BELONGING: Hope, Truth And Malice (Beauty 0f Life Book 3)

by Laura Acton

He was so ready to head to the hospital to see how Dan was doing. He hoped there wasn’t internal bleeding. Today had been profoundly unique—not in a good way—nope not in a good way at all.

  Nick was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t see a man approaching and bumped right into him. He stopped, looked up, and his eyes landed on a man in uniform. The man had brown hair and eyes, was average height, and had nondescript features. However, Nick noticed the man was an Army Major and he was wearing the tan beret of the Special Forces. “Excuse me. I wasn’t—”

  Major Nigel Plouffe cut off the man. “You’re with the TRF aren’t you?”

  Nick nodded. “Yes, Sergeant Pastore. And you are?”

  Plouffe squared his shoulders and assumed a hard tone. “Major Plouffe. What can you tell me about my nephew’s death?”

  “Not much until after the investigation. He died in the line of duty. I’m sorry for your loss. Aaron was a good and honorable man. He will be missed.”

  “Is that all?” Plouffe stated.

  “I’m afraid so. Aaron’s parents will be notified once the official investigation is complete and provided full disclosure,” Nick responded.

  Walter Gambrill watched closely. He’d never met the Major Plouffe that William referred to. He never connected Aaron Plouffe to Major Plouffe. Plouffe was a common enough name, but Walter got an uneasy feeling. If they were related … perhaps he should let William know.

  William had some concerns with regard to the Major, not that he knew the details, only that William was concerned. It was currently six thirty in the morning in Afghanistan—decent enough hour to call. But he decided to wait to call William until after he knew Dan’s status. William was sure to want to know that first. Then he could also let him know about the Major being related to one of the TRF officers.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  July 15

  St. Michael Hospital – Private Waiting Room – 10:45 p.m.

  Bram was in the middle of a story about Dan, “… and we were wrapping things up, Loki handed off a box of munitions and grenades to the rookie bomb disposal guy and turned to talk with Ray. The guy stumbled and dropped the box, a grenade fell out and somehow the pin got pulled in the process. It rolled quickly towards Lexa and some children who were facing the other way and didn’t see it coming towards them.

  “Dan yelled ‘grenade’. Everyone ran away from it except Dan. He ran towards it and threw himself on it just before it exploded only a few feet from Lexa and the kids. It was a damned lucky thing it was just a concussion grenade and not one of the real ones. Dan’s ears rang for a couple of days after that. Mostly from Jon yelling at him for taking unacceptable risks,” Bram finished.

  Everyone was laughing as several others came into the room.

  Jon rose and walked over to speak with the newcomers. “Commander,” Jon greeted Gambrill and nodded in greeting to Nick. He noticed NRB Agents Stevens and Donner and one patrol officer.

  “Jon, any word on Broderick?” Commander Gambrill asked.

  “Not yet, getting pretty worried. He looked really bad and it’s been an hour and a half now and not a single update. Things all wrapped up at Rouge Park?” Jon inquired.

  “Yes, and we notified Delta Team and Aaron’s family also. Sad day, don’t want to lose another officer today, especially not Dan,” Gambrill sighed.

  Nick gave him a curious look. He’d never heard him speak like that and began to wonder yet again just how well Gambrill knew Dan.

  “Are those the guys we have to thank for getting Dan here? I’d like to personally thank them if they are,” Walter nodded towards the soldiers who had their backs to them currently talking with Ray and Bram.

  “Yes,” Jon responded. “Blaze, Winds, I’d like to introduce you to the TRF Commander,” he called out as they walked towards the two Special Forces soldiers.

  Blaze and Winds stood and turned to look at the two newcomers.

  Jon made the introductions, “Commander Gambrill, this is Captain Blain and Corporal Simons. Blaze and Winds, this is Dan’s Sergeant, Nick Pastore and TRF Commander Walter Gambrill.”

  Nick grinned and shook hands with both men as he said, “Thanks, we really appreciate that you were there to help. Dan’s important to us.”

  Gambrill stared. He knew those names. Good grief … what were the chances that Dan’s old unit CO was the one to respond? Walter kept his shock to himself as he extended his hand to shake theirs. “We greatly appreciate the help today. I’ll be letting your Commander know just how much. I’m sure General Broderick will be thanking you, too,” Gambrill stated.

  Blaze hid his disgust. Like hell the General would thank him. The man had no concern for his son, he’d likely be pissed off they used military resources to help Blondie. Instead of responding to the comment about the General, Blaze shook his hand and said, “Never would’ve guessed it in a million years it was Blondie we were helping. Glad we were around though. I owe that kid my life.”

  Jon noticed the stiffness of both Blaze and Winds that hadn’t been there before, but turned to Nick and asked, “Speaking of the General, Nick, have you informed him yet?”

  Nick slightly grimaced. “Sort of, I called just before we went to inform Aaron’s parents. I was transferred to his aide, Corporal Merrill, in Afghanistan. The aide said he’d pass on the message to the General when he got into the office, but it was unlikely the General would be able to come at this time. Apparently, he’s very busy with things in Afghanistan.”

  Walter inwardly cringed. Damn, he didn’t know Nick had called William. He hoped that the aide hadn’t woken William and told him Dan was injured. He’d hate for William to be pacing waiting for word on Dan.

  “Good,” muttered Winds under his breath, drawing a curious look from Nick. Seeing the look, Winds stated, “Might be my General, but I can’t stand the man, better for Blondie if he doesn’t come.”

  Gambrill was perplexed by that statement … it was filled with animosity. He always thought William had the respect of his soldiers. This was strange.

  Blaze put a hand on Winds’ shoulder and softly said, “Not here, not now.”

  Further inquiry was halted as a doctor entered the room. “Family of Constable Broderick,” he asked looking up from his clipboard.

  “That’s us,” six TRF officers, two Special Forces soldiers, and one paramedic loudly stated at the same time.

  Instantly overwhelmed by the volume of the response and the laser intensity of nine pairs of eyes trained on him, the doctor took a small step backwards and brought the clipboard up to his chest protectively. He recovered quickly and said, “I’m Dr. Malcolm Fraser, in charge of treating Constable Broderick.

  “Unfortunately, he’s sustained quite a few injuries today, but he’s physically stable. The gunshot wound to the upper right arm was clean through and damage was minimal. Although, he lost a fair amount of blood and is getting a transfusion right now.

  “He sustained a mild concussion, has several contusions on his face, and a large hematoma on the back of the head. He required six stitches above the right eye and has various minor lacerations and abrasions on his face and knuckles. Five of his ribs are cracked, but not fully broken and he has a hairline fracture of the left clavicle. There’s extensive bruising of his left shoulder, chest, and stomach from blunt force trauma. There is also significant bruising on his back, arms, and legs, too. Basically, Mr. Broderick’s body is one big bruise.

  “There is minor bruising of his kidneys, but the liver appears to be fine. Initially, we were worried there might be internal bleeding due to the amount of blunt force trauma, but haven’t detected any. His lungs and heart appear to be fine, but breathing will be difficult with the cracked ribs. We’ll have to watch for signs of congestion. Last, but not least, he has a badly sprained left wrist.

  “All in all, he’s physically pretty beat up, but expected to recover with no long term adverse effects from any of the physical injuries. He just needs a good long rest for his body to h
eal.”

  There were sighs of relief all around until the look on the doctor’s face told them he had more to say and they wouldn’t like hearing it.

  Dr. Fraser took a breath in before continuing, “However, it’s his mental state that has me very concerned. Constable Broderick regained consciousness but hasn’t responded in any way. He’s awake and his brain functions are normal, but he will not speak or move and stares blankly.

  “It’s extremely troubling. For this reason, we’ll be keeping in the ICU for observation instead of moving him to a standard room. I understand he was injured on the job. Is there something that happened that may help us understand his current mental state? Perhaps he experienced some sort of emotional trauma or shock?”

  Alpha Team shared the same thoughts. Hell, yeah, something had happened today that could affect Dan’s emotional state. They looked to Nick to explain to the doctor.

  “Well, you could say he’s had one overwhelming day,” Nick started. He drew in a breath and recounted. “We had four critical calls today with no break at all in between. We were on the move since seven this morning until Dan was injured about eight tonight. I will say it’s been an emotionally and physically exhausting day with several civilian deaths, rescue of several children, death of a colleague under his command, and using a dark episode in his past to connect with three emotionally disturbed army soldiers. I’m sorry, that’s all I can disclose at this time Dr. Fraser … protocol and regulations prevent full disclosure of Dan’s activities.”

  Dr. Fraser nodded. “Well, if that’s the day he had … yes, I can see that it would be emotionally taxing. So that we can help him properly, can you at least tell me if he was involved in the death of any of the civilians? It will remain confidential.”

  Gambrill stated, “He is the subject officer in at least one of the deaths.”

  “Having to take a life could have this effect,” Dr. Fraser said looking thoughtful.

  “Doctor, you need to understand … this isn’t Blondie’s first rodeo,” Winds interjected.

  “Blondie?” asked Dr. Fraser.

  Ray said smoothly, “Among those gathered here, you will hear Dan referred by many nicknames including Blondie and Dantastic.”

  The doctor nodded then skeptically asked, “So, you’re saying that Dan wouldn’t be affected in this way by having to kill someone?”

  Blaze matter-of-factly stated, “No, he wouldn’t. Blondie is ex-Special Forces—six years as a sniper. He’s resilient … and while taking a kill shot isn’t easy for him, it wouldn’t put him into the kind of emotional shutdown that you’re describing.”

  Loki remembered the look on Dan’s face in the bank. He turned to Blaze and asked in a slightly unsteady voice, “Would talking about when he was held captive cause this? He … he looked so pained when he connected with the soldiers and …”

  “Oh shit! That was him!” Patch exclaimed as tears filled his eyes. He recalled what he overheard when he treated one of the bank subjects. His voice cracked, “No, no … Brody worked so hard to help Blondie lock the memories of his torture away. Brody worked harder than I worked to heal his physical body … and Blondie was a bloody pulp …” Patch looked at Blaze, his eyes fearful. “Blondie couldn’t … it would’ve … ah shit, he did …” Patch steadied himself a bit and redirected his gaze to Dr. Fraser, “Letting those memories out … might have the effect you’re seeing, Doc.”

  Blaze put his arm around Patch’s shoulders. Those memories haunted all of them. Blondie was in such bad shape that it took all their effort and months of work to help Blondie recover from the physical and emotional wounds of his three-month captivity in the hands of sadistic bastards.

  Winds’ hand went to Patch’s back and laid there in brotherly support. Yes, bringing those memories out could impact Blondie. Damn.

  The doctor could only stare and nod at Patch.

  Bram turned to Dan’s former unit and asked, “Does the name Sara mean anything to you guys?”

  All three shook their heads, but a quick intake of breath came from Gambrill. Everyone’s eyes turned to him.

  Walter looked at Bram. “Why did you ask that?”

  Bram answered, “It was the name of the little girl he saved in the alley. He collapsed afterwards. Is that significant?”

  “Might be.” Walter shook his head in disbelief. He looked at the doctor and disclosed, “Dan truly has had one hell of an emotional day. Sara was his little sister’s name. Dan was nine and Sara was seven when she died in front of him. He was holding her hand when she was hit by a car so hard that it knocked her out of her shoes. The guy driving was cited for DUI, drunk at eleven o’clock in the morning. Senseless death. I didn’t think I’d ever see Dan smile again after that day,” Gambrill said. He closed his eyes as he sadly remembered the lost and alone look on the face of a nine-year-old little boy at his sister funeral.

  Nick and Jon shared a look. Gambrill definitely knew Dan better than he let on. Especially if he knew something that happened when Dan was a child.

  Ray was shocked to hear the details of Dan’s sister’s death. He’d wondered about it ever since he overheard Gambrill in Dan’s hospital room when he had bronchitis. But he didn’t think this was related, or at least not entirely related to Dan’s current condition.

  Winds looked at Blaze with wide eyes … Blondie had a sister that died? Holy shit … the kid still has secrets.

  Patch’s mind was working in another direction. Blondie was initially okay when he found him—he’d been able to operate from call to call. It wasn’t until Blondie recognized him that Blondie went blank. He softly uttered, “After all that, I arrived. Blondie took one look at me and that’s when he finally went blank ….” Patch couldn’t say more, looked to Blaze pleading for help then turned away from the others and covered his face with his hands to hide the tears that threatened to spill as sorrow and fear leeched out of every pore.

  “What?” chorused from Alpha Team.

  Blaze understood what Patch was getting at. With watery eyes, Blaze spoke, grief lacing every word, “What Patch is trying to say … is that’s the final piece in this hellacious emotional day and is what probably what threw Blondie over the edge. The last time Blondie saw Patch, myself, and Winds was three days after Blondie accidentally killed his best friend Brody. It wasn’t his fault, I gave the all clear to fire not knowing Brody hadn’t cleared the target zone.”

  Winds moved his hand from Patch to Blaze’s arm. “Not your fault, either. Not your fault. You just relayed the signal to Blondie.”

  Blaze turned to look at Winds, appreciative of the support even though he disagreed. Winds would forever insist it wasn’t his fault—but Blaze would always carry the guilt. Always.

  “I see,” is all Dr. Fraser could say, it appeared his patient had been through one heck of a day.

  With fire and sadness in her eyes, Lexa’s voice was unsteady, “What can we do to help?” She quickly turned away from the guys, not wanting them to see the tears that were beginning to well in her eyes.

  Bram’s arms wrapped around Lexa and pulled her to him. He could tell she was overwhelmed with emotion. They all knew she tried to hide her emotions. Anger was her default shield to hide behind, but Bram could see her faltering. He knew her, they knew her, and her day was almost as emotionally taxing as Dan’s. She needed support—she needed a hug.

  Lexa had neutralized a man who wanted to commit suicide. Bram knew she would still be beating herself up that Garth was able to shoot Dan before she took the shot. Then she’d seen Dan’s scars for the first time. And she’d dealt with several traumatized children.

  Then Lexa had been the one tasked with watching Dan’s back after hearing Aaron bad-mouth him. She’d nearly been shot twice. Frank took a bullet that would’ve killed her. And Lexa had been the first to arrive and find Dan and Aaron. That was a lot for anyone to deal with.

  Bram hugged Lexa tightly as a father would comfort a hurting child. He was glad that she allowed him to
hold her and support her for a moment. Bram knew she needed a moment to recompose herself.

  The rest of Alpha Team and Dan’s former Special Forces unit looked from one to another vowing without words that they’d help Dan find his way back.

  Nick calmly spoke for them all, “We need to see him. Dan needs to know we’re here. We promised him today to keep him safe.”

  They all started towards the door when a voice halted them.

  “You can’t, he’s a subject officer in five shootings in thirteen hours and now a potential suspect in the murder of Constable Aaron Plouffe. He is sequestered! You will not see him and you will not speak to the subject officer. He is under my jurisdiction as of this moment,” NRB Agent Richard Donner stated harshly with a venomous glint to his eye.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  July 15

  St. Michael Hospital - ER Information Desk – 11:10 p.m.

  Sitting at the information desk, Heather just finished giving information to an older gentleman about the condition of his wife. Suddenly, a sonic boom of rage and pain-filled yelling exploding from the private waiting room shattered the normal hush of the waiting area. There were so many roaring voices on top of one another nothing could be comprehended but thundering noise. Heather quickly raced to the private waiting room with only one thought, Oh my gosh, Dantastic died!

  St. Michael Hospital – Private Waiting Room – 11:11 p.m.

  Heather threw open the door and was stunned to find the room in absolute chaos and oozing uncontrolled rage. Everyone was shouting and the target of the rain of fury was a fearful looking man pushed up against the far wall.

  Bram, Loki, Ray, Patch, and Winds were desperately trying to disengage Jon and Blaze from the man as they all were bellowing. Blaze had his hands around the guy’s throat and Jon had firmly grabbed the front of the man’s shirt in his fists and was pushing him hard into the wall.

  Nick was pacing in a tight circle, frantically raking his hands through his hair and yelling at Gambrill, who was shouting back at Nick and waving his hand wildly in the direction of the man against the wall.