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

by Laura Acton

  His manner befitting his role as Chief of Defence Staff, speaking with authority, McFergus said, “General William Broderick and Colonel Thomas Sutton, I am here to make you aware a review panel convened to assess the execution of your duties while both Nigel Plouffe and Daniel Broderick were under your command.”

  Tensing, William squared his shoulders. I won’t need to resign. My commission will be stripped from me today … as is fitting for my failure both as a commander and father.

  Tom relaxed. This is what William needs to begin to accept he was not at fault. Jerrell is an astute leader to make a public statement … well, as public as any of this can become.

  Continuing, Jerrell said, “Although the military is taking steps to prevent the abuses of the system which facilitated Plouffe’s subterfuge, the implementation of an oversight board with certain responsibilities in no way reflects on the abilities of either Broderick or Sutton. The panel finds no culpability or maleficence for actions taken or lack thereof by the general or colonel in the six years Daniel Broderick served in the Special Forces.”

  William barely kept his jaw from dropping open.

  “Furthermore, we recognize William Broderick, as the intended target of most of Plouffe’s intrigues, is as much a victim as his son. While the ranking officer in Master Corporal Broderick’s chain of command, a challenging position for any father, General Broderick’s performance consistently demonstrated integrity, respect, and dignity.

  “He is a consummate soldier and leader who approaches his duty to country with noble character and zeal. His dedication to the welfare of the soldiers under his command can be seen in his continued efforts to ensure his men are well trained and in the manner in which he selects commanding officers and seeks appropriate resources to meet their needs.”

  Jerrell turned to pick up one of the small boxes, then stepped directly in front of Will as he opened it. “Therefore, with enormous pleasure and immense esteem, I award General William Arthur Broderick the Commander of the Order of Military Merit, recognizing conspicuous meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility.”

  Grinning at William’s shocked expression, Jerrell stepped forward. He lifted and displayed the blue-enameled, straight-end cross pattée edged with gold. The medal bore a red maple leaf in its center, on a white background, surrounded by an enameled red annulus bearing the inscription MERIT-MERITE-CANADA in gold, the annulus being surmounted by the Royal Crown enameled in full colors.

  After pinning the decoration, Jerrell shook William’s hand and said so only Will and Tom heard, “Don’t question your abilities or decisions. You are a damned fine leader. We need more men of your caliber.”

  Tom smiled and clapped his best friend on the back. “I agree.”

  Bemused by the accolade, William uttered, “I only did my job.”

  Jerrell pivoted and returned to the table to retrieve another box. This time he stopped before Tom. “It is also my pleasure and honor to award Colonel Thomas Elliot Sutton the Officer of the Order of Military Merit recognizing outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility.” He went on to regale the group with Tom’s distinguished service.

  Tom’s expression mirrored William’s for surprise, and after shaking hands with McFergus, he turned his gaze to William. “Is this your idea?”

  “No. Though, I wish to hell it was. You deserve the honor for putting up with the narcissistic sadist on a daily basis.” William grinned at Tom’s mien which indicated what a pain dealing with the malevolent prick had been.

  After retrieving the remaining three boxes, Jerrell said, “Sirs, if you will flank me I have three more awards to hand out. Captain Blain, Master Warrant Officer Simons, and Sergeant Srònaich O’Naoimhín, please step forward.”

  Blaze, Winds, and Mason glanced at one another as they complied.

  “The testimony given here highlights without a doubt that for six years you engaged in deeds beyond the demand of normal duty. Therefore, it is with pleasure and immense respect, I recognize each of you with the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation.” After awarding the stunned men, he said to those in the courtroom, “We are adjourned. Please join me in a celebratory luncheon, hosted at the Officer’s Club.”

  Bram’s Home – 3:00 p.m.

  Dan kept his distance from Lexa today. When he arrived home last night, he decided he might be going too fast for her and needed to cool his heels. Besides, they were surrounded by the team today, and he had no desire to bring attention to them as with all social events.

  He found himself chatting with Kent about basketball. Dan liked to shoot hoops, one of the few amenities the Yukon base had where he grew up. He listened to Kent talking about possibly trying out for his school’s team.

  Noticing Boss arriving with Christiana and a boy about the same age as Kent, Dan realized that must be her son, Kristoffer. This was the first team event Kristoffer attended, and the young man appeared a little nervous. Dan interrupted Kent. “Hey, how about we go meet Kristoffer, and make him feel welcome?”

  “Who’s he?” Kent asked.

  Dan inclined his head towards the other teenage boy. “Someone more your age. He might save you from a tea party with Bram’s girls.”

  “I don’t do tea …” he trailed off and laughed at Dan’s teasing and followed him across the room.

  Nick grinned as Dan and Kent approached. He made the introductions, and it appeared the two boys hit it off from the start. Soon the adults were edged out of the conversation as it moved into topics of the latest video games and comparisons of activities and schools.

  After Kent and Kristoffer moved off to the buffet table, Nick said, “How are you doing?”

  “One hundred percent. I have the note from Dr. Fraser indicating I’m fit for active duty.” Dan sipped his beer.

  “Not precisely what I was asking, but I’m glad. What I meant is, with the whole trial, are you coping well?” Nick lifted his soda and took a drink.

  “Yes, fine … okay.” Not wanting to talk about Plouffe’s tribunal, he said, “Have you spoken to Loki recently?”

  “Not since last shift. Why?”

  “Um, not my place to say, but he might need … a friend. His ma overheard us discussing Narciso. He told her everything.”

  Nick glanced around the room, searching for Loki. He took a moment to assess Loki’s body language as he spoke with Lexa and Ray. Patting Dan’s shoulder, he said, “Thanks for telling me. I appreciate you looking out for him. I’m gonna go over and talk with him.”

  Dan nodded and surveyed the room. Kellie went all out for the birthday party. The girls made colorful pendants which hung across the walls. Helium balloons galore with 36 printed on them floated at the ceiling. He sighed.

  The only birthdays he celebrated were those in his old unit. Though they never did anything like this … couldn’t being in Afghanistan. Typically, he was in the field and on the rare occasions the unit was not, they managed to grab a beer, or water and enjoyed a relaxing night.

  Kellie spotted Dan standing off by himself, and she noted a far-off countenance. She strolled over wearing a bright smile. “Having fun?”

  “Yes,” Dan responded out of politeness.

  Recognizing something in his eyes didn’t quite match his answer and wanting to get him involved, she linked her arm in his. “Come with me. I need a hand with something. The team makes a huge deal about birthdays. Especially Loki. You should’ve seen what he did for Ray’s thirtieth birthday.

  “Ray’s birthday is on July first, Canada Day. We all had to dress in red or white, and Loki bought a boatload of fireworks. I thought the Palomo’s house would be set aflame when they all shot up in the air. More spectacular than the city’s display.”

  Arriving at the kitchen, Kellie released Dan’s arm. “Somehow I need to light all thirty-six of these candles without burning my house down and before half of them melt. If you light half, I can do the others.”

  Dan accepted the l
ong fireplace match and helped set the cake on fire. Kellie lifted it, and they made their way back to the family room. Everyone stopped to sing happy birthday.

  Bram drew a huge breath and attempted to blow them all out in one breath. He managed to get them all, but they sparked back to life. Loki began snickering as Bram repeatedly strove to snuff out the candles. His snickers turned to full chuckles as others joined laughing at Bram’s efforts.

  Lexa slipped in next to Dan. “Hi, stranger.”

  “Hi.”

  Her face scrunched up, wondering why he avoided her like the plague today, but she didn’t ask because Dan’s phone began ringing. He excused himself to answer, though she caught him growl before curtly saying, “Hello, sir.”

  Fifteen minutes later, she spotted him speaking to Bram and Boss before he headed to the front door. Curious, she moved to Boss and asked, “Why did Dan leave?”

  Nick said, “The general called. The verdict came in for Plouffe. Guilty on all counts.”

  Confusion grew. “Cause for celebration. Why’d he leave?”

  “I’m not exactly sure. He seemed upset by something but didn’t elaborate. He probably needs time to decompress. The stress of the court martial must’ve been immense. Now that it is over, and truly done with, he may need some time alone to cope with a myriad of emotions.” Nick smiled at Lexa. “He’ll be back on shift with us tomorrow.”

  Running Somewhere Near Dan’s Apartment – 6:00 p.m.

  Rock music blaring in his ears, Dan’s feet pounded in time as he ran, attempting to clear his head and drive away negative emotions. The phone call from his father set off a wave of negativity. Yes, Plouffe was found guilty, that was a foregone conclusion.

  It was only when the general said he would be visiting TRF tomorrow and wouldn’t explain the reason why that Dan’s control began to ebb. Old sentiments of anger rose again when he recalled all the words his dad said yesterday. This better not be a ploy to draw me back into the military … cause if so, it sure as hell won’t work.

  His dark mood not improving at the thought of his father coming to Toronto and a prickling sense of danger gnawing at him, Dan’s mind conjured up the Shakespearean quote from Macbeth, ‘Something wicked this way comes.’ Dan increased his pace endeavoring to outrun both feelings.

  In the dark, Panther stalked his prey. Not one to let go of hatred, he had a bone to pick with Broderick. The man attacked him before he could kill Baldovino in the hospital, causing him to lose face within the gang. Panther decided to study Broderick’s patterns, and when Machete finally gave him the go-ahead, he would be prepared to seek his revenge. He grinned as he aimed his pistol and thought about unloading the full clip into Broderick’s body.

  Decisions and Recognition

  45

  January 30

  TRF HQ – Gym – 4:50 a.m.

  Unable to sleep, tossing and turning all night and nightmares waking him when he managed to fall asleep, Dan decided to head into TRF at zero three hundred to put some time in at the gym. He had been inactive due to the bruised kidney for far too long and believed a workout would help relieve his crappy mood. Sweat drenched, he lifted his chin in acknowledgment of Jon, the first of his teammates to arrive this morning, but resumed his focus on the heavy bag.

  Not missing his sniper appeared too sweaty to have only started, Jon wondered how long he had been pounding away, but chose not to ask directly. “So, your Ducati finally got delivered. Not a half bad day to ride, if you like freezing your ass off.”

  Realizing his tactical lead was checking on him, Dan stopped punching. “Yeah, they delivered it yesterday. Been a while since I rode it and well, it isn’t supposed to rain or snow today, so I thought, what the hell.” I needed the brisk wind in my face, Dan kept to himself.

  The rest of them, minus Bram, entered and began working out. Loki beamed with mischief, and Lexa shook her head. “What did you do, Loki?”

  “What me? Me do something?” Loki retorted with feigned innocence.

  At that moment Bram strode in, his face a mixture of annoyance and humor, and littered in glittery confetti. “You’re cleaning that mess up!” he directed at the team’s prankster.

  “Clean what up?” Loki snickered. “Looking mighty sparkly today, birthday boy.” Loki dodged the rolled up towel Bram tossed at him.

  During a fun-filled workout, everyone wished Bram happy birthday, even other officers as they passed by the gym. Dan’s mood improved being surrounded by his teammates and by the end, a real smile lit his eyes.

  TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 6:50 a.m.

  After showering and donning her uniform, Lexa strolled to the briefing room for start of shift but stopped at Tia’s desk when she overheard a strange conversation.

  “No, as I explained before. I am not allowed to give out personal phone numbers or addresses of officers. I will pass your message along to him.” Tia paused. “Yes, as soon as I see him.” Another pause. “No, I am not a liberty to tell you his schedule.” Tia spotted Lexa, grinned and rolled her eyes as she pointed to her headset. “Yes. Have a pleasant day, ma’am.”

  When Tia hung up, Lexa asked, “What is that all about?”

  Tia scribbled a note and put it on top of the growing pile before peering up at Lexa. “This is the fourth time the city councilwoman called asking for Dan. She is persistent.”

  “What does an old councilwoman want with Dan?”

  “Not sure, but she isn’t old, she is likely between our ages, thirtyish. Lorelei Ravenswood represents my municipal ward. I voted for her. She might be a member of Dan’s fan club.”

  Loki bopped over, with a bright smile. “Who ya talking about?”

  Tia smiled at Loki. He is always a breath of fresh air. Too bad he is a cop. “One of Dantastic’s lady friends. The woman has tried to contact Dan several times, and she is rather attractive.”

  “Oooo. How do you know?”

  “She is my councilwoman. Ms. Lorelei Ravenswood.”

  With a bit of time to spare before morning briefing started, Loki moved behind the dispatch desk. “Do you mind?” as he motioned to the computer.

  “Have at it.” Tia moved to the left to give him room.

  Loki’s fingers flew, and in short order, he pulled up a photo from the internet. “Wowser!”

  Ray strode from the locker room in time to catch Loki’s exclamation. “What’s up?”

  “This.” Loki pointed to the image of a gorgeous woman with sleek black hair and refined facial features. “Tia says she’s been calling for Dan.”

  “Man, he is one lucky dude when it comes to women.” Ray chuckled as he turned his gaze to Lexa, noting her frown. He wanted to ask if she needed another day off, but decided silence was the better part of valor and would keep him safe in sparring.

  Ray’s gaze made Lexa realize her annoyed expression must’ve shown. Just because this Lorelei is calling Dan and he avoided me all day yesterday doesn’t mean a damned thing. Needing to get herself under control, she put a chokehold on the little green-eyed monster.

  Jon stopped at the desk wondering why they congregated there instead of the conference room. He peered at the photo on the monitor. “Who is that?”

  “One of Dan’s many lady friends,” Ray shared.

  “Good taste.” Jon tapped the counter as he spotted Dan exiting the elevator bringing coffee for the whole team. “Double-double, right?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t forget.” Dan set both trays down and pulled out one for Tia.

  She smiled up at him and handed over four notes. “A Lorelei Ravenswood called four times in the last five days. Perhaps you should give your cell number to your ladies, so they don’t need to call me. I’m not your personal secretary,” she teased him.

  “No, that would be Jon,” Loki quipped.

  Dan stared at Tia’s clean, delicate handwriting and a grin came to his face as he remembered his first sexual encounter. A bit of pink heated his cheeks as Dan also recalled Wilson, Buzz, and Dutch had been aw
are of the goings on in the hot tub and kept the area clear, thus facilitating his initiation.

  Lexa did not miss the change in Dan. Damn, he does know her. Without meaning to, she stomped away as Ray said, “So how did you meet this Ms. Ravenswood?”

  Catching Lexa in his peripheral vision, he answered vaguely, “Someone I met a long time ago.” He picked up his coffee and followed Lexa into the room, wishing he could tell her not to worry about Lorelei, he had not seen the woman since he was barely seventeen and had no clue how she knew he worked here.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 8:00 a.m.

  Nick finished the longer than usual shift briefing, which included an update on the Barton brothers, the death of Uranus Smellie, which was inconclusive with no one fessing up and no camera angle which showed who injected the prisoner. There was also a brief update from Jackson Hardy on the investigation into Giulio Cignotti’s business dealings indicating he was making slow progress. Nick turned to Loki. “The floor is yours, Loki.”

  Turning his gaze on Dan as he nodded, Loki said, “First, I wanted to say, Ma finding out as she did isn’t your fault, thanks for cleaning up the hot chocolate mess, and giving me alone time with her.” He took a deep breath, centering himself as he slid a folder to Dan.

  “After much discussion with Ma, we decided to let the past lie. Neither of us wishes to be connected with Amedeo Systems since it isn’t what Pa built. Narciso will serve time for the crimes Jackson can pin on him. Ma believes we’ll be safer from any Cignotti retribution if we don’t pursue the murder. She is concerned for Gina, Sonia, and her grandbabies. Ma left for Gina’s place last night and will stay there for a month. She’ll break the news to my sisters too.”

  Loki pushed his errant lock of wavy, black hair back and shared his feelings and reasoning. “Part of me still wants to nail him for murder, but Ma is right. Nothing can bring Leonardo back, and we don’t want to risk losing any of our family going after Narciso.”