by Laura Acton
Tapping the file, Dan said, “I’ll make sure these are returned.” He sent a quick text to Dom informing him of Loki’s choice.
Ray clapped Loki’s back. “Difficult decision, but one I wholeheartedly support. Wouldn’t want to lose you.”
A grin came to Loki’s face. Ma is right about the truth setting me free. I can’t change my past, but my present is freaking awesome.
Standing, Jon eyed Dan, and an evil grin played on his lips. “Well, time for chores … I do believe counting ammo is waiting for you, Dano.”
Dan chuckled as he rose. So not off the hook entirely. Striding out, he tossed over his shoulder, “There are a hell of a lot of worse things I could be doing.”
The comment made everyone at the table pause, each coming up with different ideas of what might be worse based on Dan’s history, but none figuring out Dan meant he could be a soldier at this moment instead of a member of Alpha Team. Their musings didn’t last long, but their puzzlement increased as Dan returned wearing a scowl, followed by Jim, General Broderick, another general, a colonel, and another man.
Nick rose. “May I help you?”
General Broderick came to a stop inside with the others and said, “Sergeant Pastore, please seal the room.”
The team shared worried glances wondering if some new threat involving Dan’s time in the military arose. Nick pressed the button to bring down the rolling entrance door and turn the glass wall and windows opaque.
Once the mechanized sounds stopped, William said, “You know Jim, but I would like to introduce Chief of Defence Staff General McFergus, Colonel Sutton, and Agent Bransworth. The CDS would like to address your team.”
Jerrell extended his hand to Pastore. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. This is important but will be brief.” He turned to the members of Dan’s team. “If you would all please rise and line up along the windows.”
Those sitting rose, and all moved to comply each unsure of why. Dan, Jim, and Bransworth assumed a parade rest stance at the end of the line and the others copied them.
Loki shot a glance at the man who until now he only communicated with via phone and email, glad to put a face with a name, but also wondering why the CSIS agent was here.
His face firm, Jerrell stated, “In many ways, I wish this could be a public ceremony, but due to circumstances, national security demands this be private and the exact nature of this proceeding will never be publicized.”
William stared at Daniel. He realized his lack of information yesterday fostered ill-will between them, but he was under orders not to divulge more than the fact he would be here today. He hoped his birthday present would help restore the fledgling relationship he cherished. He also believed today’s recognition would go a long way in helping too.
Jerrell peered at each person as he spoke their names, “Sergeant Nicholas Martino Pastore, Constables Jonathan Grant Hardy, Raymundo Angel Palomo, Abraham Gunnar De Haven, Alexandra Isobel McKenna, Dante Amedeo Baldovino, and Agent Howard David Bransworth. It is my honor and privilege to bestow upon each of you the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation recognizing deeds beyond the demands of standard duty which benefitted the Canadian Armed Forces.
“Your excellent skills and efforts last summer, investigating Nigel Plouffe, uncovered a web of conspiracy and acts of treason the likes of which our country never experienced before, and I hope never occurs again.” Jerrell turned to Tom who held the velveteen boxes, and he opened the first one, removing the gold bar bearing three gold maple leaves. Moving down the line, Jerrell pinned the insignia on each and shook their hands.
When McFergus reached Shea, he said, “Senior Paramedic James Christopher Shea, in addition to the honors retroactively awarded for your military service, it is with immense pleasure and esteem I recognize your above and beyond efforts during the six years of Daniel Broderick’s service.
“In particular the incident in which you saved Daniel’s life when Plouffe denied transport to the base hospital to treat his wounds, and for your actions this past summer, saving the lives of both General Broderick and Constable Broderick.”
After pinning the CDS commendation, Jerrell grinned. “Our loss is Toronto’s gain. As a special act, to acknowledge all you have given to your country, I hereby strike the remainder of your contract, and from this day forward you cannot be compelled to reactivate for any reason involuntarily. Thank you for your service, Jim.”
Jim’s jaw dropped as he shook the CDS’ hand and his eyes sought out General Broderick. He caught the slight nod and grin. My God, I’m free, totally free. I never have to go back. I can move forward now without that hanging over my head. Jim’s expression reflected his joy.
Stepping in front of Dan, Jerrell smiled. Scott and Dan certainly can pass for twins. “Constable Daniel William Broderick. Words cannot adequately express what this country owes you. Your unwavering honor, extreme devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, acts of valor, and conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy is the standard to which all soldiers should be compared. I wish these commendations could be awarded in a public forum.”
Jerrell stepped back to address the group. “Each of you have shown you are trustworthy, however, before I proceed, I must remind you that under the Securities Act, discussion of what you are about to hear with anyone beyond those in this room will constitute an act of treason and shall be punishable to the full extent of the law, including up to life in prison.”
Alpha Team’s eyes widened as they gave a nod, affirming their oath to the highest-ranking military officer of Canada, save for the Queen herself. Dan sucked in a breath. Tom grinned. Jim’s hand went to Dan’s back in support. William stepped forward with one larger flat box and three smaller ones.
CDS McFergus first took the bigger box, opened it without withdrawing the contents, and turned to Dan. “As next-of-kin of Master Corporal Brody Mikhail Hunter, it is with reverence and pride, I present to you the national honors posthumously bestowed upon your brother, in recognition of his meritorious service and ultimate sacrifice in the name of Queen and country.”
Dan’s eyes prickled with the heat of tears as he viewed the medals Brody earned. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed hard as he accepted the red velvet box. He softly closed the lid and held the box in his left hand as he extended his right to shake McFergus’ hand. “Thank you, sir.”
Releasing Dan’s hand and retrieving the three little boxes, McFergus intoned, “Attention,” and though the majority were not soldiers, everyone in the room complied.
Using his voice of authority, Jerrell said, “Given the company present, I cannot divulge the exact reasons and details surrounding the actions taken to earn the following honors. And outside of those present in this room, and your former unit members, the awarding of such will be denied. It is my distinct privilege to confer upon Daniel William Broderick three concealed Victoria Crosses. Each recognizes a daring, preeminent act of courage and heroism.”
After handing over the boxes, Jerrell pulled another from his pocket. “And while those must remain private, I wish to award you with the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation, which you may wear publicly to represent the VC awards.”
Dumbstruck, Dan balanced the four smaller boxes on the larger one as he shook the CDS’ hand again.
Stunned, the other members of the team only stared at Dan. Three of the nation’s top military honors awarded to him, for actions which could not be made public stirred their curiosity, but none would dare ask for details.
Jerrell concluded, “I thank you all for your dedicated service and your time this morning.” Directing his next comment to Daniel, Jerrell said the wrong thing, “If you ever desire to return to active duty and apply your talents and skills to defend your home and keep our country safe, I would be happy to approve any posting of your choosing.”
Hell will freeze before I ever do that and my skills are useful here. I keep Canadians safe in TRF. Though his eyes flared with anger at McFergus’ words
, Dan maintained his control and only nodded to the CDS, showing respect for the man and the position.
William misread Daniel’s nod, and hope surged in him. Perhaps soon my son will be ready to rejoin, and if I’m lucky he will follow the officer path. He has the makings of a general.
After unsealing the room, their visitors left, and the team congregated at the table. Each lost in their thoughts, still astonished by the events and recognition they received until Jon rose and sent them off to take care of chores.
Patting Dan’s back, Jon said, “Never thought a triple VC recipient would be counting ammo casings for TRF.”
Dan only chuckled and went to his locker to stow the awards since he couldn’t leave them lying about for anyone to discover. On the way, his phone buzzed. Checking, he found a text message from Dom. Will retrieve docs soon. Special package sent to JH. Happy hunting. Stay safe. He wondered what Dom sent Jackson Hardy but hurried to the locker room.
TRF HQ – Gun Cage – 9:30 a.m.
Friendly banter flew around the room, creating an enjoyable morning as Dan counted casings, and the others busied themselves with checking gear, cleaning weapons, and general maintenance. They all halted in their activities when Jackson strode in waving a paper and stopped next to Jon.
Jackson beamed at his older brother. “When I arrived in the office today I found an envelope on my desk. It contained the break I needed in this case. An informant supplied me with the details necessary to obtain warrants to seize all financial records and arrest Ricigliano for tax evasion and fraud. TRF will serve the warrant, but I want to go along to shut down Amedeo Systems.”
Dan grinned. Ah, Dom’s package must’ve arrived.
“This day gets even better.” Loki’s eyes popped open as he hung up the rappelling line. A modicum of justice would be served today.
Jon leaned the mop against the lockers and patted his brother’s back. “Thanks for keeping your promise.”
“Not about to be as reckless as Joseph. About me coming?” Jackson waited.
“We go in first, but yeah, suit up. Grab one of our extra tact vests and meet us in the briefing room to develop a plan.” Jon headed out, considering how to use Jackson and still keep him safe, but understanding Jack put an enormous amount of effort into this and deserved some of the glory in serving Narciso. He also needed to ensure Loki’s head was in the game before going in. He eyed Dan. “Let’s talk tactics.”
The Devil Always Collects
46
January 30
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 10:40 a.m.
Loki’s knee bounced in anticipation. He listened as Jon and Dan developed a tactical approach, amazed how well his tactical lead and their sniper worked together. It was like they were on the same wavelength, covering many eventualities. However, Loki just wanted to rush in, shove the warrant in Narciso’s face, then cuff him. Part of him desired to rant at Narciso that he was aware of what he did to Leonardo. Which was why when Jon asked if he could be objective, Loki answered honestly … no.
He would sit on the sidelines today, monitoring from the truck with Boss who would keep him focused. Loki understood the team’s safety required everyone going in the building must have their head on straight, and his was not. Boss gave him an understanding smile when he confessed. Ray put a supportive hand on his shoulder while Lexa, Dan, and Bram gave him an accepting nod. My team is the best. No one thinks less of me for admitting this is messing with my mind too much to stay level-headed on the call.
Lips pursed, Jon nodded his head. “Agreed. We wait until lunchtime when most of the employees are out and to give us time to coordinate with the utility company. We lock down all exits, disable the generator back-up, and cut their primary power source simultaneously so they cannot initiate any protocol to wipe the computer systems.”
He glanced around the room, still shy a few members of Bravo team as they had been called in, but Sergeant Bradley and his tactical lead Doug Starveling stood next to Echo’s Sergeant Winter, so all Bravo members would be up to snuff before they left HQ. Jon made the final decisions on team placements. “Dan, Jackson, and I will make our way to Narciso’s office on the third floor while Bram, Lexa, and Ray secure any employees on that level.
“Winter, Echo will take the second floor. Bradley, your team will handle the ground level. Boss is in charge of the command post and coordinating with all teams and uniformed officers who will maintain a perimeter. Loki you’ll tap into their surveillance cameras and create a ten-second loop of the rear entrance so we can gain entry without being spotted.
“Once Loki gives the signal, Alpha and Echo will head into the service entry and the stairwell, positioning on our assigned levels. Bravo will break into two groups, one for the back and one for the front. After the power is cut we exit the stairs. When the building is secured, and after Jackson serves the warrant on Ricigliano, Jackson’s team can enter and begin collecting the items outlined in the paperwork.”
Jackson inserted his knowledge, “The file I received indicates everyone working for Amedeo Systems actually works for the Cignotti family. Expect them to be armed, with possible automatic weapons.”
“Any questions?”
Noel Blythe, Echo’s information specialist, said, “Cignotti … aren’t they the ruthless mafia types in Italy?”
“Yes,” Jackson answered.
Noel didn’t want to be judged a coward, but self-preservation made him ask, “They tend to take out anyone who crosses them … even police. How are we going to protect ourselves and our families from possible Cignotti retaliation?”
Dan dropped several rolls of black electrical tape on the briefing room table. “We cover our names on our gear and wear balaclavas to conceal our identities.”
Noel smiled, relieved as he grabbed a roll. “Leave it to the Special Forces guy to have our butts covered on this one. Bet you have a lot of experience doing stuff like this.”
Dan stayed quiet. Truthfully, he did, but that was his past, and it would remain that way.
Jon asked if anyone had further questions, and all in attendance shook their heads and began pulling off pieces of tape to cover their name tags. The rest of Bradley’s team entered, and he gave them a rundown on the plan.
At eleven thirty, Nick said, “Alright. Let’s go keep the peace.” Three TRF teams headed out.
Outside Amedeo Systems – Command Truck – 12:14 p.m.
So far, everything had gone like clockwork. Jon, Dan, Lexa, Bram, Ray, and Jackson now stood on the stairwell landing of the top floor waiting for the utility company to disconnect their supply before making an entry.
Loki relayed over the headset, “Monitors show Ricigliano is still in his office alone.” His nerves tingled as his eyes zeroed in on the man who stole so much from him, Ma, and Gina … the asshat who murdered his pa for money. It won’t be long now, and Narciso will be going to jail.
Though the sentence wouldn’t be life for fraud and tax evasion, his cruel ex-stepfather’s world would fall apart. Narciso would end up penniless. A fitting penalty for a man who valued money more than friendship and an honorable man’s life.
Scanning the monitors, Loki said, “Main computers are on the second floor, with about twenty people. I count ten on the third level.” He drew a breath and switched to viewing the ground level cameras. “People are moving more on the first, hard to give you an accurate number. You’re facing ten to fifteen.”
Nick held the phone up to his ear, connected with the lineman who would turn off the electricity on his command. He took a moment to lay a calming hand on Loki’s shoulder as he waited for each team to signal they were prepared. Once Starveling’s group indicated they were in place, Nick spoke to both the electrician and TRF teams, “Three, two, one, execute.”
The screens blanked with no power, and Loki’s heel went up and down so fast it shook his chair. He hated to be blind to the action inside, and listened intently, as did Boss.
Amedeo Systems – Third Floor �
� 12:15 p.m.
Battery-powered, motion sensor lights dimly illuminated the stairs. Jon pulled open the door, and daylight spilled in from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, no night vision required. Ten employees caught off guard by the unexpected power outage began to rise from their desks. Many spotted the police and started to run towards the other stairwell.
“Police. Hands where we can see them,” Ray, Bram, and Lexa directed loudly as they rounded up the workers, corralling them into one area to search them for weapons and hold them until the warrant had been served.
One man rushed toward Lexa intending to knock her down, but she shifted at the last second, hooked his leg with her foot, sending the fleeing man face first into a concrete column. “Got him!” Lexa reported as she cuffed the unconscious man. Searching him, she found a concealed firearm in an ankle holster. She removed the gun and its clip, disarming him.
As Jon led, Dan and Jackson followed straight to Ricigliano’s corner office. Motioning to Jackson to wait, Jon and Dan assumed positions on opposite sides of the door. Jon whispered, “Two, one, go.”
Dan turned the knob and swung the portal open. Using a coordinated, practiced method, both moved inside with their MP5s at the ready.
Finding Narciso seated at his desk, Jon said, “Police. Ricigliano, stay right where you are.”
“What is the meaning of this?” Narciso gripped the pistol he withdrew from his drawer as soon as the lights went out. He kept his right hand in his lap as two officers with covered faces pointed MP5s towards him.
Dan took four steps to the right and Jon three to the left. Impressed by their smooth operation, Jackson waited to enter until Jon inclined his head to him. Jackson stopped near Jon before he said, “Narciso Ricigliano, you are under arrest. I possess a warrant authorizing the search and seizure of all financial and contract data for Amedeo Systems.”
