SOLACE: Behind The Shield (Beauty 0f Life Book 2)

by Laura Acton

“Why do you ask?” Jon pulled on his sweatpants.

  “He’s just sitting on the weight bench.” Nick opened his locker.

  “Perhaps he’s waiting for one of us to spot him,” Bram suggested.

  “Possibly. Just not like him. Wonder if he’s coming down with the same bug Ray and Loki caught. If he is, I need to inform Gambrill we’re three men down and to pull us from critical calls today,” Nick said.

  Jon finished dressing swiftly. “I’ll ask him.” A whole lot of good that will do, though. Dan remained hard to read, he had not gotten a handle on him yet, and communication between them tended to be sparse and conflict-ridden. Things were changing but at the speed of thick sap oozing out of a tree.

  TRF HQ – Gym

  Dan stared at the exercise equipment and decided on the recumbent cycle. At least on the bike, he could sit. He stood, his legs protested movement as he sluggishly trod over to his selected torture device. His tight chest made each inhalation difficult. Suck it up, Broderick. You can push through this minor cold. You’re getting soft. If you were in the field, you would have no choice. Do your job. Quit being a wimp.

  Reaching the cycle, Dan sat and started pedaling slowly. Catching Jon in his peripheral vision, he forced himself to speed up, moving closer to his regular pace. His lungs complained, creating a burning sensation with each breath, but he couldn’t allow Jon to suspect he was less than one hundred percent.

  “You doing okay?” Jon eyed Broderick.

  Taking a sip of water, Dan coughed and sputtered. He noticed Jon keenly observing him. Damn, nothing gets past my tactical lead. I better shift into high-gear and meet expectations.

  Dan pedaled faster. “Water went down the wrong pipe. Yeah, I’m fine.” He hoped the deflection worked. It took almost all his concentration to ignore the tickling in the back of his throat and the tightness in his chest, but he did and pushed onwards without coughing.

  Jon scrutinized Dan from his position on a treadmill. Broderick resembled a hyperactive raccoon, sweaty with dark smudges under his eyes giving the impression of rings. Perspiration was likely from the exercise, Dan always puts forth a concerted effort in his strenuous workouts. Today appeared to be no different in that regard. The shadowy circles also were nothing new for the rookie. He was reasonably certain the rookie experienced persistent nightmares, though he never asked.

  It was either that or Dan was a player and spent his nights enjoying one of the many women who ogled Dan as they wrapped up calls. Loki called Dan a lady magnet. Not that Jon ever heard Dan talk about the women he dated, but with the rookie’s rugged features Jon figured Broderick enjoyed his pick from the numerous damsels rescued by TRF.

  As Bram, Nick, and Lexa joined the workout, Jon and Bram started talking about their plans with their families for the three days off, not only was Jon attempting to make amends with Dan but his own family as well. His introspective analysis during the five-day meeting revealed how much he needed to become a better husband and father. Jen and the boys deserved better than him, and he wanted … no, he must be more involved.

  During workout, Lexa continued her on-going profiling of Dan. She covertly studied him and noted he drank a considerable amount of water. Ultimately natural processes demanded he leave the gym and head to the bathroom. If he slowed down on water consumption, he wouldn’t need to hit the john so often. Although, he does appear to be perspiring more than usual, so he is most likely only rehydrating.

  Lexa couldn’t shake the suspicion something was not right and wished she possessed a more in-depth insight of him. When he came back from the fifth trip, she asked with a slight note of concern, “How’d you get to work today?”

  Dan coughed once, unable to stop the damned thing from slipping out, then swallowed the next urge. “Cab.”

  She flashed him a smile. “Glad you’re wising up. Too wet and cold to be hoofing it to and from work. Want a ride home after shift?”

  I should’ve accepted her offer of a lift this morning. Deciding not to make the same mistake twice, Dan answered, “Sure. Thanks.” He started to tape his hands for the heavy bag. His leaden arms didn’t want to workout, but he must stick to most of his routine. The team counted on him being here, and his sense of duty would not allow him to slack off.

  Bram watched Dan at the bag. Nope, he isn’t quite himself. Is he sick or only tired? We have had six long days. He decided to keep an eye on Dan today. Bram glanced at the rest of the team, noting each one took quick covert peeks at the rookie, too. He nearly laughed. This bunch could be such mother hens, himself included. None of them were acquainted well enough with Dan to discern if they should be worried by his off-ness.

  Aware of four sets of eyes on him, definitely an odd sensation, Dan continued his attempts to assess whether he fit on this team. They now treated him like he belonged, acknowledging him as a team member, but he remained wary and not ready to trust anyone yet. Too many times he had been burned and abandoned by those to whom he pledged his loyalty.

  It took him years to fully trust his unit. Blaze, Patch, Mason, Winds, and Ripsaw eventually earned his confidence and became brothers. But he ruined everything when he killed Brody, and they turned their backs on him.

  Brody is the only person who never let me down—never. And what did I do? I betrayed him by blowing him away with a .50 cal. I should’ve known it was Brody before I fired.

  Despite feeling like something the cat regurgitated, Dan laid into the punching bag using punishing force, trying to thrust his emotional pain back into the box. He pushed too hard and ended up causing a coughing fit. Once he caught his breath, he drank more water.

  Jon noted Dan pummeled the poor bag with a vengeance. They would be replacing it again soon if he didn’t lighten up. He was about to tell him to stop when Dan bent over and abruptly coughed then chugged a bottle of water. “Dano, slow down a bit. You sure you’re okay? That cough sounds awful.”

  Tossing the empty bottle in the recycle bin, Dan gave a short, clipped answer, “I’m fine.”

  The brusk tone, caused Jon to back off, not wanting to create more tension. Communication with Dan will never be easygoing.

  Undeniably Miserable

  7

  November 23

  Commonwealth Properties – 11:00 p.m.

  Two SUVs and a command truck came to a rapid halt outside Commonwealth Properties. The 911 operator had transferred a call to the TRF from a man attending a retirement party at the mortgage company where his wife worked. The caller explained he was exiting the men’s room when four people with guns, stepped out of the elevator and began gathering everyone into the tenth floor’s common area. Hiding in the restroom, he was not able to observe the hostages or the gunmen. The only other information he offered was one of them sought someone named Abel Donnet.

  Alpha Team disembarked and geared up for their assigned tasks. Exposed to the bitter, cold wind as he retrieved his Remi and kit, Dan set off for his perch, relieved the rain held off if only for the moment. While en route, Alan, the night dispatcher, sent them blueprints. Dan and Jon discussed possible sniper locations. They mutually agreed on the most strategic one which afforded Dan an advantageous vantage point and the broadest coverage.

  In addition to tactical planning, Nick made decisions in transit to compensate for the team being down two members. With both Ray and Loki out, he determined Lexa would be in the truck researching the four subjects while Jon and Bram covered him as he negotiated. With four armed subjects and many hostages, Jon chose to be closer to the tactical situation, trusting Dan to cover them.

  Jon glanced over at the rookie. Despite moving a little sluggish tonight, and who wouldn’t after six days straight, Dan appeared fine except for an occasional cough. He decided Dan would be the right choice for Zulu One given his speed and accuracy, especially with the night scope. If they needed to neutralize multiple subjects, Broderick would be the best for the job.

  Bram pulled out a shield and stole a peek at Dan as he jogged across th
e road to take up the Zulu position on the roof of the twelve-story building. Man, he is fast getting his gear. Dan’s barking cough bothered him as the spells increased in frequency and sounded tighter than they did during workout and briefing. He wanted to voice his concerns to Nick or Jon, but before he could, they moved into the mortgage building, and his focus switched back to his job.

  Building Across from Commonwealth Properties – 11:05 p.m.

  Entering the lobby, Dan went straight to the bank of elevators. Customarily he would run up the stairway, but the tightness in his chest constricted his breathing. Reaching his location was time critical, and in his current state, the elevator would make travel faster, so he clamped down on his aversion to confined, metal boxes for now. He would take the stairs down afterward. Dan put out a hand to stop the door from sliding shut.

  As he stepped in, Dan noted the other occupants. An older woman held the hand of a little boy, and a young couple stood with their arms draped around each other. As Dan punched number twelve, the boy asked, “Are you a policeman or an army man?”

  Dan gave a lopsided grin to the inquisitive child. “Policeman.”

  “Then why do you have a big soldier gun?” Billy inquired.

  “Shhh now. Leave the policeman alone, Billy. He’s working,” Hester said.

  “It’s alright, ma’am. He’s only curious.” Focusing on Billy, Dan said, “We use many tools in our job. Wanna know our best one?”

  Billy’s eyes lit up, nodding his head vigorously.

  Dan pointed to his mouth. “Our words. Talking is the best way to resolve problems and keep everyone safe.”

  Confused eyes flicked from Dan’s mouth to the rifle and back again. Hester smiled at Dan. She loved his answer.

  Inexplicably at that moment, a wave of racking coughs seized Dan. He turned away, raising his arm to shield his mouth and the other passengers. Once gaining control, he looked at the others. “Excuse me.”

  On the ninth floor, everyone except Dan exited. Hester turned back to the officer. “Sonny, that is a nasty sounding cough. You should be home in bed with a warm cup of tea, not out and about in this awful weather.” She peered at his name badge. “Please take care of yourself, Constable Broderick, and thank you for keeping us all safe.” The doors closed on her last words.

  Dan grinned despite feeling like an entire herd of elephants trampled his chest. Becoming jaded in this line of work was easy. They witnessed the dark side of humanity on a daily basis. Having a stranger occasionally thank him for what he did reminded him why he chose to become a cop.

  Exiting on the twelfth-floor, Dan headed to the stairwell granting access to the roof. He listened as Sarge began to engage with the subjects. As he climbed the stairs, Lexa said, “The subject’s names are Wayne Rickman, Garry Gunther, Anita Veil, and Foster Budger. Only Wayne has a criminal record. Drug possession with the intent to sell two years ago.

  “The selling charge was dropped after he claimed no knowledge of the large quantity of meth in his backpack and his fingerprints were not found on the package. Wayne spent twenty-one months in prison on the possession charge and was released on parole last month.

  “This may be drug-related. At the time of arrest, Wayne indicated his supplier worked for a mortgage brokerage, but he never provided a name. Perhaps Abel Donnet is his source, and he is looking to score more meth.”

  Dan unmuted and started to set up his Remi as he offered his opinion. “Might be revenge.”

  Nick listened to both. Each presented a valid a point. Payback seemed more likely given the involvement of hostages and guns. If Wayne wanted to obtain meth, he wouldn’t need hostages. A dealer would be happy to have a return customer. However, if the supplier used Wayne as an unsuspecting drug-mule, an act of vengeance made more sense. He used this knowledge to test the waters. “Wayne, I understand the desire for revenge can be strong. Is it worth ruining your life and those of your friends to punish Mr. Donnet?”

  “You don’t understand,” Wayne yelled from across the room.

  Dan sighted the most significant threat, the twitchy man shouting at Sarge. “I have solutions on all subjects, which do you want me to make primary?”

  Jon responded quietly, so his voice didn’t carry to the subjects, “The gunman aiming is Wayne. We’ll designate him subject one. Dan, take one, he’s more agitated and likely to become an active shooter. I’m on the male in the black shirt. He will be two. Bram, focus on three, the man wearing green. Number four is the female. She appears to be the calmest. Dan, she is your secondary subject.”

  “Copy.” Dan used sniper breathing to control a cough attempting to escape as he tracked Wayne’s movements.

  Lexa informed the team, “From security footage, subject two is Foster and subject three Garry. Jon, not much else to find on them. You want me to take a Zulu Two position?”

  “No. No other locations. Come inside. Bring a shield. You can cover subject four from in here,” Jon replied.

  “Copy.” Lexa grabbed a body shield and exited the truck. As she headed into the building, she lifted the shield to act as an umbrella as the sky released its liquid and rain poured down. Poor Dan. Glad I’ll be inside, dry and warm.

  Dan muted his headset to cough again as the rain started. He groaned. Just what I didn’t need. Although soaked entirely through in minutes, he stalwartly maintained his position and unfalteringly kept his sight locked on Wayne as Sarge continued to negotiate.

  After thirty minutes of talking to Wayne, Dan’s assessment proved right. Sarge uncovered the full situation. Wayne was angry with Abel Donnet, who did turn out to be Wayne’s supplier, for putting the drugs in his backpack without his knowledge. At gunpoint, Abel confessed to planting the meth and indicated an associate was supposed to retrieve the package, but when the cops showed up and seized Wayne, he bailed to avoid arrest.

  It made no sense to Dan. Why didn’t Wayne tell the police the name of his supplier and let them arrest him? Why did he need to take his revenge personally and possibly end up back in prison for murder? Why would Wayne’s three friends with no criminal records decide to help Wayne tonight?

  The only explanation Dan came up with is people are crazy and failed to think things through. They dealt with people at their worst and most irrational. Dan lay on the roof listening intently to Sarge as he continued to negotiate. Though not physically in the room, Dan endeavored to identify cues as if he were in a team negotiation training exercise.

  Two hours later, no longer able to suppress his wracking cough, Dan kept his headset on mute, so he didn’t distract the team. As the nonstop ice-cold rain pelted him, and shivers continually ran through his body, Dan maintained his sights on the subject. Focusing on keeping Sarge and the others safe, he ignored the fact he was cold, wet, and undeniably miserable, ensuring he was ready to take the shot if necessary.

  November 24

  Lexa’s Jeep – En Route to Dan’s Apartment – 7:20 a.m.

  “Thanks for the ride,” Dan said softly, trying not aggravate his throat, which currently burned as if on fire, making it difficult to speak and swallow.

  “No problem.” Lexa surveyed Dan, still a bit concerned. Though he was now warm and dry, his pale, drawn face accompanied by an occasional cough indicated he might be coming down with a cold.

  Dan was thoroughly soaked after the three-hour negotiation. On the return trip to headquarters after wrapping up the hostage call about three a.m., she lightly teased him about getting the seats wet in the SUV. She regretted her jest the moment he removed his gloves, and she noted his icy white hands with indigo blue-tinged nailbeds which matched his blue-hued lips. He froze for hours, but never complained once while maintaining the Zulu One position on the roof.

  Although stifling hot for her, she turned the heat up to max. She noticed Dan leaned closer to the vents warming his hands. Arriving at headquarters, Jon took one glimpse at Dan, and after recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia sent him directly to the showers ordering him to take a
long, hot one to warm up as the rest of them went to debrief.

  Dan went without a single argument. He started hacking as soon as the locker room door closed. Debrief ended before Dan rejoined them. Boss successfully talked Wayne and his three friends into surrendering with no one getting hurt. Well technically there were no casualties, but Dan had been outside exposed to foul weather for nearly four hours, and he was a bit worse for the wear.

  They spent the remaining three hours of their shift doing inventory. Dan suffered several nasty bouts of coughing, but he downplayed their concerns for his health by insisting he was fine. Lexa didn’t believe for one second he was alright, but she didn’t know how far she could push things with him yet.

  If this had been Loki, she would call him on the carpet and make him tell her exactly how he felt. That’s how Loki ended up going home mid-shift yesterday. Loki’s dull eyes, lack of pep, and hoarse voice all indicators he was one sick little puppy in need of care. Kind of like Dan appeared now. Lexa sighed wishing she could force Dan to open up. Walking on eggshells while trying to build a decent rapport with him required she take things slow and choose her words and actions carefully.

  Dan stirred as Lexa pulled up outside his apartment building. Utterly wiped out, he hoped for restored electricity, unsure he could manage the stairs. He put on a fake smile. “Thanks,” he managed to say without coughing. One word caused the inferno in his throat to intensify.

  Lexa saw through his facade. Dan doesn’t feel well. Good thing we have three days before our next shift. “Anytime. You get some rest, okay?”

  Nodding, Dan peeled himself out of Lexa’s Jeep, his achy muscles protesting. Climbing into bed and under the blankets became his priority.

  As an afterthought, Lexa said, “If you need anything, give me a call.”

  Not wanting to fan the flames again, he only tilted his head to acknowledge her without speaking. He pivoted and forced himself to stride into the lobby, unwilling to reveal how lousy he felt. His shoulders slumped upon entering and finding the power still out. He might be crawling up ten flights of stairs because walking seemed almost impossible to him.