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

by Laura Acton

  Indira sat beside the friendly soldier and smiled up at him even though he was smelly, dusty, and his face had dried blood and bruises. She laid a hand on his knee. “Sad?”

  He lifted his head. “No. Just wanted to fix the floor.”

  She brightened. “We have wood outside.”

  “Can’t go out.”

  Indira popped up. “I can.” She rushed out before Dan could grab her hand to stop her. With the door left hanging open, he hurried to take cover, worried if anyone found him here, they would harm the family. A relieved sigh expelled when Indira returned dragging a piece of thin plywood.

  She made three trips, bringing in three pieces and when she finished, she shut the door and beamed up at the man with strange blue eyes. “Is this enough?”

  Dan flashed a WOW smile. “Perfect.”

  Over the next six hours, Dan acted as a nanny and managed to make a passable repair, he was no handyman, but at least none of the children would accidentally fall through. Also, with Naaifa’s permission, he fed the girls his MREs for lunch after explaining he didn’t cook. Dan didn’t eat anything because swallowing became more challenging as the day wore on. Though, he forced himself to drink and hydrate as much as possible knowing his hike with only three bottles would be taxing.

  He inventoried the supplies in his pack, searching for his first-aid kit wanting the ibuprofen he knew it contained but found it missing, no doubt tossed when Nicholls sabotaged his bottles. He did find three hard candies at the bottom and received delighted squeals when he gifted them to the little girls, which made him smile.

  In late afternoon Naaifa’s contractions came fast and hard, and he found himself in her room doing what she instructed. After thirty minutes of intense pain and pushing Dan helped deliver a newborn boy.

  His hands shook, and he was extremely nervous as he cut the umbilical cord after Naaifa tied it off with a piece of string. Gently he handed the newborn to his mother. When Indira brought her mother a bowl of clean water and rags, Dan sat in the middle of the room and stared as Naaifa and Indira cleaned the infant and swaddled the baby in a blanket.

  He had never experienced anything so beautiful as a new life coming into this world. The event both filled his heart with joy and shattered it into a million pieces. My mother once loved and cared for me. She once cradled me and spoke soft cooing words to me, but that was before I failed to protect Sara. I would give anything to go back and save Sara, so my mother would still love me. He didn’t realize tears tracked down his face until Indira touched his cheek.

  Naaifa asked, “What is wrong?”

  Dan shook his head and wiped his eyes. “Life is beautiful.”

  Truth and Consequences

  41

  Six Years and Ten Months Ago – March 18

  Remote Special Forces Camp – Unit Tent – 2030 Hours

  Laughter spilled from inside the tent. So near, yet so far. Dan dropped to his knees only thirty feet from the entrance in the pitch-black night. He tried to stand, wanting to walk in because Brody would worry less, but his legs would no longer bear his weight.

  The deep bass laughter of Mason beckoned him. Dan wished to call out to his brothers, but his dry, cracked lips, and parched, swollen throat would not allow sounds to pass. Brody’s familiar voice, retelling a humorous story gave Dan the strength to propel himself forward on his hands and knees.

  Only traversing fifteen feet, Dan’s arms gave out. Comfort and care so close he wanted to cry … not that he had any fluids left in him to create tears. Falling down the ravine on the second night wiped out his last bottle of water. He lay with his sunburned face in the dirt, wishing for a little more, just a tiny bit more strength … his body denied his request.

  Dan listened to one of Brody’s favorites stories originating during their military police training. How the instructor thought he, Brody, and three of their buddies cheated on a test because no one had ever gotten one hundred percent on the exam. He imagined the animated way in which Brody told the events, his actions mimicking the florid instructor as he blustered at them.

  The blowhard prided himself on soldiers failing his class. His CO came in and put a stop to the rant as he advised the egomaniac instructor he shouldn’t be prideful of his lack of ability to convey information to students in a clear and concise manner. The tale never failed to generate a laugh.

  “So, the CO asked how we all passed. I told him Danny attended the Toronto Police Academy before joining and tutored us,” Brody ended. Taking a breath, trying to stay optimistic with Danny overdue became more difficult.

  Dan wished to be inside with his brother. Brody would hold him, and everything would be alright. The unit would not neglect him. Patch would take all his pain away. Blaze and Mason would tell him he was not alone and forgotten. Winds and Ripsaw would rant and rave at the injustice of it all and vow it would never be allowed to happen again.

  The words and action would comfort him, although they all comprehended the general would send him off with another unit again. The truth was, they were powerless to stop his father’s campaign to put him through hell.

  Digging down deep for any reserve left, Dan inched himself forward on the ground. He must reach Brody. He could not hurt him by dying fifteen feet away from help. Dan understood Brody might fall off the edge if he found him dead only a few feet from him.

  Dan thought about the other guys. He was learning to trust his unit. Though, relying on others remained hard for him after what Brogan Snow and his cohorts did to him in Toronto. On some level, Dan accepted the men cared for him. Their actions demonstrated it from their first mission, even after Gambit’s and Robbie’s deaths. Though he possessed guilt for not saving them, Brody, Blaze, Winds, Mason, nor Patch held him responsible.

  And after Murphy and Travis beat the shit out of him at Christmas, they kept an eye on him whenever those two jerks ended up in the same camp. Ripsaw began teaching him more moves … useful things their combat specialist developed himself. He had eyes and intelligence, and it became clear to him Blaze’s unit was no ordinary unit … they cared about one another on a different level than most.

  This mission became a shining example of how different the guys in his unit were from most of the others. The members of some he would classify as negligent or indifferent, but Parsons, Nicholls, and Levasseur had been outright hostile to him and left him for dead.

  Dan realized he made it another ten feet. Five left to go. If I could only call out to them, I will be safe again.

  When Brody asked, “When is Plouffe going to let us go searching? They are way overdue.” Dan wanted desperately to say, ‘I’m here,’ but only a hoarse, broken, “iii,” emitted.

  He detected the frustration in his lieutenant’s tone as Blaze responded, “I’ll ask again in the morning. With Parsons’ lack of command experience and a bunch of rooks, it is a recipe for disaster.”

  Dan replied in his mind. Yeah, a huge understatement. Parsons went in when he should’ve called for backup. Blaze, you would’ve waited. He wanted to murder innocents … babies. I wouldn’t let him. Parsons allowed Nicholls to almost kill me, and then abandoned me, leaving me to die. Only the kindness of a woman in labor saved my life. When Parsons returns, he needs to be stripped of his command.

  “A leader’s caliber is never revealed until the first shit show. Same with rookies.” Mason smiled. “We lucked out with Brody and Blondie.”

  “I don’t like the fact Nicholls is in Parsons’ unit. The sneer on his face as they headed out worries me. I can’t wait for Blondie to walk in here,” Winds ranted, a storm brewing which might unleash on Plouffe tomorrow morning if he declined Blaze’s request to search again.

  Brody rose, too agitated to sit still anymore. All his efforts to remain calm and positive failed. His gut told him Danny needed him, but he was stuck here with no clue where to find his brother.

  Perceiving Brody’s uneasiness, which matched his own, Blaze stood. “Let’s take a walk, buddy. The cool night air
will help.”

  Dan overheard this and prepared for the worried voices of his teammates. He steeled himself, putting on his I’m fine mask and waited.

  Flipping open the flap of the tent, Brody stepped out with Blaze. Brody stopped to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness after the brightness of their lantern inside. He took a deep breath and stared up at the star-filled night.

  The twinkling lights usually calmed him, especially when he and Danny would pick out stars and name them. That was one thing he brought to their friendship. Danny brought gazing at clouds and making shapes out of them. Two simple pleasures they used to cope with the painful world they lived in.

  Blaze patted Brody’s back and glanced skyward. “Blondie, wherever you are tonight, remember, we are thinking of you.”

  A faint sound and slight movement on the ground a few feet in front of them caused Blaze and Brody to become alert. They drew weapons and crouched. Both sets of eyes scanned, seeking the threat.

  Brody spotted him first. “Aw, Christ, Danny. No!” Shoving his sidearm back into its holster Brody dropped to his knees at Dan’s side in seconds. He gently rolled Danny to his back.

  I made it back. I’m safe now. The general didn’t win this time. Dan wanted to tell Brody, but his voice would not come, so he only gazed at him.

  Blaze joined Brody in the dirt as he pulled out his penlight. The light illuminated Blondie’s sapphire blue eyes which blinked up at them, displaying a mix of pain and relief. Rage coursed through Blaze upon witnessing Blondie’s condition and he roared, “Patch!”

  Patch grabbed his medic bag off his cot knowing there was only one cause for that particular tone … Blondie. The entire unit flooded out with him, and they encircled the kid. Patch knelt next to Brody, and as his eyes adjusted he asked, “Status?”

  Present Day – January 27

  Club Ed – Courtroom – 0935 Hours

  Bonomi took a breath. Relating the history of that mission made his blood boil. “Various accounts corroborate Daniel Broderick returned to the base camp in deplorable condition. The primary concerns being a swollen neck still bearing finger-shaped bruising of his attacker, Master Corporal Josh Nicholls, heat stroke, sun poisoning, and severe dehydration. In Mr. Shea’s deposition, the former unit medic indicated the swelling took several days to go down.

  “When Plouffe denied medical transport to the main base, Shea managed to counter the effects of Broderick’s prolonged exposure with IV fluids, cool compresses, and ointments. With no ability to x-ray Broderick’s foot, Shea documented the injury as a stress fracture based on a physical exam, expressed symptoms, and Broderick’s description of his swift run across rocky terrain.

  “In the course of our investigation, we discovered the after-action report filed by Plouffe on behalf of Broderick in no way resembles this accounting, except for Riley’s and Kirk’s death. Broderick’s injuries are left out entirely, and Parsons’, Nicholls’, and Levasseur’s deaths are attributed to searching for Broderick, with the claim Broderick became separated from them as all four ran for their lives.

  “Pletcher attested they fabricated the record to cover their criminal activity, aware if they accused Broderick of desertion, as Parsons falsely asserted, their treason would come to light during an inquiry. So, they destroyed Broderick’s report, burying the truth and supplanting it with a well-scripted lie.

  “Plouffe also hid Broderick’s medical downtime by listing one week as compassionate leave due to the deaths of five men. The other three weeks, as verified by payroll records in evidence, show him on R and R leave. Although he has yet to testify, Corporal Merrill will attest to the fact that, at Plouffe’s behest, he supplied General Broderick the falsified report, which led to honors being bestowed posthumously to undeserving men.

  “Sadly, the outcome of this mess is we must cause the family members of Parsons, Nicholls, and Levasseur additional heartache. All honors awarded to them have been revoked, and all death benefits not paid will cease, including scholarships. A case by case review will determine if a financial hardship exists, and if so, restitution to the Crown of funds previously paid may be forgiven.

  “If they are buried in a Canadian military gravesite, their remains will be disinterred and moved to a public cemetery designated by next-of-kin. All mention of their service shall be removed from headstones. In light of their reprehensible actions, it would be a dishonor to all soldiers who earned our tributes for their unselfish acts of valor and the giving of their lives as a final sacrifice if we do not expunge those three from the honor roll.”

  With an expression of total loss mixed with regret and anger towards Josh, Javon turned his eyes to Lieutenant Gauthier as he struggled to accept this version of his brother’s actions wondering if he ever knew Josh.

  Marshall put a hand on the young man’s back as Ruellan stood and began to ask several cross-exam questions of Bonomi. He spoke softly, “I’m sorry the truth hurts, but I believed you deserved to know. Plouffe was a master manipulator. He is responsible for many deaths, including your brother’s, and ruined many men’s lives. While your career in the military is over, and you will serve time for your deeds, you are still young and have a chance for a decent future if you begin thinking before acting and making better decisions.”

  His fire for revenge doused, realizing he had been just another pawn in Plouffe’s insane web of deceit. Javon stared at the Brodericks, both men appeared similar with stoic expressions as they listened to the testimony. He glanced around at Daniel’s former unit mates noticing varying degrees of anger and concern in their countenances, but his gaze stayed on the captain’s features as the man peered at Daniel.

  Blain’s body language and his eyes gave Javon the impression this man would go to the ends of the earth for the soldiers under his command. The thought made him sad. If Josh and I had Blain for a CO, we might’ve made different choices. Gauthier’s words about his future sunk in and he bowed his head. “You want to know if Plouffe contacted anyone else, don’t you?”

  “Yes. Let’s go talk.” He rose and so did Javon Nicholls, exiting the room quietly as the proceedings continued.

  CFB Edmonton – Officer’s Mess – 1245 Hours

  Entering the Officer’s Club, Marshall Gauthier smiled as he spied his target amidst a gathering of officers, enlisted men, and one civilian enjoying a meal. He stopped and came to attention at General Broderick’s table, displaying compliments to all the men, even those of lesser ranks as he waited for the general to acknowledge his presence.

  Noticing the newcomer, recognizing him from the hearing, William said, “At ease, Lieutenant.”

  Relaxing, Gauthier said, “Sir, I apologize for interrupting your lunch, but I possess news I believe you would wish to hear promptly.”

  “Go ahead.” William set his fork down and gave his full attention to the man, as did Daniel, Tom, Blaze, Winds, and Mason.

  “As you may have noticed, I attended a portion of the hearing this morning with a corporal. I did so with the permission of the court to show the young man the truth regarding his brother’s death. The corporal is Javon Nicholls, brother to Josh. He is the one who provided the pistol to Plouffe.”

  Dan’s gut clenched recalling the corporal’s heated glare in the courtroom and now understood the reason for the blatant display of animosity.

  “Once Javon comprehended Plouffe lied to him about how his brother died, he chose to do the right thing and gave a full confession. I’m happy to report to you Javon was Plouffe’s only source of communication to the outside world and the only plan put into works against you was Tapia’s attack on your wife. Javon did not communicate with any other people nor did Plouffe possess any defined schemes to strike against other members of your family. Plouffe’s reign of terror is now ended.”

  William nodded, holding back the grin which wanted to display, but years of controlling his emotional reactions dictated he not express joy. “What will happen to Corporal Nicholls?”

  Gauthie
r sighed. “I will recommend prosecution seeks a dishonorable dismissal and minimum prison sentence for his actions. The boy is not a bad sort, he only lacked proper role-models and his tendency to act without thinking made him a perfect foil for Plouffe’s tactics. Javon is a victim too. I believe with proper guidance Javon can be rehabilitated and make a positive contribution to society once he serves his time.”

  Turning to Daniel, Gauthier handed him an envelope. “Javon requested I deliver this to you.” Speaking to the general again, Marshall said, “If you will excuse me now, I have plenty of paperwork to attend to.” Receiving a nod from Broderick, he pivoted and strode out.

  Dan stared at the thick envelope a long moment, deciding if he wanted to chuck it or find out what it contained. Curiosity won, and he broke open the seal. He found a Sacrifice Medal and a folded sheet of paper. He removed both and placed the silver medal on the table as he opened the note.

  Sir,

  Enclosed is Josh’s medal which he didn’t deserve. I give this to you because in my mind you do, yet I know you will not keep it, and will hand this over to the appropriate authority.

  I’m sorry my brother tried to kill you. His actions do not match my memories of a brother who always protected me when our father sought to harm me while in a drunken rage. That is why I believed Plouffe’s lies. And though it hurts, I now recognize the truth.

  I regret my actions and accept the consequences. I’m happy Tapia failed in his attempt to murder your mother. I realize it is terrible to say, but I’m also glad Plouffe is dead. He cannot hurt anyone else. Evil indeed exists in our world.

  Sincerely, Javon Nicholls

  Dan picked up the medal and placed it in front of his dad along with the letter. “Sir, you’ll know best what to do with this.”