by Laura Acton
Loki grinned. “She loves it. Closer to campus and she met a nice couple who live across the hall.” His face morphed into one of concentration before he turned to Ray. “Something niggled at the back of my mind when Sonia told me about her scholarship.”
“Yeah, what?” He knew that look, and it meant something bothered Loki, and he was not sure how to proceed.
“Scholarships don’t just become available. I wondered if perhaps somehow Narciso had something to do with it. I mean, like a plan if he died because he doted on Sonia. I asked her to send me the paperwork.” He paused.
“And?” Ray prompted.
“She received a special one-time award from the BMH Scholarship fund. I dug a little and found BMH stands for Beauty Music and Home. They award three grants annually to orphans who meet special criteria. Sonia met everything except being an orphan.”
Ray cocked his head. “Interesting, but what is bothering you?”
Loki raked back his lock of hair. “I’m ninety-nine-point-nine percent positive Dan did it for Sonia, and he didn’t say anything, so I think he didn’t want me to find out.”
“What makes you believe Dan had a hand in this?” Intrigued, Ray leaned forward.
“Because Sonia received the Charlotte Anne Preston award and the other two awards they give out are named Louise Grace Hunter and Sara Yvonne Broderick.” Loki peered at Ray with widened eyes.
Ray whistled at the clear evidence, and he voiced his thoughts out loud. “Preston, that was Gina’s boyfriend’s last name … Dan’s Ripsaw. And Hunter was Dan’s best friend.”
“Yeah, and Dan’s sister’s name was Sara. Too many coincidences to be coincident. I think he and his buddies created those scholarships. Not sure how on military pay, but—”
“Life insurance payouts,” Ray suggested. “Father Lopez did that after his brother died in a car accident and he was the beneficiary.”
Loki nodded. “Could be. Though regardless of that, I really want to do something to show my appreciation, but don’t know what.”
Ray leaned back and considered the information. “If he wanted you to be aware he would’ve told you. I say let it ride as is. Allow him to think he kept his generosity a secret since he appears to want it that way.”
Nodding again, Loki took a sip of beer. “Why would he do this for me after how horribly I treated him when he joined?”
A smile crossed Ray’s face. “Cause he is a lot like you. He isn’t the type of guy to hold a grudge, and he sincerely wants to help people.”
“I gotta find a way to thank him though.”
“Just be his friend. Friendship with you is worth far more than a scholarship.” Ray grinned as Loki blushed. He turned up the sound on the TV as the hockey game began.
During a lull in the action, Loki’s mind returned to the day his stepfather died. Something didn’t add up for him, and he had talked to Ray about it a few days ago. Ray told him he contacted Sanchez and was waiting for a response. “Did Sanchez ever get back to you on why a BDC member attacked the lineman?”
Ray set his beer on the table. “He called me this morning. He said he could find no connection between the Blooddrop Crew and the Cignotti’s. He believes it might have been either some sort of retribution or an initiation.”
Loki shook his head. “Initiation doesn’t fit. The man already had four teardrops.”
“Yeah, exactly what I thought too. My money is on some beef with Orlando, and he might not even be aware of it. The BDC is a vindictive gang. The guy might’ve cut one of them off in traffic or something.”
Loki sighed. “I don’t understand the gang mentality. What prompts someone to join?”
What indeed … protection is why Esteban and I joined … almost joined. Ray put his thoughts into words Loki would comprehend. “Same reason bullies stick together in high school. Power and protection in a group. They stay because once in, leaving becomes difficult and is often a death sentence.”
“You lived in BDC territory, didn’t you? How’d you manage to stay out?”
Ray held his secret tight. “Father Lopez and my parent’s influence.”
Loki grinned. “Glad you never joined them.” He turned his attention to the game as the Leaf’s scored and didn’t catch Ray’s grimace.
Abandoned Warehouse – 4:15 p.m.
Ramon entered and eyed the group warily. All the work he put into overthrowing the Nores brothers was for naught. The beat down Pitbull ordered after he tried to cause havoc for the police team resulted in all allegiances he built dissipating into thin air. The loss of stature in the gang angered him, but he now toed the line because the next breach would send him to the bottom of Lake Ontario in little pieces.
Two-shots glanced at Panther and smirked. The bruises were still slightly visible and acted like a beacon to other gang members that you did not cross him and his brothers. Their rule remained absolute, and although his eldest brother Alonzo was in prison, Machete still reigned supreme.
Shifting his gaze to his other older brother, Two-shots said, “Did Renata come through?”
“With what?” Panther asked.
Pitbull said, “She did. Seems one of them, the blond, experiences bad reactions to several painkillers. The female is allergic to nuts, but Renata was interrupted while reviewing her file and didn’t have a chance to read which one. The big guy was seen numerous times for minor injuries. Though, the accident-prone blond surpassed him with this latest round. Nothing much of note on the others on a medical front.”
Surprised, Panther said, “You had Renata review their medical files? Why?”
Setting his pool cue down, Pitbull moved to a chair. “I spoke with Machete. He is tired of waiting to be released. He ordered us to begin going after them again to make Palomo pay. We are not to kill any of them yet, only cause problems when we can without showing our hand.”
He turned to Panther and grinned. “So, based on that, tell us all you learned about their habits.”
Ramon took a breath and shared what he observed. “Pastore, the sergeant, is a workaholic, he rarely leaves when the rest do. He stays another hour or two and is always the first one into the building. He is dating a woman with a teenage son, but they seldom see one another because he works so much.
“Hardy, the team leader is a hard man, prone to yelling. He has a wife and two sons. The older boy is a teen and is into music and basketball. The younger one is in kindergarten. His wife is a part-time event planner.
“De Haven, the hulking man, is the father to four young girls. He tends to be the one who the others look to when one of them gets hurt. If we go after him, we deal them all a substantial blow.
“Broderick, the ex-soldier will be the toughest to hit.” Panther rubbed his jaw where he had been solidly punched. “He doesn’t miss much. We lucked out with the food poisoning, but even incapacitated he proved a threat.
“I would say the easiest one to target would be the little woman, McKenna, but she and Broderick spend a lot of time together. I think they are dating. If we can screw with her, we mess with him too.
“But the one which will hurt Palomo the most is Baldovino. The team computer geek should be an easy target too. He is usually in the command truck alone during calls. So perhaps easier than the girl since Broderick isn’t around him much.”
Ramon sat back, and Pitbull and Two-shots began asking him detailed questions. Restoration of his status felt good, as he provided the brothers the information they required to start making plans.
Lexa’s Home – 10:15 p.m.
Dan yawned, surprised to be ready for sleep again despite barely rising from the bed, except to go into the bathroom, after Lexa returned earlier this afternoon with Blondie Down Under. Thankfully, the stuff worked on all his body hair, restoring him to a non-pink version of himself. Although not quite his original shade, only someone with intimate knowledge of his complete package would discern the difference. If any of the guys remarked, he had a plethora of zinging comebacks abo
ut them noticing something that private.
Scooting down in the bed, Dan’s motion almost roused Lexa. He enjoyed watching the original Pink Panther movie, chuckling at the convoluted storyline and couldn’t believe Lexa fell asleep, but then again, her day was more active than his. After setting the tablet on the nightstand, Dan thought about his relaxing day. Lexa pampered him and didn’t allow him to do anything.
He ate lunch and dinner in bed, and Isobel treated him to another massage after they finished fixing his hair. She played nurse too and changed his bandage. His hand caressed her back, enjoying her using him as a pillow, though on his right side rather than left in deference to his left hip injury.
Smiling, Dan recalled the conversation with his mom while Lexa was at the store. Mom raised a significant amount for the foundation last night. One of the donors suggested calling the center Sara’s Lighthouse, but Dan agreed with his mom’s decision not to put his sister’s name with it since the idea came about from their discussions on how Brody used music to help him cope during his six years in the field.
So he didn’t wake Lexa, Dan whispered, “You were right Brody. The beauty of life exists for me. Thanks for using music to restore my humor and help me cope through years of darkness.” He scooted down further and closed his eyes, allowing sleep to claim him again.
Brody smiled viewing Lexa in Danny’s arms. “No thanks needed. Sleep well, brother.” As he faded, an unobserved pale pink feather floated to Lexa’s bed.
Cupid’s Day Schemes
56
February 12
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:05 a.m.
Well rested, Dan sauntered into the conference room, carrying Timmy’s for the team after delivering one to Tia, who graced him with a joyful smile and sigh after taking her first sip. Not allowed to workout, he offered to do the run this morning since he rode in with Lexa and had nothing else to do while everyone else showered and dressed for the day. Noting everyone but Boss seated in their places, he inquired, “Where’s Boss?”
Jon reached for his double-double. “He is in Gambrill’s office. He’ll join us in a bit.”
After Dan handed out the remainder of the coffees, he took his seat. Though relegated to the truck, he was in a sunny mood today.
Happy Dan seemed well on the mend with no limp and rested too, Bram said, “Two days off appears to have done you good.”
“Yep.” Dan held off smiling at Lexa, though he wanted to.
Turning to Jon, Bram grinned. “Kellie tells me Jen is looking forward to having an uninterrupted Valentine’s Day this year since you are celebrating one day later on our day off.”
Jon chuckled. “An old dog can learn new tricks.”
“A made-up holiday to murder flowers and sell cards,” Lexa groused. She hated the day for reasons she kept private. Publicly Lexa claimed it was because the artificial holiday tended to bring out emotional angst in people making their day rotten and long.
Though the secret reasons she loathed the fourteenth of February was two of the three worst events of her life occurred on this day. Her mother passed away when she was only thirteen and three years later she was raped on her way home. So, the day to express love had been forever ruined for her.
Nick strode in wearing a grin. His family was all here and all appearing healthy. “Morning boys and girl.” He assumed his seat and took a sip of hot coffee. “Thanks for doing the run this morning, Dan.”
“Not a problem, Boss. Glad to do it.”
“Okay, so Gambrill needs one of us to provide a bunch of politicians a little tour and dog and pony show. This is to help sway them to agreeing to fund the training program for TRF.” He scanned the table noting the averted eyes of everyone except Dan. None of them liked babysitting politicians, and he smiled as he picked his target.
He reasoned it was because he was on light duty. “Dan, you have the pleasure of hosting them along with Gambrill. He’ll do most of the talking. He only needs you to accompany him and perhaps show off TRF’s exceptional marksmanship skills in the live fire room. They will be here about nine, so you can do ammo inventory until they arrive.”
Dan sighed.
Jon smirked. “Perfect. I won’t constantly be harping on him to stay in the truck if we go on a call.”
Leaning back, Bram grinned. “Better him than any of us. Man, nothing I dislike more than listening to old politicians spouting off.”
Ray and Loki both chuckled at Dan’s pained expression, and Ray said, “It’s not that bad. Really. We all do the public service gig now and then.”
Nick continued, “The rest of us will call this a patrol day. Oh, and one more order of business. Lexa will be representing Toronto TRF at a week-long advanced negotiation and profiling workshop in Montreal. Gambrill’s admin booked your tickets. You leave at ten a.m. on March fourth.”
“Looking forward to it,” Lexa confirmed with a smile.
“Will anyone be covering for Lexa?” Loki hoped not, he liked the smoothness of his team.
“It will be boys’ week. We might be able to survive without her for a couple of days.” Jon winked at Lexa and received a fake scowl in return. He stood. “Let’s get going, the day’s a wasting.”
The team rose, and as Dan headed for the gun cage, the others paired off and went in the direction of the SUVs.
Dan began to count casings, and his mind wandered. When he woke yesterday, he again found Lexa gone from the bed, and as he shifted to get up to use the restroom his eyes landed on a pale pink feather. He wondered where the pristine feather came from. When Lexa returned with breakfast, he asked her about the plume, and she had no clue how it materialized.
Though, thoughts of the feather’s origins soon faded as they enjoyed a long and passionate lovemaking session. Dan took his time and showed Lexa exactly how much he appreciated her care the previous day.
Cold Lake – McKenna Electronics – 7:30 a.m.
Alden Taggart entered his boss’ office wearing a smile as expansive as the Grand Canyon. “Morning. Beautiful day isn’t it?” He rounded the desk and set a mocha latte down.
Aidan McKenna peered up at his employee and friend. “What’s got you all fired up today, Denny?”
Beaming, Denny declared, “You will not believe me if I tell you.”
“Well, give me a chance.” Aidan lifted the mocha and inhaled before taking a sip.
“My mom and dad invited Cale and me to dinner on Valentine’s Day. Can you believe it? My stick-in-the-mud father has accepted me for who I am and wants to meet my partner. My mother is beside herself, happy I found someone who I love and who loves me. I guess I never fooled her. She said she’s known about my preference since I was a teen.”
Aidan smiled but sighed. A mix of emotions passed through him. “I’m happy for you. Does this mean you and Cale might be tying the knot at some point? Will I be losing my best employee if you move to be with him?”
“Ah, Aidan, … I don’t plan on moving away. If anything, Cale will move here once his stint in the military is up. He’s been talking about applying for the Cold Lake RCMP detachment.”
Relieved, Aidan’s humor restored. “Fantastic!”
“What you doing there?” Denny motioned to the monitor. “You finally find a special guy and sending him something sweet for Lover’s Day?”
Shaking his head, Aidan said, “Not a guy … my sister.”
Confused, Denny asked, “Your sister? I thought you only had three older brothers.”
Sighing Aidan’s features took on sadness. “My little sister … she’s thirteen months younger than me. I screwed up so dreadfully with her, and I can’t figure out how to fix things. I’m certain she won’t want anything to do with me. I hurt her too badly.”
“How?”
Aidan sucked in a breath not wanting to reveal the whole sordid truth of his betrayal and his weakness when it came to dealing with his father. “Long and complicated story, perhaps another time.”
Denny recognized Aidan c
lamping down. His friend had as many issues with acceptance as he did. More in fact. Aidan had yet to confide in anyone but him he is gay. None of his three brothers nor his strict father, who still controlled Aidan in many ways, were aware of his orientation.
Shifting his eyes back to the screen Denny offered, “Okay. When you’re ready, I’m here to listen. So, what are you sending her?”
Aidan stared at the page recalling his mother’s last day. Mom dying on Valentine’s Day shook their world, particularly little Lexa’s. He would give anything to right his wrongs. He missed both Lexa and his mom terribly. “She loves butterflies and chocolate. Thought she might like the chocolate butterflies, but I must send them anonymously to her work, or she will throw them out. Besides, I don’t know her home address.”
Denny’s eyes widened at the confession. Whoa, Aidan sure did screw up if he doesn’t possess his sister’s address. Controlling his features and tone, Denny said, “Sounds like a perfect choice, I’m sure she will love them. What message are you going to include?”
“Message?”
“Yeah, something sweet, so she won’t think some weird stalker sent the chocolates and toss them away.”
“Not sure. Got any ideas?”
Denny chuckled. “Yeah, I always have ideas.”
Firefly Florist – 12:20 p.m.
Two-shots chuckled as he wrote out the missive. Sanchez came through with a tiny detail which would fuck with the TRF team. He pointed out the police had a non-fraternization rule. So, if Broderick and McKenna were dating this would screw them over, and if not, it would still cause problems.
Tracey beamed at the attractive man as she waited for him to finish. The man’s happy mood was contagious, and she wished her boyfriend would be as thoughtful as him. Four dozen long-stemmed roses to be delivered to his girlfriend’s work on Valentine’s morning.
With a flourish, Pablo Nores initialed the note and flashed his beguiling grin at the ugly woman. “Now, this is important. I don’t want anything with the flowers which will give away where they came from. She is frugal and would be unhappy if she became aware of how much I spent. I don’t want her finding out. My message must be typed and the only thing to arrive with the roses.” Two-shots set the memo on the counter.
