by Laura Acton
Lying in a sniper position, Dan witnessed his team arrive. If Jen wouldn’t listen to him, Jon and Boss would. Frantically he called to them, “Move to high ground. They’re coming. I can’t protect you all.”
The team peered up at Dan, noting he laid at the peak near the chimney holding a broom as if it were a rifle.
Nick removed his hat and ran his hand over his face. Turning to Jon, he said, “You, Lexa, and Bram go up to him. Lexa, you can probably coax him down. If not, Bram, you try. He listens to you too. If all else fails, Jon, order him to stand down. I’ll keep him talking while you all climb to him. Loki, Ray, move the spectators back.”
Everyone set to work as Nick said, “Dan, buddy. Lexa, Bram, and Jon are joining you. Hold still for now. We don’t want you falling.”
Dan’s voice became urgent, “You can’t stay down there, Boss.”
“Why is that? What are you worried about?”
“They are almost here. They’re vicious. You gotta come up here now.”
“Who are they, Dan?” Nick glanced to the side of the house, noting Jon placing a tall ladder against the building and Lexa starting up the rungs.
“Raccoons. Rabid masked bandits with claws. They’ll rip you to shreds. They want you to think they’re all cute and cuddly, but they are mean little bastards.”
The first one up, Lexa approached Dan with care, moving slow. “Dan, you need to come down with us.”
Dan whipped his head towards her. “No! Not letting them attack me again.” He pointed the broom handle down the street and positioned his head as if peering into a scope, his finger near an imagined trigger. “Only a little closer and I can take them out. I’m fast, real fast, but there are too many. Everyone needs to be up here, or they’re gonna be ripped apart.” He turned his sapphire eyes to Lexa. “I can’t lose any of you. Help me take them out.”
Kneeling almost within arm’s reach of him Lexa’s heart wrenched noting the confusion, fear, and glassiness of his eyes. “Do you recall you were given morphine? You’re seeing something which isn’t there, Dan. The rabid raccoon is dead, you killed the beast. Let’s go down together.”
Dan moved swiftly away from Lexa. She didn’t believe him. Standing, he backed away. “No. No.” Waving an arm at the road, Dan insisted, “They are down there waiting for me.”
Flanking Dan, Jon and Bram worried their teammate moved too close to the roof’s edge, but they gradually inched closer to him.
Since Dan was not responding to Lexa, Bram tried to reason with him. “Dan, you trust me, don’t you?”
Dan nodded as he took a step backward. “I need to protect us from the raccoons. Don’t you understand?”
In his fatherly voice, Bram said, “I understand you see raccoons and want to safeguard us from them.” When Dan gave him a slight nod, Bram continued, “Have I ever lied to you?”
“No.” He took another half-step back.
“Do you think I would lie now?” Bram took a full step closer, closing the gap a little, but still too far away for his comfort.
Dan shook his head.
“Good, because I would not.” Bram reached out a hand unhurriedly. “You are too close to the edge. I don’t want you to fall and be injured. Will you clasp the hand of a friend?”
Dan glanced behind him. His vision blurred, he became dizzy, wobbled, lost his balance, and toppled backward. Bram and Jon both lunged and grabbed Dan before he could fall off the roof. The three ended up on their knees with Jon and Bram having firm grips on their doped-up teammate.
Glazed blue orbs went from Bram to Jon as a smidgeon of reality gained a hold on Dan’s psyche. “Aw crap, I’m hallucinating, aren’t I?”
Bram’s voice remained gentle. “Yes, but it is okay. We got ya. We won’t let you fall. You and me will sit right here while our friends grab gear so we can help you down safely.”
Dan did not resist as they harnessed him and assisted him to the ground. Jon led the way as Bram guided Dan inside.
Inside Jon’s Home – 4:25 p.m.
Within moments of lying on the bed, Dan zonked out again. Nick stood at the guest room door, his mind worrying about what would’ve happened if Dan passed out while on the roof before they arrived. Dan might be dead or severely injured now. Anger grew in him.
Lexa came up behind Boss and peeked in the room, wishing to go inside. Several emotions warred in her, but reasoning made her realize she might betray their relationship if she remained. Anger and logic won out as she turned and walked down the hall. When everyone gathered in Jon’s living room, Lexa let loose her emotion. “Dan could’ve died.”
Jen cringed at the venom in Lexa’s voice. Though the petite officer appeared delicate, Jen was well aware of her capabilities. Lexa is a woman not to cross unless you wanted bruises … Jon came home with a few over the years, courtesy of a ticked off Lexa. “I’m sorry I didn’t watch him closer.”
Recognizing what her body language and tone projected, Lexa turned to Jen to apologize. “I’m not blaming you. This isn’t your fault at all, Jen.”
“Damn right it isn’t,” Jon wrapped a protective arm around Jen’s shoulders.
“No one is blaming Jen. We appreciate her help,” Nick said calmly, hoping to keep a lid on his team’s anger, and his too. This was no laughing matter to any of them.
Ray emulated Boss, understanding the pot had begun to boil as soon as they all realized what might’ve occurred. “What is the hospital doing to find out who deliberately changed his meds?”
“What makes you believe it is deliberate?” Bram questioned.
Ray turned to peer at Nick. “Overheard part of Boss’ conversation with the hospital’s administrator.”
Everyone eyed Nick. “I wanted to inform Gambrill before we all spoke about this, but now …” he shrugged his shoulders and continued, “appears to be the appropriate time.”
Not wanting to worry Jen, but realizing she may need to be more aware of her surroundings if his suspicions of someone targeting the team proved to be founded, Jon requested, “What did the administrator say?”
Nick refrained from rubbing his face and launched into what he could share at this time. “Mr. Bainbridge indicated St. Michael’s initiated an investigation in conjunction with the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate and the company who manufactured the antibiotic.
“So far, they’ve ruled out tampering by the nurse who administered the injections. The head nurse observed the injectionist take required actions to verify the tamper-resistant seal remained intact, and double check the patient ID and the medications received matched the doctor’s orders then both nurses digitally initialed the form. Bainbridge also confirmed Nurse Pinto opened the sealed package right before Dr. Prick approached and they went straight to Dan’s room with no opportunity to make a substitution.
“Bainbridge has suspicions it might to be an internal act of sabotage since the odds of a mix-up at the manufacturer are exceedingly low. Same odds with the exchange transpiring during transport.
“There is no way anyone could’ve predicted this incident and the need for that particular antibiotic to be required. However, regulations to rule out other causes must be followed, and they are expecting preliminary results within ten business days. He will provide us with an update when he is made aware of any of the findings.”
“If the meds were sealed, the switch most likely happened in the pharmacy. What actions is Bainbridge taking to ensure this can’t happen to anyone else?” Bram asked.
“Both the pharmacist who signed off on the script and the intern who filled Dan’s prescription were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of their investigation. Patient safety is Bainbridge’s primary focus.”
His nervous energy needing an outlet, Loki’s foot tapped in lieu of a bouncing knee since he stood. “My main concern is Dan. The adverse reaction to morphine could’ve killed him. At a minimum, the culprit needs to be charged with assault on an officer, if not attempted murder. First, L
exa picks up a stalker we can’t find, and now someone tried to kill Dan.”
Ray put a hand on Loki’s shoulder. “While I tend to agree the med change was deliberate, it might be a crime of opportunity, not a directed threat.”
After considering Ray’s comment, Jon shook his head. “My gut is telling me everything is connected, but I can’t decipher the common thread other than someone is targeting Alpha Team. I want everyone to be more aware of their surroundings until we figure out what the hell is going on.”
Nick nodded. “I agree. That is the other item I wanted to talk to Gambrill about. Too many coincidences to be naturally occurring accidents now.”
Loki’s eyes popped open. “Cameras! I’m sure with all the narcotics they would install security cameras. I say we make a trip to the hospital and speak directly with their security department.”
A smile came to Nick’s face, Loki’s mind was a phenomenal thing. “That is part of their investigation. Bainbridge assured me he spoke with their Head of Security, Mr. Fresnel, and they are reviewing the video recordings from the time Dan’s script was electronically conveyed to when the nursing station received the medication.”
The memory of Prick flooded back as Lexa’s mind began down a professional path. “Dr. Prick picked up one of the syringes when he explained the shots Dan would receive. Dan turned away, and so did I. What if Prick had a morphine filled-syringe already and he did a sleight of hand and swapped them out at that point?”
Jon’s brows rose, and he pinched the bridge of his nose as he considered everything happening to his team in the last couple of months. “If Dan is the target, I’m not comfortable leaving him here in a vulnerable state.” What he left unsaid Nick added.
“Or with your family … they could be harmed to get to Dan. For now, this is our case. Loki, Ray, Lexa, go to the hospital, talk to security and interview the doctor and those in the pharmacy. Jon and Bram stay here, and I’ll head back to HQ to speak with Gambrill.”
Everyone nodded, pleased Boss allowed them to maintain and not hand off jurisdiction of the investigation to Inspector Pope … at least for today.
Diego and Renata Nores’ Home – 4:25 p.m.
Pitbull held Renata as she cried. Though initially marrying her as a way to control Emilio, he began to develop a soft spot for his wife which increased after she became pregnant. He tucked her straight dark-brown hair behind her ear and tilted her chin up. “No more tears. I will fix everything.”
Sniffling Renata peered up at Diego. “I liked that job, except for Song. She told the administrator I filled the prescription.”
“Did they find the other vials?”
After wiping her eyes, Renata shook her head. “After I called you, from the restroom, I decided to break both vials and flush them down the toilet.”
“Good. You take a relaxing bath and dress in your prettiest outfit. I’m taking you to any restaurant you want. You don’t worry about the rest, I’ll ensure you keep your job, and you won’t need to deal with Song ever again.”
Pitbull joined his little brother Pablo and their friend Ramon in the living room after exiting his bedroom. He looked at Ramon. “Panther, make Song disappear and make it appear as if she is the one who switched the meds.”
“Will do.” Panther hurried out, happy for the chance to earn another red teardrop. He was sick of playing childish games.
Two-shots stared at the closed door. “Ramon is bloodthirsty.”
Pitbull grinned. “A trait we use to our advantage. Now, as we were discussing, with Rodney Randall arrested, we have a prime opportunity to expand into his territory.”
Inside Jon’s Home – 9:00 p.m.
Relaxing in the guest room chair, Jon reviewed his frustrating day. Loki met with no success. Mr. Fresnel, a man well past retirement age, indicated when he viewed the footage he came across nothing incriminating. When Loki requested access to the video, after receiving permission from the administrator, Fresnel could not locate the files. They believed a theft occurred, but with no cameras in the security room, it remained unconfirmed.
Lexa’s interview with Prick produced no motive. The man possessed an atrocious bedside manner and attitude, but nothing beyond which would motivate the doctor to attempt to harm his patient.
Before they could interview the pharmacist and her intern, Inspector Pope showed up and claimed jurisdiction. Pope’s men would continue the investigation which did not sit well with any of the team. Jon’s thoughts halted as Dan began to stir after sleeping soundly for the last four and a half hours.
A pleasing aroma pulled Dan up from the depths of slumber, teasing his senses and causing a smile to come to his face as his stomach rumbled. Opening his eyes, he found the room dimly lit and for a moment he was disoriented until he recalled he was at Jon’s home. Recollection of the rooftop escapade filtered back in and he groaned.
“Dano, you alright? Do you need pain meds?” Jon stayed in his chair, wary of moving forward before ascertaining if Dan woke in a lucid state.
Pushing up to a seated position, Dan made eye contact with his tactical lead. “I’m fi … okay. No. What time is it?”
“Just after nine. Hungry?” Jon rose and leaned on the doorjamb.
Dan’s stomach didn’t let him deny the fact as it roared. “A little.”
Jon chuckled. “More than a bit I’d say by the sounds. Jen made a delicious beef stew and biscuits. Your dish only needs to be reheated. Oh, and she baked a dessert special for you too.”
“What?” Dan eyed Jon as he rose. He would not turn down a home-cooked meal from Jen, Kellie, Loki’s ma, or Lexa … all brilliant cooks.
With a grin which denoted Loki shared Dan’s wild ramblings as he helped him dress in the ER room, Jon said, “Something Loki said you would enjoy. Strawcherry cobbler.”
Dan groaned again as he tinged pink.
“Come on. I’ll enjoy a second helping and fill you in on everything that happened after you received the morphine.” Jon pivoted and strolled down the hall with Dan trailing. As Jon continued to analyze the ex-soldier, the more he hoped to learn how to strengthen a relationship with him. Humor worked and so did not making a big deal out of things.
Following Jon, Dan said, “After dinner, I’ll take a cab home. I don’t want to put you or Jen out any more than I have today.”
Jen overheard Dan as they entered the kitchen. She shook her head. “You, young man, are not going anywhere tonight. You’ll eat, take your meds, and then go back to bed. We’ve decided to move your game day get-together here. Kent and Joey are looking forward to it.”
When Dan opened his mouth to decline, Jon stepped in and quipped, “Don’t bother arguing with my wife. She always wins.”
“Okay, … um, thanks.” Comprehending he wouldn’t be leaving here tonight, Dan sat at the table as Jen heated up the stew. Spying his portion of dessert, ravenously hungry, he chose to eat the cobbler first. Mmmmmmm strawcherries are tasty.
Dan’s Favorite Place
66
March 29
Mountain Bike Trail – 8:00 a.m.
Happy, Dan pedaled hard to the crest of the hill. The past two weeks had been interesting, to say the least. The rabies test came back positive. Luckily, Heather came through with a name of a doctor willing to use nitrous oxide, and now he only required one more vaccination to complete the regimen.
Lexa went with him each time to Dr. Ramos’ office, an action done with full team approval since Bram suggested it and Jon agreed without hesitation. With the strange happenings, the team circled the wagons, and their tactical lead insisted no one be alone in unsafe conditions. And with Dan being out for several minutes with the nitrous, he would be vulnerable.
The decisions were made the day after his raccoon bite as they all gathered at Jon’s home to watch the hockey game. Bram’s family joined in, Loki brought his ma over, and Ray showed up with Maurita after they finished apartment hunting. With no clue who orchestrated the events which plagued them, they
discussed methods of keeping their families and each other safe, including changes to each person’s lifestyle until they determined the culprit … which they had yet to figure out.
One of the changes helped facilitate today’s ride with Lexa. He agreed not to go mountain biking or running along the remote trails without a partner. Loki rode with him once and walked so stiffly the day after Loki declared, never again and mumbled something about him and the woods not mixing. Ray only shook his head when he asked him to come.
Bram laughed when asked, saying that it was too damned cold to be out cycling. Jon agreed with him and declared Dan to be bonkers to ride the trails at this time of year. Boss only put his hands up and shook them, declining also. This left Lexa as his only possible partner.
A prospect he liked, though it took a bit of underhandedness to gain her agreement. He used Lexa’s competitive nature to his advantage by challenging her in front of all the guys. Not fair, noble, or gentlemanly, but his action netted him the results he wanted. Her desire to prove she was as capable as them meant Lexa would not back down when he threw the gauntlet.
That had been a week ago now, and he waited to enact the bet until the weather cleared. Today suited his needs perfectly. Sunrise brought forth a warmer than average day with clear blue skies. They also rotated to the noon to midnight shift and Jon gave him and Lexa a pass on team workout since he would be receiving his last rabies injection at ten. So coaxing Lexa into meeting his challenge this morning was not as tough as it might have been if the day had been overcast or rainy.
Reaching the top, Dan stopped and waited for Lexa, who trailed not too far behind him. When she came to a halt next to him, he flashed her a toothy grin and gloated, “I win!”
Lexa huffed, “No fair. You’ve been riding these trails for months.”
His eyes alight with amusement and his heart filled with joyfulness, he teased, “But you agreed to my bet anyway.”
