“You didn’t see the bright light?” Duncan questioned.
“No.” Dan shrugged.
“How the heck could you miss a blinding white light?” Angus stared at Dan until Blaze spoke.
“I didn’t see any light.” Blaze gazed around at the others and posed the question, “Did anyone else?”
In the end, only Duncan and Angus claimed to witness a flash of light, which left the group with two unanswerable questions. Was there a light? And how the hell did the bullet end up on the floor, smashed, only a few feet from where Dan and William had sat?
Yankee chuckled. “They’ll be stewing on these questions for a long time.”
Recharg
ed, Brody glowed as he nodded. “Yep. Hopefully, it will open up Danny’s mind to the possibility we exist. If so, perhaps he’ll hear my whispers and realize he isn’t the one who killed me. If I can relieve him of the guilt he holds for my death, his heart will finally heal.”
Sighing, Yankee shook his head. “That won’t happen until he can free himself from the blame he still carries for Sara’s death too. Have you figured out how to keep him from poisoning himself with alcohol this year?”
“No, but I’m still working on it.” Brody’s thoughts turned inward. He hoped perhaps Lexa might stay the night and prevent the excessive drinking.
After conferring with McFergus, Bellerose informally told the group, “No charges will be preferred against Simons in the major’s death as his actions were determined to be within the law. We will adjourn for now. Members of the panel need to be here by zero eight hundred tomorrow for a conference call with the Judge Advocate General, and court will resume at zero nine hundred. You are all dismissed.”
Dan requested, “Sir, may I inform my sergeant that Plouffe is dead?”
Bellerose asked, “Why?”
“They have been taking extra precautions because we believe Plouffe orchestrated an attempt on the life of one of my teammates,” Dan explained.
Perceiving Bellerose’s objection, William interjected, “Sergeant Pastore and Alpha Team members are privy to many elements of Plouffe’s perfidy. While possessing temporary clearance, they are the ones who made the initial discoveries which uncovered Plouffe’s criminal activities.”
Giving a slight nod, Bellerose instructed, “You may contact him and spread the word to your team but inform them they are to make no public statement on his death.”
“Yes, sir.” Dan turned to leave and came face to face with Winds. Their eyes met, and Dan silently expressed his gratitude for stopping Plouffe.
Winds slung his arm around Blondie’s shoulder. “Time for a beer.”
“Against doctor’s and Jim’s orders,” Dan responded.
“One can’t hurt. I won’t tell if you don’t,” Winds quipped.
